The Northern Territory is the vast and wild heart Australia. This massive region is sparsely populated and it is home to some of the country's best and most recognizable natural features. The Northern Territory (NT) is the perfect place to live an adventurous trip, far from any bustling city, and feel connected to the ancient Australian culture.
This 7-days itinerary requires the use of a car, so renting a vehicle, ideally a 4x4, offroad one, is necessary.
The trip begins with an iconic Australian sight, the massive Uluru/Ayers Rock, one of the country's most famous locations. Uluru, as it's called by the local Aboriginal people, is part of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, and it is possible to reach by airplane, through the Ayers Rock Airport. There you can find several car rental places where to get yourself a vehicle to explore the area.
Virtually everyone has seen Uluru in picture before, but seeing it in person is a different experience. The hike around Uluru is a great way to see it from up-close and notice small details you cannot see from a far. The walk itself is around 10 km long and it is advisable to avoid the hottest hours of the day.
It is also possible to climb up to the top of Uluru, but local people, who consider it a sacred place, prefer if tourists avoid climbing it.
Kata Tjuta is another rock formation, similar to Uluru, and it is part of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. It is approximately 60 km from Uluru, so if you have some extra days to spend, it is worth a visit.
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DAY 2: KINGS CANYON
Kings Canyon, also known as Watarrka, is a massive canyon about a 3 and a half hour drive from Uluru, following the Lasseter Highway. It is another spectacular natural formation and offers a great chance to hike and enjoy great sights.
The canyon is a well-known tourist area, part of the Watarrka National Park, and it offers several hikes and walkable routes for all types of people. From the top of the canyon, you have a great view of the seemingly endless Australian outback
There are not many options, since Kings Canyon is in such a remote position, but Discovery Resorts- Kings Canyon has it all. Whether you are looking for a luxurious room, a cheaper lodge or you are traveling with your tent, this resort has it all.
Being in the middle of the Australian desert, walking and hiking for hours, will build your appetite and the desire for a cold drink. You can find it all here, at the Kings Canyon Bar & Grill. The perfect place where to try some outback BBQ, a delicious burger and a cold beverage.
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DAY 3: ALICE SPRINGS
The drive between Kings Canyon and Alice Springs, the largest inland settlement of the Northern Territory, is approximately 3 hours and a half. If you have a regular car, you have to follow the main highways (Stuart Highway), but if you rented a 4x4 offroad vehicle, you can ride part of the famous Red Centre Way,
If you have an vehicle made for unpaved roads, you can get to Alice Springs via the Larapinta Drive. The dusty, red, Australian soil will make you feel like a true adventurer and it is a great way to explore the interior of this vast country. It is possible to see herds of wild camels as well.
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The small town of Alice Springs will seem huge after a few days in the desert. The spirit of the town will remind you of the life in the outback life.
After your first few days in the southern part of the Northern Territory, it is time to move north. You can return your rental car at the Alice Springs Airport and fly to Darwin.
Darwin is the capital and largest city in the Northern Territory, and it is located on the shores of the Timor Sea. The climate is completely different from Alice Springs. It is tropical, with a wet and dry season.
A large beach, located near Darwin central business district. It is one of the city's most popular locations and a great place where to swim and relax. Much like most beaches in Australia, read the signs on the beach and avoid swimming in the water when box jellyfish are in the area
A newly built, tourist area, the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, it is a great place to eat good food, have something to drink and even take a swim in the Recreation Lagoon
A great place in Darwin to have some delicious seafood and meat or to try crocodile meat.
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DAY 5: KAKADU NATIONAL PARK
From Darwin, after renting another car, it is time to drive south to the huge Kakadu National Park. In this large park there are many things to see and activities to do.
This rock formation is home to some of the oldest rock paintings in the world. A very important piece of human history.
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There are also many tours to take, most of which led by local, aboriginal tour guides, that will take you to see the local fauna. The most popular ones are the boat tours that will take you to see the many rivers full of giant saltwater crocodiles. There are all kinds of activities available.
This hotel is famous for being shaped like a gigantic crocodile, a theme that perfectly fits the area. Besides its unique shape, the hotel itself is nothing extraordinary but it offers all the services you might need
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DAY 6: KATHERINE
The ride from the Kakadu National Park to the small town of Katherine is approximately 3 hours and a half, or around 300 kilometers. Despite its small size and isolated position, Katherine and its surroundings offers different activities for tourists.
In and around Katherine there are several hot springs areas where to relax and swim, maybe after a hike around the area. The closest one to the town is the Katherine Hot Springs, which uses water of the Katherine River. The ideal choice if you don't want to drive far
Just north of Katherine, you will find Edith Falls, a beautiful hiking area with a short waterfall that flows into a refreshing natural swimming pool
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DAY 7: DARWIN AGAIN
After a long week of driving, hiking, swimming and flying around the Northern Territory, it is time to head back home. Darwin International Airport is the final destination but, if your flight leaves later in the day, you have some more time to explore the capital city of the Northern Territory again.
Hello,
my name is Sebastian and I am Italian.
Traveling and photography have always been two of my biggest passions and I have always loved bringing the two together. Sadly my traveling experience is not as rich as I wish it could be, but after I discovered Thatch, I decided to test myself and see if I can translate my traveling experiences into useful travel guides.
I hope at least one person will be able to get inspired or find my guides helpful!
