Top Activities on the Ground in Northern Territory

Experience the magnetic allure of Uluru (Ayers rock) on this half-day tour from Ayers Rock resort. Get up close to the UNESCO-listed landmark with a drive around the base and follow the Kuniya Walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Discover Uluru’s spiritual significance as you admire ancient Aboriginal rock art and visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Then, sip a glass of wine and munch on canapés as you witness the dazzling sunset over Uluru. Finish your day with a hearty Aussie-style BBQ (if option selected) beneath the desert stars.

Sip a glass of wine of beer as you watch the sun sink over Uluru (Ayers Rock), followed by an Aussie-style barbecue dinner. Snap photos of the spectacular hues reflected on the iconic monolith, located in Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia's Red Centre. Feast on mouthwatering dishes as you watch myriad stars light up the night sky. After dinner, your central desert outback experience is enhanced with a star tour. Includes hotel transport from Ayers Rock Resort.

Fly over Uluru (Ayers Rock) to take in the iconic landmark of Australia's Red Center from the air. Hear expert commentary from your pilot during the 20-minute scenic flight, and soak in unobstructed views from the guaranteed window seat.

Travel from Alice Springs to World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia’s most iconic sight. Go deep into this sacred site, which offers not only spectacular colors but deep spiritual significance, on two guided walks and a visit to the cultural center. Learn about local Aboriginal history and traditions during this culturally sensitive tour, which culminates with a sunset barbeque and a glass of bubbly.

Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Australia’s rugged Red Centre with this one-way transfer from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach through the mystical desert of the Northern Territory while your driver-guide points out passing attractions and shares Aboriginal history. Stretch your legs at stops throughout the journey, including the Outback Camel Farm, where you can enjoy an optional camel ride (own expense).

Leave the driving to a professional while you soak up the legendary sights of Central Australia with this one-way shuttle service from Uluru (Ayres Rock) to Alice Springs. Travel aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach for the approximately 6-hour journey, while your driver provides commentary on Outback history and natural attractions. Stretch your legs with stops along the way to photograph ancient rock formations and admire Aboriginal art at a roadhouse.

Take in Darwin Harbour during a 2sunset cruise aboard the 'Charles Darwin,' a deluxe 3-level catamaran that was built for service on the Gold Coast Broadwater. Travel past Stokes Hill Wharf, the Esplanade, Larrakeyah Naval barracks, Cullen Bay, and Fannie Bay, while seated in air-conditioned comfort or outside on the Sun Deck (top deck). Hear live commentary on Darwin’s history and landmarks, and have the option to include a buffet dinner, or purchase snacks and drinks at the onboard bar.

Wetlands made Kakadu National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Yellow Water Billabong is one of the most beautiful. Join Indigenous-owned Yellow Water Cruises on a guided journey of discovery among crocodiles, eagles, and reflecting waters. The wildlife, like the light, changes throughout the day.

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia’s Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Note: March and April visit the Burrungkuy and Nourlangie Rock galleries and ride the Billabong cruise.

Set out from Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin for a fabulous sunset cruise accompanied by a meal of fish and chips, and a complimentary drink. Relax and enjoy watching a colorful Top End sunset over Fannie Bay from the best spot in Darwin Harbour. Your captain stops at Cullen Bay Beach to pick up your meal, which is made with fresh wild–caught Northern Territory fish. Eat a classic Australian dish, snap photos and enjoy the beauty of Darwin during this memorable sunset cruise.

Sometimes driving through a small part of the Australian Outback isn’t enough. See the desert from above on a morning hot-air balloon ride. This tour from Alice Springs gets you up in the air near dawn for a scenic ride. Spot wildlife, including the elusive Red Kangaroo, from above, take in views of the landscape, and enjoy sparkling wine afterward.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Aboriginal community that holds on tightly to its traditions. Located off the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands experience is led by an indigenous guide who shares local history and traditions. Partake in a traditional morning tea with Tiwi Islanders before visiting the Tiwi Museum and joining Aboriginal artists for an art-making workshop. You can also shop for Tiwi paintings, fabric, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices (own expense).

Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges on a full-day tour from Alice Springs. Travel with an expert guide to highlights such as Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek and Glen Helen. Have time to enjoy the region's natural beauty and capture photo ops of the Australian Outback as you hike into rock canyons, discover hidden waterholes and view historical sites. Chances to swim and hike along the way

Ensure you get the best sunset vista by heading out onto the water on this cruise across Darwin Harbour. Aboard a large, ocean-going catamaran with plenty of deck space, sit under the sails or in the air-conditioned salon and toast the setting sun with a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a tapas/barbecue dinner while soaking up the views—if you wish, you can bring your own drinks and keep them chilled in the on board coolers.

Head to Finke Gorge National Park from Alice Springs to explore an Aboriginal community and a beautiful oasis in the outback. Visit the historic town of Hermannsburg with its historic buildings and Aboriginal art gallery before going off-road in a 4WD to tackle the notorious Finke River trail. Highlights include a picnic lunch, Palm Valley, known for its red cabbage palms, and views of the MacDonnell Ranges from Kalarranga Lookout.

The soaring red cliffs, rocky gorges, and natural waterholes of the West MacDonnell Ranges lie just west of Alice Springs. With this half-day tour, take in some of the highlights, including Flynn’s Grave Memorial, the gorge and waterhole of Simpsons Gap, and the steep canyon of Standley Chasm. Along the way, learn more about Australian history and outback life from your guide, and look out for wildlife such as black-footed rock wallabies.

See two great Australian landmarks, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) during a 40-minute flight aboard a fixed-wing aircraft. Enjoy guaranteed window seats on all flights and listen to informative commentary from your pilot along the way. Get a bird's-eye view of these natural monuments as well as Mount Conner and Lake Amadeus.

Explore the highlights of Kakadu National Park on this action-packed full-day adventure from Darwin. One of Australia’s best national parks, Kakadu is famed for its ancient rock art and rich Indigenous history, along with its spectacular scenery and saltwater crocs. You’ll visit Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Bowali Visitor Centre, and either Ubirr Rock or Nourlangie (weather dependent). You can also add on a Jumping Crocodile Cruise for an extra thrill.

Marvel at the incredible landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this half-day tour from Alice Springs. Offering visitors the chance to explore the arid outback environment with the support of an experienced guide, this small-group tour includes visits to important cultural and historical sights as well as Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. You’ll also learn about the Traditional Custodians of the land—the Arrernte people—and see lots of native wildlife.

Make sure you get admission to the Katherine Outback Experience with this pre-booked entry ticket. The show is a lighthearted introduction to life on an Outback cattle station, and an easy alternative to outdoor adventures and sightseeing. See horse-starting and working dog demonstrations set to live Australian country music and story-telling. Travelers with children can send them to pet and feed farm animals.

Take in the landscape of Australia's Red Center from the air on a 2-hour scenic flight from Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon. Get a guaranteed window seat for clear views of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Lake Amadeus, and Kings Canyon.

Board a 60-minute scenic flight to experience the desert environment of Australia's Red Center. Soar over Lake Amadeus, the largest salt lake in the Northern Territory, look for wild camels, and pass Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). All flights include informative commentary from your pilot and a guaranteed window seat.

Discover one of the Northern Territory's hidden treasures—Litchfield—on this scenic flight. See stunning waterfalls, wetlands, and ancient Outback landscapes—areas that are largely inaccessible by land. Fly over the Darwin River Dam and the Rum Jungle uranium mine. Experience a bird's-eye view of the Litchfield National Park's magnetic termite mounds and majestic waterfalls. Then, fly south over the crocodile-breeding wetlands of the Daly River to the wide delta as it spills into the sea.