Holidaying with kids in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is Australia’s largest natural theme park, from the tropical coastal regions of the Top End to the ancient deserts of the Centre. There is so much to see and do, scores of larger-than-life characters to meet and a whole host of new experiences that will thrill and captivate both young and old alike. There are many free attractions to visit, or why not check out our Top 10 Family Favourites.

A journey to Outback Northern Territory offers families an opportunity to spend some quality time together and to learn more about our own country, its wildlife and colourful characters as well as its rich cultural and social history. The children will have experiences and learn lessons they would never get by watching TV, playing computer games or sitting in a classroom. Life is too short and kids grow up too quickly, so start planning your outback adventure holiday to the Northern Territory today. It’s a family holiday experience that’ll never never leave you!

The Centre

The heart and soul of Australia’s Outback is in the central desert regions. Alice Springs makes an ideal base for a great self drive holiday to the region, or take a relaxing back seat and book one of the many family-oriented package tours on offer.

At the world renowned Alice Springs Desert Park everyone can get a personal introduction to a variety of the Territory’s wildlife including the wide eyed bilbies, rock wallabies, emus, kangaroos and a stunning array of birds and reptiles. Children of all ages are catered for at the park, with a wide range of interpretive signs and information booths that explain in words, cartoons and pictures the lifecycles and habitat of Central Australia’s wildlife.

For a dining experience with a difference take a camel to breakfast or dinner. Enjoy an exhilarating hot air balloon ride at dawn above the desert landscape followed by a bush barbecue breakfast. Visit the country’s largest schoolroom at the School of the Air and everyone will be fascinated by the historic displays at the Old Telegraph Station and the Transport Hall of Fame. For safety and insurance reasons children must be over eight years old to go on extended camel treks and balloon rides.

Four-wheel drive fans can explore the majestic West MacDonnell Ranges and take the Mereenie Loop road to Kings Canyon, a spectacular natural canyon of awesome proportions. The nearby Kings Creek Station, a 2000 square kilometre slice of real Australian outback, makes an ideal family destination where you can set up camp in the well-serviced grounds or at one of the safari cabins. There you can experience life on an outback station, take a sunset camel ride or a helicopter joy flight as well a join in on a quad bike safari.  There are age limits for quad bike safaris.

Everyone can try their hand at fossicking when you visit Tennant Creek, just over 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs, and a tour underground at the old battery mine will have everyone spellbound.

A visit to the Territory Wildlife Park, just 45 minutes drive south of Darwin, also gives everyone the opportunity to get up close and personal with a whole host of the Territory’s native wildlife. These include some awesome marine species like giant manta rays as well as crocodiles and six species of freshwater turtles. Join your children in learning more about our unique fauna and flora and share their enthusiasm as they watch the free-flying birds of prey demonstrations before taking the free shuttle train service to the bird aviaries and the monsoonal forest walk.  

Life is more than a beach, so imagine everyone’s delight when they discover they can swim and splash about in a whole series of gorgeous natural waterfalls, billabongs and hot springs situated in the Top End’s many national parks and nature reserves, such as the renowned Litchfield National Park. For those with a passion for real adventure take a canoe expedition along the majestic Katherine Gorge and in the dry season (May-Oct) camp out overnight under a million stars.

There are plenty of other family-friendly attractions in and around Darwin. Take a stroll along Stokes Hill Wharf where you can sample the best fish and chips in town with a harbour view and drop in for a look at the educational Indo Pacific Marine – an indoor eco-system of Top End marine life with amazingly coloured corals and fish. Be sure to take the kids to the world-famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, where there’s hundreds of local craft stalls, food from everywhere in the world and entertainers to keep the kids amused for hours. A smoothie on the beach at sunset is the perfect end to a trip to these markets.

The whole family can also try their hand at fishing when in the Top End, and everyone will be delighted when the day’s catch of barramundi, jewfish, snapper or mud crab is thrown on the barbecue and served up for dinner.

While in the Top End, adults and children alike can also have a go at making and/or playing their own didjeridu. You can also meet and learn from Aboriginal elders and traditional owners from a wide range of Top End clans and skin groups. Take a day trip from Darwin and meet the Tiwi Islanders who are renowned for their stunning fabric prints, carvings and distinctive pottery.

For more information on the Northern Territory call the NT Holiday Centre on 13 30 68 and talk to a Territorian about the full range of family-friendly destinations and activities in each region or go to www.travelnt.com.au

Booking information

Northern Territory Holiday Centre
Ph: 13 30 68 
Website:  www.travelnt.com.au

Go back to the Australian holiday destinations

Go back to the home page