What to do and see in Northern Territory, Australia: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

May 15, 2022 Major Galusha

The Northern Territory (abbreviated as NT) is a federal Australian territory in the central and central northern regions of Australia. It shares borders with Western Australia to the west (129th meridian east), South Australia to the south (26th parallel south), and Queensland to the east (138th meridian east). To the north, the territory is bordered by the Timor Sea, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Despite its large area—over 1,349,129 square kilometres (520,902 sq mi), making it the third largest Australian federal division—it is sparsely populated. The Northern Territory's population of 244,000 (2016) makes it the least populous of Australia's eight major states and territories, having fewer than half as many people as Tasmania.
Restaurants in Northern Territory

1. Walk the Darwin Botanic Gardens

Eva's Cafe, Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT 0820, Australia Walk Darwin
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Exploring George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens with a local guide who knows its significance to Darwin, its history and where to find its notable plants along with the flowers and birdlife, provides a totally different experience than if you walk these picturesque gardens on your own.

Inclusions: Local guide, Spoken commentary

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Trishinthegarden51

The guide really makes the experience on tours such as these. Regretfully our guide, Brian, was inclined to talk more about his life and his experiences than move on with the tour. We were kept standing in one spot for the first 30 minutes of the tour while he spoke about his Cyclone Tracy and work experience, which was initially interesting however, we were keen to get on with the tour. He has obviously led an interesting life in Darwin but a walking tour is what we had signed up for. Another half an hour got us to visit two sites in the mall and then with some coaching we moved on with the walk, but with insufficient time to really see the subsequent sites. Overall, we were disappointed with the tour. Brian had some aids to show but at times they were hard to see and often they faced him, rather than the group. From previous review of the walk, it sounds like John is the tour guide to request.

2. Groote Eylandt Tour: Hanging Rock Cave Paintings

Groote Eylandt Lodge, Groote Eylandt, Gulf of Carpentaria, 1 Bougainvillea Dr, Alyangula NT 0885, Australia Groote Eylandt Sports Fishing
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Groote Eylandt, in the Gulf of Carpentaria, features some of the well preserved and vivid rock art in the world. This tour will take you to see ancient rock art at Hanging Rock on the northern tip of the island.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Transport by private vehicle, Lunch, including non-alcoholic beverages, Light fishing tackle, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Alcoholic Drinks

Reviewed By samb0123

Jonno was an awesome guide & got us onto some great spots. He made sure we had plenty for dinner each time.

3. Darwin City Highlights - 2 Hour Private Tour

9 Cavenagh St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia Darwin Private Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Please note price is PER GROUP not per person, for up to 6 guests. A private small-group tour of real Darwin, no strangers. A great way to kick off your visit to Darwin and discover experiences to dig deeper into during the rest of your stay. Follow our suggested itinerary, or choose your own.Suitable for families and groups travelling together - maximum 6 participants. Exclusive private tour with a local long-term resident as your guide. Special interests and languages other than English can be accommodated, pickup from your location on request.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Pick up and drop off, Private guided tour with commentary by long-term local guide

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Reviewed By Merilyn U

Rough seas, many people sick on ferry ride over. Museum was excellent. Art gallery was closed. Locals friendly. A couple of place to grab lunch. Small community. Supermarket. Great weather. Ferry ride back was smooth.

4. Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley 1 Day 4WD Tour

Alice Springs, Alice Springs, Red Centre, Northern Territory Outback Elite Tours
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Outback Elite Tours provides a unique, small group 4WD experience that takes you deep into the Red Centre’s beautiful and remote sand hill country, in comfort and style. You will discover the history of the early explorers, local Aboriginal culture, the iconic Simpson Desert and stunning landscapes and rock formations. This tour will provide you with that feeling that you are getting away from it all, but we ensure you do it in comfort and style in an air-conditioned 4WD vehicle, with delicious cuisine on hand and our passionate and experienced guides.

Inclusions: snacks and fresh fruit during the walks, water all day, Morning tea - Continental style breakfast with coffee and tea, yogurt, cereals, homemade rock cakes, Lunch - gourmet lunch, Sunset aperitif - banquet of European cheeses, gourmet crackers, delicious cured meats and much more., Accommodation Pick-up & Drop-off, Experienced driver guide, Luxurious Air Conditioned 4WD Vehicle, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Eddy1617

We enjoyed 2 full-day tours with Outback Elite during our recent visit to Alice Springs (April, 2021): one to Chambers Pillar and Rainbow Valley, the other to the West McDonnell Ranges. Both days were magical experiences! We cannot recommend this company highly enough! The guides are engaging, knowledgeable, friendly and relaxed. The lunch and snacks provided are delicious. The destinations are beautiful. The cars are comfortable and the guides are safe and confident drivers in very difficult terrain. Our sunset visit to Rainbow Valley was a particular highlight - our guide Kimberley put together a beautiful evening picnic with sparkling wine, cheese, and other snacks. There was almost no one else there and we sat out in the warm evening air watching the rocks glow red and then fade as the stars came out. It was an unforgettable experience and the kind of thing that we just couldn't have made happen for ourselves (we aren't and never will be confident 4WD drivers, and even if we were, we would never have made such a beautiful picnic happen for ourselves). We hope to return to Alice Springs next year with our parents and when we do, we will be getting in touch with Filippo to arrange more touring with Outback Elite.

5. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience

Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours, Wanmara, Petermann NT 0872, Australia Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

We are an established Aboriginal owned and operated business. Our Aboriginal cultural experience provides a unique insight into one of Australia's oldest living cultures on earth. Our tour has a variety of areas showcasing our native bush foods, wooden artifacts as used by Aboriginal men and women of the region, bush medicines and a lot more. If you are looking for a friendly, authentic and informative Aboriginal cultural experience then let us take you on that journey.

Inclusions: 1 Hour Cultural Tour, Shaded and seated areas

Exclusions: Private transportation

Reviewed By Adam S

Can’t recommend a tour with Christine and Peter more highly. Their hospitality and knowledge were a highlight of the trip. Learnt a lot about traditional farming and food production, medicine, weaponsAnd culture. Also a chance to learn about more recent painting techniques and beadwork. They were happy to answer any questions I had and getting a sense of the landscape through their lives and culture change the way I experienced the rest of my trip.

6. World War II Beyond Darwin

Walk Darwin
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Hidden in the north of Australia is a network of World War II highlighting a military past. Many WWII relics remain today, ‘down-the-track’ and on this full-day tour, you'll be transported inland to visit a few of these sites. The highlight of your day is a guided tour of the No. 4 Repair and Salvage Unit (4RSU) which sits on private land adjacent to Pell Airstrip. Refreshments will be served, 1940s style as you browse some of the interesting artifacts that have been discovered on the farm. Time for reflection at Adelaide River War Cemetery before enjoying a hearty lunch at Adelaide River Inn. Further exploration of the Coomalie district is not complete without a visit to the Batchelor Museum housing displays that honour the men who were stationed at the Civil Aerodrome which became an important base for Allied Air operations during the war. The final stop before returning to Darwin is Strauss Airstrip where the airplane revetments are clearly visible 78 years on.

Inclusions: Served at WWII 4RSU at Pell Airstrip., Choose from a set menu, served at Adelaide River Inn., GST (Goods and Services Tax), Available for your refreshment., Guided tour at WWII 4RSU at Pell Airstrip, Entry fee to Batchelor Museum, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Drinks are at own expense when dining at Adelaide River Inn, Drinks are at own expense when dining at Adelaide River Inn., Restroom on board, WiFi on board

Reviewed By Trishinthegarden51

The guide really makes the experience on tours such as these. Regretfully our guide, Brian, was inclined to talk more about his life and his experiences than move on with the tour. We were kept standing in one spot for the first 30 minutes of the tour while he spoke about his Cyclone Tracy and work experience, which was initially interesting however, we were keen to get on with the tour. He has obviously led an interesting life in Darwin but a walking tour is what we had signed up for. Another half an hour got us to visit two sites in the mall and then with some coaching we moved on with the walk, but with insufficient time to really see the subsequent sites. Overall, we were disappointed with the tour. Brian had some aids to show but at times they were hard to see and often they faced him, rather than the group. From previous review of the walk, it sounds like John is the tour guide to request.

7. Bombing of Darwin WWII Heritage Tours

6 Bennett St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia Bombing of Darwin World War II Heritage Tour
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5.0 based on 58 reviews

Personalised entertaining and interactive commentary. Hop on and off the bus for great photo opportunities.Original photos. Cold drinking water.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By fiona l

Garry provides a thoroughly informative tour with fabulous stories about a time in Australia’s history that we don’t talk about enough. Highly recommended. Thanks Garry!

Top Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery, 363 Gorge Rd, Lansdowne NT 0850, Australia Top Didj & Art Gallery
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4.9 based on 32 reviews

The Top Didj Cultural Experience has been developed to offer visitors to the Katherine Region, a unique cultural interaction with the aboriginal people. This is achieved by introducing Manuel Pamkal from the Dalabon tribe. Manuel will teach visitors the traditional way of living in the bush as he experienced as a child. He will tell stories and showcase traditional activities such as fire lighting, spear throwing with a woomera and painting whilst educating visitors about aboriginal culture and way of life. 

Inclusions: Dalabon wrist band, Paints, paint brushes and canvas

Exclusions: no sun screen

Reviewed By JoeyandMeSydney

It was quite hot on the day in Nov 2020 but it was worth it. The wallabies young ones hanging around on the grounds were very friendly and sweet. Alex and the Aboriginal guide, Manuel, are a worthy duo. Highly recommended.

9. Litchfield National Park and Jumping Crocodile Cruise

Litchfield Escapes
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4.9 based on 455 reviews

Litchfield Escapes is Territory owned and operated. Experienced local tour guides. Wildlife and Jumping Croc cruise which is a private boat cruise for our passengers only. Our tour departs at 6am so we are the only ones on the river at this time of the morning. Full commentary on Darwin and Litchfield Park. Also visiting Wangi, Florence and Buley Rock holes. Enjoy a swim in each of these beautiful natural fed spring water falls. Visit Magnetic and cathedral termite mounds. Snacks and a healthy lunch included. Dietary requirements are catered for. Plenty of water provided. On this tour you are guaranteed to see the very best of Litchfield Park and your private croc cruise. A memorable day you will never forget.

Inclusions: Lunch and snacks are included, Snacks, Private Crocodile Cruise Adelaide River, Iced water provided, Experienced tour guides, Please bring bathers, towel, hat, sunnies, camera and a water bottle to refill throughout the day

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Reviewed By pimpmummy2018

This was a fantastic tour. Daz the bus driver was very professional and so knowledgeable. He was funny and helpful with my parents as they are old and find it hard to get around. Damo was the best. He was funny and also very professional. He always made sure safety was his first priority. If you do this tour please give Damo some moisturiser for his feet. ????????

10. Aboriginal Homelands Experience from Ayers Rock including Sunset

SEIT Outback Australia
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4.9 based on 8 reviews

Join a traditional owner of Uluru, a member of the Uluru family, on this seven-hour afternoon cultural tour to their homelands, Patji. Spend time learning about the oldest living culture in the world as you travel on remote bush tracks and stop at fascinating and historically significant sites along the way. Join them for afternoon tea round the campfire and hear how they survived in this desert environment before tourism started in the region. Continue on to a private sand dune to marvel at the expanse of the desert overlooking Uluru and Kata Tjuta while enjoying light refreshments at sunset.

Inclusions: Services of a professional driver/guide, Touring in modern air-conditioned 4WD vehicles, Aboriginal host, Afternoon tea, Sunset drinks (non-alcoholic) and light snacks, Water to refill bottles on all vehicles

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Katherine L

Anyone with a pass to the national park could’ve easily done the walk themselves (flat and easy 12km) but it was fantastic to hear about the history and culture behind the significant site! The tour was very well organised- the bus was comfortable and punctual, and the tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Breakfast was provided in a little pouch you carry yourself which included muesli, milk, fruit cup and some sachets for tea and coffee and hot chocolate. Also provided was a flask with hot water which was a nice touch considering it was such a windy and cold morning! Would recommend this tour for those wishing to learn about the rock!

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