7 things you must do in Australia’s Northern Territory
Daunting in size and wild by nature, Australia’s Northern Territory is one of the world’s most adventurous destinations. Here’s how to make the most of it.
1. Get on top of Uluru
Uluru is the Big One: the crimson jewel in Northern Territory’s crown. Sure, you’ve seen this massive monolith in hundreds of photos and you’ve heard other travellers’ tales of its majesty, but nothing beats that moment when you first clap eyes on Uluru – it’s bigger, better, and far more beautiful than you ever could have imagined.
Maruku Arts Dot Painting Workshop, Yulara (Tourism NT)
Climbing The Rock used to be a traveller’s rite of passage, but now it is discouraged. Uluru is sacred Aboriginal ground and, to be honest, you’ll enjoy a much deeper experience by dropping by the visitor centre or taking an Aboriginal-focused tour that involves interaction with the local Anangu people. Options include everything from campfire talks and dot-painting workshops, to guided walks explaining the local flora and fauna and traditional beliefs.
For a truly unique perspective, hire a bike and pedal the 10km circuit around Uluru. It’s a terrific way to get up close to its various crevices, crags and waterholes; but be warned, cycling is a morning-only option during the warmer months!
2. Drive the Binns Track
The Northern Territory is threaded with memorable off-road trails, but the Binns Track is the daddy of them all: a 2,191km track winding from the South Australia border to the northern wilderness of Gregory National Park.
Driving the Binns Track (Tourism NT)
Named after its creator, former NT park ranger Bill Binns, the trail will take you through remote national parks, remarkable terrain and far-flung outback towns. You can fossick for semi-precious stones at Gemtree, pass through pass outback cattle stations and camp beside the iconic Devil’s Marbles. You will experience every facet of the Northern Territory – its wildlife, its iconic landscapes and its unique local characters.
3. Tuck into quality bush tucker
Aboriginal chef Bob Taylor describes his passions as “good food, ancient culture and beautiful country”. All three elements underpin the activities he offers around the Alice Springs region, with options ranging from campfire dinner tours in the West MacDonnell Ranges to nine-day adventures through the Red Centre.
Aboriginal tucker (Tourism NT)
The son of a renowned watercolour artist, Bob uses traditional bush ingredients including lemon myrtle and wattleseed alongside local meats such as emu and kangaroo. Bob’s longer tours take in obligatory sights such as Uluru and Kata Tjuta and give the chance to overnight camp in ‘swags’ (bivvy bags) as well as staying in cabins and hotels. It’s also possible to take a 4WD day-tour from Alice out to Bob’s homeland, the spectacular Rainbow Valley.
4. Discover Arnhem Land
Tucked away in the north-east corner of the Northern Territory, Arnhem Land is one of the largest Aboriginal Reserves in Australia and a land of rugged coastlines, remote islands, rivers teeming with fish, lush rainforests, towering escarpments and savannah woodlands.
Bawaka Cultural Experiences (Tourism NT)
The local Yolngu people also retain strong cultural and spiritual links to the land so it is one of the best places in the Northern Territory to experience authentic indigenous culture. It was here that Australia’s famous musical instrument, the didgeridoo, originated.
For a truly exuberant indigenous occasion head to the Walking With Spirits Festival, held each July in southwest Arnhem Land by the Wugularr community. It focuses on sharing stories, music, songs and dance, and takes place in a stirring waterside setting.
