Visit the Northern Territory

Pack your bags and prepare your trip to Darwin and the Northern Territory! Equivalent in size to France, Italy and Spain combined, it's not surprising the Northern Territory is blessed with an abundance of natural environments. This is a land that ebbs and flows with the seasons, of contrast and colour, where change is the only constant. Of awe inspiring iconic wonders - the World Heritage National Parks of Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Of flora and fauna as diverse as desert blooms are to lotus lilies and the fearsome saltwater crocodile is to the Brolga, the elegant dancing bird that is the Territory's emblem. The indigenous culture, the Aboriginal people, hold a deeply spiritual connection to the land dating back tens of thousands of years, yet can still be shared in the present day - through a walk in the desert in search of bush tucker, a visit to the ancient rock art galleries, or simply sitting in on a story-telling session. This land is full of colourful characters. The type you'd meet at one of our legendary outback pubs, cattle stations or country towns. Uncomplicated, larger than life, everyone with a fascinating story to share. Darwin is the tropical capital city of the Northern Territory. It has a relaxed outdoor lifestyle and enjoys warm weather all year round. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land. For more information on what the Northern Territory has to offer, please visit http://www.travelnt.com/en/.

All content courtesy Northern Territory Tourism Bureau.

Fast facts

Airports Getting to the Northern Territory is easy. There are domestic airports in all major centres in the Territory - Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Uluru/Ayers Rock, and international arrivals and departures from Darwin. Rail The Northern Territory can be accessed by rail in two ways - from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales via The Ghan from Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney, and from Queensland via The Inlander. International flights Qantas flies from Singapore to Darwin three times a week (as does Australian Airlines) and from Bali twice a week, with connections to the UK and Europe. Garuda Indonesia flies between Darwin and Bali twice a week. Royal Brunei flies to Darwin via Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) three times a week from Europe. Tiger Airways flies between Darwin and Singapore four times per week. Domestic flights Qantas has daily flights to Darwin and Alice Springs from most Australian capital cities. Qantas also flies to Ayers Rock Resort from Perth, Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne. Jetstar commenced direct flights from Darwin to Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide from Monday May 1, 2006. Virgin Blue flies to Darwin direct from Melbourne and Brisbane, and connects via most other Australian cities. Skywest flies from Perth to Darwin via Broome three times a week. There are regular connecting flights between Darwin, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Airport. Climate The Northern Territory is so big that it covers two very distinct climate zones. The Territory’s tropical north (where Darwin is located) experiences warm and sunny weather for most of the year while Central Australia (Uluru/Ayers Rock area) is a semi-arid environment.  In September the temperature in Darwin is expected to be between  21C (69F) and 31C (88F). Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Arnhem Land (The Top End) traditionally has only two seasons, known to the locals as the 'Wet' and the 'Dry'. The 'Dry' falls between the months of May to October each year and is virtually guaranteed to be rain free.