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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

DESTINATION

SPORT FISHING

The Northern Territory’s Top End is a world-class fishing destination from mangrove-lined estuaries of Darwin to the scenic billabongs of Kakadu, tidal rivers of Katherine and unspoiled coastlines of Arnhem Land. With Season 8 of the Northern Territory’s Million Dollar Fish competition running till March 2023, there’s no better time to try your luck and reel in a prized barra of up to a million dollars.

Recommendation

  • Offshore Boats offers guided bluewater adventures, hosting single and multi-day premier barramundi, reef and sport fishing charters around Darwin. They offer a variety of techniques including jigging, casting, trolling and bait fishing.

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

For an awe-inspiring adventure, head on a hot air balloon at sunrise or sunset to get a bird’s eye view of the majestic desert landscapes and wildlife, including wallabies and kangaroos.

Recommendation:

  • With Alice Springs Outback Ballooning, float silently alongside the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges and watch the sunrise stretch out across desert oaks and mulga scrub. Upon landing, enjoy some light refreshments and sparkling wine.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Work up a sweat and see the landscape unfold with the MTB networks in Kakadu, Nitmiluk and Litchfield National parks and amongst the desert plains of Alice Springs.

Recommendations:

  • Top End Cycling Adventures offers epic tours through the Top End, including plenty of sightseeing at national parks, dips at swimming holes and ancient rock art tours.
  • Hire a bike or pick a themed MTB tour from Red Centre Cycling Adventures. Learn about Alice Spring’s town history, embark on an under-the-stars tour of the stunning Simpsons Gap, or stop for a drink at the Alice Springs Brewery.

 

QUADBIKING

Start up your engine and head on a four-wheeled, off-road adventure through the Batchelor and Litchfield bushlands.

Recommendation:

  • Located just an hour’s drive from Darwn, NT Adventure Park is the only operator running quad tours at Rum Jungle and Batchelor. As you explore the landscapes, learn about the region’s cultural history and vegetation from guides, and spot wildlife along the way.

CROCODILE ENCOUNTERS

From crocodile sanctuaries to river cruises and adrenalin-fuelled swimming experiences, the Territory can get you face-to-face as safely possible with crocodiles – our oldest and most fierce inhabitants.

Recommendations:

  • At Darwin’s Crocosaurus Cove, volunteer for the terrifying Cage of Death, where you’ll be lowered into the water for 15 minutes and experience a thrilling, face-to-face encounter with a saltwater crocodile.
  • An hour’s drive from Darwin, the Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruises allows you see and take photographs of wild crocodiles spectacularly leap in the air. Listen to the incredible ‘popping’ sound of crocodile jaws snapping together.

TAKE TO THE WATER

Recommendations

  • For a thrilling yet scenic tour of the Darwin harbour, 00Seven Jet Ski Adventures offers guided jet ski tours where you’ll see some magnificent marine life, incredible mangrove and beaches, drift over WWII wrecks and learn about the region’s history.
  • Located 90 minutes out of Darwin at Corroboree Billabong, Wildlands Wetlands Safari Cruises offers airboat safari rides through seemingly endless floodplains, with plenty of opportunity to spot crocodiles and birds.
  • At the stunning Nitmiluk National Park in Katherine region, Nitmiluk Tours offers picturesque canoeing trips. This is one of the most spectacular ways to get away from crowds and experience the splendour of Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge).

HIKING

The Territory is home to some of the best multi-day bushwalks in the country, notably the world-renowned Larapinta Trail, a 223km track which begins in Alice Springs and runs through the rugged ancient landscapes of Central Australia, and the Jatbula Trail in Nitmiluk National Park, which commences at Nitmiluk Gorge, transverses the Arnhem Land Escarpment and finishes at the beautiful Leliyn (Edith Falls).

Recommendations

  • Experience the highlights of the Larapinta Trail with Trek Larapinta, specialising in small group guided tours.
  • Australian Walking Holidays offers small group guided walking adventures at Jatbula Trail, where guests will gain a deeper understanding of the local Aboriginal cultures with visits to rock sites, camp under the stars and swim in refreshing waterholes along the trail.

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