Stretching from the Top End in the far north to the rugged Red Centre, the Northern Territory is a largely untamed land of contrasts. The Top End is a tropical wonderland of lush rainforests and wetlands teeming with wildlife and is home to famous Kakadu National Park and the state's capital Darwin. Whilst the Red Centre with it's sun-baked land is home to awesome, natural landmarks including possibly Australia's most famous icon Ayers Rock (Uluru).
What To See
Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory and gateway to the many beautiful natural attractions of the Top End. South of Darwin is Litchfield National Park with it's numerous waterfalls cascading down from the sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range. Kakadu National Park, three hours drive east of Darwin is well known for it's spectacular scenery and a wide variety of wildlife, the ever-present salt-water crocodile and diverse plant life. Katherine, 200 miles south of Darwin is famous for the spectacular scenery in it's gorges. Central Australia is the real outback known as the Red Centre. Alice Springs is flanked by the McDonnell Ranges set against a backdrop of red desert and escarpments. Ayers Rock, or 'Uluru' to give it's Aboriginal name, is best seen at sunset or sunrise. The beauty of lesser-known Olgas surprises many people who come here. Kings Canyon is rapidly becoming an essential addition to a visit to the Red Centre.
Food & Drink
There are numerous speciality dishes and foods including rock oysters, barramundi (freshwater fish), tiger prawns, macadamia nuts and yabbies (small freshwater lobsters). Beef is the most popular meat and lamb is also of a high quality. There is a wide variety of excellent fruits and vegetables. Service is European-style and varies from waitress and waiter service to self-service. Bistros, cafes, family-style restaurants and 'pub' lunches at the counter offer good food at reasonable prices. Some restaurants will allow guests to bring their own alcohol and are called 'BYO' restaurants. Australia also offers an enormous variety of cuisines, including Italian, French, Greek, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai, Japanese, Indian, African, Lebanese and Korean. Australian wines are good and inexpensive. Beer is served chilled. Licensing hours in public bars are 1000-2200 Mon-Sat, however most pubs are open until 2400; Sunday hours vary. Drinking age is 18 years or over.
Shopping
Special purchases include excellent local wines; wool, clothing, leather and sheepskin products; opal and other precious or semi-precious stones; and modern art sculpture and paintings. Exhibitions of bark paintings, boomerangs and other tribal objects are on view and for sale in Darwin and Alice Springs. many depict stories from the Dreamtime. Many cities and towns have small shops devoted to the sale of 'Australiana', where Australian souvenirs, ranging from T-shirts to boomerangs, can be bought.
Activities
The range of activity, adventure and special interest holidays is almost limitless. Options available include bushwalking, self-drive tours in the outback, diving, fishing, surfing, golf, skiing, flying and gliding, ballooning, cycling, rafting, pony trekking, gemstone fossicking, bungee jumping, etc.
General Information(A-Z)
Airport
Darwin International Airport is 8 miles (13km) northeast of the city.
Climate
Darwin has just two seasons - tropical summer in November to March, and tropical winter in May to October. It's warm all year-round, but summer is wetter and winter is dry. The crisp, clean air, warm dry days, low humidity and cool nights of Darwin's winter are perfect for outdoor adventures and touring. Uluru (Ayers Rock), in the heart of the Red Centre, has a desert climate - mostly dry, with brilliant blue skies all year. Autumn and spring will give you sunny days with cloudless skies and crisp, cool nights. Great weather for exploring the sights by foot or in the comfort of a vehicle. Summer is the time when Central Australia is at it's most vivid, with hot days and balmy nights. December to February are the hottest months - usually more that 35º Celsius - so take a hat and sunscreen.
Clothing
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is advised for much of year although warmer clothing is needed during the chilly evenings. Rainwear is advisable in any season.
Currency
The currency is the Australian Dollar (approx. 2.43A$ to £1).
Driving
Traffic drives on the left. Road signs are international. The speed limit is 60kph (35mph) in cities and towns and 80-110kph (50-68mph) on country roads and highways unless signs indicate otherwise. Seat belts must be worn at all times and driving licences must be in the driver's possession when driving. Distances between towns can be considerable, and apart from ensuring that all vehicles are in peak condition, it is advisable to carry spare water, petrol and equipment.
Electricity
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adapter socket may be needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels.
Flying Time
Approximately 21½ hours from London.
Getting Around
Meter-operated taxis can be found in all Darwin. There is a minimum 'flagfall charge' and then a charge for the distance travelled. Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped. A small additional payment may be required for luggage and telephone bookings. Some taxis accept payment by credit card. Due to the vastness of the country internal flights would be recommended for travelling long distances.
Health
A yellow fever certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within six days of leaving or transiting countries with infected areas. For the latest immunisation requirements please contact your GP.
Holidays
Jan 1 2005 New Year's Day. Jan 26 Australia Day. Mar 25-28 Easter. Apr 26 ANZAC Day. Jun 13 Queen's Birthday Celebrations. Oct 3 Labour Day. Dec 25-26 Christmas.
Language
The official language is English. Many other languages are retained by minorities, including Italian, German, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese dialects and Aboriginal languages.
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1700.
Time
GMT + 7
Tipping
Not as common as it is in Europe and America nor is a service charge added to the bill in restaurants. Ten per cent for food and drink waiters is usual in top-quality restaurants, but is optional elsewhere. With taxis it is usual not to tip but round up the cost to the next dollar.
Tourist Board
Australian Tourist Commission, Gemini House, 10-18 Putney Hill, London SW15 6AA, UK Tel: (020) 8780 2229 (trade enquiries only) or (0906) 863 3235 (brochure request line; calls cost 60p per minute). Fax: (020) 8780 1496. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1730.
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for UK passport holders. For other nationalities please check with the High Commission.
Australian High Commission
Australia House, The Strand, London WC2B 4LA, UK
Tel: (020) 7379 4334 or (09065) 508 900 (24-hour immigration and citizenship
enquiries; calls cost £1 per minute). Fax: (020) 7240 5333 or 7413 0653 (visa
section).
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1720 (general); 0900-1100 (visa and immigration); 0930-1530 (passport).
Honorary Consulates in: Edinburgh (tel: (0131) 624 3333) and Manchester (tel: (0161) 237 9440).
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visas: The ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia that allows people from certain countries including the UK to visit Australia for up to three months for tourism, short-term business or elective study purposes. An ETA is invisible and therefore will not show up in your passport - please call EasyOzTravels for further details
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
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