Northern Territory

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Capital City: Darwin

Airports: Darwin (International), Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Uluru

Climate: The Northern Territory is an all year round destination with two distinct climate zones. The inland areas including the ‘Red Centre’ experience 4 seasons. Winter months (June-August) have warm days and cool nights. Summer months (December-February) are very hot with temperatures frequently between 35-40(°C). The tropical ‘Top End’ (area around Darwin) experiences daytime temperatures of around 30-35 (°C) year round, with a sunny Dry season (May-October) and a hot, humid, stormy Wet season (November-April).

Northern Territory Fun Facts

* the world’s largest rock formation, Uluru is found in the NT. It is 9.4km around the base and 348m high

* the Northern territory is home to around 200,000 wild camels with one hump

* under ideal viewing conditions you can see around 5760 stars with the naked eye

* termite mounds are the largest non human structures in the world and can be found in many parts of the Northern Territory

* the Northern Territory is approximately the same size as France, Italy and Spain combined.

* the highest point in the NT is Mount Zeil at 1531mCapital: Darwin

* the outback town Alice Springs sits close to the geographic centre of Australia.

Destinations and Experiences

The Red Centre

Uluru & Kata Tjuta:

* The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park lies around 365km southwest of Alice Springs. The Cultural Centre offers activities and information about the park and the local Anangu people and culture

* you can walk around the base of Uluru (Ayre’s rock)

* another spectacular walk is the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta (the Olga’s)

King’s Canyon

* located in the Watarrka National Park

* trek to the rim of Kings Canyon and swim in a waterhole in the lush valley of the Garden of Eden

* walk to Kathleen Springs, drive the Mereenie Loop or take a helicopter ride over the Canyon

Alice Springs and surrounds

* visit the many stunning natural attractions the East and West MacDonnell ranges, including; Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, Simpons Gap and Rainbow valley.

* discover the many Aboriginal art styles of the area

Tennant Creek surrounds

*Karlu Karlu (The Devils Marbles) lie in the plains south of the historic township of Tennant Creek.

* learn about the cultural significance of Karlu Karlu at the Nyinkka Nyunyu Culture Centre.

* pan for gold at the Battery Hill Mining Centre

* stay on the vast cattle stations north of Tennant Creek and in the Barkly Tablelands

The Top End

Katherine and Surrounds:

* The Katherine area stretches from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border and is home to the Nitmuluk National Park

* In this region you can explore Katherine Gorge, the hot springs of the Daly River, the Gregory National Park and Mataranka’s thermal pool

*Popular activities include canoeing, bushwalking, bird watching, camping and four-wheel driving

Kakadu and Arnhem Land

*In the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park you can see wildlife, waterfalls, wetlands and the world’s largest areas of accessible rock art

* At Nourlangie Rock you can see Namarrgon (lightning man), and at Ubirr rock the finest examples of X-ray art

* In Arnhem Land you can visit the spectacular beaches of the Gove Peninsula and the reefs and ocean of the Cobourg Peninsula. Many areas can be explored with the aid of an Aboriginal guide

Darwin and surrounds

* Darwin has a dramatic history, a mix of culutres and many outdoor festivals and markets

* from Darwin you can daytrip to Litchfield National Park with its crystal clear waterholes and multitude of giant termite mounds.

* visit the Tiwi Islands or sail Darwin harbour at sunset and bushwalk through monsoon forest.

Mouse over map for a large version. For photos please visit: Gallery NT