Northern Territory


Inhabiting much of Australia’s central mainland and central northern regions, the Northern Territory is one of the last remaining genuine ‘Outback’ destinations in Australia. With so many natural wonders, ancient history, rich culture and unique wildlife to explore, a holiday to the Northern Territory can be as diverse as the region itself.

Today, with its World Heritage-listed sites like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park, along with a huge number of other natural attractions, there are plenty of places to lose yourself and become immersed in your surroundings. With its long history of Aboriginal settlement you’ll find plenty of Indigenous culture on display – everything from ancient rock art and cultural centres to the sacred and iconic Uluru. Arnhem Land, to the east of Darwin, is one of Australia’s last strongholds of traditional Aboriginal culture – rock art, bark paintings and the home of the didgeridoo.

Darwin is the perfect base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park with one of the highest concentrations of Aboriginal rock art sites in Australia. Alice Springs is the perfect destination for an authentic Outback encounter. Spectacular sunburnt landscapes, Outback spirit, isolated communities and colourful local characters. There is a tour to suit everyone. As the hub of Central Australia, Alice Springs combines the rich culture and art of indigenous Australia with a modern and vibrant atmosphere. Marvel at the enormity of Uluru, discover the spiritual significance of Kata Tjuta and explore the rim of Kings Canyon. Six hundred million years in the making, these incredible natural creations will captivate you from sunrise to sunset.

OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO EXPLORE IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Darwin


Darwin is the perfect base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park with one of the highest concentrations of Aboriginal rock art sites in Australia. Litchfield is ideal for a day trip to experience the waterfalls, or venture further afield to Nitmiluk National Park, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land. You’ll love the relaxed outdoor lifestyle and warm weather in this multi-cultural capital. Founded as a northern harbour port in 1869, the population expanded when gold was discovered at Pine Creek in 1871. Darwin became a major allied military base during World War II for troops fighting the Japanese in the Pacific. More recently, in 1974, the city was rebuilt in the wake of Cyclone Tracy. This colourful history combines cultural and culinary benefits which you can experience at the weekly markets, in the restaurants and at the various festivals.

Alice Springs


Spectacular sunburnt landscapes, Outback spirit, isolated communities and colourful local characters…welcome to Alice Springs! The perfect destination for an authentic Outback encounter. Surrounded by the rugged MacDonnell Ranges, ‘Alice’ as it is affectionately known, is a quintessential Outback town. As the hub of Central Australia, Alice Springs combines the rich culture and art of Indigenous Australia with a modern and vibrant atmosphere. Considered the gateway to the Red Centre, Alice Springs provides the ideal base for travellers exploring the area. Whether it be a day trip to attractions around Alice Springs, a trip out to the gorges, chasms and gaps of the West MacDonnell Ranges, an adventure to Palm Valley or Rainbow Valley or a longer journey to Uluru and Kings Canyon, there is a tour to suit everyone. Alice Springs has more art galleries than anywhere else in Australia. Visit the Araleun Arts Centre for  contemporary Aboriginal art.

Uluru


Discover the mysteries of the Red Centre as you embark on an unforgettable journey to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Six hundred million years in the making, these incredible natural creations will captivate you from sunrise to sunset. Marvel at the enormity of Uluru, discover the spiritual significance of Kata Tjuta and explore the rim of Kings Canyon. Whether walking with a traditional owner, meandering atop a camel, exploring by 4WD, car or coach, or dining under a million stars, there is something to suit every budget and every visitor to the Red Centre. What makes this place so powerful is actually the sheer enormity of the rock, particularly as it rises somewhat unexpectedly out of a completely flat and barren landscape. Sit down and take in its immense size and solidarity – regardless of how many other punters you’ll be sharing this experience with, it’s guaranteed to be one of life’s ‘sit back and sigh’ moments.

The legend of The Ghan stems from the 1830’s when the first Afghan cameleers arrived in Australia.  Half a century later, rail construction transformed the delivery of goods across inland Australia, but the incredible contribution of these outback pioneers was immortalised when the first steam train rolled into Stuart (which later became Alice Springs) in 1929.

On that momentous journey, the train was dubbed ‘The Afghan Express’ and then shortened to the legend it is today, ‘The Ghan’.

If you’re intrigued about what does exist in Australia’s great middle, jump aboard The Ghan and experience The Ghan Expedition.

Step from platform to train and you’ll instantly exchange the hustle of the 21st century for the luxury – and languidness – of a timeless mode of transport. One where luxury meets locomotives and every experience is a memorable one. Flying may be fast, but train journeys stay with you forever.