A winter break in the Northern Territory – 5 things to do

Itineraries Adventure Northern Territory Australia

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Are you desperately in need of a winter break? Luckily for you, winter is the best time to visit the Northern Territory, you’ll get to experience perfect sunny, humid-free weather that southerners are missing out on.

To get your winter break started, look into car rental out of Darwin or maybe hire a campervan in Alice Springs and track northwards.

Here are our recommendations for top things to see or do on your winter break.

Explore Uluru

The magnificent red rock of Uluru. Photo by Wikimedia

No trip to the Red Centre is complete without visiting Ayers Rock, or Uluru, as it’s known in Aboriginal tongue. The giant sandstone is right up there on many tourists’ bucket lists, and it should be on yours too. Get a local Aboriginal guide to take you on a tour around the rock and teach you about Uluru's cultural significance. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to photograph the rock.

Take a dive at Crocosaurus Cove

Jumping into the water with a five-metre saltwater crocodile probably isn’t the best idea. But you can actually do it safely at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin and take home some pretty epic photos to remember the experience! The Cage of Death protects you and puts a safe distance between you and the croc. Watching these monsters open their powerful jaws for a feed while right next to them is a once in a lifetime experience.

Discover Katherine Gorge

Katherine Gorge. Photo by Andrea Schaffer on Flikr

The Northern Territory is home to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. Katherine Gorge is right up there. The best part about it is Nitmilum National Park spans 180,000 hectares and is home to 13 beautiful gorges. Explore this pristine region on foot, by canoe or by helicopter. While making your way through the park you can also explore Aboriginal rock art, culture and history.

Go stargazing in the Red Centre

Milky Way over Uluru. Photo by Flight Centre

Outback Northern Territory is home to some of the most beautiful starry nights you’ll ever witness. Stargazers say this region is one of the best in Australia to see various constellations on a clear night. Just drive from the nearest town, pick up some beers and snacks along the way. Then stop in a sandy patch, away from light, so that way you have the sky all to yourselves that night. But if you prefer company, you might want to join a tour where guides teach you how to take awesome photographs of the Milky Way.

Mindil Beach Sunset

Sunset at Mindil Beach. Photo by Alexandre.lavrov on Flikr

When visiting Darwin, watch Mindil Beach come alive at sunset. There’s no other place quite like it. After admiring the magical backdrop you can then treat yourself to the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market nearby. It’s Darwin’s largest market which opens every Thursday and Sunday evening between April and October, with more than 300 stalls. Enjoy the aromas of international dishes during this refreshing night in the tropics.