Darwin – the ‘Top End’ of Australia
Alice Springs – ‘The Heart’ of Australia

NT map

A vacation to the Northern Territory will help you retain that feeling of having been somewhere special. For those who have not made the time to visit, find out why so many people keep coming back. Make this year the year to visit some of our popular destinations that include the iconic natural wonders of the heritage listed Kakadu National Park, encompassing the majestic rainforest of the tropical far north, through to the desert red sands of the arid centre with its monolith rocks of Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (formerly the Olgas) and Mount Connor. Stretching east and west from Alice Springs is the MacDonnell Ranges, a special place not only to the local indigenous people, but to those of us who choose to live here.

Mount Gillen, Central Australia, NT
Mount Gillen, Central Australia, NT

Now is the time to start planning that memorable holiday, with the NT offering a range of experiences from the Top End through to the Red Centre. Of course there are a number of islands up in the Top End and many outback communities that welcome visitors. Whether you are seeking a tropical escape, an outback adventure and or somethings special and unique, the Northern Territory offers that ideal getaway destinations. It is the perfect place to refresh the body, revitalise the mind and to share the experience with family and friends.

The Seasons
Those planning to visit the northern end of the NT that includes Darwin and Kakadu should be aware that there are two distinct seasons, referred to as ‘the wet’ and ‘the dry’. The wet season occurs approximately from November to March, whilst the dry occurs from April to November.

Central Australia has four recognisable seasons: spring (September to November), summer (December to February), autumn (March to May), and winter (June to August).

The indigenous people however, recognised many more seasons, being more in tune with the land. For those seeking to experience Aboriginal art and culture, there are many tour opportunities and experiences, as well as a plethora of galleries and cultural centres to whet your appetite.

Other major natural attractions besides Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park, include Kings Canyon (in Watarrka National Park), Palm Valley (home to the Red Cabbage Palm, the remnants of a tropical rainforest that covered the area 60 million years ago) and Alice Springs, considered the heart of the vast Central Australia region.

Alice Springs is also a popular base from which to visit the numerous nearby attractions, with the East MacDonnell and West MacDonnell Ranges stretching some 644 km either side of the Alice, encompassing numerous gorges and waterholes, as well as the world famous ‘Larapinta Trail’.

Heading further north is the UFO centre of Australia, Wycliffe Well, Tennant Creek, Mataranka, Katherine and Arnhem Land, just to name a few

Comprising one-sixth of Australia, with over 50 percent of the Territory classed as Aboriginal land, come and enjoy the experience as the Aboriginal people share with you their arts and culture, opening their door onto the wonders of an ancient landscape that contains woodlands, tropical rainforests, deserts and semi-arid plains.

Getting to the Top End and Central Australia is quite easy, you can travel by air, train, coach or self-drive. When you arrive in the Territory, you can heighten your experience by booking on a air tour and charter. Helicopter rides at various locations also provide a unique perspective over the landscape.


As we expand our content, we will be writing about the various attractions that we have enjoyed, as well as dipping into our archives. From some of the quirky and fun festival and events, there will also be information on some of people’s individual passion from flora and fauna, to the magnificent landscape. Many visitors to Central Australia come here to bird watch or just to enjoy the botanic garden, parks and reserves with their unique flora. Among the diversity of fauna, we have numerous small creatures, including a number of native bee species that have been documented here.

More information can be found on the local visitors centre website:

Wurre / Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve
Wurre / Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve

Northern TerritoryCentral Australia Aileron Alice Springs Binns Track Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve Ernest Giles Road Finke Gorge National Park Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve Hermannsburg Historic Precinct Ilparpa Claypans Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve MacDonnell Ranges Mount Connor Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary Owen Springs Reserve Red Centre Way Drive Standley Chasm Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Watarrka National Park & Kings Canyon Wurre / Rainbow Valley