Northern Territory Regions
The Top End
The Top End of the Northern Territory is one of the last remaining genuine Outback regions. From its tropical capital
Darwin, visitors have access to some of the Northern Territory’s most famous attractions. The World Heritage listed
Kakadu National Park, with its internationally recognised wetlands, wildlife and Aboriginal art sites is just three hours drive east. Even closer is the fishing mecca of the
Mary River Wetlands, and Litchfield National Park with its rainforest, plunge pools and termite mounds.
To the north are
Bathurst and Melville Islands, home to the Tiwi people who will share their elaborate religion, culture and art with visitors.
Arnhem Land, owned by the Territory’s indigenous people, is an untamed wilderness occupying over half the region. Independent travellers should use the Explorer Highway and Nature’s Way roads, which have information stands at roadside stops.
Katherine Region
This region is the southern part of the Top End – a place defined by its cultural diversity, pioneering history and subtropical ambience. The town of
Katherine is its main centre, and has many places of interest including the historic
Springvale Homestead, Katherine Hot Springs, museums and historic buildings. Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, just 29kms from the town centre, is the major natural attraction in the area. The 13 natural gorges carved out by the Katherine River provide a year round oasis for exploring by canoe, boat cruise or air. Other attractions include Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park, Umbrawarra Gorge, Cutta Cutta Caves, Flora River Nature Park, Mataranka Falls thermal pools and Roper River in Elsey National Park, as well as Gregory National Park and The Kimberleys in the Victoria River Region.
Tennant Creek Region
This exciting region is steeped in history and culture. Centred around the junction of two great highways, the Stuart Highway and the Barkly Highway, the region stretches from the old Telegraph Station at
Barrow Creek in the south, to the historical droving township of Newcastle Waters in the north, and east to the Queensland border. Tennant Creek is a gold and copper mining town and the regional centre of a rich pastoral area. The spirit of the gold rush days lives on in this friendly town with its underground mines, a gold processing plant and fossicking. Visitors can explore the many parks and wildlife reserves and visit historic buildings such as the
Tennant Creek Overland Telegraph Station. The most spectacular natural attraction is the Devil’s Marbles, which are huge boulders resting precariously on top of one another.
Central Australia
Known as ‘The Red Centre’, due to the colour of the landscape, this region is the geographical and mythical heart of the continent. Virtually all its natural features connect with the Australia’s legendary creation, the Dreamtime. At its heart is the most culturally significant icon of Australian and Aboriginal culture,
Ayer’s Rock (Uluru). The principal town of
Alice Springs (‘The Alice’) is a modern Outback town and the perfect base from which to explore all the surrounding natural attractions: Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) - 36 dome-shaped peaks near Uluru, Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, East and West MacDonnell Ranges and the Simpson Desert.