FAQ

Uluru has one of the best climates in Australia with sun and stars all year round, so any time is a good time to visit. The most popular period is from May to October when the weather is cooler.

Like anywhere in Australia, visitors are advised to bring sunscreen, sun protection (hat, sunglasses) and a refillable water bottle.  As the weather can change throughout the day, wearing layers is advisable as mornings can be chilly in the Red Centre, then turn warm in the afternoon.

In the Top End, saltwater crocodiles live in many waterholes, rivers and creeks. Remember to be Crocwise and only swim where signs advise it is safe to do so. Never swim where signs say not to.

Visitors must also be aware of crocodiles when fishing, boating or camping around water.  More information about being Crocwise in the NT can be found here.
 

Visitors to the NT need Parks Passes to enter most National Parks. Fees from Parks Passes help to maintain the park’s facilities, and support Traditional Owners and their communities.  

There are different types of Parks Passes on offer.

• Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park - visitors need to obtain an Uluru Parks Pass
• Kakadu National Park – visitors need to obtain a Kakadu Parks Pass
• Most other Nationals Parks in the NT – visitors need to obtain a NT Parks Pass
   

Visitors to the NT can drive with an overseas licence for up to 3 months, if:

• the licence is current and written in English
• the driver hasn’t been disqualified from driving in the NT or anywhere else
• the driver carries their licence with them at all times whilst driving.

Visitors to the NT need to obtain an international driving permit if:

• their overseas licence is not written in English
• if the type of vehicle they’re authorised to drive can't be easily recognised.

The best option is to get an international permit before leaving home. 
If they don’t, they must:

• get an official translation of their overseas licence into English - this must be done by an authorised translator in the NT (Darwin only).
• carry the original versions of these documents when they drive, along with their overseas licence.

To get an international licence translated:

• Visitors can get this done in advance (approx. $60 AUD) or on the day (approx. $120 AUD).
• Complete the form: https://nt.gov.au/community/interpreting-and-translating-services/interpreting-and-translating-service-nt/get-a-translation  
• Email this and a copy of the licence (both sides) to [email protected]  
  Indicate the date they want to collect it. It should around 7 -10 days
• On arrival into Darwin, the licence needs to be collected from Millner, which is 15 minute drive from the city, open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 4.00pm. Payment for the translation is on collection.   
   

The drive between Uluru and Alice Springs takes five hours and we do not recommend visiting either as a day trip when self driving.  

Emu Run Experience do offer a day tour to Uluru from Alice Springs, which is a much safer option.  Considering the best times to see Uluru are at sunrise and sunset, we do recommend visitors spend a few days to fully immerse the experience that is Uluru.
 

Some routes in the NT are on unsealed roads.  Please check road maps before departing to ensure you are aware of the road conditions you’ll be driving on.

Before hiring a vehicle, check licensing requirements and read the insurance fine print closely, as restrictions can apply to off-road travel, driving after dark, and to younger drivers.

During peak seasons, hire vehicles companies are very busy, so it is advised that vehicles are booked well in advance of arriving into the NT.

Driving in the NT can involve long driving periods, in the heat of the day.

Before setting off:

• distances in the Northern Territory are vast, so plan ahead for rest stops
• make sure your vehicle is in good working order
• familiarise yourself with local road rules and safety
• have plenty of water, snacks and fuel for the trip
• remember vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road
• ensure seat belts are fastened as they are compulsory

During the trip:

• remember that speed limits apply to all roads
• try to avoid driving at night
• be wary of road trains, they can be up to 50 metres long, so take extreme car when passing or wait for a passing lane
• stop at roadhouses to ensure you have plenty of breaks
• watch out for crossing stock and wildlife on highways

Restrictions apply to the purchase and public consumption of alcohol in the Northern Territory, but not to licensed restaurants, hotels or clubs.

Buying takeaway alcohol
Local restrictions affect trading hours and the sale of some products at bottle shops. In some areas, including Alice Springs, the sale of takeaway alcohol is not permitted on a Monday or Tuesday, and Tennant Creek on a Sunday. 

In Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine, the hours available for the sale of takeaway alcohol are limited and throughout the Territory there are volume limitations on the purchase of cask and fortified wines, and other liquor products.

Further information on the restrictions in each area may be found at www.nt.gov.au/law/alcohol/buying-alcohol/buying-takeaway-alcohol

Drinking in public places
Drinking in public is not permitted in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, and some parts of Darwin. Across the Northern Territory, drinking is not permitted within 2km of any licensed premises.

Drinking in remote communities
Generally, takeaway alcohol is not permitted in remote communities. In some regions a permit is required to buy alcohol.