Outback Northern Territory is brimming with life, beautiful and dangerous, it offers a desert adventure filled with wildlife, world heritage wonders and indigenous culture.  A little more care is needed in planning your holiday in such a harsh environment.  Because of this, we are often asked the question, when’s the best time to travel there?  Well that depends on what sort of adventure you’re after… The winter months have the most comfortable daytime temperature, but beware of the night frosts. Winter is also high season in the outback, with the tourist season officially open in April.  From June to August the crowds can be unbearable, especially during school holidays.  By October the masses have vanished, but by then it’s hot and coming into wet season. I’m not helping, am I? 

In summary the best time to visit Ayers Rock and Alice Springs is April.  It’s green, there’s less people and less temperature extremes between day/night. For Kakadu, many people recommend travelling there in the wet season, October to April.  However during the dry season, May to September, most roads are open and the weather is more reliable.  May to mid-June is the best time to avoid the crowds, the weather is not too hot, rain is unlikely and there’s still plenty of water coming down the waterfalls.  The late dry season (September/October) is the best time to see wildlife.  Go early September if your heat tolerance levels are low, by October it gets uncomfortably hot. Now cast your eyes down for our outback adventure suggestions…

1. Jewels of the Outback
You’d be spot on for thinking “what the devil is this picture of?”… it’s the Devils Marbles in Northern Territory, a group of boulders perched precariously on top of one another. You can see this eerie collection of granite mass and learn about their formation on our 13 Day Outback Gorges of Kimberley tour, which includes all the jewels of the outback between Broome and Darwin. The tour costs just AU$2550 per adult.

2. Darwin
If there’s one place to see a croc, it’s northern Australia, where they lurk in the swamps, creeks and billabongs. But if a chance encounter doesn’t thrill you, then head to Crocodylus Park for some “controlled” adventure. For non-croc activities, check out the Museum & Art Galleries of NT, Aquascene or the Mindil Beach Markets. Self-cater at the Saville Park Suites Darwin.

3. Alice Springs
No less grumpy than the crocodile, but a little less scary, camels are also a common sighting in the outback. Take our Camel Ride to Dinner tour from AU$110 pp ex Alice Springs. Or learn about the natural and cultural significance of Uluru on our Spirit of Uluru Tour just AU$85 pp. Stay in a Mountain view room at the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs.

Offers are subject to availability and may change without notice.