Welcome to Northern Territory

AYQ - Ayers Rock Airport, Yulara (Connellan Airport)

The closest airport to iconic monolith, Uluru, located 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort). The airport's official name is Ayers Rock Airport, Yulara (Connellan Airport), it services domestic flights for major and smaller airlines as well as charter flights. The main terminal houses retail and dining outlets, as well as travel amenities, toilets and baby-change rooms, plus public telephones, internet access and a post box. Complimentary shuttle buses transfer passengers between the airport and the resort, and car hire is available but there is no taxi service in the area.

ASP - Alice Springs Airport

Located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from the town, Alice Springs airport is modern and compact. The airport's travel facilities include showers, toilets and baby-change rooms, ATMs, public telephones, internet access, a post box, and a tourist information stand. The cafe and bar serve meals, snacks and drinks, and the outdoor lounge area is an airport oasis for smokers and non-smokers alike. Alice Springs airport services domestic flights only, flight within Northern Territory and interstate services. Passengers can easily connect with international flights in Darwin or in interstate capital cities. A taxi and private hire-car rank is located outside the terminal, along with car hire companies and an airport shuttle bus service.

DRW - Darwin Airport

The Northern Territory's only international airport, Darwin Airport is located 12.5 kilometers (7.7 miles) from central Darwin. The airport is equipped with modern facilities and retail and dining outlets. There are shops in both the domestic and international areas for last-minute souvenirs, gifts and travel essentials, and snacks and meals are available from the airport's cafes and fast-food outlets. The Darwin Airport Shuttle transfers passengers between the airport and city accommodations along with car rental counters, located in the Arrivals hall on the ground floor, and a taxi and private-car hire rank outside the terminal.

The best time to visit Australia’s Northern Territory is between May and October. Days are warm with cool nights creating an ideal temperature range for activities throughout the day.

Top End
The Top End, which includes Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu and Arnhem Land, has a tropical climate. Darwin has an average temperature of 32 degrees Celsius all year, with varying humidity. The tropical summer, from December to March, is considered by many to be the region's most beautiful time of year.

The 'Dry’ season, from May until October, is characterized by warm, dry sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures typically range from 21C (70F) to 32C (90F).

The Wet season spans from November until April and is characterized by increased humidity followed by monsoonal rains and storms. Temperatures typically range from a minimum of 25C (77F) to a maximum of 33C (91F).

Red Centre

The Red Centre, which includes Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, the Barkly Tablelands and Uluru-Kata-Tjuta regions, has a semi-arid climate. It experiences Australia's four typical seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. The Red Centre has hot summer days from December to February and cold nights from June to August. Spring and autumn are warm throughout the day and cool at night.

In summer (December–February), average temperatures range between 20C (68F) and 35C (95F).

In winter (June–August), the average temperature range is 3–20C (37–68F).

Spring and autumn in Central Australia see warm days and cool evenings.

In the tropical areas like Darwin, Kakadu and Katherine, the weather is always warm, solightweight summer clothing like shorts, t-shirts and sandals are worn year-round. Sturdy shoes and long-sleeved shirts and trousers should be packed for time in the sun or in the bush.

It can be cold during winter and at night-time in the Central Australian regions of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Uluru, so warmer clothing like jumpers and long pants is required. Travelling in the bush is more comfortable in jeans or similar practical clothing and strong shoes.

Banking and Credit Cards

Banking facilities are most prolific in the main centers of the Northern Territory. Australia's largest banks including ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and Westpac all have branches here. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) operate 24 hours a day and are found throughout the Territory.

All major international credit cards are accepted throughout the Territory, but note that not all businesses accept all cards and some may charge transaction fees. Credit cards are usually essential for bookings, like tours and car hire. Many smaller operators and establishments may not accept certain credit cards.

Some remote regions have limited banking facilities. Many remote businesses don't have Eftpos and travellers should carry some cash with them.

Foreign Exchange

Outlets are available at Darwin International Airport and most banks and major hotels. Check with your bank prior to departure as it is likely that they subscribe to the Cirrus Network meaning that the standard bank debit card now works in some 135 countries and almost one million ATMs worldwide.

Travellers Checks

Travellers Checks are being bypassed by more digital solutions such as Thomas Cook travellers Checks debit card that can be purchased in your country of origin and used in ATMs throughout the world.

International Money

Are you planning to carry funds in or out of Australia? By law, you must now:

1. If asked by a Customs or police officer, report travellers cheques, cheques, money orders or any other bearer negotiable instruments of any amount.

2. Always report AUD$10,000 cash or more (or foreign currency equivalent) using a form available from Customs.

Please note there is no limit to the funds you can carry in or out of Australia.

English is the official language spoken in Northern Territory.

SAFETY

Swimming

The Northern Territory has many safe places to swim, including local nature reserves, public swimming pools and in some national parks. Swimming at Northern Territory beaches is not recommended due to the presence of box jellyfish. If you choose to swim at the beach, take vinegar as a precaution as it is known to sooth the sting.

Salt and freshwater crocodiles are found in most Top End billabongs and rivers, and are occasionally seen on remote beaches. The accessible rivers and billabongs are generally sign-posted if saltwater crocodiles are known to inhabit the area, but if you are not sure, don’t swim.

Sun Protection

Travellers should always wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt, sunglasses and at least an SPF 30+ sunscreen when outdoors. You should also be sure to drink plenty of water; a minimum of two liters per day is advised.

Insects

The Territory is home to mosquitoes and other biting insects, so a reliable insect repellent, mosquito coils and appropriate clothing will make travelling more comfortable. If camping, keep your tent zipped and tap your shoes out before putting them on.

By Rail

For a fantastic journey and an overnight stay – hop on The Ghan and travel between Alice Springs and Darwin. You can even stop off in Katherine for a few hours or a few days to visit Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) and the surrounding attractions before continuing on to your destination.

Public Transport

Darwin and Alice Springs both have scheduled bus services that connect the cities with outer areas. Taxis and private hire cars, coaches and limousines can also be booked there.

Coaches

A number of coach lines operate scheduled services from Alice Springs and Darwin to other destinations. Coach touring is often a cost-effective way to get around the Territory and it allows travellers to experience this destination's renowned changing scenery.

Self-Drive Touring

A driving holiday in the Northern Territory gives travellers the freedom and flexibility to explore some of the world’s most magnificent scenery at their own pace. Campervans are also very popular and there are options for tag-along tours. If opting to drive, 96% of the major attractions are accessible by sealed roads and the others are accessible via four-wheel drive tracks or charter flights.

Northern Territory welcomes visitors and to facilitate easy entry, everything has been done to make the process as pleasant as possible. A valid passport for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel to another country, which he/she is authorized to enter, is required.