The Northern Territory is a huge and diverse region. The north, the ‘Top End’ of Australia, is subtropical, with such high rainfall in the rainy season that much of it is accessible only by air. The south of the Territory is an arid desert, known as the ‘Red Center’.
NoteThere are many places and objects in the Territory that are of special significance to the Aboriginal people and laws protecting these sacred sites carry heavy penalties for entering, damaging or defacing them. It is necessary to obtain a permit before entering Aboriginal lands, including
by car. These permits are not issued lightly, nor are they generally issued for tourist purposes. Some areas that have historic significance to the Aborigines
are open to the public – for example, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Corroboree Rock near Alice Springs, and Ubirr Rock in Kakadu National Park (see
National Parks section). Visitors are welcome at these places, but due respect should be shown for the site and its historical significance. For further information, maps and permit application advice, contact the Tourist Commission (see
General Info section).
Darwin and the Top EndThe territorial capital, Darwin, which was savaged by Cyclone Tracy on Christmas Eve 1974, has been rebuilt and has grown over the years to become a modern, multicultural, provincial city. Darwin and the rest of the Top End have two distinct seasons. In the tropical summer from November to April, monsoon conditions mean late-afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity and heavy downpours. This is the green season when the waterfalls flow and the wildlife abounds. From May through to October is the ’dry’ season, with unlimited sunshine and balmy evenings. The wetlands begin to dry out, confining the bird and animal life to ever smaller areas. The Top End is the area to see lush tropical vegetation, either in Darwin’s Botanical Gardens, the Crocodylus Park just outside Darwin, or in the Territory’s various national parks (see below). Also south of Darwin are the Howard Springs and Berry Springs nature parks, Territory Wildlife Park and the birds’ haven Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve. There are many good opportunities for fishing near the city, for example at Mindil Beach or Vestey’s Beach. The Tiwi Islands, comprising Bathurst Island and Melville Island, are Aboriginal islands rich in history and culture. The islands are a short flight from Darwin, but they are accessible only by organized one- or two-day tours.
The Red CenterAlice Springs is located in what is almost the geographical center of the continent. A pleasant little town, set in red desert country, it is a popular tourist resort and a base for exploring the wonders of the Outback. There are many excellent hotels and motels, a casino, a variety of restaurants and varied sporting facilities, ranging from golf and tennis to hot-air ballooning and tandem parachuting.
The Royal Flying Doctor Base is open daily to the public (excluding public holidays) and the School of the Air is operational during the school term. There are also museums and preserved buildings which help the visitor to appreciate the history of this remote town. Not least among these are the Dreamtime Gallery and the Aboriginal Arts & Culture Center. The Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, 3km (2 miles) north of the town, is an historical reserve featuring original buildings, restored equipment and an illustrated display including early photographs, papers and documents. Anzac Hill War Memorial lies just behind Alice Springs and provides a panoramic view of the town and surrounding ranges.
The region around Alice Springs is pitted with colorful gorges, canyons, valley pools and awe-inspiring chasms. These include Standley Chasm, 57km (35 miles) west of Alice, Glen Helen Gorge, 140km (9 miles) west, Ormiston Gorge, 130km (80 miles) west, Kings Canyon, 330km (205 miles) southwest and N’Dhala Gorge, 96km (59 miles) east, which is also notable for its ancient rock engravings. Palm Valley lies around one hour 30 minutes' drive to the southwest and Rainbow Valley to the southeast on the edge of the Simpson Desert.
Château Hornsby, the Northern Territory’s only vineyard, is situated approximately 10km (6 miles) from the town center and is a venue for tastings, barbecues, and Aboriginal corroborees.
Uluru (Ayers Rock)Alice Springs is the main base for tours to Uluru – approximately 460km (285 miles) or five hours’ drive away – and the East and Western MacDonnell Ranges. Uluru is the world’s largest monolith and plays an important part in Aboriginal mythology, in which it is believed to have been created by ancestors of the Aborigines. Visitors may still climb the rock, although to do so is considered a gross sacrilege by the indigenous people, or explore some of the fascinating caves at its base. Sunset and sunrise must be seen as the sun’s rays change the rock’s color from blazing orange to red and even deep purple, depending on the atmospheric conditions. 22 km (13 miles) from Uluru (Ayers Rock) is the Ayers Rock Resort (Yulara) – a village built to cater for the growing number of visitors to the area. The resort contains top-class hotels, lodges, self-catering maisonettes, shops, bank, restaurants, post office, caravan park and campsites and caters for all the needs of the traveller. Tours depart throughout the day for the Rock, the nearby Olgas and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, as well as other points of interest.
Uluru (Ayers Rock) has its own airport with daily flights to Alice Springs and direct connections to Sydney and other Australian cities. Car hire is available and all major coach companies service Ayers Rock on a daily basis.
Other points of interest in the Red Center include Aboriginal tours to Pitjantjatjara country, and the Ross River Homestead for log cabins and boomerang throwing. Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park), four hours’ drive southwest of Alice Springs, offers spectacular views, while visitors can discover the ‘Lost City’ (a maze of eroded earth domes) and the ‘Garden of Eden’ (a sheltered green waterhole) when walking around the canyon. Hotel accommodation is available at the Kings Canyon Resort. Campsite pitches are available at Kings Creek Station. Tennant Creek offers trail rides, half-day cattle drives and gold mine tours. An hour’s drive from Tennant Creek is the impressive formation of 7m (23ft) boulders called The Devils Marbles.
National ParksKakadu National ParkThis may be found about a three-hour drive to the east of Darwin down the Arnhem Highway. The park includes the flood plains between the Wildman and the Alligator Rivers, which empty into Van Diemen Gulf to the north. It is bordered by the Arnhem Land escarpment, where the spectacular waterfalls of Jim Jim and Twin Falls cascade hundreds of feet into crystal-clear rock pools below. At Ubirr (Obiri Rock) and Nourlangie Rock are fascinating galleries of Aboriginal rock painting, many dating back over 20,000 years. These paintings show mythical and spiritual figures and an ancient lifestyle which still holds great significance for the Aboriginal people today.
Within the park there are several resort-style hotels and a number of camping and caravan sites from which to explore this beautiful area. Numerous creeks, rivers and
billabongs provide excellent fishing, particularly for the much prized
barramundi, which is found in abundance here. Thousands of birds inhabit the wetlands – over 275 species – and wildlife abounds throughout the year.
Aerial tours over the Arnhem Land escarpment depart daily and local fishing trips can be easily arranged. A popular way to explore the waterways is on a boat cruise on the South Alligator River or scenic Yellow Water, giving access to nature at its best. It is possible to spot crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, and the graceful
jabiru (Australia’s only stork) wading amongst the water lilies. Kakadu National Park is the habitat for all wildlife common to Northern Australia and as such provides a diverse and exciting experience in the tropical Top End. Tours and safaris from two to 21 days are available by air, coach or 4-wheel drive from Darwin.
Katherine Gorge/Nitmiluk National ParkThe township of Katherine is in the area known as the ‘Never Never’, about 350km (220 miles) southeast of Darwin. This is pioneer territory, made famous by Mrs Aeneas Gunn in her book,
We of the Never Never. Katherine Gorge, some 30km (20 miles) northeast of the town, is one of Australia’s great natural wonders and the famous boat cruises through the spectacular gorges, towering up to 60m (200ft) high, are a highlight of any visit to the region. There are, in fact, 13 gorges and each has its own glowing colors and fascinating outcrops, steep canyon walls above cool, blue waters. Marked walking tracks are well maintained for easy access to features of interest in the park. Canoeing, swimming and boat tours are all available (May to September) along with scenic helicopter rides over the gorges. There is a good range of accommodation both in the town and Nitmiluk National Parks, and campers and caravanners are also well catered for.
Litchfield National ParkOnly one hour 30 minutes’ drive south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is ideal for day trips or can be included in longer tours of the Top End. Six waterfalls provide the main attraction of the park. Other attractions include rainforest, bush walks, weathered sandstone formations, spring-fed streams, impressive cathedral termite mounds and wildlife, such as birds, possums, wallabies and lizards.
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