If you’re planning to winter in Australia instead of flying off for a European summer, look no further than up north. Home to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, such as Uluru and Kakadu National Park, the Northern Territory is amazing all year round, but winter is definitely the best time for travel.
Forget curling up and staying inside – the cooler season is actually the perfect time to get out and about and discover the many wonders of the Top End, the Red Centre and everything in between. Here’s three reasons why:
Summer in the northern parts of the NT is perfect for those who love a tropical getaway, but if you are not used to humidity then travelling in winter may be more comfortable for you.
Winter days in the NT are still warm and sunny, while the nights are crisp and clear. (It’s also a lot more enjoyable for visitors coming from cooler countries, so if you are planning a trip with overseas relatives, winter is definitely a great time to bring them to the NT.) Darwin, Kakadu and Litchfield typically see comfortable temperatures of 21°C – 32°C, but if you plan to visit Alice Springs, Uluru and Kings Canyon, bring a jacket – the mercury drops to 3°C – 20°C.
A trip to the NT wouldn’t be complete without getting up close and personal with some of Australia’s wonderful wildlife. The NT is well-known for its crocs in the Top End – Darwin has an entire tourist attraction devoted to these animals – and kangaroos in the Red Centre, but did you also know that it is home to almost half of all the bird species found in Australia?
Kakadu National Park’s wetlands are best for bird-watching, especially in late winter (August through to October). The low water levels mean that vast numbers of water birds congregate on the few remaining water bodies. Yellow Water, one of the park’s best-known landmarks, is a must for keen bird enthusiasts – you might be lucky enough to spot the banded fruit dove, chestnut-quilled rock pigeon, sandstone shrike-thrush and white-lined honeyeater.
If you want to see some wildlife without straying far from town, you can get up close and personal with Red Centre animals at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Only 10 minutes from the Alice Springs CBD, the park is home to iconic Aussie animals like the red kangaroo, emu, wedge-tailed eagle and bilby, among many others. You can also learn about the park’s conservation efforts and extensive work with endangered species.
While the NT has an amazing array of events all year round that cater to all types of travellers, some of its most special events take place in the cooler months.
The June long weekend is the perfect time to learn more about the NT’s rich and proud Aboriginal culture. The annual Barunga Festival celebrates Aboriginal community life through music, sport and culture and kicks off on June 7 this year. It is a much-loved event that brings more than 4,000 festival-goers together in one spot.
For something that is huge fun, totally bonkers and uniquely Australian, you must attend the Rotary Henley-on-Todd Regatta. This event is Australia’s oldest regatta and also the world’s only land-based regatta. Since 1962, the NT’s residents have been conducting this boat race on the bone-dry bed of the Todd River and people now travel from all over the world to take part. Events include bottomless yacht and rowing races, surf rescue, boogie board and budgie-smuggler races. The Battle of the Boats event at the end of the day is a must-see! The highly-anticipated regatta will take place this year on August 17.
If you enjoy the energy and bustle of festivals, there’s no better time to visit the Northern Territory than during the Darwin Festival, where a festival wonderland awaits you. Think warm outdoor festivities under twinkling lights with iconic bamboo food stalls and pop-up bars. This year is the festival’s 40th anniversary and the program is more exciting than ever, with cabaret, theatre, comedy, visual arts, music and more! The Darwin Festival will take place from August 8 – 25.