Uluru | Alice Springs |
Capital of Australia 's Northern Territory with a tropical character all of its own. Marked by two seasons the Wet and the Dry.
Flattened in World War II and again on Xmas Eve 1974 when Cyclone Tracy hit, now rebuilt. A thriving cosmopolitan city.
Lots to see and do. Take a Harbour Charter Cruise. Visit the Aviation Centre, the Charles Darwin National Park, Crocodylus Park, the Botanic Gardens, Parliament House. Casuarina Square shopping complex. Don't miss Mindii Beach Sunset Market. Feed the fish at Aquascene.
Around and about. Visit a Crocodile Farm or the Territory Wildlife Park.
Don't miss the Jumping Crocs of the Adelaide River, maybe kites, eagles and buffalo too?
Visit the fishing lure factory.
Take a flight to the Tiwi Islands.
Take a day outback tour
to Litchfield, or a 3 day 4wd adventure safari to Kakadu National Park.
100km from the city are the Mary River Wetlands -Corroboree Billabong,
and Fogg Dam Reserve.
Kakadu - World Heritage listed for its wetlands and aboriginal rock art.
On the Stuart Highway 215 miles fromDarwin is Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge) -
the Katherine River winds its way along 13 canyons carved out of the sandstone escarpment.
. Out of the Wet Season take a boat cruise or a kayak.
Safety Warnings
You must have permission to enter aboriginal land and private lands in general before you enter. Be particular careful of natural hazards such as saltwater crocodiles these are widespread and very dangerous;
marine stingers are present all year, particularly during the Stinger Season. Do not assume it is safe to swim unless you know it is safe to do so.
Driving Warning Distance in the Territory are vast for example it is 1480km from Darwin to the Alice. Though roads such as the Stuart Highway and Arnhem Highway are sealed, many outback roads are at best gravel and unfenced. Wandering stock is a serious hazard- you are advised not to drive at night unless absolutely necessary, as is fatigue. Roads can become flooded and impassable even in 4wd at any time.
You are expected to be self sufficient, both in basic equipment such as spare tyres, also in essentials such as fuel and water. Distances between Roadhouses and other remote fuel stops might be long. Unless you are fully equipped, have planned ahead, and are experienced in driving in such an aggressive but stunningly beautiful environment you are advised not to do so. As the tourist with the wrecked 4wd vehicle discovered the exclusion clauses in the hire agreement and having to pay for the written off hire rental vehicle from his own pocket discovered. Have a good holiday.
Darwin Accommodation a wide choice from apartments to hotels motels and resorts to backpacker lodges to camping.
Beautiful Australia from the Rock to the Reef - a tourist guide with nice pictures.