| Equivalent in size to France, Italy and Spain combined, the Northern Territory is blessed with a variety of natural landscapes. Some of the Northern Territory's iconic wonders include the World Heritage-listed National Parks Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock). Flora and fauna are diverse: from red cabbage palms, monsoon vine forests and lotus lilies to agile rock wallabies, fearsome saltwater crocodiles and the elegant dancing brolga. Indigenous culture holds a spiritual connection to the land that dates back tens of thousands of years, yet can still be shared in the present day - through a walk in the desert in search of bush tucker or a visit to an ancient rock art gallery, or sitting in on a story telling session. The Northern Territory is renowned for its colorful, larger-than-life characters, which are only too willing to share a yarn or two. A laksa at Darwin's exotic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, a spectacular outback view seen on an ambling camel ride, the indescribable feeling of catching your first barra – there's an experience for everyone in the Northern Territory. The major cities in the Northern Territory are Katherine and Darwin. Kakadu National Park has been designated as a "World Heritage Property." Gorges, rock formations, woodlands, wetlands, and mangrove swamps house an amazing variety of life ranging from salt-water crocodiles to the 1000 species of highly visible and noisy bird life. There are also well over five thousand Aboriginal rock art sites throughout the park. The Katherine Gorge is about a three and a half hour drive south of Darwin and is made up of 13 spectacular gorges separated by rapids. You can fish, swim, camp, take a boat, hire a canoe or take the five-day 42-kilometer walk along "17 Mile Creek" to Edith Falls. The spectacular Litchfield National Park is only two hour drive from Darwin. It features numerous waterfalls that cascade from the sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range, historical sites, and intriguing magnetic termite mounds. The Berry Springs Nature Park provides an attractive area close to Darwin, for a range of recreational activities including picnics, barbecues, swimming, walking or just relaxing. Berry Creek that flows through the Park is fed by a number of natural springs. The clear rainforest fringed pools abound with small native fish and provide pleasant, natural swimming areas for most of the year. Source: http://www.about-australia.com/northern-territory/articles/destination-northern-territory/ |