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Northern Territory travel guide

Sometimes mistakenly called the Northern Territories, this vast region of north and central Australia is singular rather than plural, despite boasting a wide array of landscapes. It is most definitely singular in the other sense of the word, however, as in remarkable. NT for short, the natural heritage and Aboriginal cultural heritage are totally intertwined and totally incredible, as our Northern Territory travel guide reveals.

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Northern Territory travel guide

So often associated with its stunning Red Centre, the Northern Territory is an explosion of so many other colours, colossal landscapes and creatures. NT for short, don’t be thrown by the word 'northern', because this federal Australian territory spreads well into the heart of central Australia, with Uluru as its crowning glory and the Aboriginal people being the rightful bearers of the crown, having settled in NT over 40,000 years ago.

Our land has a big story. Sometimes we tell a little bit at a time. Come and hear our stories, see our land. A little bit might stay in your hearts.

— Jacob Nayinggul, Manilakarr clan

Don’t miss the chance to take an Aboriginal guided tour through Kakadu and Watarrka National Parks or Arnhem Land to learn about the often painful history here, with a beautiful backdrop of sacred landscapes all connected by songlines. Aboriginal people regard all land as sacred, and songs must be continually sung to keep the land ‘alive’. By visiting and respecting the NT, you are contributing to this very special act of stewardship. Find out how, in our Northern Territory travel guide.

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Northern Territory is…

vast and rich. Not just in terms of its landscapes, but also its Aboriginal heritage which is its beating heart.

Northern Territory is not…

for ‘cotton wool’ travellers. There is so much adventure to be had in NT.

Things to do in Northern Territory…

Learn about Aboriginal culture. Northern Territory is the beating heart of Aboriginal culture, with stories, songs and skills that span tens of thousands of years. There are 11 Aboriginal peoples in NT, all with an innate sense of stewardship of their sacred lands. Since the 1976 Aboriginal Land Rights Act was passed, the Aboriginal people had their native title over much of the NT land restored. Half of Kakadu National Park is Aboriginal owned but leased to the national park and entry to Arnhem Land is allotted on a strict permit only basis. Visit rock art, learn about bush craft and tucker, go fishing or sailing with Aboriginals and immerse yourself in a culture of Dreamtime and songlines. Explore the Olgas. Uluru is the biggest ruby in the Red Centre’s crown, protected by Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru needs no introduction, but Kata Tjuta is the highest of 36 other sandstone mounds known collectively as the Olgas. Explore these spectacular sights with Aboriginal guides from the Anangu people, often timed to coincide with sunrise or sunset. It’s about 22km around the circumference of the Olgas and 10km around Uluru. Wildlife watching is nonstop in NT, with top billing going to Kakadu National Park, the largest in Australia, where wallabies and wallaroos, crocodiles and over 280 species of birds are just some of the attractions. Take in the buffalo and birdlife in the wilderness wetlands around Mary River National Park as part of a mammoth, three-week tour by train from NT to New South Wales.

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Things not to do in Northern Territory

Climb Uluru or the Olgas. Please respect Aboriginal heritage as well as the signs, no matter how many people are being irresponsible and ignoring them. It is also dangerous. The hike around Uluru with an Aboriginal guide will take you into a whole other world anyway.

Refer to Aboriginals as indigenous people or Aborigines. Both are seen as de-identifying and are also associated with colonial times when Aboriginal people were lumped into one group. The term ‘Aborigine’ is particularly synonymous with crime, disadvantage and discrimination. Try to use the clan name, such as the Anangu people – aka Pitjantjatjara – at Uluru, or the Yolngu people in East Arnhem. There are 11 Aboriginal groups in Northern Territory in all and over 500 in Australia as a whole. The terms First Australians, Australia’s First Peoples and First Nations Australia are also acceptable.

Mess with the wilderness. If you are on a self drive holiday, make sure you have enough supplies in case you break down. Go hiking with an expert guide, always make sure you drink enough water, protect yourself from the sun and don’t touch any wildlife. Even ants. If bitten by something get to a hospital asap. When ‘going bush’ always cover up with long trousers, socks, headgear and sensible footwear.

Ignore the box jellyfish which hang out in the waters around Darwin from October to May; their stings can be fatal. Beware of the signs, and look out for bottles of vinegar on the beach which is the only antidote. Always check with local people before swimming, as there can also be crocodiles. The offshore islands are the safest places to swim.