5. Your mind will be brimming
The Northern Territory is one of the best places to immerse yourself in Aboriginal history and culture. Watch a bunggul (a traditional ceremonial dance) at Australia’s largest Aboriginal festival, the Garma Festival in Arnhem Land, or maybe a traditional smoking ceremony and art tour on the Tiwi Islands.
You'll be sure to learn a bundle with local Aboriginal tour operators such as Pudakul Aboriginal Cultural Tours on the Adelaide River Flood Plains, or at the Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery in the Katherine region. Hear stories from Australia's traditional owners and learn about their culture.
For those fascinated by traditional art, a dot-painting display on the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tour is something the kids will love; and while you are there, why not sample some bush tucker, like a witchetty grub! They taste like buttery popcorn. Yum!
Meanwhile, if you head to the remote paradises of Arnhem Land or Groote Eylandt, not only will you sample world-class fishing, you can meet the locals and learn about their historical connection with the region.
6. You’ll have heaps of new friends and stories to tell
The experiences and stories you share with colourful characters will be a highlight of your trip. In fact, the Northern Territory has the longest pub crawl in the world that starts in Darwin and finishes at Uluru, and if you’re looking to make new friends then this is a great way to do it.
Sample buffalo, crocodile and kangaroo at Cooinda Lodge with a cold beer, while chatting with both locals and fellow travelers. Then head six hours south to one of the outback’s oldest pubs, the Daly Waters Pub, where you’ll meet some outrageous outback characters and find out why all the bras are hanging on the walls! After your last leg you’ll want to quench your thirst and say goodbye to your new friends with a beer at the Todd Tavern in Alice Springs.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of animals that will want to get up close and personal in the Territory. Not all of them want to be your friend, but they will all give you an amazing story to tell. Keep your hands and feet inside the boat on an Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise, cuddle a furry friend at the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs or take a stroll through the Territory Wildlife Park near Darwin and see the bird and animal life in a pristine natural setting. Whatever you choose, you’ll go home more inspired than ever!
7. You’ll know that you celebrated in style
Territorians are known to celebrate regardless of the occasion and there’s a fair chance you could do some celebrating on your trip!
If you’re in Darwin, you can enjoy an afternoon beer at one of the many seaside venues like the Darwin Ski Club, before heading in to Darwin Waterfront and grabbing a quick taco and tequila at Hot Tamale, or maybe something upmarket at Wharf One. Catch all the live sport and banter you can handle at Shenannigans before heading to Monsoons to party the rest of the night away! If you need to cure a hangover the next morning, head to Laneway Specialty Coffee for the best coffee and Eggs Benedict in town.
But Darwin bars and restaurants are just the start of the NT scene. In Alice Springs, you'll love partying the night away at Monte's Lounge, Epilogue Lounge or the Juicy Rump.
Meanwhile can let your hair down at one of many exciting Northern Territory festivals and events, like the Wide Open Spaces Festival in Alice Springs, BASSINTHEGRASS music festival in Darwin, the Uluru Camel Cup or Parrtjima Festival in the Red Centre.
Start planning your trip to the Northern Territory. We can assure you that you'll leave in a better state of mind.