Northern Territory

Red Centre
Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock (Uluru) would have to be one of the most recognised icons of Australia. A visit to Australia's outback would not be complete without seeing this amazing structure rising up out of the desert. Unfortunately, the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) usually take a back seat to this famous monolith. When you see the Olgas you will realise they are just as breathtaking and unusual.

A visit to the Rock doesn't mean you have to brave the walk to the top, in fact the Aboriginal people prefer visitors not to climb it. The most important considerations before attempting the ascent are your fitness and quality of hiking boots. Both need to be in good condition as it is a long, fairly difficult climb. Whichever way you choose, the tour of the base caves is excellent as is the incredible change of colours at sunset and sunrise.

I think one of the most memorable ways of seeing both of these giant landmarks is by air. If you don't mind small planes this is a great way to get a true handle on just how huge and magnificent they really are. I was also surprised how economical the Ayers Rock Scenic Flights were. I recommend 2 nights at Ayers Rock Resort to give yourself enough time to do tours, the flight and perhaps take in the renowned gourmet desert dining experience 'Sounds of Silence'.

The resort has 6 different standards of accommodation and is situated approx. 26kms from the Rock itself. A lot of people don't realise this and think its simply a case of wandering on over and having a look. I really recommend the organised tours because you get to learn about the history and culture attached to the area. After Ayers Rock you can travel onto Alice Springs by road (approx. 5hrs drive) or air.

Ayers Rock Accommodation

3.5 Star: The Lost Camel - Newly refurbished with a very contemporary decor.

4 Star Apartment Style: Emu Walk Apartments - 2 bedroom apartments with full cooking facilities. Good standard excellent for families who would like to prepare their own meals.

3.5 Star: Outback Pioneer Hotel - rustic Australian theme hotel in standard category.

4.5 Star: Desert Gardens Hotel - good standard hotel set in nice gardens.

5 Star: Sails in the Desert - deluxe hotel and the best place to stay in Ayers Rock. Beautiful pool area and great restaurant.

5 Star - Wilderness Resort: Longitude 131† - this is an exclusive wilderness resort comprising of only 15 luxury tents all offering stunning views of Ayers Rock. The tariff includes all meals, selected beverages, a touring package and return airport transfers.

Ayers Rock Touring

AAT Kings have designed 1 pass that gives you all the tours of Ayers Rock and the Olgas. This is a very flexible 3 Day Super Rock Pass which lets you choose the order of your sightseeing. Combine the pass with your choice of accommodation for a complete Ayers Rock package.

AAT Kings also offer the 1 Day Kings Canyon Tour which can be taken on a return basis to Ayers Rock or as I did, transfer onto to Alice Springs after the tour.

Outback Sahara Tours - if you want to experience the outback under the stars, Sahara Tours run short duration camping tours 1.5 days from Ayers Rock or 2 days, 3 days or 5 days from Alice Springs. The overnight safari is very popular with clients who are short of time or would like to try camping for the first time.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a real outback town. Whilst it does have modern shopping arcades and 1st class hotels it is virtually on its own out there in the desert. The 'must do' is an Alice Springs Town Tour. This gives you a real insight into the history of why a township was built in the middle of nowhere and takes in some very interesting places such as the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air. After visiting both of these community services you get and idea just how isolated life can be in the outback.

Alice Springs Accommodation

3 Star: Desert Palms Resort - good location and value for money.

4 Star: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs - set on 4.5 hectares of native bushland. Good standard of accommodation and service.

4.5: Alice Springs Resort - central location and reasonably priced.

Alice Springs Touring

AAT Kings 1 Day Alice Experience Tour - This full day tour combines the town tour I mentioned earlier with Arrernte country. Meet members of the local Aboriginal community and learn about their culture.

Outback Ballooning - Sunrise in the outback is a surreal experience and floating above the desert in a hot air balloon adds to it. The reward of a champagne breakfast afterward makes the early morning effort worthwhile.

Take a camel to breakfast - not as strange as it may sound! You take an early morning camel ride along a dry river bed before enjoying a traditional outback breakfast of billy tea and fresh baked damper. In fact you can take a camel to dinner and even spend a night with a camel if you would like to get to know each other better!

Territory Rent-A-Car Self Drive - If you prefer to travel independently then we have some tried and tested suggested itineraries to choose from. Remember accommodation is few and far between in the outback so pre-booking an itinerary is always highly recommended. This link also offers itineraries in the 'Top End'.

The other alternative is hiring a vehicle and camping equipment to give you total flexibility. This is a popular option especially during the peak season months of July - September so be sure to book early.

Other Attractions

Desert Park - this is a cultural and wildlife park show casing the unique animals and environment of the desert outback. This is a must on a visit to Alice Springs and you should allow at least 3 hours to explore the park properly.

Darwin and Kakadu

The Top End of the Northern Territory covers so much land that it is easy to miss out on seeing much of it if you don't allocate enough time.

There are 2 main ways you can see this part of Australia.
1) Coach/4WD tour - sit back, relax and enjoy the commentary. Choose from coach or camping options.
2) Self Drive - obviously accommodation is few and far between out there so we can pre-book your hotels for you and you rent a car or 4WD. If you want independence this has become a popular way to travel. For total flexibility why not consider a vehicle and camping equipment package?

It is also important to consider the time of year you intend to travel. The 'wet' or 'green' season as it is now known runs Nov - Mar and some of the roads become impassable. Wildlife is considered to be at its best at this time because of the volume of water, however most people visit during the dry months of Mar - Oct to avoid problems with access to certain areas.

Darwin

Darwin is the gateway to the Top End and the majority of tours commence from here. The edge of the renowned Kakadu National Park is situated approx.153 km east of Darwin (2 1/2 hrs drive) and is a main attraction for visitors to the Top End. Once inside the park there are many 'must see' things and a few of my favourites are the cruise on the famous Yellow Waters Billabong and the Aboriginal Rock Art sites of Ubirr and Nourlangie. Katherine Gorge 220km south of Darwin is another natural wonder. The colours of the sheer cliffs rising up out of the deep blue water are a magnificent site. A cruise on the gorge should be included on all itineraries.

Darwin Accommodation

3.5 Star: Quality Hotel Frontier Darwin - Great value for money, close to the city centre enjoying harbour views.

4 Star: Holiday Inn Darwin - Excellent location right on the Esplanade, easy access to all tourist attractions.

4.5 Star: The Saville Park Suites - Excellent location overlooking Lameroo Beach foreshore and Darwin Harbour to the Arafura sea. Within minutes of Darwin's finest shopping, restaurants, entertainment, cultural and leisure venues. Choose from apartment style with full kitchen facilities or hotel rooms.

Top End Touring

Tiwi Tours - the Tiwi Islands are only 15mins by air from Darwin and made up of Bathurst and Melville Islands. Home to the local Aboriginal Tiwi people, a visit allows a unique insight into the way of life of the indigenous people.

Territory Rent-a-Car - put together self drive itineraries with pre-booked accommodation. You have a choice of accommodation and size of the vehicle. This is a great way to explore independently with the peace of mind that at the end of the day you have a hotel room and hot shower waiting for you.

Alternatively for the more adventurous, you can combine a vehicle with camping equipment to give a totally flexible itinerary. During peak months of Jul - Sep you will need to book well in advance as this is a very popular option.

Accommodation in Kakadu National Park

3.5 Star: Gagudju Cooinda Lodge - in the heart of Kakadu National Park. Good value for money.

4.5 Star: Gagudju Crocodile Holiday Inn - this is the famous hotel shaped like a crocodile. The best accommodation in Kakadu and within walking distance of Jabiru township.

Katherine Accommodation

3.5 Star: Best Western International Motel - Great location right in the heart of Katherine. Comfortable accommodation in the Outback.

Accommodation beyond Darwin and Kakadu