Key facts

Key facts about the NT 

Weather and Seasonality

The Northern Territory stretches from north to south — approximately 1,600km from the Top End to Central Australia, covering two distinct climates; the warm, tropical weather in the north to the dry, semi-arid Red Centre region.

Due to this seasonality, some products may not operate all year round, and some tourism operators may only offer their product for a limited time during what is typically their low season, which coincides with peak season for the rest of Australia.

During this low season, airfares tend to be reduced, hotel inventory is higher and touring has more availability, which makes it a great time to visit.

The Red Centre
The Red Centre includes of Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. It has clear blue skies and sunshine nearly all year round. The semi-arid climate means cool evenings and warm, sunny days. Most activities in the Red Centre are conducted in the early hours of the morning or at sunset.

Winter (June - August) are great for outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking and bushwalking. It does get cold at night during this time.

Spring (September - November) is a popular season to visit because the climate is mild, the wildflowers bloom and there is an abundance of baby animals and wildlife.

The Top End
The Top End, which includes Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands, has a tropical climate with two seasons: the Dry and the Tropical Summer.  Each season lasts for about six months.  The Top End’s tropical climate supports our famous year-round outdoor lifestyle, which locals and visitors make the most of.

The dry season, from April to September (when southern Australia is shivering through winter), brings warm, sunny days and cool nights. This means a packed Top End calendar of outdoor festivals and events, people cruising on the harbour, fishing for barramundi, and waterfront restaurants and outdoor bars brimming with people.

The Top End is also known for its rich wetlands and cascading waterfalls, which are all on show at nearby Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. The best time of year to see our wetlands and waterfalls come to life is during our tropical summer from October to March, where the monsoonal rain troughs hover over the Top End from January onwards.

Distances in the NT 

The NT spans 1.42 million km² and is the third largest state after Western Australia and Queensland. It is an excellent self-drive destination, however drivers should be aware of the distances and driving times while planning their holiday.

Culture

The Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory are custodians of the world’s oldest continuous culture; they and their ancestors have lived, raised families, held ceremonies, hunted, created and told their stories on country for over 65,000 years. People come from across the world to immerse themselves in these rich cultural traditions. With more than half of the Territory’s land mass and 85% of the coastline owned by Aboriginal people, the NT is uniquely positioned to provide visitors with exceptional cultural tourism experiences.    

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We respectfully acknowledge and honour the Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory and recognise the continuation of culture, connection to lands, water and country. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
 

Currency

Australia’s currency is Australian dollars (AUD). It’s a decimal currency, with 100 cents to the dollar. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins are for denominations of $1 and $2, and cents: 5c, 10c, 20c and 50c.

Foreign exchange facilities

There are foreign exchange bureaus in Darwin, facilities at Darwin International Airport, and at some banks and large hotels. 

Banking

Australia’s largest banks, as well as some of the smaller banks and credit unions, have branches in the Northern Territory. Banking hours are generally 9.30am–4pm. 

Credit cards and EFTPOS

All major international credit cards are accepted and EFTPOS is available at most businesses, but not all businesses accept all cards, and some may charge transaction fees. Note that some small businesses may not have any credit card or EFTPOS facilities.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) 

ATMs are located throughout the Northern Territory, except in some remote areas.

Banking in remote areas

Remote areas in the Northern Territory may have limited, if any, banking facilities. Many businesses in these areas do not have credit card or EFTPOS facilities. Check before you go, and carry some cash. 

Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%, which is payable at the time of purchase. Some GST is refundable through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS).

For details, visit the Australian Customs website.

Tipping and bargaining 

Restaurants don’t add a service charge in Australia; tipping is at your discretion. It’s increasingly customary to tip wait staff in restaurants 10–15% for good service, particularly in high-end establishments. Tipping taxi drivers is also fairly commonplace. Bargaining in Australia is not custom and is not likely to be welcomed.