IF Dorothea Mackellar's ode to Australia was used to describe a single destination, it could very well be the Northern Territory.   Australia's most sparsely populated province is six times bigger than Britain and the very definition of a sunburnt country and a land of sweeping plains. It is rugged mountain ranges, drought, flooding rains, far horizons, jewelled seas, and that hot gold hush of noon.  

It is a land where adventure comes easy. From the tropical Top End coastline where the sparkling blue of the Arafura Sea touches the fine white Arnhem Land sand south to the serrated ochre ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges stretching across the heart of the Red Centre.

  It’s an address abundant with colour. The deep purple that washes across Uluṟu during a rare thunderstorm, the electric pink covering Kata Tjuṯa when the low evening sun strikes the domes, the clear turquoise water of the thermal Mataranka ponds, the ghostly white of Hermannsburg’s eucalypts, the rusty ochre of the Kakadu escarpment, and the unimaginably deep blue of a cloudless outback sky.   And it is a place where the simple mention of a name – the white letters on a green road sign beside the Stuart Highway, script scrawled into a homemade plaque hanging above the entrance to an outback pub, the neat print of an influencers Instagram account – activate the imagination.   Yellow Water, Mataranka, Nhulunbuy, Finke Gorge, Karlu Karlu, Simpson Desert, Tiwi Islands, Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole, Maguk, Ubirr, Larapinta Trail, Bare Sand Island and Nitmiluk National Park are some of the legendary locations that prompt daydreaming about exploring rare and remote regions.   If the Top End and Red Centre are calling, 2022 is the time to answer. Read on to discover the top places to visit in the Northern Territory this year.  

ULURU – KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

  It's a cinch to spend hours inside this esteemed national park – wandering trails that wind through fields of desert wildflowers, watching indigenous artists at work in an art gallery, hearing a story of geology from a local ranger – and every visit should start and finish with the sun.   Sunrise and sunset are tempting times to see Australia's most famous landmark with a remarkable serenity settling on the landscape as the colours change with every blink of the eye and the low light casts long shadows from the spikey spinifex grass.   At dawn colour creeps across the countryside as the sun hauls itself into the sky to signal the start of another day, and the cool night air is replaced by the first whispers of dry heat, while in the evening the baked red is replaced by pastel hues that announce the imminent arrival of a celestial sea of stars.   These are daily Red Centre encounters that have been drawing visitors for decades, but the pandemic pause means those discovering Uluru in 2022 will find it easier to snag extra space inside one of the park's viewing areas.   AAT Kings offer Half-Day tours scheduled around the sun with the morning Uluru Sunrise & Kata Tjuta detouring to walk around the dramatic domes of the Red Centre's other famous address after discovering the dawn while Uluru Sunset with BBQ Dinner adds gourmet goodies and stargazing to an evening encounter.  

TIWI ISLANDS

  The Tiwi Islands – the fabled "islands of smiles" floating in the Timor Sea 90km north of the Territory's capital city – do not top the to-do lists of many travellers, but Bathurst and Melville islands offer a rare opportunity to experience a unique slice of Top End life.   The communities that call the Tiwi Islands home are famous for preserving traditions – as well as producing prodigiously talented Aussie Rules footballers – with this destination boasting an enviable arts scene driven by indigenous painters and weavers producing colourful fabrics, captivating canvases, and intricate baskets.   The team at AAT Kings say travellers haven't really seen Australia until experiencing the Tiwi Islands with the company – which has been taking holidaymakers to the hidden corners of this country for more than 100 years – offering a day tour from Darwin that shines a sustainable spotlight on the people and their proud culture.   The Tiwi Islands Aboriginal Culture Tour promises to "reveal scenes seldom seen by many outsiders" and starts with a smoking ceremony before calling into the "progressive modern community" of Wurrumiyanga with a local guide and a stop to see island artists at work.  

KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

  Kakadu National Park – the World Heritage Site with dual-listings described as "a living cultural landscape with exceptional natural and cultural values" by the folks at UNESCO – is responsible for drawing generations of travellers to Australia's dreamy Top End.   Australia's largest national park is praised for preserving "the greatest variety of ecosystems on the Australian contenent" including savanna woodlands, billabongs, open forest, floodplains, mangroves, tidal mudflats, sandy coastlines, rocky escarpments, jagged gorges, towering waterfalls and monsoon forests.   Kakadu also boasts an impressive assortment of colourful flora and fascinating fauna, with the fact it's now considered to be "one of the least impacted areas of the northern part of the Australian content" just one reason for the dual UNESCO designation.   It is rugged but not remote, covering almost 20,000sq/km of the vibrant landscape a three-hour drive from Darwin, and home to more than 5,000 Aboriginal rock art sites with the local Bininj/Mungguy people calling this country home for more than 65,000 years.   Kakadu National Park Explorer is a carefully curated AAT Kings Day Tour that helps discover this dynamic destination and includes a cruise on the Yellow Water billabong to spy parading waterbirds and loitering crocodiles, a walk around Burrunggui/Nourlangie Rock to marvel at the indigenous art, and a visit to the Warradjan Cultural Centre.  

LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK

  Kakadu gets all the glory, but Litchfield National Park is tops with Territorians who retreat to this protected parcel of land a 60-minute drive south from Darwin when the weather is warm and the waterfall ponds promise pretty places to cool down.   Litchfield is one of the Northern Territory's true hidden gems and best described as a "water wonderland" with visitors invited to float in plunge pools hiding at the base of steep spring-fed waterfalls like Florence Falls and Wangi Falls or soak in the gentle tiered pools at Buley Rockhole.   Swimming isn't allowed at Tolmer Falls but it's still worth seeing with this landmark, which sits close to the park's western edge, boasting a 1.6km walking trail that winds through sandstone country to pass pristine rock pools and the tributaries of Tolmer Creek.   Litchfield National Park Waterfalls is a hosted AAT Kings Day Tour venturing deep into the heart of the Tabletop Range to the west of Bachelor and includes a guided wander through the monsoonal vine forests, a stop to see the tall magnetic termite mounds that stand like sentries around the plateau, and cooling soak at Wangi Falls.  

ALICE SPRINGS

  The Red Centre's most significant settlement – Alice Springs is home to more than 25,000 people living along the streets stretching from the Todd River's typically dry riverbed – is nicknamed the "headquarters of the outback" and a vacation destination offering myriad opportunities for exploration and adventure.   Start the day by floating over the seared landscape in a hot-air balloon and finish with a sunset camel safari while in between there's the chance to wander art galleries, walk a section of the Larapinta Trail, tour the Royal Flying Doctor Service base, visit The Kangaroo Sanctuary, stroll the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, and admire the view from Anzac Hill.   AAT Kings makes exploring easy with A Town Like Alice a Half-Day tour that includes stops at the School of the Air and RFDS headquarters while also promising animal encounters at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and time to discover the early days of European settlement at the historic Telegraph Station.  

KINGS CANYON & WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK

  Watarrka National Park – home to the legendary Kings Canyon – is a three-hour drive from Uluru. The leisurely journey provides the distance for the parched desert and sun-baked rocks around Yulara to be replaced by steep sandstone walls and crevices packed with sprawling palm trees.   A visit to the sanctuary sitting at the western end of the George Gill Range must include walking and a climb to the canyon's rim will be rewarded with a view of the complex of sun-baked rocks that are reminiscent of an ancient settlement's ruins and now known as the Lost City.   Those seeking something with a little more shade can stroll through the valley below, where permanent spring-fed waterholes are surrounded by the lush cycad palms and thriving eucalypts that create a peaceful oasis in this arid Central Australian wilderness.   If Watarrka National Park is calling, AAT Kings offers the Kings Canyon Scenic Climb. This half-day tour departing Kings Canyon Resort extends the opportunity to complete the three-hour circuit of the valley or a more leisurely amble across the gorge floor that’s hosted by the excursion's experienced driver/guide.  

  AAT Kings, the leading Australia and New Zealand escorted tour operator, has launched two new Short Break tours for 2024. These tours have been designed to meet the growing demand for immersive, time-efficient travel experiences in the Northern Territory.   A dedicated trade toolkit has been designed to give agents everything they need to market and sell these new tours, including tour cheat-sheets, posters, social media and e-marketing assets – all available for instant download.   AAT Kings Short Breaks range from two to five days and offer immersive adventures for travellers with limited time in the region. Itineraries are a blend of iconic sights and local culture immersion, all led by knowledgeable Driver Guides.   To celebrate the launch of these two new tours, AAT Kings is also offering 5% off 2024 departures, for bookings made by 29 February.   Ben Hall, CEO, said: "We're thrilled to unveil our latest offerings in response to the increased demand for short break experiences in the Northern Territory. We are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences that capture the essence of the state, and these itineraries showcase the best of what this region has to offer. With these new Short Breaks, we are providing travellers with unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery and continuing to showcase AAT Kings as the tour-leader in the Northern Territory and beyond.”   The new Short Break tours are:   Kings Canyon and Uluru (3 days)   Guests will embark on a journey to witness the vibrant colors of the outback sunset against the majestic backdrop of Uluru. They will delve into the rich red ochre landscape, home to unique flora, fauna, and ancient Aboriginal rock art, as well as experience the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon Rim Walk, offering sweeping views and fascinating geological formations.   Tour highlights:  

• Uluru sunset with sparkling wine
• Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole
• Explore Aboriginal Rock Art
• Kings Canyon Rim Walk

  The inaugural departure of the Kings Canyon and Uluru Short Break is scheduled for 15 May 2024. Prices from £774 per person twin-share, inclusive of the 5% discount, or £815 pp after the launch promotion ends.   Kings Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta (4 days)   Travellers will be immersed in the wonders of the Australian outback with this comprehensive 4-day Short Break. Witness the breathtaking sunset at Uluru while indulging in sparkling wine, followed by a captivating sunrise experience at Kata Tjuta. Traverse stunning valleys and canyons as guests uncover the geological marvels, rich history, and cultural significance of the region.   Tour highlights:  

• Uluru sunset with sparkling wine
• Visit Mutitjulu Waterhole
• Kings Canyon Rim Walk
• Kata Tjuta Sunrise
• Explore Walpa Gorge at Kata Tjuta
• Dot Art Painting Workshop

  The inaugural departure of the Kings Canyon, Uluru, and Kata Tjuta Short Break is scheduled for 7 May 2024. Priced from £1,135 per person twin-share, inclusive of the 5% discount, or £1195pp after end of Feb.

Freycinet Lodge | Image Credit: AAT Kings    When it comes to natural wonders, Australia’s cup really does runneth over.   The country is home to 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – from rainforests and fringing reefs to destinations telling Dreamtime stories and tales of early European settlement – and hundreds of national parks, dozens of marine sanctuaries, and a lengthy list of pristine parcels of property.   The Great Barrier Reef and Uluru are the most famous, but it would be a travel sin to limit sightseeing to the top two with every patch between the Pacific and Indian oceans home to Mother Nature’s most wonderous work.   Check out some of the natural wonders that can be found in each of our states and territories to help you plan your next trip.    NATURAL WONDERS TASMANIA   The Apple Isle – the picturesque patch of Australia separated from the mainland by the deep blue of Bass Strait – is home to prized parcels of pristine wilderness, sky-scraping peaks that wear snowy white crowns during winter, and historic hideaways documenting the early days of Van Diemen’s Land more recent European discovery.   Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park often tops the register of Tasmania’s top natural wonders and it’s a title that sits comfortably with the serene World Heritage Area boasting world-class hikes that wind around alpine lakes carved by pre-historic glaciers and below dramatic serrated summits.   Freycinet National Park, on the state’s east coast, is a more recent addition to the list of Tasmania’s natural must-see sights with the pink granite peaks of the Hazards and the perfect white sand of Wineglass Bay complementing the empty emerald and sapphire coves that define the Freycinet Peninsula.   The Gordon River is the jewel of Tasmania’s west coast with the dark tannin-stained water, which drifts through the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, becoming so still it is a mirror perfectly reflecting the towering trees growing along the banks.   AAT Kings’ Perfect Tasmania is a 13-day tour that completes a clockwise loop from Hobart to take in Cradle Mountain, the Gordon River and Freycinet National Park as well as visiting the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula, Russell Falls and the tranquil Tamar Valley.   NATURAL WONDERS VICTORIA   Victoria is a state that’s heavy with natural wonders, from the snow-capped peaks of the lofty Victorian Alps to the golden sand of the spectacular south coast.   The Great Ocean Road – that scenic stretch of asphalt that winds between surf-side Anglesea and bucolic Allansford – is famous far and wide thanks to icons like the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Bay of Islands with the Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary and thundering Johanna Beach adding additional reasons to dwell.   But there are just as many places on the inland side of the road with hidden waterfalls, centuries-old forests and clear mountain streams hiding inside the Cape Otway National Park.   Follow the paths through Melba Gully after dark to see the colonies of glow worms, stroll Maits Rest Rainforest Walk to see ferns thriving in the valleys beneath the beech trees, and hike below the tall California redwoods hiding deep in the Otway Ranges.   The Grampians National Park is a few hours north and home to the most extensive collection of significant Aboriginal rock art paintings and shelters in southern Australia, with this rich Indigenous history and remarkable flora and fauna combining to earn the address heritage listing.   Tastes of Southern Australia is an 11 day tour beginning in Sydney which takes in bushranger country at Beechworth and Glenrowan, the flavours of Melbourne’s vibrant foodie scene before travelling along the Great Ocean Road, visiting the quaint seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay.   Twelve Apostles | Image Credit: Tourism Victoria   NATURAL WONDERS NEW SOUTH WALES   The Blue Mountains is the undisputed champion of New South Wales when it comes to ranking the state’s natural wonders, and it’s the view of the iconic Three Sisters from Echo Point – past the pinnacles to the rolling landscape covered in the camouflage green of eucalypts – that prizes this location the crown.   The World Heritage-listed national park isn’t just celebrated for its astonishing scenery with the sprawling swathe of protected property an easy drive west from Sydney displaying significant cultural, Indigenous, botanical and geological value.   AAT Kings’ includes a day-trip visit to the Blue Mountains as part of a four-night stay in Sydney with the outing including a stop to savour Jamieson Valley sightseeing and time to ride the scenic railway, cableway or skyway to appreciate the scale of the steep valleys and rising summits.   H2 – NATURAL WONDERS CANBERRA   The national capital is famous for human history – it did rise from sheep paddocks during the early decades of last century – but, sitting in the shadows of the Brindabella Range at the northern end of the Australian Alps, it also boasts some natural wonder.   Lake Burley Griffin rests at the heart of the perfectly-planned settlement, with some of the city’s most significant structures lining the banks, while the National Arboretum now nurtures more than 44,000 trees from 100 countries growing in 94 curated forests and landscaped gardens across the 250ha hillside site.   Southern Capitals: City Meets Bush is one AAT Kings’ outings that visits Canberra with this five-day crossing from Sydney to Melbourne spending a night in the Australian Capital Territory and including an ascent of Mt Ainsley to survey the settlement surrounded by mountains.   Blue Mountains - Three Sisters | Image Credit: Tourism NSW   NATURAL WONDERS QUEENSLAND   The Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef cement Queensland position high up on the list of locations to appreciate world-famous wonders but, while these two attractions should always be high up on every traveller’s bucket list, there’s so much more to the state’s tempting tropical north.   The Atherton Tablelands is the first stop on the drive west towards Gulf Country with the road “up the Gillies Range” one of Australia’s great scenic drives and the gem-like chain of crater lakes perfect for refreshing during steamy Far-North days.   Cobbold Gorge is one of Australia’s true hidden gems with this outback oasis, that hides in the Gulf Country to the south of Georgetown, a jigsaw of cool narrow canyons and rolling sandstone ridges.   Lawn Hill National Park sits to the south of the Gulf of Carpentaria’s southern shore and is another secret spot that lets intrepid travellers stand on remote soil. The Constance Range is an impressive sandstone escarpment, best seen at dawn and dusk when the fields of spinifex cast long shadows on the scorched rock, and Adel Gorge another sanctuary of lush green in kilometres of outback ochre.   AAT Kings’ adventurous Gulf Savanna Wanderer departs Cairns to spend nine days surveying the splendid scenery west of the Tropical North Queensland capital with a tour of the Undara Lava Tubes, a sunset Gulf of Carpentaria cruise, and journeys aboard the Gulflander and Savannahlander trains also on the schedule.   Great Barrier Reef | Image Credit: Tourism Queensland   NATURAL WONDERS NORTHERN TERRITORY   Australia’s Northern Territory can comfortably be divided into two sight-seeing segments – the Red Centre and Top End – with each boasting a wealth of natural wonders inside the 24 national parks and more than 70 nature reserves, conservation areas and marine sanctuaries.   Kakadu National Park is rugged but not remote – an easy drive from Darwin, with comfortable accommodation and impressive infrastructure – and caters to those set on seeing cascading waterfalls, lagoons alive with native flora and fauna, and the sun setting on a sunburnt escarpment.   Litchfield National Park is a local favourite, and possibly the Territory’s best-kept secret, with this parcel of protected land just an hour from Darwin offering the opportunity to float in rockpools and the ponds below tumbling waterfalls.   Nitmiluk National Park and the string of 13 sandstone canyons that make up Katherine Gorge are always listed with the Top End’s most celebrated natural wonders and best appreciated by foot, kayak, boat or helicopter.   While the colours continue to change during the day, and the hours around noon deposit dramatic shadows on the sheer canyon walls, the most tempting time to visit is during sunrise and sunset when the theatrical blue hues of dawn and dusk consume the landscape.   Further south in Australia’s arid red heart there are two stars of the natural wonders show with Uluru and Kata Tjuta demanding the spotlight but needing no introduction.   Kings Canyon is another Central Australian wonder that doesn’t get as much glory as its neighbours but definitely deserves attention, with the challenging 6km Rim Walk or shorter 2.6km Kings Creek tramp the best options for exploring.   Outback Safari is an AAT Kings’ itinerary that takes in the best of the Territory’s natural wonders with this 11-day expedition from Alice Springs to Darwin visiting Red Centre locations like Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon as well as Kakadu and Litchfield national parks, Katherine and Mataranka in the north.   Ord River | Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia   NATURAL WONDERS SOUTH AUSTRALIA   When it comes to rating natural wonders, South Australia doesn’t immediately spring to mind. But the state is punching above its weight with the Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula three striking spots to appreciate Mother Nature’s very best work.   The Flinders Ranges – from Quorn in the south, through Blinman and Beltana in the heart of the region, to Arkaroola in the north – can only be described as magnificent and, just a five-hour drive from Adelaide, must be considered Australia’s most accessible area of authentic outback.   While Wilpena Pound is the focus for most visitors, with a stroll into the natural bowl an easy way to appreciate the scenery, it’s only one location to take in the geological grandeur of the snaking Elder and Alphabet ranges formed 600 million years ago during the Ediacaran Period.   Those set on surveying the glory of the Flinders Rangers should embark on AAT Kings’ Outback Explorer with the 10-day journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs continuing to the Red Centre after crossing the South Australian border.   If coastline and islands call then Great Ocean Road & Kangaroo Island Escape is an AAT Kings’ tour that combines the beauty of Victoria’s splendid south-west coast with South Australia’s south-east corner.   The tour dashes across the state border on the second day of this week-long trip and navigates the rolling hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula before boarding the ferry to Kangaroo Island where a guided walk of the Seal Bay Conservation Park waits after seeing Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks.   Remarkable Rocks Kangaroo Island | Image Credit: South Australia Tourism 

Australasia specialist AAT Kings is prepping for the travel rebound to Australia and New Zealand with the launch of new campaign 'Wild Awaits.' AAT Kings' new direction leans into the natural wilderness and spirited adventure of a holiday with AAT Kings. Developed by award-winning, full-service creative agency Thinkerbell, 'Wild Awaits' focuses on the places, stories and tastes of Australia and New Zealand. It showcases the landscapes food and drink, stories from local people and unexpected experiences on offer. Thinkerbell worked alongside AAT Kings' in-house marketing, web and design team to bring the new brand positioning to life via creative assets, brand identity, and content. The 'Wild Awaits' campaign will launch in consumer-facing owned media, display, social, and BVOD. Margot Windenburg, Senior Sales Manager, North America, for AAT Kings, said, "Wild Awaits brings to life AAT Kings' 100+ year history  uncovering these places, stories and moments so our guests can pursue their spirit of adventure. This is not just a comms strategy, but a philosophy embodied in our people and local partners."

Long gone are the days when travel was about collecting stamps in a passport and scratching tourist attractions from a superficial sightseeing to-do list. Today’s savvy travellers are demanding encounters and experiences that leave them with knowledge and understanding as well as memories and photographs. Sure, snapping a selfie for Facebook or capturing a video for Instagram will always be part of the travel story. But posing for a picture only takes a few seconds and, these days, travel is about embarking on a significant journey of discovery that builds the knowledge needed to make the world a better place. It’s about contributions that change the world for the better and leave a location untarnished for those that follow. Travel isn’t about taking, it’s about giving. And for careful travellers it’s about being clean, green, responsible and respectful. This is sustainable tourism, and it’s at the core of everything we do at AAT Kings. Read full story