Why you should visit The Northern Territories
- Cruise the mangroves in search of crocodiles
- See some of the best the rock art galleries in the country
- Get an aerial view of the spectacular floodplains and northern coastline by light aircraft or helicopter
- View amazing wildlife including wallabies, dingos, crocodiles, wild pigs and buffalo
- Bathe in cascading waterfalls
Our specialists 'Must Do'
Join Sab Lord, for the day or longer, for a magical insight into this stunning area. A larger than life character with many stories to share, Sab grew up in the area and has been hosting guests here for over 16 years. His incredible knowledge and unique relationship with many local Aboriginal people will allow you to experience traditional Aboriginal cultures, walk ancient trails and view some of the best rock art in the country.
A little more about The Northern Territories
A visit to The Northern Territories of Australia offers a spectacular area rich in Aboriginal culture, a coastline of tidal inlets and islands, a huge variety of wildlife and birdlife and thousands of square kilometres of national parks crisscrossed by waterways, spectacular gorges and valleys.
Travel to Kakadu National Park, which has been declared a World Heritage area for both its natural and cultural importance. Covering almost 20,000 square kilometres it is Australia’s largest National Park, housing a magnificent collection of floodplains, billabongs, woodlands, rock escarpments and dramatic waterfalls. Recorded to date are 275 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles, 25 species of frogs and over 10,000 species of insects including 1,500 of butterflies and moths. This land is over 2,000 million years old and has been inhabited by Aboriginal Australians for more than 50,000 years.
Arnhem Land’s harsh environment and remoteness has resulted in the better preservation of the region’s Aboriginal culture. It is important to visit this area with a guide who understands this rich heritage and respects the wishes of the traditional landowners. The labyrinth of caves and rock overhangs reveal paintings that detail the spiritual and daily life of the Aboriginal people, some dating as far back as 50,000 years.
Arnhem Land is not only a cultural destination – the escarpment, floodplains and woodlands are full of wildlife. It is not unusual to see huge crocodiles sunning themselves on the bank whilst fishing for barramundi, or boating on a billabong while magpie geese line the shore and white-bellied sea eagles soar high above the paperbarks. The Cobourg Peninsula also offers the chance to see marine life including dolphins, sea turtles, crocodiles and dugongs.
When to go to Australia's Northern Territories
The top end of Australia has a tropical climate and has two distinct seasons, the 'Wet' and the 'Dry' with the wet season spanning November until April. The best time to visit is between June and September when weather conditions for this area are at their best with lovely warm days and pleasant evenings. If you wish to travel outside of this time you should expect the following:
January to March: Kakadu and Arnhemland will receive heavy rains during this period and most access roads and accommodation is closed. Bamurru Plains generally opens from early February and although it is hot and humid, keen fishermen and bird watchers would have a great time and the summer storms can be spectacular.
April and May: The weather will still be hot but the rains will be easing.
October to December: Not a great time to visit as the weather will be very hot in the pre-monsoon build up.