The Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is a traveller's dream . This state is home to probably the most popular of the Australia's tourist spots, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kakadu National Park. The Northern Territory is the 3rd largest state behind Western Australia and Queensland. With its coastline to the north fringed by the Arafura and Timor Seas, the Territory is an area of great distances, contrasts, and breathtaking beauty. The tropical capital, Darwin has a colourful history and is surrounded by clear clean blue waters to the north and the tropical wetlands of Kakadu to the south east. Darwin is one of my favourite cities, and if it wasn't so hot in the wet season I would live there. Australians casually refer to southern parts of the state simply as The Center and travelling in these regions can be harsh, However the scenery is spectacular with the highlights being, of course ,Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, the mighty Kings Canyon and countless national parks that I would not miss. This is the state where we have cattle stations the size of the State of Texas as any Northern Territorian will be more than happy to tell you.
The Major city to the south is Alice Springs, and the variety of tourist activities will keep any intrepid tourist busy. Visitors to the Territory should be aware of the climatic conditions for the time of year that you intend to visit as these can be harsh. Any trip that involves travelling by road for long distances, should be meticulously planned. Approximately 45% of the territory is classified as Aboriginal land and with 160,000 people, they make up 25% of the population. The Aboriginal lands can be visited but special permits are required. All permits are available from the appropriate councils in both Darwin and Alice Springs. There is so much to see and do in the Northern Territory, and it truly is a destination in its own right. Katherine Gorge is a must if in the area with most visitors taking a boat trip to fully appreciate the splendour of the gorge. Whatever happens, the Top End will have those camera's clicking and the mind reeling. Have Fun.
Travelling Darwin to Alice
Travelling from Darwin to Alice is a long and rugged trip but well worth it. These are a few highlights along the way. Besides Kakadu and the city of Darwin, the North has a lot more to offer. The first highlight is the Litchfield National Park with its many waterfalls and pools. This is great 4WD country.
South is The Katherine Gorge and it's one of my favourites. Katherine is a rugged and bustling town of 10,000 and the surrounding areas offer a number of sights. If time permits, have a look at Edith Falls and the Caves system. There are many ways to explore the Katherine Gorge, in all 13 gorges actually make up the Gorge System. You can take a tour boat or canoe to see them all. For the adventurous, you can hike around with over 100 kilometres of marked tracks.
Further south a nice place to stop and visit is the township of Mataranka which is known as the "Capital of the Never Never" country. This is the area that was made famous by the Jeannie Gunn novel "We of the Never Never." There are a number of attractions around, including the Thermal Pools and Elsey National Park.
Travelling even further south you will go through the township of Tennant Creek and a few smaller settlements dotted along the highway. Just south of Tennant Creek is the tourist attraction called the Devils Marbles conservation reserve. Next stop: Ross River and then Alice Springs.