Northern Territory

Australia’s red center, the Northern Territory, is the spiritual heart of the nation. Most famous for the ancient monolith Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, the Northern Territory is rich with heritage and wildlife. Awaken your senses with an ever changing landscape ranging from the red plains of Alice Springs to the outback rainforests of Kakadu. This is where nature is at its grandest, and one discovers that the landscape blends fluidly with Australia’s Aboriginal culture as well. As the gateway to the Red Center, the surprisingly well developed city of Alice Springs is located right in the middle of the desert. Here, one can learn about the history and present-day life in the remote communities of the Central Australian desert and still relax in comfort. To really get off the beaten path, one can explore Kings Canyon, hidden deep within the Watarrka National Park. Although less famous than some of the other famous regional icons, this area is full of plant and animal wildlife that is no less spectacular than the area’s more recognizable attractions.

Locations

Alice Springs

“The Alice” is surprisingly stylish for a town that is smack in the middle of the Australian desert. Shopping malls and superior hotels abound, yet if you look hard enough you can still see reminders of the Red Centre’s awe-inspiring isolation.

Tune into a science lesson broadcast from the School of the Air to remote communities, or make a house call to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Marvel at meteorites in the Museum of Central Australia, or simply enjoy sunset views of modern Alice Springs as it stretches across the land from the top of Anzac Hill.

It is the city’s seclusion that makes it so special to travelers and so ideal for unique flora and fauna, many of which are displayed at the superb Alice Springs Desert Park. Walk through aviaries as desert parrots chat overhead or try and spot the native carnivorous ghost bats in the endangered species exhibit. For fans of fangs, a visit to Alice Springs Reptile Centre is a must. Play with a python or thrill at the feel of a thorny devil lizard as it skitters across your palm. Alice Springs is replete with bush land characters that will have adventurers enthralled for days.

Ayers Rock

If Sydney is the pulse of Australia, then Uluru (Ayers Rock) is its heart. Rising over a thousand feet from the flat earth, Uluru is a magnificent monolith, which holds deep cultural significance for Australia’s Aboriginal people. It casts its spell as soon as you see it glowing in the distance, and you’ll find yourself looking for glimpses of rusty peaks throughout your stay.

Ride a camel to Uluru and watch a haunting light display as the sun sets over the sandstone surface. Join a base walk and discover miniature pools and Aboriginal cave art hidden in the folds of rock, or enjoy first class dining on a sand dune at the Sounds of Silence dinner.

West of Uluru lies a captivating collection of rounded rocks called Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Though less well known, many visitors believe that they are prettier than their popular neighbor. Not to be missed is the Valley of the Winds walking trail.

Darwin

Darwin is a cosmopolitan blend of Australia’s culture, creativity and coveted countryside. Although popular as a base for trips to neighboring natural attractions like acclaimed Kakadu National Park and untamed Arnhem Land, Darwin’s city center is a destination in itself.

Fish for Barramundi in Darwin’s huge harbor, which is twice the size of Sydney’s. Explore the region’s ethnic diversity while dining on local cuisine and shopping at Parap markets. Soak up the scent of frangipanis while watching the sunset over Darwin’s divine Mindil beach.

Kakadu

Travel to Australia’s Kakadu National Park and witness a gem of the “Top End.” Aborigines have been living in Kakadu for at least 25,000 years, and the magnificent rock art adorning over 5,000 sites is testimony to this lifelong legacy. Combined with over 8,000 square miles of ever changing landscapes and teeming wildlife, it is understandable why Kakadu is one of the few places on earth to receive the rare distinction of being on the World Heritage List for both its natural and cultural importance.

Northern Territory

Locations

Alice Springs

Ayers Rock

Darwin

Kakadu

Sample Itineraries

All Over Australia and New Zealand

Australia Uncovered

Circle Australia

Colors of Australia

Iconic Australia

Outback Luxury

Victoria & the Red Centre

Tours and Activities

Lord's Kakadu and Arnhemland Safari

Alice Springs Tour

Desert Park

Palm Valley 4WD Safari

Western MacDonnell Ranges

A Night at Field of Light

Kata Tjuta Sunrise Tour

Mount Conner 4WD Outback Adventure

Sounds of Silence Dinner

Uluru Sunset Tour

Darwin City Sights with Sunset Cruise

Kakadu Tour

Litchfield National Park