Australia’s Northern Territory, famed for its Outback desert landscapes, the iconic sandstone monolith of Uluru, the red-rock domes of Kata Tjuta and some of the most sensational sunsets that we’ve ever come across. It truly is the perfect place for your next adventure!
With so much to see and even more to do, you’re really going to want to make the most of your Northern Territory travels. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to share our top 5 Northern Territory travel tips – simple tips that we’ve learned over the past 100 years of travelling the Territory.
1. SEE IT ALL (BUT NOT ALL AT ONCE)
With so much to see, it can be difficult to know what exactly ‘it all’ actually is. Is it Uluru and the surrounds? Or is it Alice Springs, or maybe Katherine instead? We recommend for you to choose. Think about picking one area and do it exceptionally well, from spending nights stargazing in the Red Centre desert, to taking on the Top End and its glorious national parks. There are so many great experiences in each of these locations, so take your time (Darwin time even!) and don’t rush these moments.
Do your research to really discover what exactly it is that you’re wanting to see, or you can entrust local experts such as AAT Kings, to package it all up and ensure you see absolutely everything….and a little bit more!
2. KNOW WHEN NOT TO SAVE A PENNY
Don’t get us wrong, we absolutely love a value for money holiday, though sometimes spending that extra little bit can really be the difference between ‘just another getaway’ and that trip of a lifetime.
Trusting local guides and tour operators such as AAT Kings with your travel means you’ll discover the local insights, and historic knowledge of our guides and tours, paired with our 100+ years of touring experience, which means you won’t miss a thing. For example, not far from Katherine, famous for the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park, is a hidden oasis called Mataranka. It is worth the journey with its sandy-bottomed thermal pool – one not to miss on your escape to the Top End.
3. USE YOUR TIME WISELY
When it comes to holiday planning, you really do have two options. You can plan, plan and plan some more. Do a little research, that will lead to more research, search a couple of reviews, compare costs, create a spreadsheet, pre-pay numerous different restaurants, attractions and the list goes on.
Or, for the many of us that live in a time-poor world, we don’t have the time, effort or maybe tech ability to do all that, so that’s where tour operator such AAT Kings can really take the stress out of organising. You know that all our tours have been tried and tested by thousands of Australians for decades.
If you’re also short for time but want to make sure you tick off all the must do’s (at the right time to do them) having inside knowledge is key! For example, knowing the best location for that Uluru sunset (and the best time to be there) or insights on when’s best to see Bruce Munro’s Field of Light exhibition can make or break your holiday experience.
4. TASTE IT ALL
Going on holidays is all about discovering new cuisines and local tastes, and a Northern Territory holiday is no different. With so many local flavours on offer, travelling to the NT is the perfect opportunity to have a foodie experience, one that you won’t find anywhere else.
On AAT Kings Outback Adventure tour, head to the Falzon’s Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre. This Be My Guest experience invites you into the life of brothers, Tom and Danny, for an old Aussie classic outback barbecue. You’ll learn the zodiac stories of desert night sky deep within the West MacDonnell Ranges – devouring helpings of damper made with Quandong (bush peach) beer, sipping a billy tea around the campfire.
Picture James Horan
5. ENJOY YOURSELF
This may sound a little obvious, though with the NT being so impressive in size, with so many icon sites and so much historic value, paired with the encapsulating food scene, it’s incredibly easy to get caught up in trying to do it all at once, and not take a second to stop and take it all in.
Take it slow and do it right! See it all, taste it all and enjoy yourself.
Article in partnership with AAT Kings. Since 1912, AAT Kings as a tour operator has been helping people from all over the world discover and explore Australia and New Zealand from top to bottom. With a broad range of holiday options including Guided Tours, Short Breaks and Day Tours, AAT Kings are the holiday experts.
Are you looking to explore the Northern Territory in 2022? Or have you been there before? Tell us about it in the comments box below.