Getting to the Northern Territory is easier than ever. Flying in is the quickest way, while hopping aboard the Ghan or driving offers the best way to really see the vast richness of Australia.

NT By Air

The capital city of Darwin is the international gateway into the Northern Territory, being closer to the transportation hubs of Asia than any other Australian metro area. For domestic travellers, Alice Springs at the heart of Australia’s Red Centre is only a three to four hour plane ride from most Australian cities. Below are some of the major airlines serving the Northern Territory.

QANTAS — Since 1920, the Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services (QANTAS) has built the deserved reputation as the world’s leading long-distance airline, and is one of Australia’s most recognisable and leading brands. QANTAS operates regularly scheduled flights into Alice Springs and Darwin from Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Cairns, as well as regular direct flights from Canberra to Darwin. Direct flights are also scheduled to Yulara from Perth, Cairns and Sydney. In addition, QANTAS schedules daily flights within the Northern Territory between Darwin, Alice Springs and Yulara.

Jetstar — Jetstar is a budget airline offering low-cost flights to Darwin from Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns and Sydney. Jetstar also offers international service to Denspasar on Bali, Ho Chi Mihn City and Singapore

Virgin Australia — Virgin Australia offers budget service to Darwin from Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane, and offers direct flights from Sydney to Uluru

Airnorth — Airnorth is the major regional airline serving northern Australia, operating regularly scheduled flights into Darwin from regional centres including Broome, Elcho Island, Kununurra, Groote Eylandt, Gove, Maningrida, Milingimbi and McArthur River. Interstate and International routes are also scheduled to Perth, Mt. Isa, the Gold Coast and Dili in Timor-Leste.

Skywest — The major regional airline of Western Australia, Skywest provides essential air links for the communities of the region. Skywest operates three regularly scheduled flights per week to Darwin from Perth via Broome.

NT by Rail

The Ghan is a famous passenger train operated by Great Southern Rail between Adelaide and Darwin. The train traverses the Australian continent from south to north through the heart of the Red Centre. The train is named after the Afghan cameleers who mapped out the route of the Overland Telegraph Line in the 1870s.

The two-day journey traverses 2979 kilometres and runs twice weekly from Adelaide to Darwin and back, with stopovers in Alice Springs and Katherine that allows time for optional local tours.

NT by Road

Coming to the Northern Territory by car is another great way to experience the vast and diverse landscapes of Australia.

From South Australia take the Stuart Highway — themed The Explorer’s Way — from Adelaide to Coober Pedy and into the NT. Along the way the Explorer’s Highway passes through the major centres of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine on the way to Darwin.

From Western Australia the best routes into the Northern Territory are along the Victoria (Savannah Way) and Butine Highways in the north, and the Tanami Road through the Tanami desert to Uluru and Alice Springs in the south.

Coming west from Queensland, the best route is the fully sealed Barkly Highway (Overlander’s Way) from Mt. Isa. Adventurous drivers may take the unsealed section of the Savannah Way from Cairns. The route of the Savannah Way stretches 3500 kilometres across the north of Australia from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia. Known as one of the world’s epic driving adventures, a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended when driving the Savannah Way.

NT by Sea

Cruise ship tour packages of the northern coastal areas of Australia are becoming very popular, offering a great way to experience remote Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land and Groote Eylandt.

Essential NT Travel Information and Safety Tips

Across the Northern Territory there are 95 separate Protected Areas and 52 national parks, conservation areas, nature reserves and marine parks. Two of the Northern Territory’s parks, Kakadu and Uluru-Kata-Tjuta, are United Nations World Heritage listed sites for both their cultural and ecological significance.

All of these parks offer travellers to the Northern Territory numberless opportunities to witness the grandeur of Australian nature, as well as providing numerous adventure possibilities from bushwalking, wilderness camping, rock climbing, canoeing and to experience first-hand the rich and fascinating culture of the Aboriginal people.

Some essential information regarding National Parks in the Northern Territory:

• Uluru-Kata-Tjuta National Park requires an access permit which is provided at the entry station. The cost of a three-day adult pass is $25.
• Camp only in designated camping areas and remove all rubbish when leaving the area.
• No pets are permitted in any national park in the Northern Territory.
• Most parks in the tropical Top End, such as Kakadu, are saltwater crocodile habitats. Take caution and obey all ‘no swimming or fishing’ warnings.
• Do not use soaps or detergents in or near waterways.
• Law protects all cultural artefacts and wildlife in the Northern Territory. Do not feed native animals and do not touch or deface Aboriginal rock paintings or petroglyphs.

General Safety Tips

In an emergency, dial 000 for Ambulance, Police or Fire Services.

Swimming — Swimming is a prime activity across the NT. There are many safe swimming areas in most parks and reserves that are clearly designated. If an area is not clearly designated as safe for swimming, do not enter the water. Swimming at NT beaches is not recommended because of the presence of the box jellyfish

Sun Protection and Bugs — The tropics are hot. Travellers should wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts and slather on SPF30 sunscreen when spending time outdoors. It is also advised to drink at least two litres of water per day to stave off dehydration. The Territory is also home to mosquitoes and other biting insects, so insect repellent is highly recommended. When camping, tents should remain zipped closed at all times, and shoes should be tapped out before worn in case something crawls into them.

Crocodiles — Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are common in Top End waterways. If waterways are not posted as safe, do not enter and stay away from the water’s edge.

Hiking Trails

Larapinta Trail
This trail is one of the more famous trails of the Northern Territory and is considered by National Geographic to be one of the top 20 trails in the world. It runs about 223 kilometers long, from Mont Soner to Alice Springs. There are several access points and you can start your hike at any of them. There are certain parts of the hike that are difficult and it is suggested that only advanced hikers walk them. Many of the access points are 4-wheel drive accessible. If you are not familiar with the area, guided tours are available; providing food and water drop-offs along with the tour. This weaving trail is known for its ancient boulders and its vast variety of flowers and plants.

Jatbula Trail
This trail is a beautiful 5-day hike and runs through the Katherine Gorge National Park. The path is marked with blue triangles and spans about 58 kilometres long, ending at Edith Hills. When preparing for this walk, keep in mind that you will be hiking through different terrains like rigid gorges, grasslands and even rainforest monsoon terrain. This hike is better taken by serious hikers. The suggested time of year to take this trail on is May to September. Keep your eyes out for the Aboriginal art on the rocks throughout the hike.

Tips:

• Map out and know your trail before attempting the hike.
• Always pack enough food, water, first aid kit and bug repellent.
• It is always better to hike with a partner or in a group.
• Do not hesitate to hire a guide if you are not an experienced hiker.
• If you are going on a hike that will take several days, pack a tent and rain gear.
• Mark all food and supply posts on your map.

Aboriginal Culture

Guided Tours
The Northern Territory offers guided tours of the Aboriginal centres, where you will learn about rock art, traditional weaving baskets, Aboriginal hunting techniques, traditional music and instruments and hear many Aboriginal tales from the days of old. There are also many Aboriginal Festivals that you can attend year-round. Accommodations are available. Book guides and accommodations well before hand. The Northern Territory is home to the largest population of Aboriginals and high season brings in a lot of visitors.

Tips:

• Do some research to better understand the people and the area you will visit.
• Be respectful and open minded.

Nature Sightseeing

Watch the Crocodiles
Crocodiles have inhabited the Northern Territory for over 100 million years. There are many National parks that have Crocodiles to observe. There are even guided river tours. Some places to check out are Crocodylus Park, Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Crocosaurus Cove and Guluyambi East Alligator River Cruises. Some of the National parks are free and some have an entry fee. Of course, the guided tours will have a charge.

Tips:

• Keep your hands clear of the Crocodiles.

Swimming
The Northern Territory is full of natural water holes that you can swim in. Many of these watering holes are found in National parks and are well kept. Some of the favourite natural swimming spots are Berry Springs Nature Park, Edith River Crossing, Elsey National Park and Katherine Hot Springs. Again, some of these places are free to enter and some will require a fee.

Tips:

• It is always better to swim with a friend or in a group.

Bird Watching
Eighteen different rare species of birds can be seen here and four of these species can only be found in the Northern Territory. There are over 400 varieties of bird species in total. Guided tours are offered for bird watchers in places like Barkly Tablelands, Arnhem Land, Kakadu and Darwin. Get up close shots of birds and their habitat in the Northern Territory.

Tips:

• These excursions tend to take all day, so take plenty of water and food.
• Bring your binoculars and extra film and batteries for your cameras.

The Outback

Check out the Northern Territory’s Outback with all its fun and beauty. You can go to annual festivals, like the Lasseters Camel Cup, where jockeys on camels race for the gold. You can check out lively pubs, like the Daly Waters Historic pub where you will receive genuine Outback hospitality. It even offers accommodations ranging from hotel to backpackers specials. Look into the Outback’s history by visiting historical centres like the Adelaide House Museum. You can even drive yourself around, taking in the beauty. Get yourself a map and drive off into the sunset.

Tips:

• Spend more time enjoying the Outback by researching and deciding what you want to do before you get there.
• When venturing out, inform someone, like the establishment where you are staying, of your intended destinations. If you do not return, they will have an idea of where you were headed.

Fishing

If you are into catching big fish, then the Northern Territory is where you want to be. You can experience estuary fishing, reef fishing, sport fishing and even enter into fishing competitions. Fisherman from all over the world come to hunt the big bad sport fish, the infamous Barramundi. Other species of fish include the Black Jewfish, Blue Salmon, Cobia, Cod, Coral Trout, Giant Trevally, Golden Snapper, Long Tail Tuna, Mangrove Jack, Spanish Mackerel and even Mud Crabs.

Seasons
With all the different species of fish found in the Northern Territory, you can fish year-round. However, if you are looking to go after a specific type of fish, like the Barramundi, then you need to know which season is best for that. For example, estuary and billabong fishing are done during the build up at the year’s end, while Barramundi fishing is done during the run-off period of March and April. Fly and reef fishing are done in the mid-year cooler months.

Tips:

• Be prepared for big fish. This is no promotional stunt. Some of these fish hit 50 kilos.
• If you are not familiar with fishing in the Northern Territory, get a guide to help you.
• Some areas may require a license or permits to fish. Make sure you have all the necessary permits you need before hitting the water.