The Northern Territory is an awe-inspiring region with an abundance of nature, adventure and culture that truly captures the essence of Australia.
Undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the Northern Territory is the city of Darwin which exudes charm with its laid-back lifestyle, tropical weather and modern city feel. A Mecca of culture, Darwin boasts deep aboriginal influences as well as Asian inspiration and is a haven for food lovers with everything from bustling markets to some of the finest restaurants in the world. There’s plenty to do in Darwin, from museums to fishing trips, and with the Adelaide River on the doorstep, it is the perfect spot to view Australia’s iconic saltwater crocodiles.
Darwin also acts as a convenient hub for many Northern Territory tourist attractions including Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks which offer a variety of hiking trails that will allow you to discover cascading waterfalls, an abundance of native flora and fauna and idyllic rock pools perfect for taking a dip in to cool off. Also not far from Darwin are the dramatic sandstone gorges of the World-renowned Katherine Gorge. Hike, kayak or take a cruise through these marvels of nature and discover ancient aboriginal rock art as well as spectacular views.
Of all the Northern Territory holiday destinations to choose from, no trip to this rugged and remote region would be complete without a visit to iconic Uluru. Located deep in Australia’s Red Centre, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to several of Australia’s natural wonders including King’s Canyon, The Olgas and of course the spectacular red rock itself. Be open and immerse yourself in the deep cultural significance that runs down to the very core of this sacred place.
With all of this on offer and so much more, your trip to the Northern Territory is one that you’ll never forget. Talk to BKB Holidays today and let us help you plan your perfect trip to the Northern Territory.
Darwin & The Northern Territory
Darwin is Australia’s most unique capital city and the stepping stone to the wilderness areas of the Northern Territory. With a relaxed, laid-back tropical lifestyle and the inclusion of its multicultural population, Darwin is a vibrant & colourful holiday destination.
The city is the starting point for a range of fantastic touring options. Only 2 hours drive east of Darwin, Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s most prized landscapes and is a must for any visitor to The Top End.
To the south of Darwin lies Litchfield National Park and Katherine, renowned for their gorges, brilliant waterfalls, and amazing termite mounds. Arnhem Land is a journey of the spirit for those wishing to learn more about Aboriginal art & culture.
Weather
Darwin in the Top End of the Northern Territory has two distinct seasons, the ‘wet’ and the ‘dry’. The wet season runs from November until April, and is typically high humidity, monsoonal rains and storms. Temperatures typically range from a minimum of 25°C to a maximum of 33°C. The ‘dry’ season, from May until October, is warm and dry with sunny days and cool nights. Temperatures typically range from 21°C to 32°C, and humidity levels are much lower.
The Red Centre
The heart of Central Australia, affectionately known as the Red Centre is famous for its colourful landscapes and contrasting colours. Cobalt blue skies shroud rich red rocks and mountain ranges that stretch uninterrupted for hundreds of kilometres.
Alice Springs is a spirited outback town with a strong sense of its pioneering history. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, only the most intrepid pioneers braved its rugged environment to form a settlement. They included Afghan cameleers and gold prospectors, later followed by the Telegraph Station which linked Alice Springs to the rest of Australia.
Kings Canyon is along a detour between Alice Springs and Uluru. Climb to the top of the rim and view the towering red cliffs with thick tropical palms at the base of the canyon. Allow around four hours to walk the entire canyon rim so you can take in the views at each point.
Yulara is 450kms from Alice Springs and is the base for anyone wanting to see Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). With a mix of accommodation styles, from world class luxury, to self-contained apartments, to simple and budget-friendly, there’s something to suit everyone. Uluru and Kata Tjuta are just a short drive or coach trip from Yulara, with tours taking in sunrise, sunset, guided walks and plenty of cultural experiences. Pre-book all touring to ensure you’re fitting in the most possible during your stay.
Weather
Being the desert, prepare for hot days and frosty nights. Many tours are planned for mornings or evenings so you’re out of the sun in the middle of the day – perfect for a siesta! December to February sees temperatures up to 40C and 20C at night with a bit of rain around January. Winter (June to August) sees night time temperatures below zero and some frost, so be sure to pack a coat and beanie for any sunrise tours, while the days heat up to around 20 degrees. Autumn and Spring are the most popular times of year with cool mornings and days around the high twenties.
Kings Canyon
Watarrka National Park, 300 kilometres to the north-east of Uluru, is best known for Kings Canyon – a mighty chasm that cleaves the earth to a depth of 270 metres. The sheer red rock face of the Canyon soars over 100 metres above cycad gardens. The Park is an important conservation area, where rock holes and gorges provide refuge for over 600 species of plants and many native animals.
Self-Drive the NT
Create your own adventure with a tailored Northern Territory driving holiday. We’re here to help take the stress out of planning, with a wide range of vehicles and rental conditions, we can help create your dream road trip combined with accommodation and sightseeing options.
Enjoy the freedom of a well-planned self-drive holiday, with time for photo stops or heading off the beaten track to explore the amazing landscapes of the NT. Our suggested itineraries are a guide to the some of the most popular self-drive routes or let us design your epic adventure.
Choose from our suggested packages or we have many more options to tailor an itinerary to suit individuals, couples, families and groups. Contact us on 1300 357 057 or bookings@bkbholidays.ddev.com.au to create a bespoke itinerary for a short stay or extensive self-drive holiday.
