From the
How To Get There?
As you will read below, Darwin is a great place to fly into. Primarily, because it is the Capital City of the Northern Territory so flights arrive domestically and internationally. As well, its a great place to start your trip before exploring more of the Northern Territory.
You could also arrive on the Ghan train which is the Australian passenger train service between the cities of Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin. We have not done this route before but its high on our bucket list!
When To Go
With its position close to the equator, the Northern Territory is known for its hot temperatures year-round. This makes the Australian winter months a great time to visit! Between May to October to be more precise. In Darwin and the Top End at this time of year, you can expect warm, balmy days with little to no rain. While temperatures are still warm during October – May, expect lightening storms and rainfall. The Red Centre (Uluru) during these months also experiences 40 degree days.
Our 7 Day Northern Territory Itinerary
Day 1 – 3: Darwin
Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory is a fantastic place to start your trip. As a city that has undergone massive changes in the past few years, there
Things To Do:
See the New Bruce Munro’s Field of Light exhibition
In November this year, Bruce Munro opened his second exhibition in the Northern Territory. The installation includes eight large-scale illuminated sculptures designed by Munro and his team over a 2.5 kilometre art trail. It’s a great activity to include in your Northern Territory Itinerary after a lovely dinner.
Feel the adrenaline at Crocosaurus Cove
Crocosaurus Cove is home to a number of saltwater crocodiles. Feel free to wander around but the real highlight of a visit to Crocosaurus Cove is the ‘Cage of Death’. This gives you the chance to be lowered into the water with a very real 800-kilogram crocodile!! While it’s an intense, daunting experience at first, its also electrifying to be amongst the crocodile enclosure!
Walk through the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
A walk through the Darwin Botanic Gardens followed by breakfast at ‘Eva’s’ is a lovely experience particularly after some rainfall in Darwin. Flowers will be blooming and birds will be chirping.
Witness the Colourful Darwin sunset on Darwin Harbour Cruises
We didn’t believe our hosts when they said the sunsets in Darwin are better than other Australian territories. But they weren’t wrong! As the sun sets in the horizon, pink and orange hues fill the sky. And what better place to watch the sunset from a cruise with champagne and canapés. Darwin Harbour Cruises are a great company centrally located in Darwin town.
Day 3 – 5: Alice Springs
From Darwin, we took a 2 hour flight with Qantas to Alice Springs. It is possible to drive from Darwin, however it will take a few days. A visit to Alice Springs is recommended on any Northern Territory itinerary as the town itself is one of Australia’s best known country towns.
Things To Do:
Takes an early morning Hot Air Balloon ride
What better way to see the expansive Red Centre than a hot air balloon. You
Visit Simpsons Gap at Sunset
Located within a 15 minute drive from Alice Springs centre, Simpsons Gap is a well known location of the West MacDonnell Ranges. From the carpark, its a 2 minute walk to the spectacular large rock faces featuring a permanent waterhole in between. Relax and take in the scenery.
Take a day trip to Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen
While all three locations are over an hours drive from Alice Springs, they are worth the visit. Each unique to one another, all three locations have an area to swim, small hikes (Ormiston Gorge actually has lengthy hikes too) and places to relax. It’s worthwhile taking a day to explore all three.
Day 5 – 7: Uluru
From Alice Springs to Uluru we took a 45 minute flight with Qantas link. The flight itself is very easy and if you have a restricted trip length, flying isn’t a bad option. Had we more time, we would have chosen to drive. That way, you are really experiencing the Red Centre. However you choose to arrive, Uluru in our opinion, is a must see for everyone.
There is no way to completely describe how unique Uluru is. Especially at sunset when the monolithic rock
Things To Do:
View Uluru at Sunset (MUST INCLUDE in a Northern Territory Itinerary!)
If there is anything you do during your time at Uluru, it’s watching the sunset. We chose on our first night in Uluru to go to the ‘Uluru Sunset Viewing Area’ (see below). This area is no secret, so we would recommend getting there early. We saw a couple who brought along 2 fold up chairs, champagne
Wake up Early for Sunrise at Kata Tjuta
While Kata Tjuta may not be as famous as Uluru, it’s nearly as impressive. Instead of a single rock, it is a series of giant boulders jutting up from the landscape. There are various walks in this area as well as a viewing platform. You could come at any time of the day, however at sunrise the rocks light up a powerful red colour.
Take in the View of Uluru from a Camel Ride
While being in the middle of Australia, why not take a Camel Ride. We chose to do the Sunrise Camel Tour. The tour with Uluru Camel Tours takes off before sunrise and takes you over the rich red sand dunes in the cool, clear morning air. There are some great photography opportunities with Uluru in the background.
Enjoy a Special Evening Under the Stars at ‘Sounds of Silence’ Dinner
Sounds of Silence is a special evening spent under the stars. The event starts with canapes and champagne served at a viewing platform with Uluru in the background. As the sun sets, guests move to the dining area where a three-course meal is served. Later in the evening, we chose to walk through the Fields of Light which is the original Bruce Munro exhibition! It is
For more trip ideas within Australia, have a look where else we have been. If you have any questions about our Northern Territory Itinerary please send us an email!
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