Lonely Planet Northern Territory & Central Australia

Welcome to the 'real Australia'. Be captivated by the lush, tropical Top End, with iconic Kakadu National Park, cosmopolitan Darwin and unique Tiwi Island culture. Head south to Australia's spiritual heart, Uluru, in the arid Red Centre and engage with vibrant Aboriginal culture, from the ancient to the modern. Swim in secluded rockpools, explore the desert by camel or 4WD, and yarn with some outback characters - there's nowhere on earth quite like the Territory. Great Accommodation - We cover it all: comfortable retreats in Darwin, campsites from Kakadu to Uluru, swags under the stars and outback pub stays Fine Dining - barbecued barramundi fresh off the line, gourmet bush-tucker feasts under the night sky and the myriad delights of Darwin's beach market Indigenous Culture - Expert art and culture chapters are only the beginning: Australia's ancient and multifaceted cultures pervade our guide from cover to cover