Our Aussie road trip rolls on, over the border from Western Australia and into the country’s most enigmatic region, the Northern Territory.
Often described as “real Australia”, the Territory provides travellers with some of the the nation’s most iconic sights, many of which we’ll pass by on this episode of our great Australia road trip.
Canoe the Katherine Gorge in Australia's Northern Territory
Whatever season you visit NT, you’re sure to be face to face with some raw adventure. The deep red deserts of the Outback fall away to the lush Top End; a carpet of wetlands that breathe life into the national parks of Kakadu and Litchfield, and beyond the border to the truly amazing landscapes and aboriginal cultures of Arnhem Land.
Follow the Stuart Highway south, via the mysterious Devil’s Marbles and character-filled stations, before arriving in Alice Springs, and looping west, to the undeniable allure of the Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park.
Grab your Northern Territory ‘Six Pack’!
If you need any more information about travelling in the Territory, throw us a comment or two below, or check out the travelling in Northern Territory pages of our website.
But first up, let’s jump back in the motor, and get to grips with Australia’s incredible Northern Territory.
1. Uluru (Ayers Rock)
The undisputed heavyweight of Australian icons, Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock) is a sight that really needs to be seen, to be believed.
Soak up the skies at Uluru
Appearing like a fist in the desert, Uluru captivates travellers and locals far and wide. Absorb the dreamings of the Anangu people — and respect their wishes not to climb up their sacred sight. The spectacular sunrises and sunsets at Uluru are rightfully famous, and as an adventurous traveller, you’ll find few greater experiences than waking in your swag, and watching the sacred sight transform through a heavenly spectrum of blues, purples, oranges and reds. That’s the big one out the way, where are we heading next?
2. Kakadu
Australia’s largest National Park is the size of Wales, and home to the one of the largest populations of saltwater crocodiles in the world. so keep your eyes peeled, and your shirt tucked in.
From waterfalls and wetlands, to soaring rocky escarpments and ancient rock art older than the pyramids, it’s a must see for any traveller to the NT.
3. Katherine Gorge
Set amid the playful Nitmiluk National Park, a string of 13 gorges that you can cruise, kayak, walk or helicopter over, this is a simply jaw-dropping landscape, and there’s plenty of it, too.
Katherine Gorge is the perfect place to kick back and relax
With over 180 hectares spliced to the Katherine River, and riddled by 100s of kilometres of friendly walking tracks.
4. Kings Canyon
The underdog of Central Australia’s Incredibles, is the might Kings Canyon sheer red cliff walls over 300m in height hide a lush green oasis and water holes for a refreshing dip at their base. Worth the climb up
Walk your way through the formidable Kings Canyon
5. Kata Tjuta
Just around the corner from Uluru bubbles the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta (commonly known as the Olgas) which rise from the mysterious desert floor.
Visit the beautiful Kata Tjuta, in the Territory
Take a step back and absorb another perfect sunrise/sunset, or wander through the ‘Valley of the Winds’ and learn about the local peoples’ dreamtime stories.
6. Darwin
Australia’s youngest capital, and most ethnically and culturally diverse city is a great place to explore during an Aussie road trip.
Its tropical climate, laid back lifestyle, beaches and beautiful sunsets means it feels more like a part of Asia than Australia. Grab a bite to eat from the Mindil Beach Sunset Market and take a pew on the beach for the perfect end to your NT adventure.
