An oasis in the outback, filled with history and beauty. The Mataranka township, 100 kilometres south of Katherine on the Stuart Highway, was the setting of the famous Australian novel, 'We of the Never Never', by Jeannie Gunn. Jeannie Gunn, ‘The Little Missus’, lived at nearby Elsey Station and her affection for the area has been immortalised in her book. Within Elsey National Park, you will find the grave of her husband and a memorial to the author at the Elsey Cemetery and Reserve. Elsey Station is now administered by the local Aboriginal people. The ancient Dreamtime stories of the Mangarayi and Yungman tribes describe a wind sweeping in from the east that created the area. The famous Mataranka Thermal Pool is a great place to unwind. The warm, crystalline waters of the natural pools have the power to soothe aches and pains after a long day on the road. The water is spring-fed, bubbling up at a fairly constant temperature of 34 degrees Celsius. The surrounding paperbark and palm forest filters the sun and leaves soft, dappled light playing on the water's surface. The area around the pools is a natural breeding ground for the little red flying fox, whose breeding season is usually from November to May, but often extends into the drier months. During the breeding season, there are ranger-guided talks available. Bitter Springs, a short drive north-east of Mataranka, is a relaxing alternative to the main thermal pools. Take your goggles, because small turtles and fish can often be spotted below the surface. The Mataranka township has a roadhouse with lodgings, police station, petrol station, cafe, restaurant, pub and general store.

There are many ways to experience the spectacular Nitmiluk National Park and its world-renowned gorge system - you can walk, swim, canoe, boat or fly. Walks over the sandstone plateau range from one hour to five days and offer spectacular views of the gorge, as well as other landscapes. Some, like the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, take in most of Nitmiluk's landscapes - monsoon rainforest, stone country, upland swamp, woodland and river – while the shorter walks may not be quite so varied, but are always spectacular. You can hire canoes at the gorge, or bring your own. Commercially operated cruises of the gorge system are available, as are helicopter flights. Raging river currents from December to April can restrict activities, but there is always something to do. Swimming and canoeing are generally only activities for June to November - but are no longer available in the First Gorge. The cruises available vary between the wet and dry seasons. Leliyn (Edith Falls) is another spectacular part of Nitmiluk that is well worth a visit. Leliyn is accessed from the Stuart Highway about 45 kilometres north of Katherine

The area surrounding Alice Springs is a land of deep chasms and gorges carved through rust coloured ranges. The desert landscape is punctuated by unexpected oases and waterholes and ancient meteorite craters. It is home to an ancient people whose culture is alive and well. Alice Springs sits at the junction of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. The spectacular West MacDonnell National Park is home to many amazing natural attractions, such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge and Pound. The renowned Larapinta Trail runs 223 kilometres through the West MacDonnells and is one of the world’s great walks. To pioneering Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira, the West MacDonnells were his inspiration with their dramatic landscapes and ever-changing hues. Highlights of the East MacDonnell Ranges are Emily and Jessie Gaps, Trephina Gorge, Ndahla Gorge, Ruby Gap and Arltunga Historic Reserve. Arltunga was an important gold and gem prospecting area and for a while was the most important settlement in Central Australia. Now only a few restored stone buildings remain. Hermannsburg (an historic Aboriginal settlement, and the birthplace of artist Albert Namatjira) and Palm Valley (Finke Gorge National Park) are an easy drive from Alice Springs. Those looking to go further off the beaten track can explore the Simpson or Tanami Deserts, fossick for gems at Gemtree or Ruby Gap, or visit remote communities like Santa Teresa and Titjikala, where tours offer a chance to experience Aboriginal culture and watch artists at work. A visit to the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home of the monolith Uluru / Ayers Rock, situated 461 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs on the traditional lands of the Anangu Aboriginal people, is an unforgettable experience.

Come and share the wonders of Mt Borradaile, the lily-covered billabongs and waterways teeming with birds, crocodiles and barramundi. The adjacent escarpment hides quality Aboriginal rock art in old habitation caves and shelters, where the history of the region is vividly depicted in ochre paintings. Elegant hunting figures with spears and boomerangs illustrate life up to 50,000 years ago, while vibrant spirit figures and ships show the evolution of the world's oldest continuing living culture. The newly rebuilt safari lodge melts into the surrounding bush, with ensuite cabins built to embrace the top end climate. Deluxe ensuite cabins provide a few more luxuries for those who enjoy a little spoiling. The central hub overlooks the pool and offers cold beers, wines and spirits at the bar for guests to enjoy in the lounge area or the poolside deck after an exhilarating day. Davidson's Arnhemland Safaris is located on a 700-kilometre square exclusive lease in northwest Arnhemland, only 50 minutes by light plane from Darwin. Mt Borradaile is a registered Aboriginal sacred site, a uniquely spectacular and culturally significant place entrusted by the traditional owners to Max Davidson and his highly trained guides to share with small groups of visitors.

The tropical Top End is dramatic, vibrant and friendly, and offers a range of experiences. Darwin, the Northern Territory’s cosmopolitan capital, is a great place to begin exploring. The city offers a range of accommodation and facilities and is a popular holiday destination, thanks to its relaxed charm and proximity to the region’s iconic natural wonders. An hour south of Darwin is Berry Springs Nature Park, a swimming and recreational area and the popular Territory Wildlife Park is just next door. Operating on the nearby Adelaide River, regular jumping crocodile cruises provide the chance to see saltwater crocodiles propel themselves from the water. Further south along the Stuart Highway is Litchfield National Park, a great place to cool off beneath cascading waterfalls and view attractions such as unique magnetic termite mounds, monsoonal rainforests and tumbling rocky waterholes. World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park is 250 kilometres from Darwin on the Arnhem Highway. To the north of Darwin are the Tiwi Islands where visitors can share in the culture of the Tiwi people. Take an organised tour and purchase some local art and crafts, chat with some of the local Tiwi ladies over a pot of billy tea, or fish the clear waters surrounding the islands. Fishing is a popular Northern Territory pastime, with Darwin and Bynoe Harbours offering excellent fishing. The Daly River, the Mary River wetlands and the Victoria River are among the fishing hot spots while Dundee Beach and Mandorah Beach boast stretches of sandy coastline.