From the iconic attractions of Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Red Centre, to the undeniable wild side of the tropical Top End, there is plenty to see and do in Australia’s Northern Territory. But alongside the headline experiences are some surprising stories and unexpected gems.
1. It isn’t all desert
Northern Territory’s Top End is not a desert, but a tropical monsoon ecosystem, which cycles through Dry and Wet seasons each year. Skies are clear during the Dry, but many creeks and rivers continue to flow with cool, clean water. Sustaining life when there’s no rain, these perennial watercourses and pools provide exceptional recreational possibilities.
2. The most beautiful places to swim aren’t the beaches
While you’d assume in a tropical climate that people would be flocking to the beaches – it’s actually the picturesque fresh waterways that boast the Territory’s best and safest swimming.
The Top End usually enjoys an abundance of freshwater during the Tropical Summer. The deluge filters through wetlands and porous sandstone to top up the creeks with gin-clear water, and waterfalls, cascades and plunge pools – shaded by towering cliffs and monsoon rainforest – provide a refreshing escape from the tropical heat
3. The capital city is vibrant, cosmopolitan and surprising
Darwin is filled with edgy street art, bold theatre, cool cafes, hidden bars and boutique breweries and distilleries. In recent years there’s been something of a revolution going on in the capital – and nobody’s complaining.
Darwin’s outstanding outdoor food markets are now joined by a small legion of hip, experimental restaurants combining international flair, local ingredients, and Darwin’s notoriously immutable casual demeaner.
4. Some of the best places to eat are the outdoor markets
Outdoor markets celebrate Darwin’s proximity to Asia and its famous multicultural food scene. Sultry tropical atmosphere, thick with the aromas of lemongrass, chili and ginger combined with wafts from smoky charcoal grills, is all the advertisement Darwin’s foodie-focused markets need.
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