I’ve lived in and explored the Northern Territory in Australia, and I think it’s one of the most interesting parts of the country. Here you’ll encounter not only iconic wildlife and natural wonders like the Kakadu National Park and Uluru Field of Light, but also learn about the rich Aboriginal culture.
Planning your trip
The Northern Territory (NT) is vast and filled with must-see locations. To make the most of it, I highly recommend getting expert help from a travel agency that knows their stuff. PriceBreaker is a top choice in Singapore for creating tailored trips that showcase the best of the NT. To give you an idea of things to do, we’ve partnered with them to recommend our own custom itinerary, filled with unique experiences.
The Northern Territory in Australia
Start your adventure by flying into Darwin, a relatively short five hours from Singapore. You could even book the NT for a long weekend getaway!
Have you ever seen images of a massive red rock rising from the Australian desert, or watched Crocodile Dundee and wanted to see a ‘croc’ up-close? You can experience both at two of Australia’s World Heritage Sites: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. These striking landscapes are worlds apart – one glowing with the fiery hues of the red desert at sunrise and sunset, the other filled with billabongs and wetlands cutting through ancient escarpments.
The Northern Territory’s abundant wildlife is another big draw – think crocodiles and unique species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Even more special are the opportunities to connect with Aboriginal culture that spans over 65,000 years, the world’s oldest living culture. You can explore ancient rock art and join cultural tours, immersing yourself in incredible wisdom about Australia’s land. Where else can you experience such diversity?
Top things to do in the Northern Territory
# Get face to face with a croc
Did you know the NT is home to over 300,000 crocodiles? If you’re feeling game, you can actually swim with one at Crocosaurus Cove, right in the heart of Darwin. You’ll be separated only by a see-through cage! If that has you yelling “Crikey!”, there are friendlier options like touring the croc aquarium or posing for a photo with a baby crocodile.
Another unforgettable experience is the Jumping Crocodile cruise on the Adelaide River. See just how powerful these reptiles are as wild crocs leap out of the water just metres from your boat. Meanwhile expert guides explain how incredible these reptiles are on an eco-friendly tour.
# Learn about Aboriginal culture
While Uluru is a stunning sight, it also holds deep spiritual significance for the Anangu people, who have passed down ancient stories about the region. On a cultural walking tour, you can learn these creation stories and admire rock paintings, like those of Lungkata (a blue-tongued lizard). You may also try foraging for wild foods like ili (wild fig) and arnguli (bush plum), as the Mala women and children do.
In Kakadu, on the Yellow Water Billabong Cruise you’ll go birdwatching and crocodile spotting, and learn about the Bininj people while cruising through diverse flora and fauna.
# Walking the land
The Northern Territory offers no shortage of incredible walks and hikes! The Kings Canyon Rim Walk provides 360-degree views and a chance to explore unique sandstone dome. It’s also referred to as the Lost City, because it resembles an ancient metropolis. The 6km hike leads to the lush Garden of Eden, a hidden waterhole surrounded by greenery. Be sure to go in the evening to witness the sandstone glowing in hues of orange, red and purple as the sun sets.
For a cooler escape, explore Walpa Gorge in Kata Tjuta National Park, a hidden desert refuge with pink daisies, spearwood groves and, if you’re lucky, a few wallaroos hopping about!
# Light installations and exhibitions
For the first time, the ancient Mala story, which has been passed down through generations of Anangu people, is being shared through a light show. The experience is called called Wintjiri Wiru, meaning “beautiful view out to the horizon” in the local Pitjantjatjara language. It’s an entrancing combination of light, laser, and drone technology.
During your time around Uluru, you’ll be surprised to discover that when night falls, the desert doesn’t fade into darkness. Instead, the land transforms with Field of Light Uluru, a world-renowned art installation created by Bruce Munro. Stretching across more than seven football fields, it features 50,000 glowing spindles of light that sway gently. They also shift colours from ochre and violet to deep blue and white, mimicking the hues of the desert itself.
Munro’s artistic touch continues at Kings Canyon with his Light Towers installation, where sound, light and landscape intertwine to create an outback maze of changing colours. This experience is designed to encourage visitors to pause, reflect and absorb the deep beauty and mystery of Australia’s untamed outback. Through these installations, both Wintjiri Wiru and Bruce Munro’s works offer profound moments of contemplation, connecting the ancient with the modern and sharing the stories of the land.
Holiday to the Northern Territory in Australia
Australia’s Outback is a truly special experience full of wild landscapes, hidden cultural gems and nature-rich adventures, many of which are known only to locals. This is why discussing it with PriceBreaker can take your experience in the NT to the next level. These Tourism Australia certified Aussie Specialists will also craft an itinerary that’s tailored to your interests. From flights to activities, they handle it all and will guide you through the unique beauty of the Outback on a personalised Aussie adventure.