FACTSHEET

YOUTH EXPERIENCES

The Northern Territory is a haven for young travellers who enjoy their freedom, have a sense of adventure and want to experience one of the oldest living cultures on earth.

There aren’t many places in the world Backpackers usually come to the NT from all Accommodation: where you can fish in tropical waters, over the world seeking adventure first. It’s There’s a huge range of accommodation kayak through magnificent gorges, dive only after experiencing the relaxed, outdoor options in the Northern Territory from into crystal clear waterholes, explore lifestyle that many decide to stay and work. trendy backpacker hostels to eco-retreats, desert terrain, marvel at indigenous art, fishing lodges, safari ‘glamps,’ and and trek, walk, ride or drive through some five-star hotels. of ’s most diverse landscapes. If planning to go bush and spot wildlife, hike, paddle, pedal, or to just take in the natural environment, stop at quality tourist DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS parks to pitch a tent, park the van or enjoy The Northern Territory is divided into two over Kata Tjuta, hire a bike and explore the the facilities of a self-contained cabin. diverse landscapes, the tropical Top End and 10km base of Uluru, or see it from high the iconic Red Centre. above on a skydive! Highlights • Chilli’s Backpackers & The Youth Shack The Top End is best introduced by Darwin, a Highlights are two of Darwin’s funkiest hostels fitted tropical paradise and gateway to nature’s • Experience Australia’s only crocodile dive, out with an outdoor pool and spa, bar, playground. From Darwin, visit Litchfield and fittingly named the ‘Cage of Death,’ at travel desks and even a job search service. Kakadu National Parks to see ancient Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin. Aboriginal rock art, thundering waterfalls, • Located on Darwin’s party strip, • Swim under waterfalls and dive into crystal crystal clear swimming holes, crocodiles and on Mitchell boasts a leisure deck, waterfall clear plunge pools at Litchfield National Park. other wildlife. Katherine is also just a 3 hour hot tub and poolside bar – party! drive from Darwin and famous for the • Climb to the top of Gunlom Falls, nature’s • There are many places to stay in Kakadu stunning Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk own infinity pool, for panoramic views of National Park including campgrounds and National Park. Kakadu and Arnhem Land. budget accommodation in Cooinda • Explore the stunning gorges in Nitmiluk and Jabiru. The Red Centre is where to go to feel and National Park by foot, kayak, boat • Housed in a historic movie theatre in the experience the real outback. Alice Springs or helicopter. is the basecamp for adventure - with centre of town, Alice Springs YHA is • Cuddle a baby kangaroo at the Kangaroo waterholes, biking and hiking trails, wildlife conveniently located close to shops, cafes Sanctuary, home to Kangaroo Dundee in centres and 4WD tracks. Lace-up the hiking and pubs. Alice Springs. boots in Kings Canyon and discover the • Kings Canyon Resort and the Outback spectacular views of . • Leap out of a plane and skydive over Uluru Pioneer Hotel & Lodge at Ayers Rock Resort and Kata Tjuta. Conclude the Red Centre adventure in Uluru- both offer budget accommodation options Kata Tjuta National Park. Watch the sunrise and camping facilities. FACTSHEET

LOCAL IMMERSION

The Northern Territory is renowned for its perpetual sunshine, spirit of adventure, diverse landscapes, active social scene, rich culture and legendary laid-back lifestyle.

With a constant celebration of life outdoors, locals and travellers alike lap up the open-air cinemas, vibrant markets, quirky festivals, alfresco pubs, world- class walking trails and epic road-trips.

Camp near a billabong, picnic on a mile- long beach, ride a camel through the outback, go off-road four wheel driving, fish for a famous barramundi, visit a working cattle station, swim under a pummelling waterfall, trek through the savannah, cruise through a vast wetland, canoe up a river or enjoy an Aussie BBQ with friends. NIGHTLIFE The Territory is also home to an eclectic USEFUL LINKS mix of cultures whose outdoor lifestyle Considered a hot destination to work, play is complemented by a colourful and party, there are heaps of hostels and DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS calendar of art and cultural events. bars to meet fellow travellers and lifelong friends – from Darwin’s buzzing Mitchell >> Darwin Highlights: and Smith Streets and vibrant market >> Litchfield National Park • Immerse in the ancient stories, bush scene, through to the quirky bars in Alice tucker, artworks, traditional dance and Springs and outback pubs in between. >> sacred sites of the local Aboriginal people. >> • Cool off in natural plunge pools and The Northern Territory is ‘Festival Territory’ and the winter months especially are an exciting waterfalls in Kakadu and Litchfield National >> Alice Springs time of year for festivals and events. The Parks or soothe the body and mind in the weather sets the perfect stage for a calendar >> Kings Canyon National Park Mataranka thermal pools (Katherine region). serving up sporting events, theatre, cabaret, >> Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park • Pack the car or campervan and embark dance, live music, art and cultural experiences. an epic road trip. Popular self-drive routes are the Nature’s Way in the Top End or Highlights ACCOMMODATION Red Centre Way in the Red Centre. • Mitchell Street is regarded as the nightlife >> Chilli’s Backpackers • Appreciate untouched wilderness on a and entertainment district of Darwin with >> The Youth Shack bushwalk, from rugged trails to well-worn its sidewalk cafes, restaurants, markets, paths throughout the Northern Territory. open air bars, Aussie pubs and nightclubs. >> Melaleuca on Mitchell • Ask Darwin locals when the next • Soak up the Daly Waters Historic Pub’s >> Kakadu National Park Sandbar Party is. The exposed sandbar friendly atmosphere whilst relaxing with a in the middle of the Darwin Harbour cool drink at the bar. Crammed with >> Alice Springs YHA is the perfect spot for wakeboarding, decades of memorabilia, learn about the >> Kings Canyon Resort a game of cricket, or dancing the day pub’s colourful history. away to endless summer beats. • Alice Springs is home to a number of >> Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge • Get amongst the action at one of Alice quirky waterholes and backpacker bars LOCAL IMMERSION Springs’ quirky events like The Camel such as The Rock Bar, Monte’s and Epilogue. Cup and Henley-on-Todd Regatta. • The Red Centre is famous for its outback >> Working Holidays pubs such as the Outback Pioneer Lodge >> Study Northern Territory (Ayers Rock Resort) and the Thirsty Dingo (Kings Canyon). Cheers a mate whilst >> Nature’s Way singing “do you come from a land down under!” >> Red Centre Way NIGHTLIFE >> Festivals & Events >> Daly Waters Historic Pub