34 FUN THINGS TO DO IN THE NT, AUSTRALIA
I remember an old television commercial about visiting the Northern Territory, and the tagline simply said,
“If you never ever go, you’ll never ever know.”
Well, we spent approximately two months exploring the NT as part of our 18-month road trip around Australia and it certainly captured our heart.
Ever since, I’ve been telling anyone who will listen that the NT is a different side of Australia.
It’s an adventure to The Outback and the Red Centre that’s so uniquely Australian and it’s possibly the part I’ll speak most about from our road trip in years to come.
Sure, Australia is well known for its stunning beaches that are second to none as far as I’m concerned, but it’s The Outback that’s unlike anywhere else in the world.
There’s something about the vastness, the ancient aboriginal culture, the natural wonders, the starry skies, and the wildlife that you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else down under.
And Darwin, a tropical city boasting incredible sunsets and cloudless skies grows on you the longer you linger.
Like me, you’ve probably seen hundreds of photos and TV commercials about the Northern Territory, but like they say it’s a place you have to see and feel, for yourself.
The Northern Territory gave birth to a deeper love and connection within me for Australia. Below are my favourite experiences. You’re mad if you miss it.
Getting around Northern Territory
The NT is a perfect place for a road trip. You probably are going to need a car to get around the Northern Territory.
You can find car rentals from Darwin or Alice Springs.
The other option will be to join tours from Darwin or Alice Springs. We offer a few recommendations for some of the main tourist attractions.
1. Sunset at Uluru
We discovered 9 ways to experience the magic of Uluru but let’s start with sunset.
As the sun sinks below the Outback horizon the colours of the rock change by the minute, and it truly is magical. The most popular viewing spot is the official Sunset Lookout 10 kilometres through the entrance gates to the park.
2. Gunlom Falls, Kakadu National Park
I’m putting Kakadu National Park in our top 3 favourite National Parks in Australia, and Gunlom was our favourite waterhole.
Let’s call it nature’s best infinity pool. With spectacular views over the valley and surrounded by shady gums, it’s perfect for a refreshing swim and a spot of lunch. And the bonus – no crocs up here guys!
3. The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Alice Springs
We visited The Kangaroo Sanctuary at the end of our 18-month road trip around Australia and had seen enough roos to last a lifetime, and wondered if this place would be worth it?
You betcha, it was awesome. We all got to hold a joey – which the kids adored – and Brolga the owner and star of the hit BBC TV series Kangaroo Dundee was as passionate and knowledgeable as anyone I’ve met!
4. Sunset at Mindel Beach, Darwin
Darwin ranks in our top places to see the sunset in Australia and Mindil Beach is probably the most popular location, especially during the Thursday night markets when hundreds hit the beach to watch the sun sink below the horizon – a site in itself
