{"id":189246,"date":"2018-11-27T13:01:55","date_gmt":"2018-11-27T02:01:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=189246"},"modified":"2023-03-10T13:20:25","modified_gmt":"2023-03-10T02:20:25","slug":"nine-awesome-experiences-for-nt-first-timers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nt\/nine-awesome-experiences-for-nt-first-timers\/","title":{"rendered":"9 awesome experiences for NT first timers"},"content":{"rendered":"
Never been to the Northern Territory and don\u2019t know where to start? It\u2019s easier than you think to make the most of its wonders.<\/h5>\n

At almost 1.5 million square kilometres and covering one fifth of Australia\u2019s landmass, the Northern Territory is so vast that the uninitiated could be forgiven for thinking it somewhat inaccessible. But know where to start and it\u2019s surprisingly easy to come to grips with this great unknown.<\/p>\n\n

From wild swims and wilderness lodges to fine dining and caffeine fixes, here are nine ways a first timer can experience the essence of the NT \u2013 some you\u2019ll expect, and others you won\u2019t.<\/p>\n

1. Hug a crocodile<\/h2>\n
\"Cage

Cage of Death, Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin (photo: Tourism NT).<\/p><\/div>\n

You don\u2019t have to go far to spot one of the Territory\u2019s 100,000 \u2018salties\u2019. Crocosaurus Cove (check out our full Crocosaurus Cove<\/a> story)\u00a0in the centre of Darwin city is the easiest place to meet some prehistoric reptile friends.<\/p>\n\n

You can handle a baby croc and get up close and personal with some of the centre\u2019s more famous inhabitants like Burt, the star of Crocodile Dundee. And, if it appeals, you can enter the Cage of Death<\/a> to experience Australia\u2019s only crocodile dive.<\/p>\n

\"kakadu

Enjoy a Yellow Water Cruise at sunset through the Kakadu wetlands (photo: David Hancock)<\/p><\/div>\n

One of our favourite places to see crocodiles is in their natural habitat at Kakadu National Park (visit our\u00a0Kakadu<\/a>\u00a0guide). Jump aboard a dawn or dusk cruise on the spectacular Yellow Water Billabong and glide through the wetlands, which are teeming with flora and fauna both placid and predatory (find out more with our guide to Kakadu tours<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\"Crocodile

The monster from the deep ready for lift off.<\/p><\/div>\n

If you like your crocodiles with a little more verve, check out the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise<\/a> on the Adelaide River, an easy 60-minute drive from Darwin. You\u2019ll want to keep your arms inside the boat as five-metre crocs with names like Brutus leap out of the river to snack on hunks of dangling meat.<\/p>\n

2. Go wild swimming<\/h2>\n

The NT is home to an array of spectacular wild swimming spots. In the Top End, we\u2019re talking crystal clear waterholes, lined with luminescent green reeds and bursts of pandanus, often topped-off with an Insta-worthy waterfall<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Florence

Florence Falls, Litchfield National Park, NT.<\/p><\/div>\n

While there\u2019s some sweet spots closer to Darwin<\/a> (looking at you Berry Springs Nature Park and Litchfield National Park), head to the south of Kakadu National Park to explore some of the Territory\u2019s most pristine swimming holes.<\/p>\n\n

Among our favourites (they don\u2019t require a 4WD) is the famous plunge pools at Gunlom Falls<\/a> \u2013 accessed by a manageably steep climb up the escarpment \u2013 which have been heralded as nature\u2019s finest infinity pools. As you\u2019d expect the pools can get busy during holidays and long weekends, but not to worry as the lower swimming hole, with its long-necked turtles, is just as special.<\/p>\n

\"Gunlom

Still in our hearts: top pool of Gunlom Falls, Kakadu National Park, NT.<\/p><\/div>\n

Further south down the Stuart Highway, you\u2019ll hit Mataranka<\/a>, famous for its soothing thermal pool (check out our guide to Mataranka<\/a>). While it is lovely, especially in the early morning before the crowds descend, we prefer escaping to nearby Bitter Springs, a serene palm-fringed pool in spring-fed Elsey National Park, for some blue-and-emerald bliss.<\/p>\n

\"Bitter

Bitter Springs, Elsey National Park, NT (photo: Let’s Go Travel Australia).<\/p><\/div>\n

In central Australia, escape the heat with a dip in pretty (though staggeringly cold) Ellery Creek Big Hole<\/a> in the West MacDonnell Ranges, 90 minutes out of Alice Springs, which is framed by 400 million-year-old red cliffs.<\/p>\n

3. Celebrate the best of remote Indigenous Australia<\/h2>\n
\"northern

Red flag dancers at the Barunga, Australia\u2019s oldest and largest remote-community festival.<\/p><\/div>\n

There are some fantastic Indigenous-run tours from both Darwin and Alice Springs that will introduce you to the rich culture and history of the Territory\u2019s Indigenous people.<\/p>\n\n

Pudakul<\/a>\u2019s two-hour cultural experience uses the beautiful Adelaide River wetlands to explore traditional bush medicine and tucker, while in Alice Springs you can spend the evening by the campfire with Arrernte man Bob Taylor\u00a0<\/a>(view our guide to Darwin tours)<\/a>. But if you\u2019re up for more than just a taster, consider planning your trip around one of the many remote festivals that run during the dry season.<\/p>\n\n

At the three-day Barunga Festival<\/a>, visitors of all ages are encouraged to join in the festivities which include traditional dance (bungul), didgeridoo and spear-throwing, alongside high profile Indigenous and non-Indigenous acts. The Tiwi Islands footy grand final and art sale, held each March, is another unique opportunity to enjoy a celebration of remote Indigenous community life.<\/p>\n

4. Fall in love with Indigenous art<\/h2>\n

Whether you\u2019re an art lover or not, the creative offerings in the NT are tantalising. But they can be a tad overwhelming. Start by taking a broad look at the different Indigenous art movements in the impressive collections at the Museum and Gallery of the Northern Territory<\/a> (MAGNT) in Darwin and the Araluen Arts Centre<\/a> in Alice Springs.<\/p>\n\n

Once you\u2019ve worked out what you\u2019re drawn to, it\u2019s time to find something special to take home. You could plan your trip round the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair<\/a>, which runs in early August and features around 200 artists, or check out Alice Springs\u2019 lively and less formal Desert Mob<\/a> art fair in September. Alternatively make sure to visit an Aboriginal art centre, where you can meet the artists and see them work. Purchasing art directly from centres is the \u2018gold standard\u2019 way to shop as it ensures artists are paid fairly for their work (check out our guide to buying and experiencing NT art<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n

If you\u2019re short on time, some galleries that work directly with art centres include Darwin\u2019s Outstation Gallery<\/a>, Nomad Art<\/a> and the Paul Johnstone Gallery<\/a>, as well as Alice Springs\u2019 Raft Artspace<\/a>. If buying outside of an art centre, check that you\u2019re making an ethical purchase by noting whether the gallery or seller is a signatory to the Indigenous Art Code.<\/p>\n

5. Bag a barra in the wild<\/h2>\n
\"darwin

Barra caught! Northern Territory offers a fantastic backdrop for some memorable fishing moments.<\/p><\/div>\n

There\u2019s nothing quite as thrilling as catching a barramundi \u2018this big\u2019 in the wild and nowhere that offers such diverse and magnificent settings as the Northern Territory.<\/p>\n\n

Make like all the Darwin men on Tinder and get that monster fish shot with a bit of land-based fishing. Ron and George at Fishing and Outdoor World<\/a> will set you up with a light spinning rod, a few lures and some local know-how. They recommend Stokes Hill Wharf, which is right in the city and has a dedicated fishing platform and artificial reef, and the jetty at Mandorah on the western side of the harbour (take a ferry from Cullen Bay). Just outside the harbour, the gorgeous Nightcliff Jetty is another popular spot (view our tips for bagging a barramundi<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n

Alternatively, there are plenty of charters catering for every type of angler. From an all-inclusive Ti<\/a>wi Island<\/a>\u00a0fishing experience, to a day exploring the mud crab-filled creeks and coastal rivers of Dundee (90 mins from Darwin) to heli-fishing around the Top End, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll end up with a\u00a0barra in the net.<\/p>\n

6. Sleep under the stars<\/h2>\n
\"Bamurru

The wet edge pool at Bamurru Plains<\/p><\/div>\n

You don\u2019t need to haul your tent and esky north, because the NT offers plenty of opportunities for bush luxury.<\/p>\n

Top End Lodges like Wildman Wilderness Lodge<\/a> and Bamurru Plains<\/a> on the Mary River \u2013 halfway between Darwin and Kakadu \u2013 allow you to wake to a chorus of birds from the comfort of your stylish eco cabin or luxe safari tent (read our reviews of the stunning\u00a0Bamarru Plains<\/a>\u00a0and Wildman Wilderness Lodge<\/a>).When you\u2019re not sipping G&Ts while brolgas dance on the floodplains, there\u2019s guided fishing tours, mountain biking, bird watching and river cruises.<\/p>\n\n

Further south, you can spend the day exploring the hauntingly beautiful Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park<\/a> before retreating to the air-con and fine food at the Indigenous-run Cicada Lodge <\/a>(visit our tops places to explore at Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge<\/a>). At Uluru, make yourself at home at the ultra-luxurious Longitude 131\u00b0<\/a>, nestled atop rust-red dunes, overlooking the Rock.<\/p>\n\n

\u2018Camping\u2019 doesn\u2019t get more glamourous than this.<\/p>\n

\"Longitude

Longitude 131 is an upmarket tourism resort in central australia close to Ayers Rock or Uluru and KataJuta NP red centre Uluru NT. tents and kata juta at sunrise<\/p><\/div>\n

7. Experience gastronomy with a cheeky twist<\/h2>\n
\"Little

Darwin’s chic Korean eatery that is drawing the locals, Little Miss Korea.<\/p><\/div>\n

Even in remote central Australia, you\u2019re never too far from a good meal (or at the very least a decent barra burger). In Alice Springs, Epilogue Lounge<\/a> is a stand out for its sophisticated tapas menu and live music. In the Top End, food markets and jovial Greek tavernas are making room for waterside food trucks, hipster cafes and slick, high-end restaurants.<\/p>\n\n

One of Darwin\u2019s coolest hangs is Little Miss Korea<\/a>. At this industrial, graffitied space you can cook bulgogi barbecued beef and pork belly on your table-top grill at night (it pays to be careful after a dry martini or two!), and bulk up on bowls of bibimbap during the day. Other current faves include authentic Neapolitan deliciousness at Alfonsino’s Italian Porchetta Bar & Pizzeria<\/a> (you can also catch its pizza with a view from its sister food truck Cucina Sotto le Stelle at Nightcliff) and the Needle in the Haystack<\/a> food truck, which brings top-notch seasonal produce to the streets of Darwin (check out our other favourites spots for\u00a0Darwin dining<\/a>).<\/p>\n

8. Grab a great cup of coffee<\/h2>\n
\"De

The laid back vibe in all its glory at De la Plage, Casuarina Beach.<\/p><\/div>\n

Whether you\u2019re after a slow brew, pour-over or a quick ristretto, you barely need to work up a sweat sorting out your caffeine craving (and that\u2019s saying something in steamy Darwin!). Our pick for the finest brew in Alice Springs is The Goods Coffee Shop<\/a>; it\u2019s a close contender to the hipster Coffee Horse<\/a>, which serves cups from a caravan in the industrial precinct.<\/p>\n

\"Laneway

Breakfast at Laneway Specialty Coffee, Darwin.<\/p><\/div>\n

In the Darwin suburb of Parap, snag a spot at the communal table at Laneway Specialty Coffee<\/a> for excellent Campos coffee and slick cafe fare, or take an adventure out to Casuarina Beach (25 minutes from the city) to the glorious De la Plage<\/a> beach cafe at the Darwin Surf Life Saving Club, which occupies a grassy expanse overlooking the Arafura Sea.<\/p>\n

9. See the world\u2019s best lightning show<\/h2>\n
\"\"

Darwin’s skyline during a tropical thunderstorm.<\/p><\/div>\n

While the traditional \u2018best\u2019 time to visit the Top End<\/a> is in the dry season (approximately May to October) when you can expect a drop in temperature and humidity and slightly cooler nights, there\u2019s a whole swag of benefits to visiting out of season.<\/p>\n

\"Lightning

Lightning strikes the sea off Nightcliff Beach, Darwin<\/p><\/div>\n

Head north during the wet season (November to April) when you can grab some great deals on flights, accommodation and tours. Generally speaking, it\u2019s not as wet as its name suggests, and the sunsets and lightning shows are dazzling.<\/p>\n

The weekend markets run all year \u2013 so you can get your fill of laksa \u2013 and the rain (which isn\u2019t constant, but is cooling!) brings raging waterfalls to Litchfield National Park<\/a>, which are well worth a trip.<\/p>\n

For more information on things to do in the NT, visit the official Northern Territory website at northernterritory.com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Never been to the Northern Territory and don\u2019t know where to start? It\u2019s easier than you think to make the most of its wonders. At almost 1.5 million square kilometres and covering one fifth of Australia\u2019s landmass, the Northern Territory is so vast that the uninitiated could be forgiven for thinking it somewhat inaccessible. But […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":182,"featured_media":187320,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"article-deals.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[818],"tags":[1481,6321,6322,4576,4542,4493,5713,5138,4748,4564],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n9 of the Best Experiences For NT First Timers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Visiting NT for the first time? Not sure of what to do or where to go? 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Take a tip from us and make the most of your trip to the Northern Territory.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/nt\/nine-awesome-experiences-for-nt-first-timers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Australian Traveller\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AustTraveller\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-11-27T02:01:55+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-03-10T02:20:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/s1.at.atcdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Bamarru-Airboat-Safari-Emma-Pritchett.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"584\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Miriam Raphael\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@AustTraveller\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@AustTraveller\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Miriam Raphael\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"9 of the Best Experiences For NT First Timers","description":"Visiting NT for the first time? 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