Australia is one of the most exotic, cultured places in the world and traveling without children can allow you to actually experience the Down Under in an entirely different way with many less restrictions on your activities. It would be impossible to see everything on a vacation so plan your trip carefully and take in as much of the experience as you can! Make sure you take a camera so you capture all of the beauty and mystery of this magical place.
Darwin
No one can possibly experience the magic of Australia without spending time in Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory. A paradise for adventurers, Darwin offers a wide variety of cultured restaurants as well as a market exploding with local arts and crafts. Enjoy the cuisine, find the perfect gifts and then relax while watching the sun set into the ocean while you enjoy the entertainment of musicians and street performers.
Tiwi Islands
Take a boat across the water from Darwin and discover in person why this charming place is called “The Isle of Smiles”.
Mary River
For a closer experience with nature, take a fishing charter on the Mary River wetlands and see up close some of the over 250 species of birds native to the area.
Litchfield National Park
Whether on foot or a 4WD, experience the lush waterfalls and crystal pools of this historical national park.
Alice Springs
For the authentic Aboriginal experience, visit Alice Springs and take a hike, cool off in one of the waterholes and learn about the territory from the locals at one of the local festivals like the Finke Desert Race or the Camel Cup!
Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park
Stretching for hundreds of kilometers west of Alice Springs, this scenic park offers untouched nature and sparkling cold waterholes for relaxing yet adventurous sight-seeing of rare and threatened plants and wildlife such as the Peregrine Falcon.
Simpson Desert
In the deep red sands of the Simpson Desert, experience rare wildflowers and trees that thrive in the dunes.
Northern Alice Region
Set up camp in this gateway to the Central Australian gemfields and take some time to pan for garnets and zircons. From March to October, take advantage of the services of local gem cutters to take in your treasures and have them turned into sparkling gems.
Kata Tjuta/The Olgas
Enjoy a hike around the amazing rock domes of this mystical place and watch them change color and glow as the sun sets.
Nourlangie Rock Art Site
Visit Kakadu National Park where you will be mesmerized by the walls of the Nourlangie Rock Art Site. These walls have served as a shelter as well as a canvas for thousands of years to paintings that offer a window into the spiritual traditions of the natives. During the dry season, Park Rangers offer insight into the history of the gallery and what it means to the locals.
Jim Jim Falls
Gaze at the deep red peaks that feature a 200 metre high waterfall which roars into a crystal clear pool.
Yellow Water
Make postcard-worthy memories at one of the most well-known landmarks of Kakadu. This billabong is full of native flora and fauna and magical sunsets. Take a sunset cruise that will certainly provide lifelong memories.
East Arnhem Land
Experience the culture and wit of the locals in this paradise that is literally one of Australia’s last authentic strongholds of traditional Aboriginal culture. White sandy beaches and local cuisine will make this experience unforgettable.
Karlu Karlu “Devils Marbles”
A collection of towering granite boulders that are strewn through a valley just south of Tennant Creek, “Devils Marbles” which are millions of years old continue to crack and change. Local mythology says that these formations are actually the fozzilized eggs of the Rainbow Serpent.
Davenport Ranges
For the authentic Outback experience, visit the quiet beauty of the Davenport Range National Park where you can sleep under the stars, explore the bush tracks and cool off and recharge in the crystal clear peaceful waterholes throughout the park.
Nitmiluk Gorge
For a serene visit through more of the natural wonders of the Northern Territory, paddle through the sparkling waters of this true sight to behold. A flowing river travels through rock formations and forests.
Mataranka
This charming place was made famous by the novel “We of the Never Never”. Bask in the sandy-bottomed thermal pool while you learn about the history from the locals in the small, welcoming community.
It would be impossible to experience all of the magic and wonder of Australia but these are some of the most well-known sites that offer as much of the culture of the Outback as possible. Exploring the adventure of these amazing places is a once in a lifetime experience.