Equivalent in size to France, Italy and Spain combined, the Northern Territory is blessed with a variety of natural landscapes. Darwin is the capital city of Northern Territory. Some of the Northern Territory's iconic wonders include the World Heritage-listed National Parks Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock). Flora and fauna are diverse: from red cabbage palms, monsoon vine forests and lotus lilies to agile rock wallabies, fearsome saltwater crocodiles and the elegant dancing brolga. Indigenous culture holds a spiritual connection to the land that dates back tens of thousands of years. The Northern Territory is renowned for its colourful, larger-than-life characters, who are only too willing to share a yarn or two. Australia's heartland is steeped in mystery. Full of ancient Dreamtime legends, the Territory also boasts World-Heritage listed National Parks, expansive wetlands, vast red deserts, stunning gorges and massive monoliths.

Darwin

In the Top End, Darwin is a vibrant, tropical capital city perched on a deepwater port, offering a blend of cosmopolitan and city pleasures. It also acts as a gateway to key Top End natural and cultural attractions. Darwin sits on a harbour twice the size of Sydney harbour and overlooks the Arafura Sea, offering an array of waterfront delights including superb dining, cruising, or wreck-diving. Darwin is closer to Asia than Sydney, so it has the vigour and diversity you would expect of a city that is home to 50 ethnic groups. Along with Aboriginal culture, these influences help mould a unique restaurant, market and cultural scene. Of course you'll taste great seafood here at Australia's Top End, but you can also savour dishes melded from Asian and European influences, or try crocodile, buffalo, camel or emu. The heat means a cold beer is never far off, or a good wine at a fine restaurant. Darwin is surrounded by more than 20 national parks and reserves - some famous, like Kakadu National Park, and some hidden treasures, just as rich in dramatic beauty, wildlife and Aboriginal culture. In Australia's tropical Top End, the delicate pink beauty of the waterlily and the prehistoric brute strength of the crocodile merge in stunning Kakadu National Park. Rivers with roaring waterfalls and a landscape of towering sandstone escarpments cradle some of Kakadu's treasures waiting to be explored. The park shelters more than 60 species of mammals and 280 bird species. Kakadu is 250 kilometres from Darwin along the sealed Arnhem Highway, and many tours operate from the city.

Half an hour south of Darwin, the Berry Springs Nature Park is a popular recreational area for locals. The bubbling springs and their network of pools provide a rejuvenating fresh-water swimming experience. Even closer to Darwin, swimmers can splash around with huge barramundi at the Howard Springs Nature Park. Further south along the Stuart Highway, turn off at Bachelor for Litchfield National Park - a great place to see stunning waterfalls, incredible termite mounds and cool off with a dip in one of its famous rock pools. Dundee Beach and Mandorah Beach boast huge stretches of sandy shoreline, perfect for long walks and keen fishermen.

Alice Springs

The central Australian capital of Alice Springs is a pleasant combination of heritage and modern facilities. Within easy reach are colourful outback culture, ancient Dreamtime lore and fabulous nature.. Alice Springs is a perfect base for an outback holiday, giving easy access to many natural wonders: Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park, Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and the MacDonnell Ranges. The School of the Air still operates and you can tour the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The Alice Springs Desert Park tells the stories of the desert, its plants, animals, landscapes and people. The Royal Flying Doctor Service, or RFDS, is as important today as when it began in 1928. It cares for all who live, work and travel the vastness of Australia. Enjoy the visitor centre in Alice Springs. For 40 000 years, Alice Springs has been a traditional 'meeting place' for the trading of artefacts, knowledge, art and culture by the Arrente people. Visitors can experience this vibrant culture at the Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre, in Alice Springs. There, the Arrente people share their art, craft, food, and legends that give meaning to their culture. Visitors can learn to play a didgeridoo, throw a boomerang, and discover some of the symbolism behind central Australian art or bush tucker.

Red Centre : Experience the ancient rock art at the base of Uluru/Ayers Rock. There are many wonderful ways to experience Uluru/Ayers Rock, but note that the Anangu traditional landowners prefer travellers choose not to climb, as it is a spiritually siginificant site. Instead enjoy a guided base walk around its 9.5 kilometre girth. Take a camel tour from Ayers Rock or Alice Springs, some include meals.

And lot more..

• Walk through the Valley of The Winds and discover the mystical rock formations of Kata Tjuta/The Olgas.

• Watarrka National Park is home to the encompassing Kings Canyon with sandstone walls rising 270 metres. This allows you to enjoy either an adventurous 6 kilometres cliff top rim walk for wonderful views, or a more relaxing walk along the shaded canyon floor to marvel at nature's beauty and grandeur.

• Experience the 'Sounds of Silence' dinner at Ayers Rock Resort - silver service dining by candle light in the Outback desert.