Travel in Australia and New Zealand
Twice the size of California, and the least populated state in Australia, the Northern Territory is considered to be the real Outback. Of its culturally diverse 200,000 residents, approximately one third are native Aborigines. It is home to World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, the spectacular Katherine Gorge and Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Darwin is the capitol city of the Northern Territory, located on a harbor twice the size of Sydney's, and surrounded by the sea on three sides. Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park are both just a short drive from Darwin. It is a great destination for outdoor lovers!
Some of the highlights of Darwin include:
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory houses a great display of Aboriginal art, a maritime museum, an exhibit about Cyclone Tracey (the fierce cyclone that devastated Darwin in 1974) and natural history displays. Admission is free! Open year round, except for major holidays.
• Mindil Beach Markets are famous in Australia, offering a variety of unique arts and crafts, food, and local indigenous music and art. Located on the Mindil Beach, the market has a tropical feel, with beautiful sunsets every night. They are open seasonally May - October.
• Crocodylus Park is home to over one thousand crocodiles, from baby hatchlings to massive adults. The park also includes a comprehensive crocodile museum through which the results of over three decades of crocodile research are extended to the public. Open year round, except for Christmas day.
• Sunset Cruises. Australian Harbor Cruises and Darwin Harbor Cruises both offer relaxing sunset cruises of the Darwin Harbor, departing from Cullen Bay Marina.
Kakadu National Park is located 150 miles east of Darwin. This massive park covers an area of about 11,000 square miles and extends from the coast at the north through sandstone plateaus and wooded savannahs. Some of the highlights of the park include magnificent artworks in rock shelters, plunge pools and waterfalls. It is also home to a diverse range of animals, including wallabies, Dingo's, crocodiles, geckos, frogs, fish and a wide variety of birdlife.
Litchfield National Park is an easy 1 1/2 hour drive from Darwin, and covers approximately 950 square miles. It features waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds, the Tabletop Range and the sandstone pillars of the Lost City. The park offers many great swimming spots, picnic tables throughout and camping sites.
Alice Springs, which is surrounded by dramatic red desert, is referred to by locals as the Capitol of the Outback. Some of the most popular activities include mountain-biking, four-wheel driving, trekking along the Larapinta Trail, bush camping and swimming in lush waterholes. Some of the top attractions in Alice Springs are:
• Alice Springs Desert Park offers the opportunity to discover many of the secrets of the Central Australian deserts, you even have the option to experience desert habitats as they are at night in their nocturnal tour. Open year round, except for Christmas day.
• Alice Springs Reptile Centre is not very big, but it features over 30 species of reptiles, including snakes, lizards and crocodiles. You can even get up close and have a chance to feed some of them. Live shows run a few times daily. Open year round, except for major holidays.
• Larapinta Trail. This 155 mile trail begins just outside of Alice Springs, and runs through red desert, high mountains, and a national park. It can also be hiked in shorter, more manageable sections.
Approximately 270 miles southwest of Alice Springs is where the most famous attraction in the Northern Territory can be found. Uluru / Ayers Rock is located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This famous sandstone monolith stands over 1100 feet high, and is over 500 million years old. The best ways to see this park are via an Aboriginal lead walking tour, helicopter tour or on the back of a camel. Be sure not to miss the spectacular Sounds of Silence Gourmet Dinner under a clear night sky.
The Ghan. Take this famous Australian train from Darwin or Adelaide for the ultimate journey through the heart of Australia, including Alice Springs, to experience one of the best train journeys in the world. The accommodations on board range from basic to luxury, something for every traveler!
Look for our series of articles on the five other states of Australia including Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland.
Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book your dream vacation to Australia!
Trisha has been working with the Travel Team for over 10 years. She has traveled extensively across the world and has been booking travel to Australia for 8 years.
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