3. Get close and cuddly at the Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary
No trip to the NT is complete without a kangaroo experience, and you won’t find any better than the globally renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs. Made famous by the documentary series Kangaroo Dundee, and no. 1 on Trip Advisor’s list of things to do in Alice Springs, the Sanctuary is truly an inspiration.
Join caretaker Brolga as he looks after his huge mob of rescued kangaroos, while educating and encouraging the public about caring for injured wildlife. This is only available through guided afternoon trips from February to mid-December, so make sure you book ahead, because the tours fill up fast!
4. Get your nature fix in the Red Centre at Kings Canyon
If you’re heading to the Red Centre, be sure to explore Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. Just 4.5 hours drive from Alice Springs and 3 hours from Uluru, the region's natural beauty must be seen to be believed!
The 3-hour-return Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a hiker’s dream, while the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tour is one of the best in the Territory. If you head to Kings Creek Station, just 20 minutes from Kings Canyon Resort, you can enjoy everything from quad bike tours to helicopter flights to bird watching experiences.
Regardless of your budget, there are heaps of accommodation options, from glamping at the Dreamtime Escarpment tents, to sleeping at Kings Creek Station, to relaxing at Kings Canyon Resort.
If you're in the mood to relax, grab a drink and watch the sunset over Kings Canyon from the viewing platform at Kings Canyon Resort. They also offer a range of dining experiences, from the Outback BBQ to the fine-dining Under a Desert Moon experience.
5. Bask in the wilderness of Kakadu National Park
Jump on a guided tour or drive yourself to the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, about three hours from Darwin along the Nature's Way Drive. Home to magnificent wetlands, an array of wildlife and ancient rock art, it's no wonder Kakadu National Park is a favourite among travellers and locals alike.
After settling down in your accommodation in Jabiru or one of the park’s numerous lodges or campgrounds, there is an endless list of must-see options, and Kakadu National Park has something for everyone.
The Aboriginal rock art and lookout at Ubirr is a major drawcard, along with cascading waterfalls such as Jim Jim Falls and idyllic waterholes like Gunlom Plunge Pool. Each place is more stunning than the last.
Flora and fauna enthusiasts will certainly get their fix – the wetlands are home to more than 2,000 types of plants and a plethora of animals, including 10% of the NT’s entire population of crocodiles! You’ll have to pay a seasonal entry fee, which helps with the park’s upkeep, but it’s worth every penny.