With a thriving arts and culture scene, scrumptious dining, bewitching landscapes, heart-racing adventures and a laidback lifestyle you can’t find anywhere else, this is why the Northern Territory’s Top End is worth getting to know.
While we’ve got seven reasons to fall in love with the Northern Territory, the best way to get to know what really makes your heart beat about the Northern Territory is to discover it yourself.
1. The National Parks don’t get better than this
From rainforests to woodland savannahs to roaring cascades to Aboriginal rock art, the Northern Territory’s natural wilderness is unlike anywhere else. We won’t blame you for falling in love at first sight!
In Kakadu National Park, a world of waterfalls awaits, and many are best seen from the perspective of a scenic flight. In and near the park’s waters are around 10,000 crocodiles. Visit the many viewing platforms to witness them hunting, lounging in the shade and sunbathing. To learn more about the park’s history, embark on a tour led by Bininj/Mungguy guides, who will reveal rock art paintings, ancient stories and insights into local culture.
Litchfield National Park is a haven for swimming, wildlife watching and hiking. It’s home to natural plunge pools, like Buley Rockpool, and the wondrous cascades found at Florence Falls. It’s the type of place where time stands still, and your biggest worry is deciding where to explore next.
Pack a pair of binoculars on your trip to the Northern Territory’s wilderness, it’s a birdwatcher’s dream destination with hundreds of bird species calling the landscapes home — like falcons, finches, parrots and emus.
Image credits: (1) © Tourism NT, (2) © Tourism NT/Rachel Stewart 2019
2. It offers incredible educational opportunities
With so many experiences to uncover, one of the best ways to stay a while and soak it all in is by studying in the Northern Territory. The Northern Territory hosts students from over 70 different countries at its 22 quality international education and training providers. The natural beauty and thriving social scene make it easy to find a healthy study-life balance.
The Northern Territory Government and education providers offer scholarships and grants to international students. Students are also eligible to work in fulfilling professions, receive genuine opportunities, participate in professional development programs, and network with fellow students and employers. You’ll be learning long after classes end.
3. You’ll wine and dine to your heart’s delight
If the way to your heart is through your stomach, the Northern Territory is sure to make its way there. This is because, along with the quality of the food, the most memorable culinary experiences in the Northern Territory also involve stunning scenery. Think sipping a glass of award-winning wine while on a sunset cruise, drifting over the landscape with a fresh-brewed coffee in hand on a hot air balloon ride, enjoying locally-caught seafood in an open-air restaurant on the waterfront, or harvesting your own ingredients on a bush tucker tour.
It probably comes to little surprise that the Northern Territory’s coastal communities serve seriously fresh seafood. You’ll also find dishes with an immensely flavourful Thai, Indonesian or Malaysian influence — Asia isn’t too far away, after all.
Image Credit: Matt Cherubino
4. There’s no shortage of shopping potential
Save room in your suitcase for souvenirs like custom made whips, handmade soaps, Aboriginal artworks and much more.
Darwin is perhaps the best place to find a wide range of souvenirs to shop for. Many of the Northern Territory’s remote communities sell their artwork and goods out of a gallery or shop in Darwin, featuring everything from wooden sculptures, bark paintings, painted carvings, homewares and clothing. For a romantic gift, shop for pearls harvested in the South Sea.
Darwin also boasts a variety of local markets. On the weekend, you can check out Parap, Nightcliff and Rapid Creek markets, all packed to the brim with fresh produce, food and craft stalls. From April to October, you can also visit the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, a favourite for locals and tourists. If you’ve made the mistake of over packing, don’t fret. Many shops are happy to arrange international shipping.
Image credits: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught 2019
5. An immersive culture spanning over 60,000 years
Home to the world’s oldest continuous cultures, the Northern Territory has a strong connection to the country. There are many ways to learn about Aboriginal Culture throughout the territory, from cuisine to art to nature walks.
In the Top End, you can visit Nitmiluk Gorge and hear stories from a Jawoyn guide. Visit Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery in Katherine. Sample bush tucker breakfasts, learn the meanings and interpretations behind Aboriginal artworks, and see Kakadu National Park from a new perspective.
Image credit: Helen Orr
6. The lifestyle is dynamic yet laid back
With so much natural beauty surrounding the towns and cities of the Northern Territory, it’s no wonder why life seems to move at a mellow pace. Maybe it’s all the fresh air, the great food, and the exciting activities to enjoy, but the Northern Territory has mastered the art of adventure and relaxation.
While it’s tempting to rush through the top sights of the region, of which there are many, you’re better off embracing the local way of life and appreciating things as they come. Social scenes can involve a cold beer at an Outback pub, meeting friends for a bush walk, or getting together to explore the National Parks.
Image credits: Tourism NT/Backyard Bandits 2020
7. You’ll never run out of things to do
If you’ve got a long list of experiences you want to have, you’ll tick off quite a few of them on a trip to the Northern Territory. To really get your heart racing, go skydiving at Skydive Territory at the Top End to see Darwin from a star’s eye view. If you want to experience heights without the extreme thrill, venture out on a scenic flight from Alice Springs or Kakadu. Hot air balloon rides over a rose-coloured landscape add to the air of romance.
For grand adventures, cycle through the Outback, cruise through crocodile waters, trek the 39-kilometre Tabletop Track in Litchfield National Park, go quad biking or take a dip in the Darwin City Lagoon.
Image credits: Tourism NT/Sean Scott 2021
Discover more things to see and do in the Northern Territory at NorthernTerritory.com
Study in Australia’s Northern Territory www.studynt.nt.gov.au
