Northern Territory

Red Centre and The Outback

Information

The Northern Territory is a vast area in the top and middle of the centre of the country. The north is tropical while the rest is arid. The Centre is known as the Red Centre due to the colour of the red sand throughout the area. It is home to Uluru (Ayres Rock) and Kings Canyon. Alice Springs is home to many Indigenous Art Galleries and a base in which to explore the centre. Darwin is coastal and has amazing National Parks with plenty of Crocodiles.

QUICK FACTS:

Currency: Australian Dollar

Language: English

Visa: ETA Tourist visa for up to three months for all except New Zealand Citizens

Power: 230 volts AC. Plug types l

Safety: Safe in general as most western country. Normal precautions should be taken. Water is dangerous so beware of your own capabilities and swim between the flags. Do not enter water in the far north unless there are signs saying it is safe to do so.

TRANSPORT:

Flights connect to all major cities and is a quick way to get around.
Trains run from Darwin through Alice Springs to Adelaide but this option is not cheap – although a great way to see the countryside.
Buses around the major cities are cheap but limited. Long distance buses are a reasonable option for a single person.

FESTIVALS:

New Year January
Australia Day 26 Jan
Easter April
Anzac Daty25 April
Finke Desert Race – June, Alice Springs
Naidoc week July
Christmas 25 December

Planning

Weather can be extreme in the Northern Territory. It has 2 distinct climate zones. Darwin and the Northern end is tropical with high humidity and 2 seasons. The wet (Oct – Apr) and the dry (May to Sept). Coolest month minimum temperatures can drop to around 14C and maximum temperatures in summer rarely exceed 33C.

The central region is the desert centre with hot summers and cool winters. The little rain that occurs is usually in October to March. Lowest night temperatures in winter can be -5C and the highest day temperature in summer around 45. Average in the 30s in summer and low 20s in winter.

Packing:
Casual clothes, we suggest layering as temperature can change quickly once the sun comes up. What can be -4 in winter at 6am maybe 24C by 10am in the centre. For the north, light weight easy dry clothing suited to the tropics.

BUDGET:

Accommodation:-
Dorm Bed from $45
Basic Double Room from $90
Mid Range Double room from $170
Luxury $250 plus

Food:-
Cheap Eats
Local restaurants $12 – $15 Aud
Budget Restaurants $24
Dinner at a nice restaurant, main dish $30 plus

Transport:-
Taxi $4.50 flagfall, 1.60 per km
Car Hire from $25 per day
Fuel from $1.60 per litre