Australia’s Northern Territory (NT) is a diverse landscape of culture, history and the great Outback. Beat the tourist crowds in other Aussie destinations and explore all that the NT has to offer for adventure-seeking travelers, because they say you haven’t been Down Under till you’ve been Outback!
1. Swimming Under (or over) Waterfalls
If you’ve imagined the Outback as a dry, dusty, desert region, get ready for a big surprise. There are dozens of amazing waterfalls and swimming holes in the NT’s tropical Top End, so be sure to bring your “swimmers”! Some of our favorites are the Gunlom Falls, nature’s very own infinity pool and the massive, 650-foot-high Jim Jim Falls, both located in Kakadu National Park. Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park is a must-see as well, spilling into a large water hole fit for the ultimate outback pool party. Wherever you go in the Northern Territory, you’ll be surprised to have plenty of opportunities to jump in and cool off.
Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park
2. Festivals & Events
The NT’s festivals and events draw crowds of thousands of visitors. With more than 80 events during the year over the whole of the Territory, there’s always something fun going on.
The middle of the year is the busiest time for festivals and events. The weather sets the perfect stage for a packed calendar of music festivals, art and cultural experiences, quirky Territorian events and local food markets.
Wide Open Spaces Festival, Alice Springs
3. Discover Ancient Rock Art
Australia is said to be home to the world’s oldest living culture and you can witness this in the Northern Territory. Discover Aboriginal rock art and cave paintings that date back over 65,000 years in Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land. Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock are both must-sees and easily accessible by foot, or you can join a park ranger guided tour.
Ubirr, Kakadu National Park
4. Hit the harbor in Darwin
Darwin is the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital city with a typical laid-back Aussie vibe. After all of the exploring you’ll be doing around the Top End, you’ll need some R&R by the sea. Sail around Darwin’s stunning harbor while dining on fish ‘n chips, sipping on some bubbly and taking in a blazing Top End sunset. Alternately, head to one of Darwin’s waterfront restaurants, bars, or pubs and soak in the atmosphere of this tropical harbor city.
Darwin Sailing Club, Darwin
5. Do it all on the Nature’s Way
Spoiled for choice? Why choose? Experience it all with a road trip along the Nature’s Way. Follow the 450-mile loop from Darwin through World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and Nitmiluk National Park in Katherine before returning to Darwin via Litchfield National Park. With wide open roads, well equipped camping grounds, epic swimming holes and stunning bush walks you can hit all these hot spots at your own pace.
Edith Falls, Katherine
6. Cuddle a Kangaroo
When in Alice Springs the famous Kangaroo Sanctuary is a must do. Home of the National Geographic USA documentary Kangaroo Dundee, you can visit the sanctuary on a guided sunset tour to get up close and personal with these beautiful animals and even cuddle a baby kangaroo. The orphaned joeys are so popular they have held the number 1 attraction in the Red Centre on TripAdvisor for a few years in a row.
Kangaroo Sanctuary, Alice Springs
Betcha didn’t know about all of these outback adventures! Ready to hop on a flight to the Land Down Under? We thought so. Grab a cheap flight to Australia and start slotting in some of these adventures into your itinerary. G’day, mate!
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