Wild, raw and unforgettable, the Northern Territory is where Australia shows off its adventurous side. From sunrise over Uluru to swimming holes hidden in Kakadu and the laid-back buzz of Darwin, it's a destination that delivers big moments and real stories to tell. Clients who want epic landscapes, ancient Indigenous culture and a sense of true escape will love the NT: it's not polished, it's powerful, and it leaves clients feeling like they've seen the real Australia.
Uluru is an unmissable inclusion for all UK, Canada and USA clients, with luxury lodges proving to be a true highlight on their trips. The rest of the Northern Territory is full of adventure and wilderness, and is therefore usually visited by clients or their second visit and after to Australia, once they have visited the main tourist hubs of Sydney and the East Coast!
Darwin & Litchfield National Park
Darwin is the perfect base for a trip round the Top End (which consists of Darwin, Kakadu & Arnhem Land). Darwin is relaxed, tropical and full of personality; a waterfront city where sunset markets, Indigenous art and WWII history sit alongside great food and a lively outdoor lifestyle. Just over an hour away, Litchfield National Park delivers the wow-factor with easy-access waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes like Florence and Wangi Falls, and towering termite mounds that fascinate first-time visitors.
Highlights of Darwin & Litchfield National Park:
- The start (or end) point of The Ghan, an unforgettable, 4 day train journey through the heart of Australia to Adelaide. Complete with fine dining, luxurious carriages and incredible off train experiences, all included.
- The NT has the highest propulation of crocodiles than anywhere else in the world! Clients can get up close and personal with the locals at Crocosaurus in Darwin, or see them out in the wild at one of the many billabongs (watering holes) outside the city.
- Only 60 minutes from Darwin lies Litchfield National Park. Filled with stunning waterdalls, vine forests and gorges, it is possible the NT's best-kept secret. From Wangi Falls to Buley Rockhole, there are many ways to cool off after a bush hike. A drive through Litchfield is full of contrasts and also home to some of the biggest termite mounds in the Top End!
Perfect for:
- Small town lovers will enjoy exploring compact Darwin, and visiting its night markets and musuems.
- Active travellers who want to get out and immerse themselves in nature right on the city's doorstep.
- Wildlife wanderers who want to learn more about the largest and heaviest crocodile on the planet (from a safe distance of course!)
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
A deeply spiritual place and home to one of the world's largest monoliths, it's not hard to see why the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is one of the most visited places in the Northern Territory, as well as Australia. We work with a reputable local providers who offer authentic and respectul Aboriginal tours at Uluru, to give clients immersive, genuine and memorable experiences.
Kata Tjuta is Uluru's neighbour and is a stunning collection of 36 rock domes estimated to be over 500 million years old. Although Uluru is understandably the star of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, these rock domes are well worth a visit.
Experiences on offer:
- Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner: clients can take a stroll along a walkway to an open air theatre, where their culinary adventure will begin! Native ingredients are combined with modern techniques to provide that 'wow' moment, in front of a dazzling immersive light show depicting the local Anangu story.
- Sunrise Journeys: with the iconic Uluru as a backdrop, clients can marvel at the sunrise whilst witnessing stunning pieces of artwork by local Anangu women take shape via laser projection.
- Outback Sky Journeys: take your clients on a fact finding journey through the southern sky, where they can enhance their knowledge on the Universe and its connection to ancient indigenous stories.
Perfect for:
- Slow, experience-led travellers who value sunrise and sunset viewing, guided walks and moments of reflection over fast-paced touring
- Bucket-list travellers who want to experience one of Australia’s most iconic and awe-inspiring natural landmarks.
Kakadu National Park
Whether your clients are searching for luxury lodges or happy sleeping under canvas under a star-studded sky, in Kakadu National Park there is something for everyone. Spreading over 20,000km, it is the largest national park in Australia and is World Heritage listed for both nature and culture - unmissable Northern Territory at its best.
Highlights of Kakadu National Park:
- Jim Jim Falls, a waterfall of 200m that can be viewed via a scenic heli flight.
- Stay in Bamarru Plains, part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection. A luxury wilderness lodge that is the closest thing to going on safari in Australia, guests can look out directly over the Mary River floodplain whilst enjoying locally inspired cuisine.
- The Yellow Water Billabong Cruise is always a big hit with our clients to marvel at the majectic wildlife in the NT - from the biggest crocodile in the world to over 60 species of bird, including the Brolga, a gregarious wetland bird with distinctive mating dance.
- 20,000 year old rock art that forms part of one of the world's greatest concentration of rock art sites. Clients can learn all about the cultural significance of various types of rock art and paints, and understand the close relationship between land and spirits.
Perfect for:
- Culturally curious travellers who value Indigenous heritage, ancient rock art and learning the stories of the landscape from Traditional Owners of the land.
- Nature-first adventurers drawn to vast wetlands, wildlife and dramatic seasonal landscapes - perfect for both wet and dry seasons!
- Experienced or bucket-list travellers who’ve “done the highlights” elsewhere in Australia and are ready for something powerful, immersive and unforgettable.
- Premium experience seekers who want to elevate their Kakadu stay in one of the most impressive Luxury Lodges.
Arnhem Land
Arnhem Land is an Aboriginal-owned region that borders Kakadu to the north and east. It is a 4 hour drive from Darwin to Cahills Crossing which is the access point into Arnhem Land from Kakadu, or a 2 hour flight. Arnhem Land is broken down into East Arnhem Land and West Arnhem Land. One of the last great untouched areas of the world, the region features wild coastlines, premium resorts, deserted islands, fish-filled rivers, rainforests and soaring cliffs.
The culture of the Aboriginal people who own this land remains largely intact and a permit is required to travel within Arnhem Land. The recommended and the best way to explore Arnhem Land is on a fully hosted tour.
Highlights of Arnhem Land:
- Covering over 150,000km the Arnhem Land tropical savannah has to be seen to be believed! A varied array of landscapes awaits, with floodplains, wetlands, mangroves and monsoonal rainforest.
- Immersion in the oldest surviving culture in the world. Aboriginal people have lived in Arnhem Land for over 60,000 years and many ancient ceremonies are practised to this day.
- The Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, which holds one of the country's largest Indigenous art collections, comprising bark paintings, carvings and artefacts.
- The pristine white beaches of East Arnhem Land, married with rugged coastlines and diverse flora and fauna.
We work with two award-winning tour providers who offer fully hosted tours through this untouched part of the Northern Territory, and will work with you to ensure it fulfills every part of your clients' brief.
Perfect for:
- Story-seeking travellers who want to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous heritage, history and life on Country, and value being guided through these experiences in a respectful, hosted way.
- Seasoned Australia travellers who have seen the popular city sights and now want a taste of rural, untouched Australia.
Practical Information for Agents
Driving Tips
When driving in the Northern Territory, preparation is key. Distances are long and services can be limited, so clients should always plan fuel stops, carry plenty of water and check road conditions before setting off, especially during the Wet Season. Driving is best done during daylight hours, as wildlife and livestock are common at dawn, dusk and at night. Road conditions can change quickly, particularly on unsealed routes, so it’s important to drive to conditions and ensure the vehicle is suitable for the journey, with 4WD required in some remote areas.
Darwin Airport → Darwin: 15 minutes
Darwin → Litchfield National Park: 1 hour
Darwin → Kakadu National Park: 3 hours
Darwin → Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: 20 hours
Darwin → East Arhem Land: 13 hours
Nature's Way roadtrip: 9 days, 818km
Red Centre Way roadtrip: 6 days, 1,134km
Need To Know
With the same number of crocodiles as people, the NT is home to 250,000 of them, about half the population as Tasmania! It is super sparsley populated so hugely important for clients to be aware of distances, safety and Aboriginal customs when travelling around the state.
National Parks
Park passes apply to most national parks and reserves in the Northern Territory. Furthermore, an additional Kakadu Park Pass is needed for Kakadu National Park, as well as a separate Uluru-Kata Tjuta pass for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which can be purchased online from Parks Australia.
Respect Aboriginal Customs
If clients are doing a self-drive tour, they will need permits to travel through Aboriginal lands and waters, which can be organised through the respective land councils. Permits may also be required to buy takeaway liquor in some areas, such as East Arnhem Land. Permits should be applied for ahead of time to ensure there are no hold ups!
Mobile Service
Large areas of outback Northern Territory are without network coverage, so if clients are heading into remote country and need to stay in touch, recommend hiring or purchasing a satellite phone.
Safety Out and About
Any body of water in the Top End may contain large crocodiles, so definitely best to take heed to the signs and if in doubt, stay out! There may also be times of extreme heat, so ensure clients take enough water, suitable clothing and lots of sunscreen, as well as inform someone where they are going if they decide to go on a hike.
When To Travel
Tropical North (Top End: Darwin, Kakadu, Litchfield, Arnhem Land)
Peak Season -May–August
Dry season brings sunny days, low humidity and comfortable temperatures (around 21–32°C). This is the best time for sightseeing, national parks, cruising and touring, with roads and remote areas most accessible.
Shoulder April & September–October
Still warm and mostly dry, with fewer crowds and great value. September and October heat up toward the build-up, while April sees landscapes lush from the wet season with waterfalls still flowing.
Off Peak November–March (Wet Season)
Hot, humid and dramatic, with monsoonal rains and spectacular storms. Some remote access may be limited due to flooding, but it’s ideal for clients who love tropical scenery, fewer visitors, vibrant sunsets and scenic flights.
Red Centre (Alice Springs, Uluru, Kings Canyon)
Peak Season April–September
Mild days and cool nights make this the most popular time to visit. Perfect for walking, touring and outdoor experiences, especially during autumn and winter.
Shoulder Season March & October
Warm but manageable temperatures with fewer crowds. A great balance for active travellers who want good weather without peak-season demand.
Low Season December–February
Summer brings hotter temperatures (up to mid-30°C), but also quieter attractions. Best suited to heat-tolerant clients, shorter outdoor activities and guided touring.
Unique Selling Points
A true sense of escape from the everyday:
the Northern Territory offers something rare: space. Fewer crowds, wide-open roads and destinations that feel genuinely remote give clients a feeling of freedom that’s hard to find elsewhere. Whether it’s watching the sun rise over Uluru or floating in a natural pool in Litchfield, the NT delivers moments of stillness, perspective and true escape.
Destination diversity: unlike destinations with one “best” time to visit, the NT changes dramatically with the seasons. The Dry brings easy access and perfect touring weather, while the Wet transforms the landscape into a lush, dramatic spectacle of storms, waterfalls and colour. This seasonal contrast gives agents a powerful selling angle; the same destination, two very different (and equally memorable) experiences.
Elevated adventure: The Northern Territory is home to the world’s oldest living culture, and here it’s not behind glass. From rock art older than the pyramids to on-Country experiences led by Traditional Owners, clients gain real insight into Indigenous stories, connection to land and living traditions.
Why work with ozsidekick?
Fast, Seamless Booking
Our platform delivers instant quotes and simple online booking for New Zealand, Australia or combination itineraries. With 500+ ready made options and custom builds, you’ll find the perfect fit in minutes.
We’re a dual-market Destination Management Company / Inbound Tour Operator with teams in New Zealand and Australia. That means you’ll get insider knowledge, on the ground support and authentic experiences across both destinations.
Manage New Zealand and Australia in a single platform so you don’t need to juggle multiple suppliers. We’re your sidekick for quoting, booking and after sales support, freeing you up to focus on selling.
We would love to hear from you!
If you're a travel agent looking for the best Australian experience for your clients, you're in the right place! We at ozsidekick cater to travel agents from all over the world and make sure your customers get the best possible experience.
Joining us means you'll get access to a wide range of touring products and a support team of Australia-based sidekicks. Moreover, our system is designed to make it easy for travel agents to sell touring holidays. On ozsidekick, you can search, quote, and book from our huge range of itineraries or request a bespoke tour. We're confident your clients will love them, and we're here to make you look awesome!
Email us: agents@ozsidekick.com
Call us from anywhere on: +61 7 3778 4320
From NZ call us FREE on 0800 57 6970
From Australia call us FREE on 1800 934 268
From the UK call us FREE on 0800 014 8993
From USA call us FREE on 1833 208 8965
From Canada call us FREE on 1833 209 0945
Visit us: Level 1, 15A/14 Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore, QLD, 4558
At ozsidekick, we proudly belong to the Australian Tourism Export Council, showcasing our dedication to excellence in the tourism industry. Our team members are certified through the Aussie Specialist Program, providing them with expert insights into Australia’s diverse destinations and unique experiences
Browse our website Inside Australia Travel for self drive and coach touring itineraries!