Discover the best of the Outback

From Darwin and the Top End where you can enjoy the city lifestyle, to Alice Springs and Uluru in the spiritual outback of Australia where you can immerse yourself fully in strong Aboriginal culture, the Northern Territory offers different experiences that will keep you entertained during your trip. Ready to experience all the senses of the Northern Territory?

Darwin - the capital of the Northern Territory

Darwin, being the capital of the Northern Territory and located along the coastline, offers many activities which makes this city unique and fun. From feeding crocodiles, to eclectic street art, to amazing sunset cruises, you will have an adventure full of activities in Darwin.

Swimming spots & sunset cruises

Apart from the Wave Lagoon, a man-made wave and saltwater lagoon in downtown Darwin, there are many other natural swimming holes in the city's surrounds. You can swim in Lake Alexander, a man-made lake provides safe swimming all year round, and also picnic and barbecue spaces. Within an hour's drive, you can swim in refreshing natural water holes at Berry Springs Nature Park, and enjoy spectacular water falls such as Florence Falls at Litchfield National Park.

Something you must do in Darwin is a sunset cruise. Watch the amazing sun set in the horizon while surrounded by tranquil waters and sipping on a cool glass of wine. Or if you know how to sail, rent a sail boat and go on a little adventure to catch the sunset. Sounds quite amazing, right?

Taste the many flavours of Darwin

Being so close to Asia, and with an ocean brimming with fresh catches at its doorsteps, Darwin's dining scene is a culinary melting pot. Savour local produce such as oven-baked wild-caught NT saltwater barramundi at Pee Wee's at the Point, or head to Hanuman Restaurant for a little of Southeast Asia.

But if you prefer street food, go to one of Darwin's markets like the seasonal Mindil Beach Sunset Market or the weekend Parap Village Markets. Here you will find the city's iconic flavours, as well as their tropical fruits and smoothies. So prepare your palate, because during this trip to Darwin it will not rest.

Litchfield National Park

About an hour’s drive south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is possibly the Northern Territory’s best kept secret. The park is filled with stunning waterfalls and waterholes that are surrounded by monsoonal vine forests. There are Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole, just to name a few. You can also see some of the most enormous termite mounds in Litchfield.

Kakadu National Park - a glimpse of old Oceania

Are you ready to dive into the old Oceania? Kakadu is a dual-listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding natural and cultural values. At Kakadu National Park, you will be able to see untouched natural beauty as well as learn about its cultural significance.

Cruising or flying?

Apart from hiking, there are two other exciting ways to discover Kakadu National Park. The first one is by flying, to experience the magic of Kakadu National Park from above. This way you'll have a better overview of its ancient escarpments and stone country. If you're not afraid of heights, book your scenic flight tour now and discover Kakadu National Park in a different way.

A cruise along the Yellow Waters is a great way to experience Kakadu National Park's diverse wildlife and nature. Liken to a National Geographic moment, you can spot numerous bird species in Kakadu's wetlands, crocodiles in their natural habitat as well as buffalos on the floodplains.

Beautiful Aboriginal rock art

Not only Kakadu National Park has untouched beauty, but is also home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of rock art sites featuring paintings of up to 20,000 years old. Tour the incredible outdoor galleries of Nourlangie, Naguluwur and Ubirr for a distinctive and unique view into Dreamtime creation stories, spiritual life, and early records of European contact.

Katherine - where the Outback meets the tropics

Even if Katherine is not on the coast of the Northern Territory, it does not mean you don't have to bring your swimsuit. Katherine is the perfect combination of outback with tropics, whether you want to go hiking, or enjoy a day in hot springs, everything is possible in Katherine.

Nitmiluk National Park & Limmen National Park

Only 30km north-east of Katherine, you can get to Nitmiluk National Park, a spectacular sandstone country and home to the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge where you can canoe, boat or enjoy helicopter scenic rides. If you are adventurous enough, you can walk the Jatbula Trail, a 5-day walk of 62km.

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Lastly, the best way to end your day in Katherine is by boarding a sunset dinner cruise, this will give you a different Nitmiluk Gorge experience. You will get to enjoy a candlelit dinner, featuring fresh, local Australian produce, while the surrounds transport you into the spiritual world of the Jawoyn culture.

Mataranka

Located about 420 km southeast of the territory capital of Darwin, the small town of Mataranka is renowned for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, pastoral history and as a welcomed stop with tourers.

Alice Springs - the Outback's Heartbeat

Welcome to the Red Centre and Capital of the Outback. In Alice Springs, you will be able to see beautiful desert landscapes, colourful outback characters, and you will be able to learn more of Australia's Aboriginal culture. Ready to take a break from the city and go to the outback's heartbeat?

Experience Alice Springs' wildlife

Now it's time to experience Alice Spring's wildlife. And one thing you must do is go to the Kangaroo Sanctuary where you will be able to meet the Red Kangaroo, an Australian icon. Kangaroos at the Sanctuary are a priority, and because they sleep during the day, tours are only conducted at sunset. So book your tour now and discover these beautiful animals in their natural habitat. Or go to Alice Spring's Desert Park, to learn about the wildlife of the Red Centre. Here you will have a better understanding on how the desert can be a rich environment. You will see diverse botanical habitats as well as the chance to witness rare and endangered animals with Aboriginal guides.

Alice Spring from the skies

Ready to see another side of Alice Springs? Book a hot air balloon adventure and experience this beautiful region from above. You will get a bird's eye view of the majestic landscapes and possibly spot some wildlife. So keep an eye out for wallabies and red kangaroos. The best part is that after your amazing tour in a hot air balloon, passengers are greeted with refreshments, champagne and tropical fruit juice cocktails while they take in the desert tranquility.

If heights are not for you, why not discover Alice Springs' skies? 15 minutes outside of Alice Springs, you can surf the Milky Way at the Earth Sanctuary. So book your spot and enjoy the billions of stars that Alice Springs' skies has to offer.

Uluru

Do a little road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru. Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park are stopovers where you can stay for a night to enjoy walking trails and hikes. Visit Kings Creek Station, a working cattle station with facilities for camping and glamping. Uluru is one of Australia's most recognizable landmarks. Feel the connection to the land as you walk and listen to dreamtime stories by a Traditional Owner, you can also join a camel tour, dine under a canopy of stars and walk the Field of Lights. To experience the most of it, it's recommended to do a 5-day trip, giving you the chance to witness the Outback's spectacular change of colours during sunrise and sunsets. This is something you must not miss when visiting the Red Centre.

Now that you know all the different senses of the Northern Territory, are you ready to go and discover them? If yes, book now with CheapTickets.sg and get our best deals to Darwin. Let's explore the best of the Outback!

See More Blog Posts