Northern Territory Things to Do Tips by windsorgirl Top 5 Page for this destination

The Devil's Marbles

This odd collection of large boulders seems out of place in the barren desert landscape. The local Aboriginals say they are the eggs of the rainbow serpent.

Our tour bus stopped here overnight for some basic camping. The lack of amenities was made more bearable with a party under the stars and a concoction of our homemade "devil's brew".

Directions: The Devil's Marbles Conservation Reserve is located 104km south of Tennant Creek on the Stuart Highway and 393 kms north of Alice Springs.

Katherine Gorge / Nitmiluk NP

Katherine Gorge is actually a series of 13 gorges on the Katherine River. You can enjoy the park by hiking one of many trails or by taking a 2hr cruise along the Katherine River. You may spot fresh water crocodiles along the way. There are also camping facilities available and canoes for rent.

Directions: Katherine Gorge NP is located 310 kms south of Darwin on the Stuart Hwy.

Kings Canyon

The sheer rock cut is amazing to see. Take the time and follow one of the walks there. The 6km Kings Canyon Walk will take you right along the edge of the canyon. But be careful not to stand too close, for there are no railings to protect you. It is also advised to remove your hat before approaching the edge because a sudden gust of wind could send you plummeting over the canyon's cliff as you instinctively reach for your flyaway hat.

Directions: Kings Canyon is located some 500 kms drive south west of Alice Springs

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is Australia's largest National Park. It is best to tour the park with an organized tour from Darwin, that is more cost effective than renting your own 4WD vehicle. Kakadu was part of my 2 week Darwin-Alice Springs Tour.

Kakadu is Crocodile Dundee Country. Scenes from the first movie were filmed here. It is very rugged but quite beautiful.

In Kakadu, you can cruise on the Yellow Waters, hike through the rugged landscape or visit informative Aboriginal Cultural Centres.

Directions: Kakadu NP is located 253 kms east of Darwin on the Arnhem Hwy

Website: http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/kakadu/index.html

Ayers Rock / Uluru

If you travel at all to Australia's Northern Territory it will most likely be to view the world's largest monolith, Ayers Rock. And it is indeed worth the trip.

This fiery red rock that the aboriginals call Uluru, is 3kms long and 2kms wide and 348m high. Many people congregate in the evening at the sunset viewing area, situated 5kms from Uluru.

I was lucky that my flight from Alice Springs to Perth, passed directly overhead for this unforgettable view and photo.

Directions: "The Rock" is located almost in the dead centre of Australia, 443 kms southwest of Alice Springs along the Stuart and Lasseter Hwys.

Website: http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/uluru/

Hiking through the Olgas

You will most certainly include a stop at the Olgas while visiting the Northern Territory. The aboriginial name is Kata Tjuta which means "many heads". That is what the interesting rock formations of the Olgas resemble.

Hopefully you will take the time to do one of the lovely hikes there. This photo was taken along the 7km Valley of the Winds Walk.

Directions: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is located 443kms southwest of Alice Springs along the Stuart and Lasseter Hwys

Website: http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/uluru/

Take a close look at Ayers Rock

While you are enjoying your walk around the base of Ayers Rock, be sure to notice that up close the seemingly smooth rock surface is actually rough and scaly.

And, did you know that what we see of Ayers Rock above the ground surface is only the tip of the iceberg? This giant sandstone monolith is estimated to extend another 3kms beneath ground level.

Website: http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/uluru/

Mataranka Hot Springs

The Mataranka Homestead is the home of the sapphire coloured thermal pool. It makes for a great stopover as you travel through the Northern Territory. There is a general store here, camping, cabins, a hostel and motel.

Our tour stopped here and included a pool party with live local music at the water hole.

Directions: Mataranka is located about 100kms south of Katherine.

Aboriginal Rock Art, Kakadu NP

Kakadu NP contains many sacred sites to the Aboriginal people. They have inhabited these lands for an estimated 50,000 years and have left behind the world's largest and possibly oldest collection of rock art.

You can see many examples of this ancient art form in the East Alligator Region of Kakadu at the Main Gallery near Obirru Rock.

Obirru Rock, Kakadu NP

You can reach this interesting rock formation after a steep uphill climb of about 30mins. From this point you will have a great view of the distant stone escarpment and the green flood plains.

Note that this area is often closed in the wet season due to flooding. The wet season is from October to April.

Directions: Obirru Rock is located in the East Alligator Region of Kakadu NP