In the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is the Northern Territory’s most iconic sight. This giant monolith stands almost 350 metres above ground level and is a place of cultural importance to the local community. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular, as the rock changes from brown to burnt orange to fiery red. Walk around the base of the rock with an informative guide, dine on gourmet dishes on a dune-top under the stars, listen to stories of Dreamtime (Aboriginal spiritual beliefs) and, until 2020, see the glorious Field of Light installation.
While Uluru steals the headlines in the Red Centre, the domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) are equally impressive and the three-hour Valley of the Winds walk is one of our favourites for stunning views and feeling at one with the environment. Northwest of Uluru, Alice Springs is Australia’s most famous Outback town. Simply known as ‘Alice’, this remote pioneer community is home to some fascinating sights and institutions like the historic Telegraph Station, Anzac Hill war memorial and Royal Flying Doctor Service.
The Northern Territory may appear stark and arid, but much of the state has pockets of lush waterfalls and creeks that are spectacular in the wet reason (although the roads often aren’t). With its high sandstone walls enclosing native palm forests far below, Kings Canyon is known as the ‘Garden of Eden’ and its Rim Walk offers spectacular views, while the ‘Top End’ is an unspoilt wilderness.
Katherine is where the Outback meets the tropics and the highlight is its spectacular Nitmiluk Gorge – a series of 13 gorges that can be explored by canoe, boat, helicopter or bush walks. Bordering Nitmiluk, Kakadu National Park is World Heritage-listed. This huge and ancient wilderness bursts with thundering waterfalls, natural swimming holes and over 2,000 species of plants and wildlife. The bird-watching here is exceptional and a cruise is a must to spot kingfishers and magpie geese – as well as saltwater crocodiles. Visitors will find some of Australia’s best preserved prehistoric rock art sites here at Ubirr and Nourlangie. Nearby Litchfield National Park also boasts some beautiful waterfalls that cascade into waterholes. There are a handful of excellent luxury wilderness lodges in the region, too.
To really gain an understanding of Aboriginal culture, secure a permit and venture into Arnhem Land, which remains largely untouched by urbanisation. Or to experience more modern Australian life, head to state capital Darwin, which has a cosmopolitan waterfront and vibrant markets.
Air Charter Service can help you charter flights to Australia’s Northern Territory. There are plenty of airports that are suitable for private jets, including Darwin, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock airports. Simply contact our team and we’ll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to the Northern Territory.
