Home of Uluru and Kakadu, the Northern Territory is iconic Outback Australia. Vast deserts, ancient culture and cattle stations as big as countries mix with tropical landscapes and wildlife out of prehistory. Through exploring this enormous swather of central and northern country, you'll be blessed by the beauty of diverse environments - where change is the only constant.
Old salts of the earth
Come face to face with spectacular wildlife from frill-necked lizards to crocodiles – all one-offs in their own way like the landscapes they dwell in, from the deserts of Central Australia, to the tropics of the 'top end'.NT's colourful (human) characters are just as captivating, particularly those hardy blokes of the outback. Pop into an outback pub for a yarn with salt of the earth locals and let them regale you with tales you'd never hear in any other city.
Big city up top
Darwin is the territory's tropical capital; although sometimes the atmosphere here is so relaxed you'd never know you were in a city at all.Alfresco eating is the order of the day thanks to Darwin's year-round warm weather. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield, Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land.
Whirlwind history
Australia's most northerly harbor port, Darwin was founded in 1869 and rapidly grew after gold was discovered nearby at Pine Creek in 1871.World War II put the place on the map as a major allied military base for troops fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. Darwin's World War II history is on show at well preserved sites including ammunition bunkers, airstrips and oil tunnels in and around the city.
When bombs didn't daunt the locals, Mother Nature decided to have a go with Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Tracy virtually levelled the city - which is why you won't see too many old buildings around the place today. This historic event is excitingly presented at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Darwin's colourful history contributed to a wonderful cultural diversity. The city is a melting pot of more than 60 nationalities making up the 100,000+ population, including the area's traditional landowners; the Larrakia Aboriginal people. These cultural and culinary benefits are showcased at Darwin's weekly open air markets, great restaurants and the city's calendar of festivals and events.
Wet and wild
Anyone who thinks the NT is all desert is in for a very big surprise when they experience Kakadu and Arnhem Land.This wet and wild wonderland of lush vegetation, billabongs and rivers brimming with freshwater crocs and barramundi make up more than 110,000sq km in the north-east corner of the territory. The landscapes of Kakadu and Arnhem Land set the scene for outback adventure, experiencing Aboriginal culture and nature activities. Kakadu is the largest national park in Australia. It contains one of the highest concentrated areas of Aboriginal rock art sites in the world - the most famous examples are at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr.
Uluru
The size and scale of this landmark is something you cannot prepare for. Approaching Uluru on the gently snaking 10km track from Yulara is certain to be a truly unique driving experience.Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Uluru-Kata Tjuta World Heritage Listed Park every year to view these remarkable formations standing in stark contrast to the surrounding flat, plain landscape of the desert.
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park © Tourism Australia/Tourism NT
World to itself
Entirely Aboriginal-owned Arnhem Land is famous for its strong indigenous culture, towering escarpments, wild coastline, savannah woodlands, lush wetlands and prolific wildlife.Beginning at Port Roper in the Gulf of Carpentaria, to East Alligator River where it meets Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land was first declared an Aboriginal Reserve in 1931. In the north-east reside the Yolngu people, one of the country's largest Indigenous groups.
The area is famous for world renowned Indigenous art – the communities of Yirrkala (outside Nhulunbhuy) and Gunbalanya are prominent for their bark paintings – and notable for an abundance of rock art.
Closer to Darwin is the Mary River region, a spread of wetlands that's home to wildlife including millions of birds, saltwater crocs and fish like the mighty barramundi.
Katherine and her mates
Sweeping from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border, the vast Katherine region is full of hidden gems.Its spectacular landscapes and diverse ecosystems set the scene for a number of activities like fishing, bird-watching, canoeing, bushwalking, camping and four-wheel driving.
Located about 300km from Darwin, Katherine is where the outback meets the tropics. The township is on the banks of the Katherine River which flows from the world famous Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Day trips from Katherine can be taken north to Pine Creek or south to Mataranka.
Pine Creek has a strong gold mining heritage, with original buildings dating back to the 1800s, while Mataranka is famous for its tropical thermal pool and nearby Elsey National Park. The Victoria River region south-west of Katherine is considered a fantastic fishing spot. There are also excellent four-wheel drive tracks and camping areas.
Further north, the Daly River region is also popular for fishing and camping, not least because of its hot springs, gorges and rivers.
Editor's Pick
Take a helicopter ride over Uluru (Ayers Rock).From the air you can truly appreciate the size and magnitude of this Australian landmark, as well as take aerial shots your friends will be envious of. Uluru rises 348m above the desert floor and measures 9.4km around its girth - about a three or four hour walk. It changes colour depending on factors including the time of day, dust, cloud cover and where you happen to be standing.
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park © Tourism Australia/Tourism NT
