The Top End was made for adventures. This vast, desert-cloaked Aussie territory is best explored on an epic road trip, and Uluru and the Red Centre are top of the list of things to do in the Northern Territory. Once you’ve hiked the red cliffs of Kings Canyon, cruised by dozing crocodiles at Kakadu National Park, and swam beneath waterfalls at Nitmiluk National Park, head up to the coast to hang out at Darwin’s sunset markets and lounge on the white-sand beaches of Arnhem Land.
Aussie weather is hot, but the Northern Territory turns up the heat even higher, especially in summer. Temperatures can easily climb over 100°F (38°C) from December through March, and this is also the wet season, when flooding can limit road access to the national parks. A smarter choice is to plan your trip between May and September when the (comparatively) cooler, dryer weather is ideal for hiking and exploring.
Both planes and long-distance buses connect Darwin and Adelaide with the Red Centre. Once there, you’ll need your own transport—or to join a tour—to explore the remote Outback region. Further north, Darwin is easy to get around on foot or by public transport, but the only way to get to the Northern Territory’s national parks is by car. Consider a 4WD, especially if traveling in the wet season.
One of the Northern Territory’s most impressive wildlife encounters takes place on a 1.5-hour speedboat ride from Darwin to Bare Sand Island. Head there at sunrise or sunset to spot flatback and olive ridley turtles nesting and hatching on the island’s protected beaches.
