There is no place on Earth like the Northern Territory of Australia. Colloquially known as the Australian outback, this rugged area stretches from the center to the northern region of the island. In the north, known as the Top End, there are a variety of tropical animal life and fauna, while the south is the famously treacherous desert that draws a variety of thrill seekers. The Northern Territory is over three times the size of California, but only has a fifth of the population. Accordingly, there are a great deal of open ranges, tropical jungles, and Aboriginal cultural history that dates back more than 40,000 years.
There are a wide variety of interesting things to do in the Northern Territory. ATVs and other four-wheeled vehicles are popular for rent here, as they provide the best view of the iconic landscapes and gorges in the area. Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, has been called the most easily recognizable natural monument in Australia, and it happens to be located in the Northern Territory as well.
The capital city of this area is Darwin. Although it is not as famous as Sydney or Melbourne, Darwin has a culture all its own, with its own international airport and cruise port to boot. There are several other domestic airports scattered throughout the territory, and Darwin is also linked with Adelaide by train.
While Darwin is the main place of residents for most Northern Territory citizens, there are also big farms and ranches known as stations dotting the outback. These stations can be gigantic in size, and easy to get lost in, which is why having a guide is a necessity in these parts. The famous Kakadu National Park is also located in this area. With over 3.2 million acres of land, the park is filled with wildlife, mangroves, and waterfalls that cannot be seen elsewhere, along with Aboriginal cave drawings and sacred sites that must be seen to be believed.
Alice Springs is the second-largest city in the area, and has its own merits as well. Known as the Red Centre due to the color of its sand, this city has an old world charm that is typical of the Outback. Visitors should be sure to stop by Ayers rock and take in its vast beauty when stopping by Alice Springs.
The Northern Territory is Australia’s best kept secret. While many fear its vast openness, residents know better. This place is a natural beauty unlike anywhere else in the world.
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