The Northern Territory is the least populated of the Australian states, being home to just 1% of the total population, yet it covers 1/5 of Australia’s landmass.

The Northern Territory can be divided into its Red Centre, where you will find the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Alice Springs, the Top End, a tropical wetland of National Parks, the territory capital Darwin, and loosely the “bit in between” which connects Alice Springs with the coast.

Officially, the Northern Territory is not a state – previously it has come under the administration of New South Wales and South Australia, and by the Federal Government but has been self-governed since the late 1970s, though Canberra does take more of an active part in the administration of the Northern Territory than it does in that of the other states.

The Northern Territory can be split into distinct regions – Darwin and its surrounds, The Top End (Kakadu and Arnhem Land), Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, and the Red Centre

To learn more about Northern Territory and book your flights, accommodation, attractions and touring then visit www.australiatravelmarket.com/australiasoutback

Fast Facts

State Capital: Darwin

Population: 200,000 (50% in Darwin)

Area: 1.42 million sq km (548,640 sq miles)

Climate: The dry season in the Top End lasts from April to September and the wet from October to March. The heaviest rain falls between January and March. The highest humidity occurs in April and between October and December. This part of Australia is the most prone to storms and Darwin has more than 90 “thunder days” a year, between September and March. In the Red Centre, temperatures can fluctuate wildly, from below freezing on winter nights (June to August), to the mid 40s on summer days (November to March). The best time to visit the NT, both the Red Centre and the Top End, is in June and July.

Time: GMT +9 ½ hours

Getting To the Northern Territory

Most international airlines do not operate directly into Darwin, so most travellers will arrive in Darwin on a domestic flight from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane. Garuda International and Qantas offer direct flights from Bali . Qantas, Virgin Blue and Airnorth offer domestic flights to and from Darwin from all other state capitals,  and other smaller domestic airlines operate services between Darwin and other towns and cities such as Alice Springs  - ask your travel agent for more information on domestic flights.
  
National coach services run by Greyhound/Pioneer Bus Australia serve the Northern Territory.  There are direct services between  all state capitals and Darwin - travellers should be aware that it is around a 92 hour journey from Sydney to Darwin, and 19 hours to Alice Springs.

The Northern Territory is also served by the Ghan train from Adelaide, which makes the 1891 mile journey to Darwin via Alice Springs once a week in each direction, taking two nights.

Getting Around the Northern Territory

Unless you have got plenty of time, making at least some of your journeys by air is the best way to deal with the vast spaces of the Northern Territory.  You can easily fly between Darwin and Alice Springs and Yulara (the airport that serves Uluru (Ayers Rock)), and there are also small airlines that offer flights to Arnhem Land and other remote regions.  

A trip on the Ghan from Alice Springs to Darwin or vice versa is also an experience not to be missed.  There are also bus and coach services linking the NT with other major centres, and there are local buses running from Darwin and Alice Springs into the immediate areas.

There are three main roads that serve the Northern Territory, and deviating off these highways may only be possible if you have a 4WD vehicle.  The Stuart Highway head south to Adelaide, the Barkly Highway east to Queensland via Mount Isa, and the Victoria Highway, which heads westwards towards and unsealed road into Western Australia. 

Top Ten Things to Do and See in the Northern Territory

1. Kata-Tjuta National Park: Perhaps the greatest natural icon in all Australia, Uluru (Ayers Rock) must be on your itinerary for a first visit to the Northern Territory. Be sure not to miss the Olgas. There are some great ways of seeing these mighty monoliths – scenic flights are popular, but you can also view them from the back of a Harley Davidson! And whilst at Yulara, make sure you try the Sounds of Silence Dinner.
   
2. National Parks: There are so many national parks in the Northern Territory to choose from, each distinguishable from the next by its contrasting ecosystem and wildlife, although all are rich in Aboriginal Culture. Choose from Outback (Kata Tjuta and Watarrka), or the tropical Top End (Kakadu, Nitmiluk, or Litchfield, or the vast Aboriginal-owned wilderness of Arnhem Land.
   
3. Aboriginal Culture: The long Aboriginal history of the Northern Territory has given it the accolade of being the spiritual heart of Australia, and there are numerous Aboriginal Culture experiences that welcome visitors keen to learn and understand more about these ancient traditions. At Uluru, take a walk with the Anangu people, and hear first hand accounts of traditional legends. Kakadu National Park is home to an exceptional display of Aboriginal Rock Art, best viewed at Ubirr and Nourlangie Rocks. 
   
4. Pioneer History: Not only is the Northern Territory home to some of the finest examples of Aboriginal history, it also plays host to a number of relics of Australia’s more recent past, namely the pioneer years of the Gold Rush and of the Overland Telegraph Line, which ran from Darwin down to Adelaide. There are just four of the original 12 telegraph stations remaining now, and these can be visited in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Barrow Creek and Powell Creek. Tennant Creek houses many reminders of the Gold Rush years.
   
5. A town like Alice: Alice Springs is perhaps the most famous Outback town, which has overcome its isolated position in innovative ways – here you can visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air, which provide medical assistance and education respectively to those living in the most remote communities. 
   
6. Hiking and Camping: In the NT, camping need not mean compromising on comfort, as there are some excellent camping grounds in some of the most beautiful locations. There are numerous operators offering camping trips in the National Parks, and around Alice Springs and Kata Tjuta National Park. Combining well with camping trips are the many, many walking trails to be found all over the state, ranging from a simple stroll amongst breathtaking scenery, to more challenging walks that should only be undertaken by the most experienced hikers.
   
7. Wilderness Lodges and Outback Retreats: The Northern Territory can offer plenty in the way of unique accommodation – stay on a working cattle station at Bond Springs (nr Alice Springs) or Kings Creek (Watarrka National Park); or for a taste of luxury in the wilderness, try Seven Spirit Bay on the Cobourg Peninsula of Arnhem Land; and Longitude 131 has brought African-style luxury tented safari accommodation to Uluru.
   
8. Fishing: The Northern Territory is the fishing capital of Australia, and no matter what your level of expertise is, it is well worth having a go at landing a barramundi, one of the NT’s specialities! Excellent fishing, in both the sea and in freshwater lakes, can be found all over the state.
   
9. Darwin: Darwin has long since shed its “redneck” reputation and is now a vibrant, cosmopolitan and truly international city, unique in its location as a gateway to Asia. Here ethnic and cultural diversity go hand in hand with a racial tolerance that can sometimes be missing elsewhere in Australia, and the result is a friendly and welcoming city, with plenty of attractions. Darwin is also well placed for access to the National Parks of the Top End.
   
10. Wildlife: The arid climate of the Red Centre and the tropical climate of the Top End ensures that the Northern Territory supports a diverse range of natural habitats. Kakadu National Park is teeming with incredible animal, plant and bird life – here you can see both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles – the latter are best viewed from the safety of a boat, whilst the less ferocious freshwater variety can safely be viewed whilst canoeing.