Australia’s Northern Territory occupies an area of a little over 1,360,000 square kilometres which is about one sixth of the total area of Australia itself and it has natural environments a plenty.

The two main towns of Northern Territory are the state capital of Darwin and, over 1500km away, Alice Springs.

It’s nature is second to none as settled areas are few and far between (it’s total population is just 200,000) and once you have your Australian Visa, the Northern Territory is a must to visit.

What is remarkable about the Northern Territory is that it has two entirely different environments. The northern end has rich wetlands produced by it’s tropical climate and you can add to this wild rainforests and thunderous waterfalls.

As you move towards the central part however you reach the more or less deserted outback region with it’s most famous natural landmark of Ayers Rock (known locally as Uluru).

As a whole, the Northern Territory is home to about 150 species of mammal, 400 species of birds, 350 species of reptiles and frogs, 60 species of freshwater fish and hundreds of species of marine (sea) fish.

Indeed, the Northern Territory and it’s nature are typified by the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park which is Australia’s largest national park and covers more than 19,000 square kilometres. It is managed jointly by Parks Australia , an Australian Federal Government organisation, and a number of different Aboriginal clans who have seen Kakadu as home for over 50,000 years. Access to the park can be mage either from Darwin(2 ½ hours away), the capital of Northern Territory, on the Arnhem Highway or via Pine Creek on the Kakadu Highway.

The contrasting landscapes of Kakadu are there for all to see with jagged rocks hiding lush rainforest and thumdering waterfalls falling down rocky gorges into tranquil pools. It teems with plant and animal life with a quarter of all the species of freshwater fish in Australia to be found here alongside about a thousand species of plants. Some of the largest crocodiles in the world can be found at Kakadu. Covering 91,000 square kilometres, Arnhem Land is vast. It’s location is in the middle of Australia’s northern coast and to the east of Kakadu National Park and is home to many Aboriginal people. To visit Arnhem Land you need to apply for a permit from the Northern Land Council.

The ruins of Blyth Homestead, built in 1929 and abandoned in the 1960’s, are a reminder of both the regions pastoral history and the harsh conditions faced by it’s pioneers. Other main attractions at Litchfield Park are the permanent spring-fed waterfalls of Florence, Wangi and Tolmer, and the magnetic termite mounds. Outside the Park’s entrance is the small township of Batchelor which serves as a gateway to Litchfield. Visitors can find overnight budget accommodation here whereas daytrippers can get a meal or visit the Butterfly and Bird Farm or the Coomalie Cultural Centre which presents a diverse range of artwork from around the area of Northern Territory. Groups of students often frequent this centre.

Northern Territory Climate

Darwin the state capital of Northern Territory has only two seasons. November to March is a tropical summer and May to October is a tropical winter. Although warm all year-round, the summer is wetter producing spectacular lightening and showers, whilst the winter has warm dry days with low humidity but cooler nights. There is a huge variation between the Northern Territory's climate in the north, known as the Top End, and the southern part of the state.