Discover ancient landscapes, Indigenous culture, and Australia's wild frontier
The Northern Territory is Australia's outback heartland, home to some of the continent's most iconic landscapes and profound cultural experiences. From the monumental sandstone monolith of Uluru to the tropical wetlands of Kakadu, from the rugged gorges of the MacDonnell Ranges to the pristine coastline of the Top End, the NT offers adventures unlike anywhere else on Earth. Our expertly guided tours connect you with ancient Indigenous cultures, spectacular natural wonders, and unique wildlife encounters in one of the world's last great wilderness regions.
Experience the spiritual heart of Australia at the world's most recognizable monolith. Watch sunrise and sunset paint the rock in ever-changing hues, walk around the base discovering ancient rock art, and learn from Anangu traditional owners about the deep cultural significance of this sacred place.
Explore Uluru ToursExplore Australia's largest national park, a World Heritage site covering 20,000 square kilometers of wetlands, billabongs, and escarpments. Discover ancient rock art galleries, cruise among saltwater crocodiles, and witness spectacular waterfalls cascading over sandstone cliffs during the wet season.
Explore Kakadu ToursDiscover thirteen spectacular gorges carved through ancient Arnhem Land sandstone by the Katherine River. Cruise through towering cliff walls, canoe peaceful waters, or take scenic walking trails. Experience Aboriginal rock art and learn about the Jawoyn people's deep connection to this landscape.
Explore Katherine ToursThe Northern Territory offers experiences that simply cannot be found elsewhere in Australia. This is a land where ancient Aboriginal cultures remain vibrantly alive, where rock art galleries date back 20,000 years, and where traditional owners share their stories and connection to country. The landscapes here operate on a vast scale—endless horizons, ancient rock formations billions of years old, wetland systems supporting incredible biodiversity, and night skies so dark and clear that the Milky Way appears three-dimensional.
The Territory's remoteness and low population density mean you can still experience true wilderness. In Kakadu, you might drive for hours seeing more wildlife than people. At Uluru, you can sit in silence watching the sun set over landscapes unchanged for millennia. The NT is also Australia's frontier, a place where pioneering spirit combines with sophisticated tourism infrastructure, where you can enjoy comfortable accommodation after days spent exploring some of Earth's most pristine environments.
The Northern Territory experiences two distinct seasons. The Dry Season (May to October) offers comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and excellent conditions for outdoor activities—this is peak tourist season, particularly for the Top End. The Wet Season (November to April) brings dramatic thunderstorms, flowing waterfalls, and lush landscapes, with the Red Centre around Uluru remaining accessible year-round. Winter (June-August) provides perfect conditions territory-wide, though nights can be cool in the Red Centre.
The tropical Top End comes alive during the dry season, when accessible roads and comfortable temperatures make it the perfect time to explore Darwin, Kakadu, and Arnhem Land. Darwin serves as the gateway to the region, a vibrant multicultural city with markets, museums, and waterfront dining. Beyond the city, adventure awaits in multiple forms.
Kakadu National Park dominates the Top End experience with its diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Yellow Water Billabong offers world-class wildlife viewing, where crocodiles, water buffalo, jabiru, and countless bird species congregate. The park's rock art sites, including Ubirr and Nourlangie, showcase some of the oldest continuous artistic traditions on Earth. Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, accessible during the dry season, cascade over 200-meter cliffs into pristine plunge pools.
Litchfield National Park, closer to Darwin, provides easier access to stunning waterfalls and swimming holes. Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and Buley Rockhole offer refreshing swimming in clear, croc-free waters surrounded by monsoon rainforest. The park's magnetic termite mounds create surreal landscapes, standing like sentinels across the savanna woodland.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park represents the spiritual and geological heart of Australia. Uluru (Ayers Rock) rises 348 meters above the surrounding plain, but this massive sandstone monolith extends another 2.5 kilometers below ground. The rock's ability to change color throughout the day, particularly at sunrise and sunset, creates an almost magical spectacle that has captivated visitors for generations.
The base walk around Uluru (10.6 kilometers) reveals the rock's intricate details—caves, waterholes, and ancient rock art sites that remain sacred to the Anangu people. Cultural tours led by Aboriginal guides provide insights into the Tjukurpa (traditional law) and the stories embedded in the landscape. Nearby Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) features 36 domed rock formations, with the Valley of the Winds walk offering stunning vistas across the desert landscape.
Alice Springs, the Red Centre's hub, sits cradled in the MacDonnell Ranges. The town itself offers rich Aboriginal art galleries, the Desert Park with its nocturnal house for viewing desert wildlife, and historic sites from the telegraph station era. The East and West MacDonnell Ranges stretch for hundreds of kilometers, containing hidden gorges, waterholes, and ancient landscapes waiting to be explored.
The Northern Territory's wildlife is as diverse as its landscapes. Saltwater crocodiles, the world's largest living reptiles, patrol the waterways of Kakadu and the Top End. Yellow Water and Adelaide River cruises offer safe opportunities to observe these prehistoric predators in their natural habitat. The Territory is also home to freshwater crocodiles, which are smaller and less aggressive than their saltwater cousins.
Birdlife flourishes across the Territory's varied ecosystems. Kakadu alone hosts over 280 bird species, from the impressive jabiru (black-necked stork) to tiny finches, colorful parrots, and majestic sea eagles. The dry season concentrates birds around remaining water sources, creating exceptional viewing opportunities. Magpie geese gather in massive flocks, and brolgas perform their elegant courtship dances in the wetlands.
In the Red Centre, uniquely adapted desert species thrive despite harsh conditions. Red kangaroos, the largest marsupials, bound across the plains. Thorny devils, lizards covered in spiky armor, hunt ants in the morning sun. Dingoes patrol their territories, and at night, bilbies, mala, and other nocturnal marsupials emerge. The Desert Park in Alice Springs provides excellent opportunities to see these often-elusive creatures.
The Northern Territory offers Australia's most accessible and authentic Indigenous cultural experiences. Traditional owners remain deeply connected to country throughout the Territory, and many communities welcome visitors through cultural tourism ventures. These experiences provide windows into the world's oldest continuous living culture, with traditions, stories, and knowledge passed down through countless generations.
At Uluru, Anangu-led tours explain the Tjukurpa stories that give meaning to the landscape. Rock art sites throughout the Territory serve as ancient galleries and teaching places. In Arnhem Land, accessible through permitted tours, you can visit remote communities and art centers where artists create works using traditional techniques and contemporary visions. The Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin, showcase unique artistic traditions distinct from mainland Aboriginal culture.
Cultural centers like the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Kakadu and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre provide comprehensive introductions to local Indigenous cultures. These facilities, owned and operated by traditional owner groups, share knowledge about traditional lifestyles, bush tucker, tool-making, and the spiritual significance of the surrounding country.
Arrive in Darwin and settle into your accommodation. Explore the waterfront precinct, visit Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (Thursday/Sunday), and sample tropical cuisine from the diverse food stalls. Optional visit to Crocosaurus Cove or Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.
Journey to Kakadu with stops at Adelaide River for jumping crocodile cruise. Explore Ubirr rock art site and climb to the lookout for panoramic wetland views. Evening sunset over the floodplains. Overnight in Jabiru or Cooinda.
Early morning Yellow Water cruise for wildlife viewing. Visit Nourlangie Rock for more ancient art galleries. Afternoon swim at Gunlom Falls (dry season) or Maguk. Learn about the six seasons of Kakadu from Indigenous guides.
Travel to Katherine with stops at Edith Falls for swimming. Afternoon cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge's towering sandstone walls. Option for canoeing, helicopter flight, or bushwalking. Learn about Jawoyn culture and connection to the gorge system.
Fly to Alice Springs (or epic outback drive for extended tours). Explore Alice Springs Desert Park to see Central Australian wildlife. Visit Aboriginal art galleries and Royal Flying Doctor Service. Sunset from Anzac Hill overlooking the town and ranges.
Early departure for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Sunrise at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area. Base walk around Uluru with cultural guide. Afternoon exploration of Kata Tjuta and Valley of the Winds walk. Sunset viewing with sparkling wine as the rock changes color.
Pre-dawn departure for Kings Canyon. Complete the rim walk (6km, 3-4 hours) through weathered sandstone formations and the Garden of Eden waterhole. Afternoon return to Uluru airport or Alice Springs for departure flights.
The Northern Territory is rich with stories that span tens of thousands of years. The Rainbow Serpent, one of the most important creator beings in Aboriginal mythology, is said to have carved out the waterways and gorges during the Dreamtime. At Kakadu, the Gagudju people maintain connection to country through stories passed down through countless generations, with each rock formation, waterhole, and landscape feature having significance in the Tjukurpa (traditional law).
European exploration of the Territory is equally dramatic. The ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition attempted to cross the continent in 1860-61. The Overland Telegraph Line, completed in 1872, connected Australia to the world and established Alice Springs. The bombing of Darwin in 1942 marked Australia's entry into World War II on home soil, with 64 air raids over two years. These historical layers add depth to Territory travels, visible in heritage sites and museums throughout the region.
Book accommodations well in advance for dry season travel (May-October), especially around Uluru and in Kakadu. Alice Springs and Darwin fill quickly during peak winter months. For budget travelers, consider camping—the Territory has excellent campgrounds with facilities, and sleeping under the stars is unforgettable.
Distances in the NT are vast. Alice Springs to Darwin is 1,500 kilometers, a long but spectacular drive through changing landscapes. Allow more time than you think for driving, and always carry extra water and fuel. Mobile coverage is limited outside main centers, so download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans.
For Kakadu waterfalls and gorges, visit early in the dry season (May-June) when waterfalls still flow strongly but access roads have opened. By August-September, some waterfalls may be reduced to trickles. Conversely, the late dry season offers the best wildlife concentration around remaining waterholes.
At Uluru, the sunrise viewing area fills quickly, so arrive early for the best spots. The base walk is best tackled in the cool of early morning or late afternoon. Always carry a hat, sunscreen, and water—even in winter, the sun is intense. Most importantly, respect the cultural significance of the site and heed traditional owner requests about photography and access.
Dry Season (May-October): Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime with layers for cool evenings, especially in the Red Centre where winter nights can drop near freezing. Sturdy walking shoes with good ankle support for rocky terrain. Wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen (minimum SPF 30). A reusable water bottle is essential—aim to drink 3-4 liters daily.
Top End Specific: Lightweight long sleeves and pants for mosquito protection, particularly around wetlands at dawn and dusk. Quick-dry clothing if swimming at waterfalls. Insect repellent containing DEET. A dry bag for electronics during boat cruises.
Photography: Telephoto lens for wildlife and birds, wide-angle for landscapes and night sky shots. Bring extra batteries as heat drains them quickly, and memory cards fill fast with the Territory's photogenic scenery. A tripod is valuable for sunrise/sunset photography at Uluru and for capturing star trails in the incredibly dark skies.
Camping: If camping, a quality sleeping bag rated for the season (warm for summer, cold-rated for winter in the Red Centre). Camping chair, torch with red light for night-time use, and a portable power bank for devices.
The Northern Territory has made significant strides in accessibility, though the remote nature of many attractions presents challenges. Uluru's Mala Walk is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors with mobility limitations to experience the base of the rock. The Cultural Centre and most viewing areas feature accessible pathways and facilities. Accessible sunset viewing areas are available with parking close by.
In Kakadu, the Bowali Visitor Centre and Warradjan Cultural Centre are fully accessible. Yellow Water cruises can accommodate wheelchairs with advance notice, and several boardwalks including Mamukala wetlands offer accessible wildlife viewing. Alice Springs Desert Park features wheelchair-accessible paths through all exhibits, and the nocturnal house provides excellent opportunities to see Central Australian wildlife regardless of mobility.
Darwin's attractions, including the Museum and Art Gallery, Crocosaurus Cove, and waterfront areas are wheelchair accessible. Many tour operators offer specialized vehicles and can customize itineraries for guests with accessibility requirements. We recommend contacting us early in planning to arrange appropriate accommodations and ensure your NT adventure is comfortable and inclusive.
Ormiston Gorge: In the West MacDonnell Ranges, this spectacular gorge features a permanent waterhole surrounded by towering red cliffs. The ghost gum-lined gorge walk and swimming opportunities make it one of the Red Centre's best-kept secrets, far less crowded than Uluru but equally impressive.
Litchfield National Park: While less famous than Kakadu, Litchfield offers easier access to stunning waterfalls and swimming holes. Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and the cascades at Buley Rockhole provide refreshing dips in crystal-clear, croc-free water. The magnetic termite mounds create an otherworldly landscape unique to the Top End.
Edith Falls: Located between Katherine and Kakadu, these beautiful falls and swimming holes see far fewer visitors than major attractions. The upper pool walk offers serenity and spectacular scenery, with the bonus of excellent swimming in pristine natural pools.
Rainbow Valley: Just 100km south of Alice Springs, this conservation reserve showcases dramatic colored sandstone cliffs that glow at sunrise and sunset. The remote location means few tourists visit, offering solitude among spectacular desert landscapes.
Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park: Stretching 161 kilometers west of Alice Springs, this park contains numerous gorges, each with unique character. Glen Helen, Ellery Creek, Ormiston, and Redbank Gorges reward those willing to venture further from Alice Springs with pristine wilderness and fewer crowds.
Darwin: Mindil Beach sunset watching is free and spectacular during the dry season. Stroll the Darwin Waterfront precinct, explore the wave pool and lagoon (free entry), and visit the Darwin Cenotaph War Memorial. The Botanic Gardens showcase tropical plants including native species, all at no cost.
Alice Springs: Anzac Hill provides panoramic views over the town and surrounding ranges, particularly stunning at sunset. The Araluen Cultural Precinct gardens are free to wander (museums have entry fees). Walk sections of the Larapinta Trail starting from town. Browse the Todd Mall where Aboriginal artists often demonstrate their skills.
Natural Swimming Holes: Berry Springs, about 50km from Darwin, offers beautiful natural pools perfect for swimming and picnicking (parking fee may apply). Many of the West MacDonnell Ranges gorges have free access, though some require a Northern Territory Parks Pass. Ellery Creek Big Hole is a stunning swimming spot in the ranges.
Self-Guided Experiences: Drive scenic routes like the Red Centre Way connecting Alice Springs to Uluru, stopping at roadside lookouts. Many rock art sites have viewing platforms accessible without tour costs, though cultural tours provide much richer context and support traditional owners. Sunset and sunrise viewing at Uluru viewing areas is included with your park entry.
The Northern Territory offers numerous family-friendly experiences that engage children with nature and culture. Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin's city center allows kids (and brave adults) to swim in a cage within the crocodile enclosure—a thrilling, safe encounter with these prehistoric reptiles. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory features interactive exhibits including a cyclone simulator and extensive natural history displays that captivate young minds.
Alice Springs Desert Park is perfect for families, with wildlife presentations throughout the day. Children love the nocturnal house where they can see bilbies, mala, and other rare desert animals active in simulated nighttime. The birds of prey show demonstrates hunting techniques of desert raptors. School of the Air tours show how children in remote communities receive education via radio and internet.
Kakadu's wildlife cruises on Yellow Water are excellent for families, with younger children fascinated by crocodile spotting and bird identification becoming a fun game. Swimming at safe waterfalls like Gunlom or Maguk during the dry season provides adventure and cooling relief. Rock art sites tell stories that engage children's imaginations, especially when explained by Aboriginal guides who bring the ancient art to life.
At Uluru, the base walk can be broken into shorter sections suitable for children's energy levels. The Mala Walk (2km return) is ideal for families, with ranger talks explaining the cultural significance in accessible ways. The Field of Light installation (seasonal) creates a magical experience as thousands of solar-powered lights illuminate the desert at night.
Uluru Sunrise: Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing platform offers unobstructed views as the first light hits Uluru and Kata Tjuta simultaneously. The changing colors—from deep purple through orange to brilliant red—are unforgettable. Arrive 45 minutes before sunrise for the best position.
Uluru Sunset: The dedicated sunset viewing area west of the rock fills quickly during peak season. Watch as the setting sun illuminates Uluru, intensifying the red hues while Kata Tjuta forms a dramatic backdrop. The color changes continue for 20-30 minutes after sunset.
Ubirr, Kakadu: Climb to the Ubirr rock art gallery lookout for sunset over the Nadab floodplain. The 360-degree views encompass vast wetlands stretching to the Arnhem Land escarpment, with the setting sun creating golden light across the landscape. This is one of the Top End's most photographed locations.
Mindil Beach, Darwin: During the dry season, thousands gather on Mindil Beach for spectacular tropical sunsets. The Thursday and Sunday markets add atmosphere, with food stalls, crafts, and entertainment. The sun sinking into the Timor Sea creates brilliant orange and pink skies.
Ormiston Gorge: Sunrise at this West MacDonnell Ranges gorge illuminates the red quartzite cliffs and ghost gums reflected in the permanent waterhole. Few visitors arrive this early, offering serene contemplation of one of the Red Centre's most beautiful locations.
The Northern Territory's culinary scene reflects its multicultural heritage and unique native ingredients. Darwin's proximity to Asia influences the cuisine, with excellent Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese restaurants. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets showcase this diversity, with food from dozens of cultures alongside bush tucker demonstrations.
Bush Tucker: Experience native Australian ingredients through specialized tours and dining experiences. Bush tomatoes, wattleseed, quandong, and kakadu plum feature in modern Australian cuisine. Kangaroo, camel, and crocodile appear on many menus, offering distinctive Territory flavors. Several restaurants in Alice Springs and Darwin specialize in native Australian cuisine.
Barramundi: This iconic Top End fish is a must-try, whether grilled, battered, or pan-fried. The mild, flaky flesh pairs perfectly with native ingredients. Darwin's waterfront restaurants serve excellent barra, often caught locally. Alice Springs restaurants also feature barramundi flown in fresh from the Top End.
Fine Dining: Despite remote locations, the Territory boasts several excellent restaurants. Sounds of Silence at Uluru combines spectacular desert sunset views with quality cuisine. Hanuman in Darwin offers award-winning Asian fusion. Tali Restaurant in Alice Springs features native ingredients in sophisticated preparations.
Markets and Casual Dining: Darwin's Parap Markets (Saturday morning) and Mindil Beach Markets (Thursday and Sunday evenings in dry season) offer authentic Asian street food. Rapid Creek Markets Sunday morning provide multicultural food stalls. Alice Springs Todd Mall Markets (Sunday morning) feature local produce and artisan foods.
The Northern Territory's pristine environments and ancient cultures require careful stewardship. When you tour with Cooee Tours, you're supporting responsible tourism practices that benefit local Indigenous communities and protect fragile ecosystems. Many of our tours are led by Aboriginal guides, ensuring economic benefits flow directly to traditional owners while providing authentic cultural exchanges.
Climate change presents serious challenges to the Territory's ecosystems, with rising temperatures affecting wildlife and changing rainfall patterns impacting wetlands. The burning regimes that Aboriginal people have practiced for tens of thousands of years are now recognized as crucial for landscape management, reducing wildfire intensity while promoting biodiversity. Many Indigenous ranger programs combine traditional knowledge with modern conservation science.
As visitors, we have responsibilities to minimize our impact. Stay on designated trails to prevent erosion and protect fragile desert soils. Never touch rock art—oils from skin cause irreversible damage to ancient paintings. Take all rubbish with you, as remote locations lack waste facilities. Respect sacred sites and photography restrictions. By following these principles, we ensure the Territory's wonders remain pristine for future generations.
The Northern Territory offers some of Australia's most dramatic photography opportunities, from the changing colors of Uluru to the vast wetlands of Kakadu and the star-filled desert skies. The intense light and vivid colors reward photographers who understand the unique conditions. Golden hour—the first and last hours of daylight—provides the best light for landscapes, particularly at Uluru where the color changes are most dramatic.
For wildlife photography, longer telephoto lenses (300mm or more) allow close-ups of crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife while maintaining safe distances. Early morning boat cruises offer the best light and most active wildlife. In Kakadu, the dry season concentrates animals around waterholes, improving photographic opportunities as birds and mammals come to drink.
The Territory's minimal light pollution creates exceptional conditions for astrophotography. The Milky Way appears brilliant and detailed, with the center of the galaxy visible during winter months. A sturdy tripod, wide-angle lens (14-24mm), and camera capable of long exposures are essential. The dark skies around Uluru, particularly during new moon periods, offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to capture the cosmos above this ancient landscape.
Always respect cultural sensitivities regarding photography. Some sacred sites prohibit photography entirely, while others restrict it to certain areas. Aboriginal people may not wish to be photographed—always ask permission first. Some rock art sites allow viewing but not photography to prevent exact locations being shared widely. These restrictions protect cultural integrity and sacred knowledge.
For travelers with more time, the Northern Territory rewards extended exploration. The Larapinta Trail, one of Australia's great walks, stretches 223 kilometers along the spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The full trek takes 12-16 days, though it's divided into sections allowing shorter walks of 3-7 days. The trail passes through spectacular gorges, ghost gum groves, and rocky ridgelines with expansive desert views.
Arnhem Land, east of Kakadu, remains largely closed to independent travelers but can be accessed through permitted tours. This vast Aboriginal reserve protects pristine wilderness and ancient culture, with some of Australia's most significant rock art galleries. Tours visit remote communities and provide insights into Aboriginal life and art practices far from tourist areas.
The Tiwi Islands, 80 kilometers north of Darwin, showcase unique Aboriginal culture distinct from mainland traditions. Day trips by ferry allow visits to art centers where Tiwi artists create distinctive designs on fabric and bark. Cultural tours include traditional smoking ceremonies, spear throwing demonstrations, and opportunities to try bush tucker.
For the truly adventurous, the Tanami Road connects Alice Springs to the Kimberley region of Western Australia—a remote 1,000-kilometer unsealed track through Aboriginal land requiring 4WD capability and thorough preparation. The Binns Track and other 4WD routes in Central Australia provide access to remote waterholes, gorges, and landscapes few visitors ever see.
Whether you're drawn to the spiritual power of Uluru, the wildlife-rich wetlands of Kakadu, or the rugged beauty of the MacDonnell Ranges, the Northern Territory promises experiences that will stay with you forever. Our expert guides, many of whom are traditional owners or have decades of Territory experience, ensure you discover not just the famous icons but also the hidden places and deeper meanings that make the NT truly special. Contact us today to start planning your Northern Territory adventure, or browse our complete range of NT tour packages.