Welcome to the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is Australia's untamed heart — a vast region of dramatic contrasts where ancient Aboriginal culture meets spectacular wilderness. From the tropical wetlands and waterfalls of Kakadu to the iconic red monolith of Uluru, the rugged gorges of Katherine to Darwin's vibrant multicultural scene, the NT delivers authentic outback experiences and profound cultural connections.
This hub connects you to curated tours across the Northern Territory's iconic regions, essential travel advice for extreme conditions, and direct booking options with Cooee Tours. Whether you're planning a Top End wet season adventure, Red Centre road trip or cultural immersion in Aboriginal country, the Territory rewards adventurous travelers.
✨Why Visit the Northern Territory?
Ancient culture: 65,000+ years of continuous Aboriginal presence, rock art, cultural tours · Iconic landmarks: Uluru, Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Kings Canyon · Wildlife paradise: Crocodiles, wallabies, abundant birdlife, marine life · Extreme landscapes: Waterfalls, desert, gorges, wetlands — raw natural beauty
Darwin & Top End
Darwin is Australia's tropical capital — a relaxed, multicultural city perched on the edge of the Timor Sea. The Top End encompasses the wetlands, coastal areas and national parks of northern NT, where monsoon rains transform the landscape from dry season dust to lush tropical paradise.
Darwin City
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (Apr-Oct), Crocosaurus Cove, Museum & Art Gallery NT, waterfront dining. Sample tour: Darwin Highlights Tour.
Litchfield National Park
Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, magnetic termite mounds. Easy day trip from Darwin with safe swimming holes.
Crocodile Adventures
Jumping crocodile cruises on Adelaide River, crocodile farms, wildlife parks. Witness these ancient predators up close — safely.
Tiwi Islands
Aboriginal art, culture tours, remote island experience. Ferry/flight from Darwin for authentic Indigenous cultural immersion.
📝 Darwin & Top End Travel Guides
Kakadu & Arnhem Land
Kakadu is Australia's largest national park — a World Heritage area of immense cultural and ecological significance. Ancient rock art, massive wetlands, powerful waterfalls and abundant wildlife combine with deep Aboriginal cultural connections. Arnhem Land offers exclusive access to one of Australia's most pristine wilderness areas.
Kakadu National Park
Ubirr & Nourlangie rock art, Yellow Water cruises, Twin & Jim Jim Falls, Gunlom plunge pool. Book: Kakadu Day Tour or multi-day packages.
Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Indigenous-led tours explaining rock art, bush tucker, traditional lands, storytelling. Essential for understanding Kakadu's significance.
Wetlands & Wildlife
Mamukala wetlands, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge), bird watching paradise. Crocodiles, buffalo, jabirus, over 280 bird species.
Arnhem Land
Exclusive permit-only access, untouched coastlines, authentic Aboriginal experiences, fishing lodges. Premium wilderness adventure.
📝 Kakadu & Arnhem Travel Guides
Red Centre — Uluru & Alice Springs
The Red Centre is Australia's spiritual heart — where the iconic monolith of Uluru rises from red desert plains, Aboriginal culture runs deepest, and the outback reveals its ancient soul. Alice Springs serves as the gateway to this profound landscape of desert ranges, gorges and sacred sites.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta
Sunrise/sunset viewing, base walks, Anangu cultural centre, Field of Light installation. Respect cultural protocols — climbing banned. Book: Uluru Experience Tour.
Alice Springs
Desert Park, Telegraph Station, Anzac Hill, Todd River, Aboriginal art galleries. Gateway to Red Centre adventures.
Kings Canyon
6km Rim Walk (3-4hrs), Garden of Eden, Lost City formations. Watarrka National Park — challenging but rewarding hike.
West MacDonnell Ranges
Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen. Accessible gorge walks and swimming holes west of Alice Springs.
Katherine & Nitmiluk Gorge
Katherine sits at the crossroads of the NT, gateway to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge system. This region offers river adventures, thermal springs, Indigenous culture and some of the Territory's most accessible natural wonders on the route between Darwin and the Red Centre.
Nitmiluk National Park
Gorge cruises, canoeing, helicopter flights, walking trails, Indigenous cultural tours. 13 gorges owned by Jawoyn people. Book: Katherine Gorge Tour.
Katherine Town
Hot springs (swimming hole), Katherine Museum, outback pubs, regional galleries. Stopover point on Darwin-Alice route.
Edith Falls
Upper and lower pools, waterfall walks, camping, swimming. Part of Nitmiluk but accessed separately — less crowded alternative.
Mataranka
Thermal springs (34°C year-round), Elsey National Park, Bitter Springs. Relaxing stop between Katherine and Alice Springs.
📝 Katherine Region Travel Guides
Things to Do in the Northern Territory
The NT demands active engagement — from cultural immersion to wildlife encounters, gorge walks to sunset viewing. These experiences define Territory travel.
🎨 Aboriginal Culture
Rock art viewing, Indigenous-led tours, art galleries, cultural centers, storytelling, bush tucker experiences, traditional dance.
🥾 Gorges & Waterfalls
Katherine Gorge cruises/canoes, Kakadu falls (Jim Jim, Twin, Gunlom), West MacDonnell gorges, Kings Canyon Rim Walk.
🐊 Wildlife Encounters
Crocodile cruises, bird watching (280+ species in Kakadu), kangaroos, wallabies, buffalo, dingoes, abundant marine life.
🌅 Sunset & Sunrise
Uluru sunrise/sunset viewing, Mindil Beach markets, Katherine Gorge lookouts, Ubirr sunset rock art platform.
🚁 Scenic Flights
Helicopter over Kakadu, Uluru aerial views, Katherine Gorge from above, Arnhem Land access, outback station flights.
🎣 Fishing & Water
Barramundi fishing (guided tours), gorge swimming, thermal springs, billabong cruises, snorkeling in waterholes.
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
The Northern Territory has two dominant seasons: dry (May-Oct) and wet (Nov-Apr). Dry season is optimal for most travelers — comfortable temperatures, no rain, all attractions accessible. Wet season offers dramatic landscapes and fewer crowds but requires flexibility with road closures and extreme heat/humidity. Always check conditions before traveling remote areas.
Critical safety note: Summer temperatures in the Red Centre can exceed 45°C. Never travel remote areas without: adequate water (6L+ per person per day), emergency supplies, satellite phone/EPIRB, and current road condition reports.
Planning Resources & Downloads
Essential guides for navigating the Territory's extreme conditions and remote locations. These could save your trip — or your life.
Darwin → Kakadu → Katherine → Alice Springs → Uluru circuit. Includes drive times, fuel stops, seasonal considerations.
Rock art sites, walking trails, wetland cruises, seasonal access, wildlife viewing, cultural protocols and safety information.
Anangu culture, sacred sites, viewing protocols, photography guidelines, and meaningful ways to experience Uluru respectfully.
Essential gear checklist, water requirements, emergency procedures, heat management, crocodile safety, remote area protocols.
Quick Book with Cooee Tours
Ready to experience the Northern Territory? Share your adventure goals and we'll create a safe, culturally respectful itinerary for this challenging but rewarding destination.