The Northern Territory offers a variety of activities to be enjoyed. From wildlife encounters to scenic flights, quad bike rides to camel expeditions, the Territory offers experiences for any activity level and area of interest.

Scenic Flights
- Airborne Solutions
- Darwin Airborne Solutions
- Katherine Albatross Helicopters
- Alice Springs Helicopters
- Ayers Rock Scenic Flights
- Ayers Rock Helicopters
- Kakadu Air Services Pty Ltd
- Katherine Aviation
- Katherine Helicopters
- Kings Creek Helicopters
- Coolibah Air

Canoeing
- Gecko Canoeing and Trekking
- Nitmiluk Tours

Camel Rides
- Kings Creek Station
- Pyndan Camel Tracks
- Uluru Camel Tours

4WD/Quad-Bike Tours
- Kings Creek Station
- Outback Quad Adventures

Cycling:
- Outback Cycling
- Remote Outback Cycle Tours

Fishing Safaris & Adventures:
- Darwin Barra Fishing Tours
- Darwin's North Australia Barra Fishing
- Dhipirri Barra & Sportfishing Lodge Arnhemland
- Equinox Fishing Charters
- Humbug Fishing
- Kakadu Fishing Tours
- Leaders Creek Fishing Base
- Obsession Fishing Safaris
- River and Reef Fishing Charters
- Territory Guided Fishing

Walking - Trekking
- Larapinta Trail: This is one of the "Great Walks of Australia", spanning the scenic ridgelines of the Tjorita (West MacDonnell Ranges).
- Jatbula Trail: Walk into the heart of Nitmiluk National park from Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) to Leliyn (Edith Falls).
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Walks: Discover the stories of the Anangu as you walk around the base of iconic Uluru or discover the geologic history of the area at Kata Tjuta when you explore Walpa Gorge or the Valley of the Winds.

Aboriginal culture and spirituality have been expressed through art including painting, music and dance for thousands of years. Paint was traditionally made of ochre, giving it earthy tones, but today’s Aboriginal artists also incorporate modern materials, including canvas and colorful acrylic paints.

At some of the Northern Territory’s art centers and galleries, such as Maruku Arts, in Alice Springs and Yulara, visitors can meet local artists and see them at work. There is also the option to participate in a dot painting workshop which provides an introduction to local Indigenous Art. A local Indigenous artists shares the meaning behind the different symbols depicting Creation Time (Tjukurpa) stories. From here, guests will have the opportunity to create paintings of their own to take home.

The Territory is also home to various annual events such as the Darwin Festival, the Garma Festival, the Beer Can Regatta, the Alice Springs Beanie Festival, Lasseters Camel Cup and more!

With a coastline that's almost 11,000 km long, it's no surprise the Northern Territory is home to some truly spectacular beaches. The region's vast coastline and remote beaches also offer some of Australia's best boating, fishing and beachcombing opportunities.

Mindil and Vestey's beaches in Darwin are among the Northern Territory’s busiest. As well as locally-produced arts and crafts, Mindil's famous Sunset Markets have up to 60 stalls offering a huge range of cuisines to be enjoyed on the beach.

For those looking for a swim, start at the Darwin Waterfront, where travelers can grab a boogie board and ride the swell in the Wave Pool or hit the man-made beach at the Recreation Lagoon, where nets protect swimmers from marine stingers.

Aboriginal Culture
Aboriginal people have lived in the Northern Territory for more than 50,000 years and their culture and connection to the land remain strong. In Arnhem Land especially, the people continue to live semi-traditional lives.

There are more than 80 indigenous language groups in the Territory, from the Larrakia people of Darwin to the Arrernte people of the Alice Springs region. Aboriginal people account for one-third of the Northern Territory’s population and there are more than 40 indigenous languages still spoken today.

Aboriginal communities share their spiritual beliefs and cultural law with future generations through Dreamtime stories, dance and paintings. At some galleries and centers you can sit with Aboriginal artists, learn how they create the art and share their Dreamtime stories of how the landscapes were created.

The Northern Territory’s national parks contain some of the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world and the region offers visitors many opportunities to experience indigenous culture first-hand.

Asian and European Culture
The Northern Territory has a multicultural population – in Darwin alone there are people from more than 60 different nationalities and 70 different ethnic backgrounds. The most common languages spoken after English are Greek, Italian, Indonesian, Vietnamese and Cantonese.

Greek migrants arrived in the NT more than 100 years ago and the Greek community today makes up approximately 10 percent of Darwin’s population. The community operates a Greek school and hosts the annual Glenti festival. Chinese people have lived in Darwin since 1874 and today operate a Chinese school, a language and culture center and a Chinese temple, and hold annual Chinese New Year celebrations. The Northern Territory’s multicultural communities are represented in other events including the Darwin Festival, which has a strong focus on South-East Asian artists.

The Northern Territory hosts an eclectic array of annual events, including the Garma Festival in Arnhem Land, the country’s premier indigenous cultural event.

In August of each year, the Darwin Festival takes over the city of Darwin and features comedy, dance, theater, music, film and visual art.

Other annual events include Territory Day celebrated on July 1, the Beer Can Regatta, the Uluru Camel Cup, Lasseters Camel Cup, Tjungu Festival, Alice Springs Beanie Festival and more.

Bruce Munro’s solar-powered installation, Field of Light, has been created in its largest form to date at Ayers Rock Resort which is open to visitors through 31 March 2017. Bruce Munro conceived the idea for the Field of Light while visiting Uluru in 1992, but it wasn’t until 2004 that the installation first materialized at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. In keeping with the desert’s vast scale, Munro and his team installed more than 50,000 stems crowned with glass spheres. Pathways draw viewers into the installation, which comes to life under a brilliant starlit sky. Guests at Ayers Rock Resort and Longitude 131° are invited to interact with Munro’s monumental experiential artwork in one of three ways: the entry-level Field of Light Pass, the Field of Light Star Pass or the 4.5-hour A Night at Field of Light. There is also an option to arrive by camel or helicopter for this experience.

There are plenty of things to do for the whole family in and around Northern Territory

From wildlife parks, markets, outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters and swimming in wave pools or cool waterholes, you can embrace the endless summer and discover a whole range of things to do with the family.

DARWIN

Char
Char delivers a unique dining experience with the best local produce, international and local wines and innovative cuisine coupled with exceptional service and style. The beef is sourced direct from producers and suppliers and is aged for five weeks, giving diners a change to taste different breeds, brands and regions.

Hanuman 
Hanuman is a reflection of chef and owner Jummy Shu's love of Thai, Nonya and Tamil. The Thai and Indian inspired menu offers a fabulous selection of mouth- watering curries and sensational stir fried specialties.

Pee Wee's at the Point
The menu reflects the produce, climate and multiculturalism of the Northern Territory. PeesWee's specializes in local wild caught Saltwater Barramundi, banana prawns, Lambells Lagoon buffalo cheese, tropical fruits and locally grown Asian vegetables.

Evoo - SKYCITY
Darwin’s premier dining is the Evoo Restaurant, offering a delicious combination of Australian and Mediterranean cuisine, with a touch of Eastern flavors, in an intimate setting with magnificent ocean views. To ensure freshest in available seafood and produce, the menu changes regularly.

Seoul Food 
Seoul Food restaurant offers Darwin dining that is a little bit different. The menu is a mix of modern Korean and Australian cuisine, so whether you want a classic like a Club Sandwich or something more adventurous there is something on the menu to tempt you.

Yots Greek Taverna 
Yots Greek Taverna is located on the Waterfront Boardwalk at Cullen Bay. Specializing in modern and traditional Greek cuisine with fresh seafood with the dining experience boasting daily fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and oysters and other delicious seafood.

Mindil Beach Sunset Market 
Located on Darwin's Mindil Beach, food is the main attraction − Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian to Brazilian, Greek, Portuguese and more. Colourful arts and crafts vendors peddle their wares - handmade jewellery, natural remedies, artistic creations and unique fashion statements.
ALICE SPRINGS

Hanuman 
Hanuman is a reflection of chef and owner Jummy Shu's love of Thai, Nonya and Tamil. The Thai and Indian inspired menu offers a fabulous selection of mouth-watering curries and sensational stir fried specialties.

Overlanders Steakhouse
Established in 1971, The Overlanders Steakhouse offers a unique dining experience honouring Australia’s ‘Overlanders’: people who historically ventured into the Outback moving large mobs of cattle. The menu and decor honours these men and women with offerings such as the Drovers Blowout: a soup of the day with freshly baked damper (Outback-style bread), followed by platter of camel, crocodile, emu and kangaroo, a choice of rump steak or barramundi fish for main, and if you’re not ‘blown out’ by this stage, apple pie or Australian pavlova for dessert!

Red Ochre Grill Restaurant
Located in the heart of the Todd Mall, Alice Springs, the Red Ochre Grill Restaurant has created a whole new menu of Australian cuisine using traditional native fruits, berries, Australian seafood and game meat, and also offers some of Australia’s finest wines and beers. With the seasonal nature of many of the ingredients used, this allows their chefs to develop innovative and exciting dishes with a mix of native and contemporary cuisine dishes that maximize the flavor of the native produce. Dine out under the vine covered courtyard, or inside in air conditioned comfort and enjoy the gallery of world-class panoramic photos of Central Australia.

Monte's 
Monte’s sits on the corner of Todd Street and Stott Tce, across from the council lawns; a great location that’s easy to get to for everyone. Monte’s is an unforgettable experience for you and whoever you’re with. It has a great cosmopolitan and bohemian vibe that provides the perfect social setting with a standard of food and drink to match. And some of the best burgers in Alice Springs!

Tali 
Tali provides an à la carte dining experience that is a blend of modern Australian fare with a hint of the Outback. Tali is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on the weekends. Tali is also open during the morning and afternoon for drinks and light snacks. Diners have the option of sitting inside or outside on a shaded deck.

Juicy Rump 
Relax and unwind while taking in the view of the gorgeous MacDonnell Ranges from either the massive covered deck or beer garden. Free WiFi means you can keep in touch or check out all the action on our 103-inch plasma screen screening sports from around the world. Inside is a contemporary architecturally designed space with padded leather booths that line the full-length windows to showcase views of the ranges.

The Deck Eatery 
Fast becoming a local favourite, the Deck Eatery and Bar offers modern share plate dining, slider and the traditional plates for one (A La Carte). The menu changes seasonally this way you’re always experiencing something new. The Deck Eatery and Bar is an ideal venue for a stylish yet relaxed meal with an international wine list.

ULURU (Ayers Rock)

Ilkari Restaurant 
Ilkari offers a tantalising menu of international flavours for dinner. The three-course dinner experience includes a selection of seafood, sashimi, an array of antipasto, cured meats and soups to awaken your taste buds. An assortment of pastas, Asian favourites, roasts and a grill selection cooked-to-order abound with signature dishes enlivened by Indigenous flavours will settle your appetite. For dessert, indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate fountain served alongside an intercontinental selection of mouth-watering sweet treats.

Arnhuli Grill 
Quality Australian produce are enlivened by local Indigenous flavours using unique spices, grains and seeds. An extensive menu boasting signature tasting plates, the perfect succulent Wagyu steak and a premium selection of Australian wines. With extensive Indigenous artworks colouring the walls, enjoy premium dining in this modern formal dining room.

Bough House Restaurant 
Share in the spirit of Outback Australia and enjoy traditional flavours from the à la carte menu including favourites like Wagyu rump steak with bush tomato infused jus or buffalo pie; golden pastry filled with the hearty flavours of slowly braised buffalo. A delicious dessert buffet is included with all meals.The dessert buffet is also available for individual purchase should you be looking for a sweet treat at the end of the night.

Pioneer BBQ & Bar 
A popular dining option at Ayers Rock Resort, Outback Pioneer BBQ is a do-it-yourself BBQ with traditional Aussie charm. Select your preferred cut of meat or fish including steaks, kangaroo, emu sausages and barramundi and then cook it yourself. Serve yourself some accompanying side dishes including a salad bar, jacket potatoes and dessert. Open daily for dinner.

Ayers Wok Noodle Bar 
Using the freshest of Australian produce, traditional Asian recipes are served up fast and fragrant. Have your noodle stir-fry or noodle soup just the way you like it or select one of the Asian favourites.

Gecko's Cafe 
Kick back with gourmet pizzas, pastas and Aussie favourites including salads, burgers and sizzling steaks, in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy a coffee or snack outdoors on the terrace.

Kulata Academy Cafe 
The Kulata Academy Café menu includes a wide range of freshly prepared sandwiches along with salads and breakfast classics like fresh yoghurt, smoothies and fruit options. An array of cakes and pastries from the Resort bakery are complemented by Grinders espresso coffee and a selection of T2 tea.

Sounds of Silence 
The Sounds of Silence experience begins with enjoying canapés and sparkling wine while the sun sets over Uluru. As darkness falls, join your table for an unforgettable bush tucker inspired dining experience, cultural dance and didgeridoo performances and a star talk under the outback sky.

Tali Wiru 
An intimate dining experience under the outback sky, with a focus on fine food and wine. Instead of walls, this open-air restaurant has magnificent views of Uluru and the distant domes of Kata Tjuta, and for unique ambiance there’s the stillness of the desert at night.

Darwin
- The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)
- Darwin Military Museum
- Defence of Darwin Experience

Katherine
- National Trust Museum
- Larrimah Museum
- Katherine Museum

Alice Springs
- The Museum of Central Australia
- Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
- Central Australian Aviation Museum
- National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

The Northern Territory has two World Heritage-listed National Parks: Kakadu National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. There are a further 22 national parks in the region, including Nitmiluk National Park (home to Katherine Gorge), Litchfield National Park, West MacDonnell National Park and Gregory National Park. In addition to 24 national parks, the Northern Territory has 73 nature reserves, conservation areas, historical reserves and nature parks. These include Berry Springs Nature Reserve, Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve, Tennant Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve and Territory Wildlife Park.

Kakadu National Park
Australia's largest National Park, covering more than 19,000 square kilometers. Just three hours from Darwin on the Nature’s Way tourism drive, World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is a landscape of contrasts - roaring waterfalls cascade into serene pools and delicate lotus flowers conceal massive crocodiles.

Kakadu National Park is World Heritage listed for both its natural and cultural values – one of only a few sites in the world with a dual listing, and is jointly managed by the Australian Government and the Park’s traditional Aboriginal people, the Bininj. The Bininj have their own understanding of the weather and recognize up to seven seasons of Kakadu. Archaeological studies suggest that the Aboriginal people have inhabited Kakadu for 50,000 years. Roam the sandstone galleries and see how the Aboriginal culture, laws and stories were passed down through generations.

Kakadu is home to more than 1,000 plant species, a quarter of Australia’s freshwater fish species and more than a third of its birds, making it ideal for bird watching.

The ultimate outdoor adventure destination, Kakadu National Park has rugged four wheel-drive tracks and established camping areas close to some of the Park’s main attractions. There is a network of bushwalking trails, from challenging treks to well-worn paths. These take in rugged escarpments, lush wetlands, plunging gorges, cascading waterfalls and Aboriginal art sites.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Situated 462 kilometers south-west of Alice Springs, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is connected to Alice by networks of sealed roads and has its own airport, with flights to and from Alice Springs, Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns, Perth and Darwin.

Forty kilometers to the west of Uluru/Ayers Rock sits Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas - a massive pile of ancient rock domes. The Uluru and Kata Tjuta you see today are the remains of erosion that began around 500 million years ago. Like icebergs, both formations are but visible tips of enormous slabs of rock that extend as far as six kilometers into the ground.

Archaeological work suggests that Aboriginal people have lived in the area for at least 22,000 years. The Anangu people are Uluru’s traditional custodians but until recently, the famous monolith was known as Ayers Rock, named after former premiere Sir Henry Ayers by European explorer William Gosse, who first sighted the rock in 1873. Uluru was returned to the care and ownership of the Anangu in 1985 and they now jointly manage the national park with Parks Australia.

There is a $25 entry fee into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which allows multiple entry for three consecutive days. A range of accommodation from camp sites to five-star luxury is available at the Ayers Rock Resort in the township of Yulara, purpose built to service travellers to the Park. The Yulara Visitors Centre provides information on local history, geology, flora, fauna and culture and sells souvenirs and educational gifts.

Nitmiluk National Park
Covering more than 292,000 hectares, Nitmiluk National Park is located north-east of Katherine. Nitmiluk is home to the spectacular Katherine Gorge, a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved over a billion years by the Katherine River. Its northern edge borders Kakadu National Park and shares the magnificent Arnhem Land escarpment.  

Previously known as Katherine Gorge National Park, the Park was handed back to the local Aboriginal people and renamed Nitmiluk, meaning 'Cicada Place'. The Park is jointly managed by the Northern Territory Government and the Jawoyn people in accordance with traditional Jawoyn law. Aboriginal culture is strong in the area and there are many Aboriginal rock art sites dotted throughout the Park.

There are many adventure activities on offer in Nitmiluk National Park. The Nitmiluk Visitors Centre, located at the start of the first gorge, is adjacent to a serene picnic area.? The impressive gorge walls and white sandy beaches can be explored on foot, by canoe or on a cruise and are stunning from the air on a scenic helicopter flight. It is a haven for nature lovers, with its rugged landscapes, dramatic waterfalls and lush gorges providing an abundance of flora and fauna.

Litchfield National Park
The 1,500 square kilometer Litchfield National Park is an easy journey (an hour-and-a-half drive) from Darwin. Visitors can visit Litchfield National Park for the day or for the more adventurous stay for two or three days. The Park contains several types of typical Top End habitats including lush monsoon forests, termite mounds, unusual rock formations, waterfalls and cascades.

The Park encloses much of the spectacular Tabletop Range, which is a wide sandstone plateau mostly surrounded by cliffs. During the monsoon season, from October to May, four major waterfalls thunder from the cliffs to tropical rock pools many meters below. During the rest of the year, the waterfalls flow more gently, making the waterholes perfect spots for a cool dip.

The Park’s traditional owners are the Wagait Aboriginal people, many of whom live in the area. The region has a colorful pioneering, pastoral history, and places like the ruins of Blyth Homestead, built in 1929 but abandoned in the 1960s, are a reminder of the tough conditions faced by pioneers.

For visitors, Litchfield National Park's main attractions are permanent spring fed waterfalls (Florence, Tolmer and Wangi), cascades at Buley Rockhole, magnetic termite mounds, and a wildlife cruise along the majestic Reynolds River. Sealed roads link all main attractions.

Just outside the Park’s entrance is the small township of Batchelor, which serves as a gateway to Litchfield National Park. Travellers can stay overnight there in budget accommodation and caravan parks. Day-trippers can refuel, grab a meal and inspect a number of interesting attractions, including the Butterfly and Bird Farm and the Coomalie Cultural Centre.

MacDonnell Ranges
The East and West MacDonnell Ranges stretch out for hundreds of kilometers on both sides of Alice Springs. The traditional owners of the Alice Springs area, the Arrernte people, believe giant caterpillars called the Yeperenye became the Ranges - they entered this world through one of the dramatic gaps in the escarpments of the area.

The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are easily accessed from Alice Springs. Each of the West MacDonnell's chasms and gorges has its own unique character and scenery. Simpsons Gap sports a permanent pool and rock wallabies live in the gap's rocky ridges. Standley Chasm lights up in fiery colors reflected by the overhead sun at midday.

Picturesque swimming holes such as Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge and Redbank Gorge offer refreshing relief on a scorching day. It is also possible to visit the Ochre Pits that desert Aboriginal people once used as a quarry for ochre pigments.

The East MacDonnell Ranges, while not as well-known as the West MacDonnells, do provide beautiful scenery for bush walking, camping and four-wheel-driving. Visit Arltunga, a ghost town that was the site of a gold rush in the 1930's. Other places of spectacular natural beauty like Trephina Gorge, make a trip to the East MacDonnells more than worthwhile.

Gregory National Park
Gregory National Park is the Northern Territory's second largest national park, encompassing spectacular ranges, escarpments, gorges and eucalyptus woodlands. A drive through the eastern section of the park along the Victoria Highway will reveal some of these landscapes while the easily accessed walks near the Victoria River Roadhouse provide close up experiences of the dramatic sandstone escarpment. These are the three kilometer return Escarpment Walk and rocky 1.7 kilometer Nawulbinbin (Joe Creek) Loop Walk. 

Distinctive Boab Trees occur throughout the park but are particularly striking in the limestone landscapes that can only be reached by four-wheel drive vehicles. The western section of the park extends from the sub-tropical zone in the north to the semi-arid zone in the south.

Bullita Homestead is the furthest south that two-wheel drive vehicles can venture (high clearance recommended) and includes a historic homestead and stockyards where you can find out more about the park's nature, culture and history. Gregory's Tree is another historic site that is two-wheel drive accessible. A network of remote four-wheel drive tracks for those who are well-equipped and well prepared is open usually during May to November. Call before you travel for up to date information.

Berry Springs Nature Park
Encompassing and protecting a large part of the Berry Creek catchment, Berry Creek starts from a number of springs, forms a small creek, and then reaches Darwin Harbour through a mangrove lined estuary. The park is located close to Darwin and is an ideal area for recreational activities, and also provides a refreshing swimming spot after a day at The Territory Wildlife Park. If you swim with goggles, you can see many small native fish and other aquatic life that live in the clear pools. There are many shady picnic areas with tables and barbecues.

A walking track takes you through two Top End habitats, starting from the picnic area - take binoculars if you are keen on bird watching. An interpretive center provides a brief description of the area, including some historical references, photographs and information on flora and fauna.

During World War II, Berry Springs was part of a rest and recreation camp set up by the armed forces for the 100,000 personnel based in the area. A number of huts and weirs were built at Berry Springs during this time, and you can still see the remains around the main pool. Berry Springs continues to be popular among locals and visitors as a place for rest and recreation.

The pools may be closed at times, between November and April due to high water levels.

Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve
Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve is situated in the heart of the Barkly Tablelands. It is the only reserve in Australia established primarily for the conservation of Mitchell Grassland communities. Situated north-east of the Barkly Homestead, on the eastern boundary of Brunette Downs Station, it covers an area of 256 square kilometers.

A wide variety of birdlife can be found on the reserve including the rare Flock Bronzewing Pigeon. Native mammals found include the red kangaroo, carnivorous marsupials such as the Long-tailed Planigale, several native rodents and Dingoes.

There are two-wheel and four-wheel drive tracks at Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve and visitors are to remain on the marked tracks to assist with the preservation of Mitchell Grass.

Territory Wildlife Park
This world acclaimed Territory Wildlife Park is nestled in 400 hectares of natural bush land and is only a 45 minute drive south of Darwin. The park showcases the wildlife of the Top End, which you can see up close and in their natural habitats.

Highlights of the park include an extensive aquarium with a walk through tunnel where you can stand nose to nose with a 3.7 meter saltwater crocodile, the daily birds of prey display, the nocturnal house and the Monsoon Forest walk. A visit to the park can easily be combined with a refreshing swim afterwards at the neighboring Berry Springs Nature Park. During a visit to the Territory Wildlife Park, travellers can expect to view the spectacular free flight and natural behavior of the Northern Territory's Birds of Prey. Catch a glimpse of the elusive nocturnal creatures of the Top End, a group representing 80 per cent of the Territory's wildlife.

Explore a representation of Top End river system from the escarpment down to the mangroves on the coast, and immerse yourself in the underwater world of the Aquarium Tunnel. Later, sit down and relax, watch the spectacle of pelicans soaring in to enjoy their meal, as wild birds and animals enjoy the sanctuary of the park's billabong. Finally, explore a monsoon rainforest, peek through the bird hide at Goose Lagoon and get up close to park creatures during the Animal Encounters and Presentations.

REGIONS

Darwin and Surrounds

Soak up Darwin’s balmy weather and the melting pot of food and cultures in the city’s many outdoor festivals and markets. Then explore the region’s dramatic history – from World War II air raids to Cyclone Tracey – in the museums and galleries. Sail Darwin harbor at sunset, cruise next to crocodiles and bushwalk through monsoon forest. Do a day trip to Litchfield National Park, where you can swim in crystal-clear waterholes and see thousands of tall termite mounds. Or visit the Tiwi Islands, where you can watch traditional weaving and painting or immerse yourself in the noise and excitement of a local football game.

Kakadu and Arnhem Land

See wildlife, waterfalls and one of the world’s largest areas of accessible rock art World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Bushwalk, spot rare and spectacular wildlife and plunge into sparkling waterholes. Explore the many rich and detailed Aboriginal rock art galleries. See Namarrgon, the Lightning Man at Nourlangie Rock and some of the world’s finest examples of X-ray art at Ubirr Rock in Kakadu’s north-east. North in wholly Aboriginal-owned Arnhem Land, you can fish off the spectacular beaches of the Gove Peninsula and in the creeks, reefs and ocean of the Cobourg Peninsula. Explore the eco systems of Mt Borrodaile with an Aboriginal guide and watch Aboriginal artists at work in the traditional community of Oenpelli.

Tennant Creek and Surrounds

Pan for gold and explore an underground mine in the Battery Hill Mining Centre. Visit the Telegraph Station built in 1872 to link Australia to the outside world. See the huge, precariously balanced boulders known as the Devils Marbles in the plains south of Tennant Creek. You can learn about their cultural significance to traditional owners the Warumungu people at the Nyinkka Nyunyu Culture Centre. Buy Aboriginal art in the tiny township of Ti Tree and visit Australia’s UFO capital of Wycliffe Well. Stay on huge cattle stations north of town and in the vast Barkly Tablelands to the east.

Katherine and Surrounds

Explore the historic pioneering township of Katherine and see ancient Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Sink into the hot springs of Daly River and fish in the remote waterways of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Spot rare wildlife and wander gorges in Gregory National Park, in the Victoria River region, and relax in Mataranka’s sandy-bottomed thermal pool. Katherine’s rugged and ancient landscapes - which stretch from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australian border - also invite you to canoe, bushwalk, bird watch, camp and four-wheel drive.

Alice Springs and Surrounds

Stay in the famous outback town of Alice Springs, which sits in Australia’s red heart just 200 kilometers south of its geographic center. From there you can bushwalk, four wheel drive or join a camel trek across the rolling sand dunes of the Simpson Desert. Trek through Ormiston Gorge and Pound, visit breathtaking Glen Helen Gorge and see rock wallabies at Simpsons Gap, all in the nearby East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Bike ride to Simpsons Gap at dawn, discover different Aboriginal art styles along the Tanami Track and explore the rock art, artifacts and ceremonial sites near the small Aboriginal community of St Teresa.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Lose your breath at Uluru, which rises 348 meters from the desert and matches the light and weather with shades so vivid they upstage the sunset. Learn about Uluru’s cultural significance as you walk around its base with an Aboriginal Anangu guide. Get up close to the grandeur of nearby Kata Tjuta - sacred russet domes formed through millions of years of erosion - on the Valley of the Winds Walk. In Watarrka National Park, you can trek to the rim of Kings Canyon and swim in a waterhole in the lush valley of the Garden of Eden. Walk to Kathleen Springs, drive the Mereenie Loop or soar over the canyon on a helicopter.