Northern Territory Travelers Recommend

Uluru (Ayers Rock) is one of Australia’s best-known landmarks. Sacred to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu—the Aboriginal people native to the area—the rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, along with Kata Tjuta, comprises Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Here’s how to enjoy the rock from all angles.

Day 1: Uluru from Above and Below

One of the most unique things about Uluru is how it appears to change color as the sun shifts position throughout the day. Admire early-morning hues from the base of the rock on a sunrise walking tour that provides a great introduction to Uluru’s culture, geology, and environment. Tours typically include a picnic breakfast. For something less strenuous, opt for a camel ride instead. 

To truly appreciate the color and scale of Uluru, take to the skies on a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flight. You'll see Uluru and the vivid, red-rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and enjoy birds-eye photo opportunities. Round out your day with a glass of wine and Aussie-style barbecue dinner at the sunset viewing point in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Day 2: Aboriginal Culture

Spend your second day delving deeper into Aboriginal culture. Travel to Cave Hill, the land of the Anangu Aboriginal people, on a 4WD tour that lets you tackle the rugged landscapes of the national park with ease. Tours to Cave Hill typically include an indigenous guide that reveals Aboriginal stories handed down over many generations, as well as time to admire the ancient rock art of Cave Hill, one of Central Australia’s most significant Aboriginal rock art sites—morning tea and a picnic lunch are usually included. 

After a full day of culture and adventure, spend the evening relaxing at the Ayers Rock resort, where you can enjoy dinner and drinks.

Day 3: Art and the Art of Silence

Art and folklore abound in the sacred area of Uluru, so spend your final day soaking it up. Opt for a sunrise visit to the Field of Light, a light installation by British artist Bruce Munro, or enjoy a hands-on Aboriginal dot painting workshop at Uluru Cultural Centre. Most tours give you the chance to interact with Aboriginal artists and allow free time to complete your own painting to keep as a memento.

Spend your final evening dining beneath the stars with an award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner package. You'll travel to a secluded formal dining setting in the middle of the desert, where you’ll sip champagne and dine on Australian delicacies as the sound of the didgeridoo fills the air and the sun sets slowly over Kata Tjuta and Uluru. Afterward, an astronomer typically guides you around the southern night skies. 

Three days in Darwin gives you ample time to tick off major city sights, explore the Northern Territory’s famous national parks, and learn more about the region’s rich Aboriginal heritage. Here’s the ultimate 3-day Darwin itinerary.

Day 1: Hop between the sights

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a great way to orient yourself if you’re visiting Darwin for the first time, and allows you to create your own sightseeing itinerary. Disembark to admire the views at Doctors Gully and Cullen Bay Marina, or stroll around Darwin Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, stay aboard for the entire loop and enjoy unobstructed views from the top deck. 

At lunchtime, hop off at Darwin Waterfront Precinct to enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the ocean-view restaurants. Don’t forget to visit the beach, where you can cool off with a swim in the lagoons—Darwin’s coast is plagued with stingers, so don’t try to swim elsewhere.

In the evening, head to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, held on Thursday and Sunday evenings between May and October. Here, you’ll find stalls selling art and handicrafts, a huge variety of street food, and live entertainment.

Day 2: Explore Kakadu National Park

The wild landscapes and ancient wonders of Kakadu National Park, Australia’s largest national park, are a 3-hour drive from Darwin, which makes it possible to tick off the highlights on a day trip. For the best value, choose a tour that includes hotel pickup and lunch, or maximize your time by splashing out on a scenic flight or helicopter tour—the quickest and most memorable way to reach the park. 

Most tours include a cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong or the East Alligator River (Guluyambi), where you’ll have chance to spot crocodiles in their natural habitat. Other must-sees include waterfalls such as Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, where you can dive in for a swim; the ancient Aboriginal rock art sites at Nourlangie Rock or Ubirr; and the Warradjan Aboriginal Centre. 

Litchfield National Park and Katherine Gorge National Park are also do-able on a long day trip from Darwin. 

Day 3: History and Heritage

As the gateway to Australia’s Top End, Darwin is an important historic city; its Aboriginal heritage dates back thousands of years. For those who want to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture, a full-day cruise to the Tiwi Islands is an obvious choice; you’ll visit local communities, sample traditional foods, and take part in handicrafts workshops. 

Alternatively, dedicate your last day to visiting Darwin’s museums—the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the Darwin Military Museum, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre, and the Darwin Aviation Museum are some of the best. 

Spend your final evening admiring the city from the water. Opt for a romantic sunset cruise around Darwin Harbour, during which you’ll cruise past Stokes Hill Wharf, the Esplanade, and Fannie Bay, and enjoy a buffet dinner with a backdrop of Darwin’s illuminated city skyline. 

Two days gives enough time to take in Darwin’s historical highlights and enjoy some of the area’s natural attractions; planning ahead and booking tickets in advance is a great way to maximize your time. Here’s how to spend two days in Darwin. 

Day 1: Sun, Sea, and Sightseeing

**Morning:**Spend your morning on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, which takes you to all of Darwin’s top sights and provides a stress-free way to get your bearings. Hop off at the Museum of the Northern Territory, stroll around the botanical gardens, or browse the shops at Smith Street Mall.

**Afternoon:**Head to Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct for a seafood lunch at an ocean-view restaurant. After walking around the waterfront parks, head to the beach to cool off with a swim in a lagoon—one of the few safe places to swim in the city.  

**Night:**Admire the city from the water during a cruise around Darwin Harbour. Watch the sunset as you sail past Stokes Hill Wharf, the Esplanade, and Fannie Bay, then enjoy a buffet dinner on-board as you enjoy the illuminated skyline. 

Day 2: Wildlife and WWII sites

**Morning:**Spend the morning discovering some of Top End’s wildlife. An Adelaide River cruise reveals saltwater crocodiles, while Crocodylus Park and Territory Wildlife Park exhibit a range of Aussie animals; most tours include convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. 

**Afternoon:**If you’re a history buff, devore the afternoon to Darwin’s fascinating World War II sites. Tours typically include a visit to the  Darwin Military Museum, Darwin War Memorial, and East Point Military Precinct, and a cruise around the naval base of Darwin Harbour.

**Night:**On your last night, tick off the popular Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, held twice a week throughout the summer months. After watching the sunset over the beach, browse market stalls selling street food, shop for arts and handicrafts, and enjoy live entertainment late into the evening. 

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru (Ayers Rock) is Australia’s most iconic natural wonder and lies at the heart of the Aussie outback. An evening visit lets you behold Uluru at sunset, when the rock is at its most magical, before enjoying dinner beneath the desert stars. Here are your options for dinner experiences at Uluru.

Sounds of Silence Dinners

A romantic way to top off a day’s desert exploration, the Sounds of Silence Dinner begins with sparkling wine and canapes as you watch the sunset over Uluru. A delicious barbecue buffet dinner is served, including Australian delicacies like crocodile, barramundi, and kangaroo. You’ll also get the chance to taste traditional bush tucker. Live entertainment includes Aboriginal dancing and didgeridoo music, followed by a guided star-gazing experience. For the best value, enjoy a Sounds of Silence Dinner on a multi-day tour that includes visits to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and the Kings Canyon, plus accommodations at Ayers Rock Resort.   

Australian Barbecue Dinners

Barbecue dinners offer a taste of traditional Aussie hospitality with a generous buffet of barbecue favorites and a more relaxed, informal atmosphere. Most tours include a sunset viewing of Uluru and a post-dinner stargazing experience. Barbecue dinners are also a popular part of Uluru and Kata Tjuta day tours, with adventurous travelers opting to camp out in the desert and watch the sunrise over Uluru.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Australia’s most famous landmarks, Uluru is the undeniable highlight of the Red Centre and an unmissable attraction for visitors to Alice Springs. Here’s a rundown of tour options.

Full-Day Tours

If time is of the essence, a full-day tour from Alice Springs lets you cram multiple sites into one day. Most day tours include hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and meals, and feature highlights such as the Mala Walk, the Mutitjulu Waterhole, an Uluru sunset viewing, and an Aussie-style barbecue dinner in the desert. Alternatively, opt for a one-way shuttle transfer to the Ayers Rock Resort from Alice Springs, and explore the sights at your own pace. 

Multi-Day Tours

Multi-day tours mean you’ll have plenty of time to discover the natural wonders of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and see Uluru at both sunrise and sunset. Choose an overnight tour and spend a night in the Australian outback; set out on a 3-, 4- or 5-day tour of the Red Centre highlights, including extras like King’s Canyon, the Walpa Gorge, and the West MacDonnell Ranges; or take an epic 6-day tour all the way from Alice Springs to Adelaide. Most tours include accommodation, as well as selected meals, entrance fees, and activities.

Things to Know

• Uluru is located in Central Australia, 276 miles (445 kilometers) southwest of Alice Springs (about 4.5 hours by road).

• Day tours from Alice Springs can last up to 18 hours, so prepare for a very long day.

• Uluru is located in an exposed area of the desert, so sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes are a must. Prepare for high temperatures during the day and chilly weather at night. 

• Most tours include hotel pickup, entrance fees, and activities.

Mighty Uluru (Ayers Rock), steeped in Aboriginal legend and surrounded by vast desert landscapes, is one of Australia’s most iconic postcard images. Visiting the dramatic monolith in the heart of the Red Centre is always an unforgettable experience, but sunrise and sunset tours offer the most memorable views and colors. 

Sunrise at Uluru

The most popular way to experience an Uluru sunrise is on an early morning base walk. Stop to admire the ancient rock art at Mutitjulu Waterhole and tuck into a picnic breakfast under the glow of the newly risen sun. Alternatively, opt for an Uluru sunrise tour on camelback, or watch the sunrise looking out over Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Walpa Gorge, and the Valley of the Winds in Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park.

Sunset at Uluru

The Uluru sunset viewing area offers one of the most impressive views of the natural wonder, and a sunset tour is often combined with a traditional Aussie BBQ dinner. For the full experience, opt for a sunset camel ride, enjoy stargazing in the desert, then camp out in the Australian Outback so you can experience the sunrise as well.

Things to Know

• Uluru is located in central Australia’s Northern Territory, 276 miles (445 kilometers) southwest of Alice Springs, about a 4.5-hour drive.

• Throughout the year, sunrise and sunset times vary between 5:30am and 7am, and 6:45pm and 7:45pm, respectively. 

• Sunrise or sunset tours from the Ayers Rock Resort typically last between three and five hours.

• Uluru is located in an exposed area of the desert, so sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes are a must. Be prepared for both high temperatures during the day and chilly weather at night. 

• Most tours include hotel pickup from Ayers Rock Resort hotels; many tours include breakfast or dinner as well.

A 2-day trip to Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, allows you time to see the famed rock throughout the day—it appears to change color depending on the lighting and time of day. You also have time to visit Kata Tjuta (within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park) and venture as far as Mount Connell. Here’s how to spend two days at Uluru.

Day 1: Uluru/Ayers Rock

**Morning:**Get an early start to see the sunrise over Uluru. Take a guided walk around the base—a flat distance of around 7.5 miles (12 kilometers)—ride a camel on a guided tour, or rent a bicycle and pedal around at your own pace. 

**Afternoon:**To get a different perspective on the rock and Kata Tjuta, take a scenic helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flight over the area. Adventure-seekers also have the option of free-falling from a height of 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) on a tandem skydiving flight. 

**Night:**Head for the designated sunset-viewing area to watch the changing colors of the desert as the sun sinks over Uluru. Guided tours typically include a glass of wine or beer with which to toast the sunset, and then continue with an Aussie-style barbecue dinner under the starry night sky.

Day 2: Kata Tjuta and Mt. Conner

**Morning:**It’s another early start on day two to see the sunrise over the 36 large red rock domes of Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas. Tours that start with a sunrise over the desert landscape typically continue with an outback picnic breakfast and a walking tour of Walpa Gorge. 

**Afternoon:**Enjoy the quintessential Aussie outback experience and soak up the ambience of the Red Centre on a guided tour by 4WD vehicle to Mt. Conner, located on the privately owned cattle station of Curtin Springs. Look out for red kangaroos, wallabies, and other wildlife as you travel across the desert landscape.

**Night:**Some Mt. Conner tours include a glass of wine to toast the sunset, as well as a 3-course dinner at Curtin Springs Station before returning you to your accommodation. If not, opt to spend your evening at one of the fine dining hotel restaurants within the Ayers Rock Resort.

You've landed bang in the bull's-eye of the enormous continent of Australia—the remote town of Alice Springs. Three days is plenty of time to get a feel for the remote atmosphere and also head out to explore the famed Uluru National Park. Here are a few ways to experience the very best of Alice Springs in 72 memorable hours.

Day 1: See the Town’s Sights

Spend your first day exploring attractions in Alice Springs with a half-day tour. Start at the old Telegraph Station, which used to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, to get a glimpse into the town's early years; then visit the School of the Air to learn how students in remote locations across Central Australia get lessons via satellite. In the afternoon, head to Alice Springs Reptile Centre, and take in sweeping views of the West MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill. Lastly, join an evening tour of Alice Springs Desert Park, which allows you to see nocturnal wildlife at its most active.

Day 2: Admire Uluru

No visit to Alice Springs would be complete without a trip to see the natural wonders of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park—indeed the two famous rock formations at this UNESCO World Heritage Site are the very reason many people visit the area. Book a full day tour to really get to know this awe-inspiring park through guided nature walks, and be sure to visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to see Aboriginal art and learn about indigenous culture. No visit would be complete without watching the sunset over the mighty Uluru rock (also known as Ayers Rock), so plan to stay late; some full-day tours include sunset dinners, others include overnight camping accommodations. 

Day 3: Soak up the Scenery

Start your final day in the area with a sunrise ballooning adventure. You can watch your hot air balloon inflate in the pre-dawn light, then see the sunrise from the sky. As you drift over the rugged landscape, you’ll be able to spot local wildlife, including kangaroos, in the early morning light.

There’s plenty of rugged scenery near Alice Springs, and lots of adventurous ways to explore. At Undoolya Station (the oldest working cattle station in the Northern Territory) you can jump on a quad bike and take a guided ride over bush tracks and dry riverbeds to see the local mountain ranges. If you’re up for one last adventure, take a sunset camel ride through the desert, then head back to town to enjoy our final evening in Alice Springs’ many bars and restaurants.

Measuring in at almost 12,500 square miles (20,000 square kilometers), Kakadu is Australia’s biggest national park, renowned for its dramatic natural wonders, incredible biodiversity, and impressive cultural heritage. From nature lovers to adventurers, there's a tour to fit any travel style—here are your options.

For the Time-Crunched Visitor

You could spend days exploring Kakadu’s wild landscape, but travelers short on time can still cram the highlights into a day trip. Full-day tours from Darwin often include hotel pickup and lunch to ensure you maximize your time, along with a cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong to spot saltwater crocodiles and a visit to the Warradjan Aboriginal Centre. 

For Nature Enthusiasts

Multi-day tours allow you to venture further into the wild landscapes of Kakadu, visiting natural wonders such as Twin Falls Gorge, the Mikinj Valley, and Jim Jim Falls. On a 2- or 3-day tour, you’ll have time to enjoy scenic bushwalks, stop at spectacular viewpoints, and spot wildlife such as exotic birds, frill-necked lizards, and Leichhardt’s grasshoppers. 

For the Adventurer

For the ultimate adventure, combine a visit to Kakadu National Park with stops at nearby attractions such as Litchfield National Park and the Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park). Explore off-road on a 4WD outback safari, swim beneath waterfalls, tuck into typical Aussie campfire food, and camp out beneath the stars.

For History Buffs

Kakadu is home to some of the most important Aboriginal sites in the Northern Territory, and those looking to learn can take a Kakadu National Park tour led by an Aboriginal guide. Along the way, stop to admire ancient Aboriginal rock art at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr Rock, take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, and hear the stories of the park’s traditional owners as you journey into Arnhem Land.

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is one of Australia’s most identifiable symbols. Sacred to the  Pitjantjatjara, the Aboriginal people who call themselves Anangu, the rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, together with Kata Tjuta, makes up the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Here’s how to maximize your 1-day visit.

Morning: Sunrise Scenes

Wake up early to make the most of your one day at Uluru. Start by catching the rising sun as it casts a warm glow over the sacred rock. Guided walks around the base introduce visitors to Uluru’s culture, geology, and environment, with guides recounting the Aboriginal creation stories that are the essence of the monolith. The trail is around 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) but flat, and tours typically include a picnic breakfast. For those who prefer not to make the long walk around Uluru, consider riding a camel instead.

Afternoon: Uluru from Above

Due to its spiritual significance, the Anangu do not climb Uluru and request that visitors respect their culture by not climbing on it either. There are plenty of other ways to get a bird’s-eye view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas), including on a scenic helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flight over the area. If an adrenaline rush is what you are after, consider the option of free-falling from a height of 12,000 feet (3,657 meters) on a tandem skydiving flight. 

Night: Colors of Sunset

Round out a great day exploring Australia’s Red Centre by sipping a glass of wine or beer as you watch the changing colors of the desert as the sun sinks over Uluru. Guided tours generally include pickup and drop-off from your hotel to the designated sunset viewing area in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the best view of the rock. After the sun sets, tours typically transport you to an Aussie-style barbecue dinner as the stars light up the night sky and guides point out planets and constellations, including the Southern Cross.

Stretching from the dry desert plains of Alice Springs and Ayers Rock (Uluru) to the tropical north of Darwin and the outback, the Northern Territory is Australia's very own version of the Wild West. Here are our picks for must-do activities in the Northern Territory.

See Ayers Rock (Uluru)

The star attraction of Australia’s Red Centre is Uluru (Ayers Rock), and there are plenty of ways to visit the famous rock. Arrive early for a sunrise viewing, hike around its base, soar overhead in a helicopter, or take a camel ride through the desert. To see nature at its best, stick around to watch the sunset and enjoy a traditional Aussie BBQ or a Sounds of Silence dinner beneath the desert stars. 

Explore the National Parks

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), huge red rocks that tower up to 1,791 feet (546 meters) above the surrounding landscape. Further north is Litchfield National Park, known for its gigantic termite mounds and waterfalls, and Kakadu National Park. The latter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Australia's largest national park, is known for its ancient Aboriginal rock art and crocodile-filled waters. 

Meet Darwin's Wildlife

A crocodile sighting is a coveted experience in Australia's Top End, and there are plenty of ways to get up close to the toothy reptiles. Spot them on a cruise through Mary River Wetlands, brave a jumping crocodiles cruise on the Adelaide River, or dare yourself to cage swimming with saltwater crocodiles at Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove.

Take in Kings Canyon

West of Alice Springs, Kings Canyon is one of the Northern Territory’s most remote natural wonders. Experience the dramatic red cliffs on a hike through Watarrka National Park or tackle the 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) Kings Canyon Rim Walk for expansive views. Nearby, visit the Garden of Eden waterhole and the natural landmarks of the Lost City.

The sunbaked desert plains, vast gorges, and crocodile-filled billabongs of the Northern Territory offer a spectacular backdrop for an outdoor adventure, and there are an impressive 16 national parks to explore throughout the state. Here are five of the best that you can visit on a day tour from Darwin.

Kakadu National Park

Australia’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kakadu National Park is noted for its biodiversity as it’s home to an array of indigenous plants and Australian birds and mammals. Visitors on a full-day tour can spot freshwater and saltwater crocodiles on a cruise along Yellow Water and admire ancient Aboriginal rock art. Longer 2- or 3-day tours might also include a stop at Twin Falls or Barramundi Gorge, with some including hotel accommodations and others offering guided camping in the wilderness. 

Litchfield National Park

Sitting just to the south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is the home of some of the region’s most unique scenery. You won’t miss a thing on a guided day tour of the area, during which you can marvel at the gigantic termite mounds, admire the park’s beautiful waterfalls, and even dive in to take a swim at spots such as Buley Rockhole or Wangi Falls.

Charles Darwin National Park

Just outside Darwin city center, the Charles Darwin National Park is a stretch of scenic wetlands, famous for its lush mangroves and World War II history. Escape the city for a hike through the forests, browse the WWII exhibitions, and enjoy a magnificent view over Darwin from the lookout point.

Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge

Just under four hours’ drive from the capital, Katherine Gorge is best explored on a multi-day tour from Darwin. There are various hiking trails suitable for all levels, as well as some fascinating Aboriginal rock art sites to visit, but the real highlight is the dramatic view from the top of the gorge.

Mary River National Park

Another popular day trip from Darwin is to the Mary River Wetlands, where it’s possible to see crocodiles and alligators in their natural habitat, cruise along the Corroboree Billabong, and spot exotic birds including jabiru, ibis, sea eagles, and jacana. Full-day tours of the Corroboree Billabong include bus and cruise transport, plus lunch for an enjoyable look at the area.

A 2-day trip to Alice Springs allows you time to fully explore the small town and its surrounding bush, as well as head out into the West MacDonnell Ranges. From soaring over red desert in a hot-air balloon to spotting kangaroo and wallaby on a nature tour, here’s how to spend two days in Alice Springs.

Day 1: Explore Alice Springs

**Morning:**Explore the outback on a bike tour that takes you across some of the best trails in Australia—tours typically make stops at local cafes and galleries showcasing indigenous art. Alternatively, adventure-seekers can zip along dirt roads and explore the Northern Territory’s oldest working cattle station on a fast-paced quad bike tour. 

**Afternoon:**Take the afternoon to explore Alice Springs on a highlights tour, including Overland Telegraph Station and the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and School of the Air. These tours often also stop at Alice Springs Reptile Park and venture to Anzac Hill for sweeping views of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

**Night:**Round out the day by meeting some local wildlife. On an evening tour of Alice Springs Desert Park, see creatures such as echidna and mala (rufous-hare wallaby) as they become active after dark. Tours typically last 1.5 hours, leaving plenty of time to get dinner in town afterward.

Day 2: Take to the Skies and into the Bush

**Morning:**On day two, take a full-day trip to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, or embark on one of several excursions near Alice Springs. One morning option is a predawn hot-air balloon ride. As you soar over rugged landscapes, admire the rising sun and look out for native wildlife including red kangaroo. 

**Afternoon:**Board a 4WD vehicle and embark on a tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges to take in its red-and-orange landscapes. Guided tours typically visit Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, and the aboriginal rock art of Emily Gap, and include afternoon tea. 

**Night:**Round out your trip to Alice Springs with a relaxing camel ride at sunset. As you travel along red sand tracks and through forest trails, you have another opportunity to spot native wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies.

As the gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes, Alice Springs is often passed through on the way to Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the MacDonnell Ranges; however, there’s much more here than meets the eye. Here are a few ways to spend one day in Alice Springs.

Morning: Soar Over the Desert

Start your day bright and early with a hot-air balloon ride. Excursions typically depart before dawn, when the sky is starry and the air is cool, and allow you to watch sunrise over the ancient red land. With luck, you might even spot native wildlife such as red kangaroos from above.

Alternatively, active travelers can opt for a bike tour through the outback and along some of the best bike trails in Australia. Some tours combine adventure with culture by making stops at local cafes and galleries that exhibit indigenous artists.

Afternoon: Discover the Outback

In the afternoon, discover the dispersed highlights of Alice Springs with ease on a sightseeing tour, which typically cover the historic Overland Telegraph Station, the ultra-remote Royal Flying Doctor Service base, and the School of the Air. Tours often also include a visit to Alice Springs Reptile Park and take in sweeping views of the West MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.

If you’d prefer to go off the beaten path, choose a tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges by 4WD vehicle. These tours typically visit Simpsons Gap, the Standley Chasm, and the aboriginal rock art of Emily Gap.

Night: Ride a Camel into the Sunset

Round out your day in Alice Springs with a sunset camel ride. As you ride along red sand tracks and through forest trails, you’ll have the chance to spot native wildlife such as kangaroos and wallabies. If wildlife is your main interest, there’s also the option of an evening tour of the Alice Springs Desert Park, which increases your chances of spotting creatures such as echidna and mala (rufous-hare wallaby) as they become active after dark.

Afterward, head for the town center for dinner. Alice Springs is home to a surprisingly diverse array of restaurants, which serves everything from modern Australian cuisine to Thai and tapas.

Darwin serves as a gateway to the tropical landscapes and national parks of the Northern Territory in Australia, meaning that many visitors find themselves with just a single day in the city. Luckily, the compact city makes it easy to cram all the highlights into one visit—here’s how to spend one day in Darwin. 

Morning: Hop Between Highlights

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is ideal choice for time-pressed travelers; tours ensure that no time is wasted traveling between sights and allow you to create your own itinerary. Take photos from the top deck as you pass Doctors Gully, and Cullen Bay Marina. 

Hop off along the way to browse the shops at Mitchell Street and Smith Street Mall, visit the Darwin Military Museum or Museum of the Northern Territory, or cool off with a swim in the lagoons at Darwin Wharf Precinct. See more of the city’s coastline on a 45-minute sightseeing cruises from Darwin Harbour.

Afternoon: Discover Darwin’s Wildlife

Australia’s Top End is famous for its crocodiles, but you don’t have to go trekking through Kakadu National Park to spot one. Head to Crocosaurus Cove, conveniently located in Darwin city center, to see saltwater crocodiles alongside snakes, whipray, and Barramundi.  Time your visit so you can watch the crocodiles being fed. 

Afterwards, opt for a walking or Segway tour of Darwin Botanic Gardens. which hop-on hop-off buses stop right outside. Spend time admiring the colourful heliconias, orchids, and bromeliads, then enjoy coffee and cake at the park’s popular café. 

Night: Browse the markets

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are one of Darwin’s most popular attractions, and are held on Thursday and Sunday evenings between May and October. Home to live music and handicrafts stalls, you can easily spend the entire evening here. Grab some street food and follow the crowds to the beach for sunset before returning to the markets for some evening shopping. 

If you’re not visiting on a market night, another fun activity is the Deckchair Cinema, held along the coast throughout the summer months. Alternatively, head down to Darwin Waterfront Precinct for dinner at one of the seafood restaurants. 

The rugged gorges, desert plains, and remote billabongs of the Northern Territory are home to some of Australia’s most diverse wildlife—everything from black flying foxes to frill-neck lizards to ferocious crocodiles—and Darwin is an ideal basecamp for exploring the Top End. Here are some tips for discovering Darwin’s wildlife.

Best Ways to Spot Wildlife in Darwin

• Observe saltwater crocodiles in their natural environment on a day tour or multi-day trip to Kakadu National Park or Litchfield National Park.

• Set sail for Bare Sand Island to watch the sea turtles as they come ashore to lay eggs at sunset.

• See jumping crocodiles with the help of an expert guide on a cruise along the Adelaide River or brave the Cage of Death at Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove.

• Cruise along the Corroboree billabong in the Mary River wetlands and spot colorful birds such as jabiru, ibis, and sea eagles.

What You Can See

Most visitors prioritize saltwater crocodiles sightings, but other wildlife to seek out include black flying fox, frill-necked lizard, flatback turtles, and, of course, kangaroos and wallabies. Other native animals to look out for include Leichhardt’s grasshoppers, quolls, and rare birds such as hooded parrot, rainbow pitta, and red goshawk.

Tips for Wildlife Viewing

• Visit at sunrise and sunset. The best time for wildlife spotting is near dawn and dusk.

• Stay safe. People are injured or killed by crocodiles in the Northern Territory every year. Never swim or walk close to rivers and billabongs—your guide can advise you of safe swimming holes.

• Keep quiet. Animals will often steer clear of loud noises, rapid movements, or crowded areas.

• Do not disturb the animals’ habitats. Respect the natural habitats of animals and plant life, and stick to designated walking trails.

At the heart of the Australian outback, Kings Canyon—along with the iconic Ayers Rock (Uluru) and the majestic peaks of the Olgas (Kata-Tjuta)—is part of the trio of natural wonders that make up Australia’s famous Red Center. Here are your options for tours from Alice Springs. 

Multi-Day Tours

The most convenient way to explore the Red Center is on a guided tour, with 2- or 3-day tours allowing time to take in all the highlights. Tours often include an Uluru base walk, a visit to the Mutitjulu waterhole, a hike through the Valley of the Winds, and a canyon rim walk, which affords spectacular views over Kings Canyon. Most multi-day tours include a choice of accommodation options at the Ayers Rock Resort or Kings Canyon Resort.

Camping Experiences

For a more immersive experience, opt to sleep beneath the desert stars on a 2- or 3-day outback camping trip. As well as taking part in activities such as an Uluru sunrise walk and a desert camel ride, you’ll get to tuck into typical Aussie BBQ around a campfire, enjoy stargazing, and camp out either in a safari tent with bunk beds or traditional swag (Aussie tented bedroll).

Things to Know

• Kings Canyon is part of the George Gill Range, located in the Watarrka National Park, 200 miles (323 kilometers) southwest of Alice Springs.

• Accommodation options include the Kings Canyon Resort, Kings Creek Station, and the Ayers Rock and Yulara Resorts at Uluru.

• Australia’s Red Center is in a desert climate—it can get extremely hot during the day, but cold at night, even in summer. 

Watch the sunrise over Uluru (Ayers Rock), visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), hike through Kings Canyon. Complete the adventure by camping overnight in the outback beneath sparkling desert stars. No matter which activities you prefer, a multi-day tour of Australia’s Red Centre lets you pack much more into your trip. Here are your options.

Highlights

• Watch the changing colors of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at sunset and sunrise on an overnight tour.

• Take in all the highlights of the Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park, including the Mutijulu Waterhole, and a hike through the Valley of the Winds, on a multi-day tour.

• Sleep underneath the outback stars in an Aussie swag (bedroll) or a comfortable safari tent.

• Enjoy a traditional Aussie barbecue dinner around the campfire.

• Experience the magic of the desert by night and enjoy stargazing, with a guide on hand to point out the different constellations.

• Travel all the way from Alice Springs to Darwin on an epic outback road trip, camping out along the way.