Top Northern Territory Nature and Wildlife

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.

Discover the gorgeous interior of the Katherine Gorge during a scenic and informative boat cruise in Nitmiluk National Park. Choose from a 2 hour cruise that takes you deep into the network of waterways that flow through the Katharine Gorge, which consists of 13 separate gorges. Short walks between the gorges allow you to see more of the landscape. Hear from your informative guide about the wildlife and Aboriginal people of this land, the Jawoyn. Choose the dawn tour to see the gorge at first light — an exceptional experience.

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

Enjoy a camel tour against the incredible backdrop of Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Kata Tjuta. Choose an express camel ride in the morning or afternoon, or select a sunrise tour (includes billy tea and baked beer bread) or a sunset tour (includes sparkling wine, beer, or soft drinks with snacks) and watch the changing colors of Uluru at dawn or dusk. You’re led through the outback in Australia’s Red Centre by an expert cameleer who shares knowledge of the desert’s wildlife and ecology along the way. Hotel transport included.

Discover the magnificent Cutta Cutta Caves system on a 1-hour guided underground tour. See the stalactites and stalagmites up close, and hear about the wildlife and human history of the caves — a popular attraction in the Top End area of Australia's Northern Territory.

Travel from Alice Springs to World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Considered the spiritual of the Red Centre, these two sacred sites feature stunning scenery and significant cultural importance. Discover the highlights with your guides, who take you to Mutitjulu Waterhole, Mala walk and the Cultural Centre. Learn about local Aboriginal history and traditions during this all-inclusive tour. Includes a buffet breakfast, lunch, snacks and an Aussie barbecue during the sunset at Uluru.

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. Includes lunch, snacks, guide, transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Experience the natural wonders and ancient cultural heritage of Kakadu — Australia’s largest national park. On this full-day tour from Darwin, cruise along the Yellow Water billabong while spotting crocs basking on the banks. Admire ancient Aboriginal art at the ‘desert museum’ of Nourlangie Rock, and delve deeper into indigenous history at the Warradjan Aboriginal Centre.

Take a full-day detour from Darwin to explore the beautiful natural playground of Katherine Gorge. Cruise between ancient sandstone cliffs for an up-close perspective of Aboriginal rock art and crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks. Take a dip in a natural swimming hole at the base of Edith Falls, and recharge with a delicious picnic lunch. Get a glimpse of local cattle culture on a coach tour of Katherine, and pass through the historic gold mining town of Pine Creek.

Go sightseeing in Darwin with a hop-on hop-off pass that is valid for 24 or 48 hours. Cruise to top spots including Crocosaurus Cove, the waterfront precinct, and Darwin Military Museum. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top double-decker bus and informative onboard commentary. Simply hop on board to travel from sight to sight, and explore in depth on your own by hopping off at any of the convenient stops. Opt for two different tour lengths to suit your sightseeing schedule.

Explore the World War II sites of Darwin on this city sightseeing and cruise tour. Visit the Darwin war memorial and East Point Military Precinct, and explore Darwin Military Museum to chart the city’s wartime experience. Midway through, enjoy a small-boat cruise around Darwin Harbour, passing the modern naval base and the remnants and wreck sites of Japan’s devastating February 1942 air raids. Hotel pickup, entrance fees, and live onboard commentary included.

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).

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.

Explore the tropical wilderness of the Litchfield National Park on this full-day small-group tour from Darwin. Visit the Florence and Wangi Falls; cool off with a dip in the Buley Rockhole, and snap photos of the gigantic Cathedral and Magnetic Termite Mounds. You'll also enjoy a crocodile-spotting cruise along the Adelaide River and hear about the reptiles from the wildlife guide. Includes lunch, snacks, croc cruise, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

There are few ways of getting close to 19-foot (6-meter) long saltwater crocodile safely, but the Jumping Croc Cruise is one. On a sturdy boat with well-trained staff you’ll cruise out onto the Adelaide River, looking for crocs. Staff will entice the animals with food, causing them to jump high in the air. This is an unmissable Northern Territory experience, and one that you’re sure to remember. Learn about the unique animals of the top end on a low-impact tour that respects the environment and its inhabitants.

Enjoy an authentic desert adventure right in the heart of Australia, as you ride a camel close to Alice Springs. Mount up for a thrilling circuit along red sand tracks and forest trails; and spot wild kangaroos and wallabies from your unique vantage point. Finally, stop for a memorable photo against a dramatic backdrop of the Western MacDonell Ranges.

Enjoy an absolutely iconic experience when visiting Australia’s Red Centre—a full trek around the base of Uluru. As you start your sunrise walk around the 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) base trail of Uluru, embrace the culture, geology, and environment that is the essence of this amazing monolith. Stop along the trail for a picnic breakfast with an amazing close up view. Your guide tells the cultural stories (Tjukurpa) of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (woma python) as well as many other Aboriginal creation stories associated with this amazing natural landmark. Witness the sunrise, visit waterholes, see rock art sites of the ancients, and immerse yourself in the nature and culture of this very special place. 

Journey to the majestic chasm of Kings Canyon on this full-day adventure from Ayers Rock. Travel across the rugged landscape of Central Australia, stopping at the Kings Creek cattle and camel station for a taste of Outback ranch life for breakfast and an optional camel ride. Choose from a strenuous walk to the canyon rim for unbeatable views, or an easier route along the canyon creek bed. Stop for lunch (own expense) at the Kings Canyon Resort.

Explore a landscape of ancient rock formations, monsoon forests, and cascading waterfalls on this full-day tour from Darwin to Litchfield National Park. Marvel at massive termite pillars, take a dip in natural swimming holes, and explore rock pools at the base of the sparkling falls. Enjoy lunch at the Litchfield Café and learn of the Aboriginal legends that surround this pristine landscape.

Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) and Kata Tjuta are two of Australia’s most photographed natural wonders and this full-day tour takes in both. Enjoy guided hikes to the Walpa Gorge, Mutitjulu Waterhole, and the Mala Walk; visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre; and tuck into a traditional Aussie barbecue dinner as you watch the sunset over Uluru.

Explore the plants, animals, and people of the desert during a self-guided visit to Alice Springs Desert Park. Learn about the arid regions of central Australia from interpretative displays and daily talks by the staff. Find out who resides in a waterhole and which critters come out at night, among other fun facts.

Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss this high-energy Top End adventure: an airboat tour of Darwin Harbour and the mangroves, departing right from the heart of the city. Feel the adrenaline rush as the V8 aircraft engine roars into life and the craft races across the water on a fast lap, then immerse in the Northern Territory’s epic landscape, home to sea birds, saltwater crocodiles, and more.

Experience the sunrise over Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Australia's Red Centre. Before dawn, travel into UNESCO-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and admire the colors of the sunrise over the desert landscape and Kata Tjuta rock formations. Enjoy an outback picnic breakfast followed by a walking tour of stunning Walpa Gorge. This small-group tour is limited to 11 participants, which allows for a more personalized experience.

Experience the magnetic allure of Uluru (Ayers Rock) on a morning tour of the sacred landmark. Learn about Uluru’s long history, from sacred Aboriginal site to postcard star, as you watch the sunrise over the mighty rock. Then, embark on a guided 7-mile (11km) walk around the base of Uluru, stopping to see the waterfalls of Kantju Gorge and admire the Aboriginal rock art at the Mutitjulu Waterhole.