Things to Know
Soul-stirring and steeped in spirituality, the Northern Territory is an achingly beautiful part of Australia, home to larger-than-life scenery and six dramatically different seasons. Closer to Bali than it is to Brisbane, Australia’s smallest capital blends 56 nationalities, a perky pulse and a laid-back tropical air.
With its ancient Aboriginal connection, the stories of the Dreamtime are shared on cliff-face galleries, creating the greatest and oldest collections of rock art in the world.
Home to the smallest population of any Aussie state or territory, the NT is big on landscape and natural beauty. Here, Indigenous culture looms large, lush nature reserves are a rock wallaby’s hop from town, and the feeling of having entered a parallel world never goes away.
Getting Around
Whether you’re hitting the highways in a hire campervan or kicking up dust in a 4WD, there’s no better way to see the Northern Territory than on a road trip. From the seaside capital of Darwin to the mesmerising landscape around Uluṟu, and the quintessential Aussie towns of Tennant Creek and Katherine, there are a ton of places to see. You could almost go as far as saying the Northern Territory is the road-tripping capital of Australia, with a swathe of ready-made routes.
If you do leave the city behind, be mindful that the NT is big and remote, so be prepared. Carry extra fuel and plenty of water, and ensure your vehicle is up to scratch for plenty of kilometres on sometimes bumpy, challenging tracks.
Don’t Miss
Uluṟu, is far from the only awesome thing to see in Australia’s Red Centre. To the north-east, the mighty Kings Canyon cleaves deep into the earth. Trek to the rim for views across the bluffs and gorges of Watarrka National Park, or through the West MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch for hundreds of kilometres. From the steamy weather right down to the faces you’ll see in its streets, Darwin is exotic. The city hosts incredible Asian food markets, galleries and museums walled with beautiful Indigenous art, and a line-up of bumping cultural festivals.
Australia’s largest national park Kakadu, covers almost two million hectares of wilderness, only a privileged few get the chance to travel to and experience the deeply spiritual feel of Arnhem Land.
