Plan a trip to Northern Territory

If we had to choose only one place to go in Australia, this is would be it - the huge, enchanting, and exciting red rock - to Uluru.
In the heart of the red desert of Australia, far from any inhabited areas, stands the Uluru. Rising 348 meters tall (nearly 1142 feet), the Uluru is the largest monolith in the world and a sacred place for the Aborigines. For them, it is way more than just a beautiful natural site - it is a natural landmark that they believe was formed by ancestral beings during the legendary “Dreaming,” the time when the land and the people were created by the ancestral spirits. Ceremonies are still held today in the hallowed caves which stand at the base of the monolith.

Welcome to the Northern Territory – the home of the Uluru and a huge, fascinating region full of contrasts which extends from the tropical north to the heart of the arid outback in the center of the continent. This is an area that anyone who wants to experience Australia in depth must visit.

The area of the Northern Territory is about 521,238 square miles- just to give it some context, this is almost six times the area of Great Britain! Its population numbers less than 250,000, which is about one percent of the entire population of Australia. Of this number, more than half live in the capital city, Darwin, which is located on the tropical northern coast.

There are countless open spaces and a large number of spectacular national parks in additional to Uluru:

The Kakadu National Park, located near Darwin, is the largest of the Australian parks, and it is characterized by a tropical climate and fascinating landscapes, including prairies, swamps where many crocodiles live, lakes, flowing waterfalls, and beautiful rock formations. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers, and it also has many rock paintings with the stamp of the Aboriginal tribes who settled the area about 40,000 years ago. Both the Kakadu Reserve and the Uluru Park have been recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The Richfield National Park is also close to the city of Darwin, and it is home to many impressive waterfalls alongside natural water pools and a rich forest. A special attraction in the park is the large number of huge termite nests. In the Nitmiluk National Park, which is about 200 miles from Darwin, you can sail along the length of the water-filled Catherine Canyon and experience the beautiful Edith Falls.

Last but not least, about 930 miles south of Darwin, right in the geographic center of Australia, is the city of Alice Springs, which is the starting point for the Uluru. On the way to Uluru, you will have the chance to visit two parks with fascinating views - West MacDonnell Range and Kings Canyon. The breathtaking views of the cliffs, rising to great heights, are unforgettable.  

And here’s a recommendation: Many tourists traveling to Australia don’t make it to the Northern Territory because it is far from many of their other destinations. If you have the time, don’t miss out – it is truly spectacular!