The Northern Territory is one of the best places on earth to explore national parks of vast scale and containing incredible biodiversity. The Territory has ten national parks, covering almost 20,000 square kilometres in total. Four of these are successfully owned and managed by local Aboriginal communities in conjunction with the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service.
| So join us and see the very best of the Red Centre, Top End and Kimberley. | |
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 | Central Australia / Red Centre - join an APT Outback tour. Kings Canyon - Watarkka National Park Alice Springs - Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley, Alice Springs Desert Park. Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park - Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (Olgas). Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon. West MacDonnell National Park - Simpsons Gap, Angkerle (Stanley Chasm). |
 | Top End - travel the tropical north with APT. Darwin: highlights include Botanic Gardens, Museums and Art Gallery. Kakadu National Park: Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock Aboriginal art galleries, East Alligator River and Guluyambi Cruise, Jim Jim and Twin Falls, Yellow Water billabong. Arnhem Land: visit Oenpelli Aboriginal Settlement. Litchfield National Park: Tolmer Falls, Florence Falls, Wangi Falls. Nitmiluk National Park: Katherine Gorge, Leliyn (Edith Falls). |
 | The Kimberley / Western Australia - explore the Kimberley by 4WD. Purnululu National Park: home of the remote Bungle Bungle massif. Gibb River Road: explore gorges, waterways and rivers along this isolated route. Travel from Broome to Darwin. |
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* Red Centre - Ochre Heartland
Kings Canyon
Watarrka National Park
Set at the western end of the George Gill Range, Watarrka National Park comprises a striking natural landscape of rugged ranges, hidden rocky crags waterholes and gorges. This unique environment has been evolving for more than 440 million years, as evident by the marine fossils embedded in its sandstone walls, and it is still a refuge for an abundance of native wildlife. The region has also been home to the Luritja people for the last 20,000 years while, in contrast, Ernest Giles was the first European explorer to discover this region in 1872.
Exploring Kings Canyon
The feature of Watarrka National Park is indisputably Kings Canyon, a huge formation of ancient rocks. Its sheer walls rise up 170 metres from Kings Creek, providing breathtaking views across the canyon and down into its lush depths to those who walk around the rim.
The Lost City and Garden of Eden
Once covered by a vast inland lake and tropical woodlands, Kings Canyon is home to the last remaining example of a prehistoric ecosystem. On a guided walk of the canyon you will discover the Lost City's million-year-old domed rock formations, see the ancient marine bed and fossils, and walk through the Garden of Eden. This picturesque garden is found at the heart of the canyon and features a stunning waterhole surrounded by river redgums, cycads from the time of the dinosaurs and a vast variety of other plant life. It's truly a magical place.
Kings Creek Station
Kings Creek Station was established in 1982 by Ian - the grandson of the first pastoralist in the region, William Liddle - and Lyn Conway. Despite being built before there was any infrastructure in the area, the station flourished. Today, it remains a working cattle and camel station as well as the idyllic outback setting for APT's exclusive Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge.
Alice Springs - the Heart of the Red Centre
Established along the ephemeral Todd River, Alice Springs is the perfect base from which to explore the Red Centre. Visit the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Closer by is Alice Springs Desert Park, Palm Valley in Finke Gorge National Park and Anzac Hill, which offers panoramic views of the town.
'The Alice'
The Alice is a true outback town characterised by friendly locals, a relaxed pace and inherent Indigenous culture. Established along the route of the Overland Telegraph Line, the town is steeped in Australian history. Here, the original telegraph station remains open for visitors as does the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS) base. Nearby is Hermannsburg, originally constructed as an Aboriginal mission this town is now known for being home to famous artists such as Albert Namatjira, who grew up there, and the Hermannsburg Potters.
Caterpillar Dreaming
According to the dreaming stories of the local Arrernte Aboriginal people, the landscape of Alice Springs and surrounding ranges was formed by ancestral beings including Ayepearenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerrengatye caterpillars.
This belief and others from the time of creation are central to Arrernte, and thus Alice Springs, culture. With APT you'll have the opportunity to gain an insight into this heritage as guides share with you stories of the dreamtime.
West MacDonnell National Park
West MacDonnell National Park is renowned for its rich ancient landscapes, beautiful gorges and waterholes. Attractions in the park include Simpsons Gap, where rock wallabies can be found amongst the rocky clefts, and Angkerle (Standley Chasm), a stunning break in the range just five metres wide. At the foot of the range lies John Flynn's grave, a memorial for the founder of the RFDS who improved the lives of so many in the outback with his 'mantle of safety'.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers visitors a truly unique cultural experience. World Heritage-listed not only for its natural significance, the park is also recognised for its Aboriginal heritage. Anangu people believe that Uluru and Kata Tjuta were formed at the beginning of time by ancestral beings. Today these lands are still home to the Anangu people, one of the world's oldest human societies, and their philosophy and understanding of the landscape is integral to caring for this sacred environment.
Gain an insight into the area and local indigenous culture on guided walks through Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and around Uluru (Ayers Rock). Discover ancient rock art sites, hear creation stories from the dreamtime and learn about the rare flora and fauna of the park. Explore sacred sites such as the Mutitjulu waterhole and stunning Kantju Gorge, and retrace the steps of the Aboriginal ancestors to discover the special history of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
The Different Shades of Uluru (Ayers Rock)
APT is proud to showcase the magical experience of watching Uluru transform colour as the sun sets. Enjoy a glass of wine during this natural spectacle, as Uluru shifts from subtle earth tones, to bright yellow, vibrant orange, striking red and deep purple as the sun dips below the horizon.
New for 2009 is the Talinguru nyakunytjaku viewing area, which means 'to look from the sand dunes'. This new viewing platform helps protect the landscape while affording an amazing view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunrise.
Exploring Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Escorted by your guide, explore amongst the 36 domes that form Kata Tjuta on the Walpa Gorge walk. These sheer faced domes protect a vast variety of rare flora and fauna, such as the hairy-footed dunnart and the mulgara, some of which can only be found in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon
Set at the western end of the George Gill Range, Watarrka National Park comprises a striking natural landscape of rugged ranges, hidden rocky crags waterholes and gorges. This unique environment has been evolving for more than 440 million years, as evident by the marine fossils embedded in its sandstone walls, and it is still a refuge for an abundance of native wildlife. The region has also been home to the Luritja people for the last 20,000 years while, in contrast, Ernest Giles was the first European explorer to discover this region in 1872.
Exploring Kings Canyon
The feature of Watarrka National Park is indisputably Kings Canyon, a huge formation of ancient rocks. Its sheer walls rise up 170 metres from Kings Creek, providing breathtaking views, across the canyon and down into its lush depths, to those who walk around the rim.
The Lost City and Garden of Eden
Once covered by a vast inland lake and tropical woodlands, Kings Canyon is home to the last remaining example of a prehistoric ecosystem. On a guided walk of the canyon you will discover the Lost City's million-year-old domed rock formations, see the ancient marine bed and fossils, and walk through the Garden of Eden. This picturesque garden is found at the heart of the canyon and features a stunning waterhole surrounded by river redgums, cycads from the time of the dinosaurs and a vast variety of other plant life. It's truly a magical place.
Kings Creek Station
Kings Creek Station was established in 1982 by Ian - the grandson of the first pastoralist in the region, William Liddle - and Lyn Conway. Despite being built before there was any infrastructure in the area, the station flourished. Today, it remains a working cattle and camel station as well as the idyllic outback setting for APT's exclusive Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge. Find out more about Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge here.
West MacDonnell National Park
West MacDonnell National Park is renowned for its beautiful gorges, waterholes and rich ancient landscapes. Attractions include: Simpsons Gap, where rock wallabies can be found in and around the rocky clefts and Angkerle (Standley Chasm), a stunning break in the range just five metres wide.
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* Top End - Tropical Outpost
Darwin
With a population of 90 000 and a cultural diversity more pronounced than any other Australian city, Darwin is a tropical melting pot. The mix of cultures, beautiful architecture, fabulous food and an amazing history of survival against the odds makes this tropical capital a must-see.
Highlights within and around Darwin include: the tropical Darwin Botanic Gardens; the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory; World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park; beautiful Litchfield National Park and Katherine Gorge in stunning Nitmiluk National Park.
Kakadu National Park
As one of the few sites awarded World Heritage-listing for both its natural and cultural value, Kakadu National Park is a wildlife wonderland that will leave you breathless. As one of the few sites awarded World Heritage-listing for both its natural and cultural values, Kakadu National Park is a wildlife wonderland that will leave you breathless.
The park is located in the north of the Territory and covers an area of 1,980,400 hectares. Gateway to sacred Arnhem Land, the park is also home to famous Aboriginal rock art sites. Highlights of Kakadu include the Aboriginal rock art galleries of Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock, dating back 20,000 years, and the park's wonderful waterlily covered lagoons such as Yellow Water Billabong. Kakadu is home to a rich array of fauna and flora and provides a stark contrast to the arid Kimberley. The park is located in the tropics, between 12° and 14° south of the equator. The climate is monsoonal, characterised by two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. During this period there are extremely high temperatures and high humidity, which culminate in 'build up' storms that feature dramatic lightning strikes.
Arnhem Land
A land of untouched beauty, Aboriginal owned Arnhem Land is only accessible with special permission. In Arnhem Land: learn of traditional ownership, hunting and gathering and bush tucker; visit Oenpelli Aboriginal settlement and view rarely seen rock art and ancient inhabitation sites.
Litchfield National Park
With stunning waterfalls, sandstone escarpments, intriguing termite mounds and monsoon rainforest Litchfield offers true Top End beauty. Highlights include: waterfalls such as stunning Tolmer Falls and the double waterfall forming Florence Falls and a refreshing swim in the rock pool at Wangi Falls.
Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park is renowned for its 13 spectacular gorges, formed by the Katherine River cutting its way through Arnhem Land. In Nitmiluk: cruise Katherine Gorge, viewing ancient rock art on the sheer rock walls and visit beautiful Edith Falls.
This almost 300,000 hectare national park is owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people and jointly managed with the Parks and Wildlife service. Nitmiluk National Park is located in the northern part of the Territory, 244 km southeast of Darwin. Previously named Katherine Gorge National Park, its northern edge borders Kakadu National Park. Some of the park's features include spectacular dissected sandstone country, broad valleys and numerous indigenous cultural sites.
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* The Kimberley
Purnululu National Park
Covering nearly 420,000 square kilometres, the Kimberley region encompasses the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park. Home to the striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, Purnululu's unique geology and beauty is truly awe-inspiring. Stay at our exclusive Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, within Purnululu National Park, in tented cabins.
Experience a 4WD adventure and scenic flight, walk along the dry bed of Piccaninny Creek for a close-up view of the famous domes and explore both Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge.
Gibb River Road
An old stock route stretching some 660 kilometres, the Gibb River Road dates back to the late 1800s. The thrill of travelling this historical pioneering route is matched only by beauty of the numerous gorges and rivers, many of which you'll get the chance to take a refreshing swim in should you so choose.
El Questro Wilderness Park
Spanning a million acres of the Kimberley, El Questro Wilderness Park is a significant part of one of the world's last great unspoilt frontiers. The diverse landscape encompasses rugged ranges, rainforests, tidal flats, cascading waterfalls, tranquil waterholes and winding river systems. All of which provide a sanctuary to an abundance of native flora and fauna. With APT you'll have time to explore this remarkable wilderness park at your leisure.
Mitchell Plateau
One of the must-see highlights of the Kimberley is Mitchell Plateau and its thundering Mitchell Falls. The rock pool at the base of the falls is surrounded by rainforest remnants and Livistona palms, some of which are more than 250 years old, creating a stunning oasis. This habitat is also shelter to an astounding variety of wildlife. APT exclusively offers accommodation in this special environment at Ungolan Wilderness Lodge on the Mitchell Plateau.
View enlarged map of the Kimberley
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