5 reasons to visit the Northern Territory this summer
Summer is just around the corner now and you may be wondering where the season will take you. While the obvious coastal getaways may be on the top of the list, they are also likely to be bustling with crowds. If you are seeking different this summer and want to find your very own piece of tranquility, then the Northern Territory is the answer.
From cultural encounters to wide open spaces and tranquil moments in the wilderness, a holiday in the Northern Territory is a feast for your senses. Broaden your horizons this summer and explore unchartered territories with a tropical getaway to Darwin or an outback adventure in Uluru. Here are five reasons why you should visit the Northern Territory this summer.
1. Connect with the world's oldest living culture
Image Credit: Tourism NT
Discover the stories, artworks and traditional cultures of Aboriginal Australians during a visit to the Northern Territory. Uluru is the cultural heart of Australia and a visit to the region is a transforming experience. Join local elders to learn of the special spiritual connection to the land and the Dreamtime creation stories that have been passed down from generation to generation through art, dance and songs.
Whether you choose to fly over Uluru in a scenic helicopter, traverse around on it an Uluru segway tour or sip a glass of bubbly at sunset and admire the colourful show Mother Nature puts on display, a trip to the Northern Territory is sure to make your summer extraordinary.
In the Top End, hop over to the Tiwi Islands from Darwin and you’ll be welcomed with open arms with a traditional smoking ceremony. This immersive day tour will see you meet the local artists and get creative during an art and craft session, enjoy a Billy Tea and Damper with the locals and sit down for an insightful bushtucker and bush medicines tour.
2. Chase waterfalls and relax in swimming holes
Image Credit: Tourism NT
Ditch the beaches this summer and cool off in some spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes. The summer season in the Northern Territory also coincides with the wet season which means that you’ll get to see the waterfalls and swimming holes when they are at their absolute best.
Visitors to Darwin can sneak away to Litchfield National Park for a quiet moment of tranquillity in the blistering sun at Florence Falls or Tolmer Falls. While over in Katherine, the swimming hole at Edith Falls is a popular haunt. And finally, tucked away in the Kakadu National Park, Gunlom Falls is one of the picturesque natural infinity pools you can find in Australia. The days can get steamy in Summer but the tropical landscapes and natural swimming holes offer up a refreshing relief on a warm, sunny day.
3. Lush billabongs spring to life
Image Credit: Tourism NT
One of the advantages of visiting the Northern Territory during the Summer wet season are the overflowing rivers and billabongs bursting to life, attracting a huge array of wildlife to the area. The Corroboree Billabong is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to Australia’s largest concentration of crocodiles in the world.
Join a peaceful Mary River Wetlands Lunch Cruise and you’ll spend 2.5 hour hours spotting the local wildlife in their lush natural habitat. During the cruise, expect to see a haven of birds and crocodiles co-existing in the wilderness. The pristine wetlands are located approximately 90 minutes from Darwin and is a convenient stop for those travelling to Kakadu National Park.
4. The best sunsets and light shows in Australia
You may have heard a rumour that the Northern Territory has some of the best locations in Australia to admire the sunset. We can confirm, this is absolutely true and you’ll find many experiences available to appreciate the golden hour. Visitors to Darwin need not look any further than a Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise with an optional seafood dinner available on board. Dress up to the nines and sip a glass of bubbly as you sail off into the horizon.
In Central Australia, Mother Nature puts on a spectacular, colourful display over Uluru at sunset. The radiant beams of light reveal the changing colours of the spiritual landmark and no visit or sunset is ever the same.
Combine your sunset visit with a BBQ dinner experience in the outback and dine under the stars or wander the critically acclaimed Fields of Light art installation to see the living, breathing outdoor art installation featuring over 50,000 coloured lights shine bright in the desert.
5. Wander in the wilderness
If you’ve been craving to get outdoors and away from the crowds, seek different in the Northern Territory. Plan your escape this summer with a wander in the wilderness.
Kakadu National Park near Darwin is Australia largest national park covering an incredible 20,000 kilometres. Stand atop of the escarpments for a breathtaking view of the scenery and connect with the world’s oldest living culture. Kakadu Day Tours from Darwin are a wonderful way for you to go off-grid and enjoy the wide-open spaces. You’ll have no trouble social distancing here.
Matt Wright also offers a great value overnight glamping adventure and high octane adventure is guaranteed from start to finish. Escape to the outback for an exhilarating helicopter flight, billabong cruise, airboat tour and close encounter swimming with crocodiles in a safe swimming enclosure. When darkness falls, recline in glamorous glamping digs, enjoy a swim in the pool or cold drink at the bar on this exclusive private property.
Get ready to seek different in the Northern Territory this summer. Discover all our top things to do in Darwin, Uluru and Alice Springs right here to make your tropical dreams come true. The Northern Territory is a region full of surprises for all those who make the trek. From secluded waterfalls to breathtaking hikes in the outback and wild crocodile adventures, a visit to the Northern Territory is sure to make your holiday extraordinary.
