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Top 21 Northern Territory Hot Spots Part One
By: Jenny Brewer

1. Darwin

The capital of Northern Territory, Darwin is the base for incredible natural attractions such as Kakadu and Litchfield National Park. You can travel along the Arnhem Highway into Kakadu, or visit the Territory Wildlife Park closer to town. The weekly markets are a perfect position for the beach sunsets and attract plenty of locals and tourists. There are fantastic bike tracks along the coastal road into Darwin city, which has become a vibrant and relaxed holiday destination.

2. Kakadu National Park

There is no place like Kakadu. With an abundance of wildlife, including crocodiles of course, and birdlife, you will need a week to enjoy all this region has to offer. Located east of Darwin, the stunning wetlands, Aboriginal art sites and magnificent scenery will keep you enthralled, and there are fantastic, safe camping grounds throughout the area. Yellow Water is popular for croc spotting, as well as the stunning Jim Jim and Twin Falls. This is an Aussie top spot you won‘t want to miss.

3. Katherine

Katherine is an ideal base for its nearby majestic attractions, and is the biggest town between Darwin and Alice Springs. Katherine Gorge has swimming holes, walking tracks and waterfalls. Canoeing is safe as there are no crocodiles and is one of the best ways to see the Gorge at its best. The thermal pools of Mataranka, located 100km south of Katherine, are a welcome spot to relax and unwind in the hot springs. There is also amazing scenery at Keep River National Park. Truly an oasis in the desert.

4. Alice Springs

Known as the Alice, this isolated town in central Australia is a stone‘s throw from the stunning East and West MacDonnell ranges and many natural attractions. Often used as a base to explore the rugged horizons, there is still so much to see within its borders. The Alice Springs Desert Park is a must, as well as the Frontier Camel Farm. Also known for the Henlen-on-Todd Regatta, which is a boat race without water, it is a unique town which will keep you captivated.

5. East MacDonnell Ranges

Not a far distance from Alice Springs, you will find the East MacDonnell Ranges. There is so much to see in this beautiful region and there are plenty of bushwalking trails that will take you to some incredible viewpoints. The Trephina Gorge Nature Park has a number of walks and amazing scenery, and you can camp here if you like. Further along is the Ross River Homestead where you can rest in comfort, and you have the choice of horse or camel riding for some more adrenaline. This is the most accessible of the ranges and a ‘must do‘ especially if you are already in Alice Springs.

6. West MacDonnell Ranges

West from Alice Springs are the amazing Western MacDonnell Ranges. You could spend weeks here and still not see everything. The Desert Wildlife Park is one of the first attractions you will come across, followed by Simpsons Gap and the Standley Chasm which is worth a visit if you can. The Wallace Rockhole is a a great place to see Aboriginal rock followed by the Finke Gorge National Park. The rest of this region is spectacular, but you need to hire a 4WD.

7. Finke Gorge National Park

Located about two hours drive west of Alice Springs, this oasis can be visited as a day trip, but is best to stay for a few days with the Palm Valley camping ground as a base. Palm Valley is best known for its many palms and lush vegetation. The Gosse Bluff Reserve is also worth a visit as it is the site of crater and well known internationally. There is also a fantastic bushwalk which leads to Karalanga Lookout, and the Mpaara Walk give you a fascinating look at the Aboriginal culture, which is ever present in this region.

8. Simpson Desert

Although vast, remote and mostly inaccessible, the fringes of the mighty Simpson can still be reached from the Alice as a day trip. There is some spectacular scenery, including Rainbow Valley in the James Ranges, and Chambers Pillar known for its Aboriginal carvings. For the adventurous, tours are available further into the desert to visit desert communities. There are bushwalking and camel treks, as well as 4WD treks available. This is one of the most untouched and isolated places in the world, and a true hot spot.

9. Tennant Creek

A few hours north from Alice Springs is the friendly town of Tennant Creek. An ex gold mining town, there is a lot of history and opportunities to do some fossicking. There are plenty of attractions outside of town too. The famous Devil‘s Marbles are about 100km south from Tennant Creek. The Barkley Tablelands also surround the town, with cattle stations dominating the landscape, and plenty of beautiful scenery in every direction.

10. Barkley Tableland

If you are looking for big skies and far horizons you will find them here. Located east from Tennant Creek towards the Queensland border, the Barkley Tableland does not have many facilities for tourists. It is almost all cattle stations and long stretches of uninhabited land, but the remoteness of this area still draws many travellers to experience its remoteness, sunsets and rugged beauty. The only main tourist stop is the Barley Homestead, which also offers camping facilities and is a great place to get to know the locals.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit www.discovery-carhire.com.au“>Car Hire Australia

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