Northern Territory: Different in Every Sense

A visit to Australia's Northern Territory is different in every sense. Whether in the heart of Darwin or out in the wild, the Northern Territory evokes a sense of freedom and openness. It removes you from the stresses of life and connects you instead to the land and nature. Every day brings with it new sights and sounds, flavours and aromas.

Make the trip to seek natural treasures, wildlife encounters, Aboriginal culture and adventure activities—all while venturing deeper within yourself.

Encompassing the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre, the Northern Territory is replete with varied natural wonders shaped by the climate over millennia. Picture gorges and canyons, waterfalls and rockholes, rainforests and deserts, wetlands and billabongs—all in one region. Take in the dramatic landscape from a lookout point steps away from ancient rock art, or get a higher perspective from a hot air balloon or scenic flight.

You may have heard that the Northern Territory boasts exceptional sunsets. It’s true; be it in the tropical summer or winter desert, the golden hour brings a kaleidoscope of colours. Couple your quest for awe-inspiring sunsets with remarkable experiences, from cruises over the waters of Kakadu National Park or camel rides atop the dunes that overlook Uluru.

Northern Territory's lands are deeply intertwined with stories from the past. The best way to unearth these stories is through the very people whose families have inhabited the region for generations. Hop on tours led by Aboriginal guides who will open your eyes to a living cultural heritage through art, food and other themes.

Bring out the creative artist in you with interactive workshops such as screen printing at Tiwi Design or dot painting at Maruku Arts. Hop on bushwalks to forage for native foods and treat your taste buds to green ants and witchetty grubs straight from the land. Don’t forget to sample modern bush tucker in cafes and restaurants that incorporate bush herbs, spices and seeds into the menu.

The capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin is a culturally diverse city home to over 100 nationalities. Its multiculturalism is evident in its festivals and food offerings. When migrants landed on Darwin, they brought along their cooking skills and enriched the city’s dining scene with authentic flavours from around the globe.

From Indian curries, Mexican tacos, Greek souvlakis and Korean barbecues to fusion foods that combine the best of many worlds, the city’s got it all. To experience the focal point where multicultural foods converge, make a beeline for Darwin’s bustling markets such as the famous Mindil Beach Markets and the city’s oldest Rapid Creek Market.

The Northern Territory houses a range of habitats teeming with life on land, water and air. The region may be synonymous with crocodiles—but there’s more to encounter beyond these mighty creatures. In fact, if you’re looking for cute and cuddly animals, there’s no shortage of wallabies, dingoes and plenty of birdlife to spot.

Explore the wetland, billabongs and floodplains on wildlife cruises, and roam desert dunes and valleys on 4WD tours. Visit wildlife parks that educate visitors while contributing to the conservation of diversity. Pack your binoculars because over 400 species of birds thrive in the region including the rare Gouldian finch and white-throated grasswren.

No matter your penchant for adrenaline, an adventure like no other awaits you in the Northern Territory. Pitch your tent on campgrounds tucked in remote locations or book an overnight safari tour for an ​​outback glamping experience.

Avid walkers, embark on short trails to multi-day hikes with sceneries that will leave you speechless. Need inspiration? Start small with the 6-kilometre Rim Walk at Kings Canyon, then go big with the 231-kilometre Larapinta Trail that runs along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

You’re in for a treat if you have an affinity for water. Paddle the gorges on a canoe, drift along rivers on a boat, or plunge into secret waterholes fed by waterfalls. Amp up the thrill with helifishing, quad-biking or even skydiving—the choice of adventure is yours.