The Northern Territory is a vast area with many faces and unique natural wonders. In the north, the Top End (northern tip) of Australia, the climate is tropical, in the rainy season, especially in coastal regions may lead to monsoon rains, the dirt roads impassable. The south of the Northern Territory, Red Centre, consists of dry, red desert.
Land areas and places of worship of the Australian aborigines:
There are a number of legally protected sites which are of particular significance for Aboriginal people. Trespassing and damage to the shrines are covered with heavy fines. Written permission is required for entering certain areas of Aboriginal land. This is not issued lightly and is not meant for tourists. Some sites that are of historical significance for Aboriginal people are open to the public as Ayers Rock and Corroboree Rock near Alice Springs and Ubirr (Obiri) Rock in Kakadu National Park (see below). Ayers Rock was built a viewing platform from which to enjoy up to 3,000 visitors from the sunrise and a glimpse into the unknown outback. There are also guided tours of Aborigines. For more information, maps and application forms for permission slips from the tourist office (see addresses).
The Top End
Darwin is a modern provincial capital. In Darwin and the entire northern part of the country there are two very different seasons. In the rainy season in summer monsoon climate with afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity and heavy downpours, which can swell the falls often enormous. The scary but mostly keep to just one hour. The dry season lasts from May to October and brings out endless sunshine and mild evenings, drying wetlands, birds and wild animals are forced back into ever-shrinking oases.
In the Top End, there to admire beautiful tropical plants, such as the Botanical Gardens in Darwin and in many national parks. South of Darwin are the nature parks Howard Springs and Berry Springs and the Fogg Dam Bird Sanctuary. Mindil Beach, Fannie Bay Mandorah Beach and near the city for a swim.
Kakadu National Park
This National Park, which is listed on the World-Heritage List of UNESCO, lies east of Darwin and can be reached in 3 hours on the Arnhem Highway. The park also includes the flood plains between the Wildman and the Alligator River, which flow to the Van Diemen Gulf in the north. On the steep slope in Arnhem Land on the edge of the park you can admire the beautiful Jim Jim and Twin waterfalls, rushing down the steep cliffs into crystal clear rock pools. In the rocky areas Ubirr (Obiri Rock) and Nourlangie Rock can be seen over 20,000 year old Aboriginal rock art.
In the park there are three hotels and a few campsites that serve as starting points for excursions into this unique environment. In countless rivers and billabongs (water holes) can be excellent fishing, but this is a permit required. The Barramundi is a very special delicacy. In alluvial live 260 different bird species. Thousands of birds and wild animals can be seen throughout the year. Daily flights over this area and fishing trips are offered. Popular boat trips on the South Alligator River and the scenic Yellow Water, a domestic lagoon. Kakadu National Park offers all species of northern Australia and a home for visitors to the Top End is an exciting tourist destination. Tours and Safaris 1 to 30 days by plane, bus or SUV will be offered in Darwin.
Katherine Gorge / Nitmiluk National Park
The town of Katherine, about 310 km southeast of Darwin, lies in the so-called no man’s land, the Never Never Land. This area was known for pioneering the book We of the Never Never the writer Aeneas Gunn. Here lies the center of the cattle in the country. The mansions and Old Elsey Springvale remember the first settlers and founders of the city. Katherine Gorge, 30 km north-east, is one of the greatest natural wonders of Australia. A breathtaking boat ride through the canyons up to 100 m deep. Each of the 13 gorges has fascinating rock formations and steep cliffs of cool blue water. Marked trails lead through the most interesting parts of the park. Swimming, canoeing, boat trips and helicopter flights are available. Accommodation of all kinds, including camping grounds, in the town and National Park.
The Red Centre
Alice Springs is located in the geographic center of Australia. The city, surrounded by red desert, is a popular vacation spot and starting point for excursions into the outback. Sports such as golf, tennis, ballooning and parachuting are offered in pairs.
The headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctors (flying doctors service), may be except on Sundays and public holidays, visited daily. Participating in radio school (School of the Air), whose students at home via a wireless device in class, during school hours Mon-Fri 08.00-12.00 clock may be visited. Among museums and listed buildings give an insight into the history of this remote town. Also interesting are the Dreamtime Gallery, and the center for artists and craftsmen of the Aborigines. The old telegraph station, 3 km north of the city, is under monument protection. Original building, restored equipment and an exhibition of old photographs, newspapers and documents provide insight into the pioneering days.
In the mountain chains of the MacDonnell Ranges, near the west and east of Alice Springs, you’ll find colorful cliffs, spectacular gorges and cool ponds in the valleys: The Gorge Standley Chasm 57 km west of Alice Springs, Glen Helen Gorge, 140 km west, Ormiston Gorge west of 130 km and N’Dhala Gorge (with ancient petroglyphs) 96 km east of the city. Approx. 400 km north of Alice Springs are the Devil’s Marbles, eroded into round blocks of granite rocks. The Aborigines believe they are the eggs of a legendary Rainbow Serpent. Palm Valley is a half-hour drive southwest of Alice Springs and the Rainbow Valley in the southeast to the foothills of the Simpson Desert. Anzac Hill, just outside of Alice Springs, offers a good view of the city and surrounding areas. The new road link Mereenie Loop Road leads from Glen Helen to Kings Canyon. A vehicle with four-wheel drive is a must for this purpose. For the use of the Loop Road has a permit must be obtained. This is in Alice Springs from the Central Australian Visitor Centre (corner of Hartley Street and Gregory Terrace) available. Kings Canyon, the largest canyon in Australia, can be reached in just under three hours drive from Alice Springs. Three routes of varying difficulty lead up. Chteau Hornsby, the only wine-growing region of the state, is located about 15 km from the city center. Within a radius of Alice Springs will be held with preference barbecues, the outback and evenings are called. With a little luck you can look at the Aboriginal corroborees. Camel rides are possible in the environment.
Ayers Rock (Uluru)
From Alice Springs to Ayers Rock and you get (450 km or 5 hours by car), the largest monolith in the world, which plays an important role in the mythology of the Aborigines. Ayers Rock is in the national language of the Aborigines as Uluru and known to have been erected by their ancestors. Visitors may climb the huge rocks and explore the caves on foot. Sunrises and sunsets at Ayers Rock are unique. The sun’s rays change the color of the rock over deep red to orange to dark purple.
Ayers Rock Resort is located 22 km from Ayers Rock away and was built to accommodate the steadily increasing number of visitors. Hotels, restaurants, two lodges, apartments, shops, bank, post office and campsites are available. Daily tours to Ayers Rock, to the nearby Olga Rocks (the Aborigines call Kata Tjuta, which means many heads) and are offered at other sites.
Ayers Rock has its own airport. Five daily flights to Alice Springs to Sydney and make connecting flights to other cities. Vehicles can be rented. All major bus companies operate daily to Ayers Rock.
Other attractions in the Red Centre, the Aboriginal settlements in Pitjantjatjara. On the old farm horses, and Ross River homestead cabins convey the atmosphere of the outback.
