There’s plenty to see and do in the NT all year round. The Territory has two distinct climate zones: the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre.

The Top End and the Red Centre each have their own unique climate. In the Top End the climate is tropical. It's summer from November to April with magnificent thunderstorms, spectacular sunsets and warmer weather. There are smaller crowds during summer (which is considered low season), which is a great time to grab hot deals on flights, accommodation and tours.

From May to October is the Dry Season which is warm and pleasant with sunny days and cooler nights. Visit in the Dry to explore all of the attractions in the surrounding national parks and experience the buzz of the sunset markets. Darwin and the Top End are bustling in the dry season, with a packed calendar of events and festivals drawing visitors from near and far to make the most of the balmy outdoor celebrations.

Alice Springs and the Red Centre has 4 typical seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. The Red Centre is prone to extremes, with hot summer days (from December to February) and cold winter nights (June to August). Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight in winter and it can get very cold in the desert. Winter is the most popular time to visit as the days are crisp, cool and not too hot.

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) in the Red Centre bring warm days and cool evenings. Read more about the NT’s weather and seasons.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re young or old, keen for adventure or looking to relax, on a budget or ready to splurge, a holiday in the NT is an experience like no other. Whether you visit the Top End, Red Centre, or are lucky enough to travel to both, there are countless one-of-a-kind encounters to be had in the NT.

The Top End offers both a cosmopolitan and outback holiday experience with iconic national parks, waterfalls, ancient culture, unique wildlife and exceptional local dining. There are 4 distinct regions in the Top End – Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine and Arnhem Land – and each has plenty to offer.

The Red Centre is a region full of natural wonders, including Uluru, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Alice Springs epitomises the Australian outback character and is your basecamp for adventure, with waterholes, biking and hiking trails, historic and wildlife centres and four-wheel driving all within easy access.

Wherever you want to go in the NT, we’ll find a way to get you there. Travel around the NT by air, road or rail.

Daily flights operate between Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru. Smaller flights are run between the regional centres by Airnorth.

One of the best ways to discover the NT is by road. 95% of the NT’s attractions are accessible by well-maintained roads. There’s plenty to explore in a 2WD regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Hire companies operate across the NT, so if you fly into the Territory, arrange to collect a vehicle at the airport then hit the road – you could even try one of our driving routes. Local transport options include taxis, airport shuttle, bicycle hire and bus networks.

The Ghan is a unique way to travel around the NT. This epic train journey travels between Adelaide and Darwin, stopping in Alice Springs and Katherine.

The Territory's main modern well-equipped airport hubs are at Darwin, Alice Springs and Yulara (Uluru) for visitors travelling by air. The NT is serviced by major domestic and international airlines, providing passengers with easy access to destinations across the Territory from almost anywhere in the world.

Journey by road to the NT on our well-maintained, sealed highways, which provide the most direct routes between the NT and cities in South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Once you cross the border into the NT, explore our driving routes around the Territory.

Despite the vast distances, travelling by bus (coach) to the NT is easy and affordable. Major coach and tour companies run coach services between transport hubs in the NT and destinations in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

The Ghan, one of the world’s great train journeys, is by far the most romantic way to travel to the NT. The Ghan travels an epic 2,797km (1,846 miles) between Adelaide and Darwin, stopping at Alice Springs and Katherine. Watch the change in scenery as you traverse the heart of the country through Central Australia and the outback.

You can also visit Darwin by sea, on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury or expedition cruise. With its tropical climate, Darwin enjoys year-round cruise activity and is a popular port city.

Saltwater crocodiles, the most famous of the NT’s creatures, can be seen in rivers and billabongs in the Top End or at wildlife parks around the NT.

Any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles. Saltwater crocodiles can be found in both fresh and salt water. Saltwater crocodiles are dangerous – you should never take unnecessary risks in a crocodile habitat.

When it comes to crocodiles, the Northern Territory Government takes your safety seriously, but ultimately how you behave around crocodile habitats is your responsibility.

Always observe crocodile safety signs and assume that they are present, even if you can’t see them. With almost as many crocodiles as people in the north, you’re sure to come across them in Territory waterways.

There are approximately 150,000 saltwater crocodiles and at least 100,000 freshwater crocodiles across northern Australia. Find out more about how to be safe around crocodiles.