Northern Territory Travel Forum

Hi Globies
I have a question to our Australian experts:
Wild Kununurra (Darwin to Broome route) seems to be interesting...
Years ago it was hard accessible, expensive and difficult to explore. Car rental companies refused to rent a compact car for Darwin - Broome route.
How does it looks now?. Are main roads improoved?
Stopover suggestions? Special attractions worth to stop?
Thanks...
Wojtek

hi, we are coming up to a conference at palmerston uni on the 27th sept to the 2nd oct and are looking for a 2 bedrooom, self contained cabin or B&B at reasonable rate, we would need to be able to walk to uni or be on a bus line maybe. would appreciate any thoughts you may have.

as some of you know I'm leaving to Oz tomorrow. YAYAYAYAYYY :)

My first days will be from Alice Springs to Uluru. I just checked a couple of weather forecast sites and..... I see rain!! WHAT? I'm going to the desert and it will be raining??

At least I hope these are short showers, not raining all day. Anyone here has local info? What I should expect?

Thanks!

hi,
i with 2 mates are attending a wedding in alice on the 1st october. my mates and i have decided to spend a day to see the rock if possible the following day 2nd october. We're all flying back to sydney and melbourne on the 3rd october, late morning and midday. Is this doable or does anyone recommend seeing other sites instead. I think this is our only chance to see uluru ever. we have booked an intermediate car for 3 days when we are there (although we can cancel if it's not needed and we are all staying in voyages alice springs resort. is there an art gallery that can be recommended for up and coming indigenous artists?
appreciate any advice on these 3 clueless city boys.

Hi All,

I am planning a trip to Australia in November with leg out to Ayers Rock. I arrive on the first day around noon, have a full second day, and leave mid morning on the third. Is it too much to try to cram in Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon in that period of time?

Since I am travelling solo, I was thinking joining the various day tours would be the best options, but my research has been a challenge as they are quite confusing and some start and end at various locations. Perhaps a rental car would suit my schedule better? I'm from the States, so driving on the left kinda freaks me out, lol...

Any experiences or tips to share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Joe

Hi everibody,
we're a couple living in Italy planning our honeymoon in Australia from 9th to 28th of november. Our first stage should have been northen territory (Catherine Gorge and Kakadu national park), then Alice Springs, Queensland and finally Sydney. Unfortunately some travel agencies in Italy advised us against visiting northern territory and kakadu on november, because of the rainy season...They said that almost 90% of kakadu park is inaccessible....We would like to know if this is true or if it is possible, in any case, to visit this area.
If it's not possible, which should be alternatives...we're evaluating Kangaroo island?

Thanks for your suggestions!
R&S

Hi everyone,

I am planning a trip to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs from end of August and would love to get your advice as to how I should plan this trip. I planned to drive there on a one way rental from Sydney in a small car (4wd is harder to rent), which allows me to explore the outback towns and scenery, before flying back on conclusion of the trip.

So, my very rough plan so far are below, with questions needing advice. Hope you guys can give me some helpful tips:


Sat: Start of the crazy drive early, overnight stay at Nyngan or Cobar, or even Broken hill.
- Is there anything worth to stop and see between dubbo and broken hill?

Sun: Drive and stop at Broken Hill for mine tour, then check out the town before drive onto Port Augusta for overnight stay.
- Which mine is open on sundays and worth the visit?
- Anything else of interest in Broken Hill besides the mine?
- Anything to do in Port Augusta during the day?

Mon: Drive to Woomera and perhaps Roxby Downs for the BHP mine tour, then drive onto Coober Pedy for overnight stay.
- I am not entirely sure of the mine tour and what to do in this town, please advise.

Tues: Go for an opal mine tour, then check out their underground houses (do they open to the public?), before heading to Ayers Rock.
- Is there any petrol station in between Coober Pedy and Ayers Rock?
- Is there any stops recommended between Coober Pedy and Ayers Rock to see?
- Is there any cheaper motel style accommodation slightly further from their main hotel hub in Ayers Rock?

Wed: Entire day in Ayers Rock/Kata Tjuta to climb, walk around and watch sunset.
- Any other activities worth recommending?
- Is there anything similar to "Sound of Silence" dinner in terms of experience without the steep price tag?
- Is sunrise worth to see in Ayers Rock?
- Is there any threat of wild animals on the roads to drive at night in this dessert area? If not, considering to stay overnight at Kings Canyon driving after sunset.

Thurs: Entire day at Kings Canyon
- Is sunset worth to stay for? If not, depart for Alice Springs for overnight stay
- Is there any cheaper motel style accommodation slightly further from their main hotel hub in Kings Canyon?

Fri: Entire day at Alice Springs

Sat: Might consider joining a tour to Palm Valley/West Macdonnell Ranges OR West Macdonnell Ranges/Simpson Gap/Standley Chasm/Glen Helen
- Which tour is better? Is it easy to find if I don't join tour?

Sun: Morning at Alice, Afternoon flying home.


Also:
- I know there are national park fees for Ayers Rock. Is there another fee to Kings Canyon too?
- Is it worth to see the meteorite crater? If so, which tour company has tours for it?
- Any other areas worth visiting that I left out?
- Any other ideas how to keep cost down.


Thanks so much in advance!
P.S. Please email me to register your interest if you would like to join us.

We're spending 3 weeks of feb next year in Australia touring round and while we thought this was a long time we have quickly come to realise how vast a country it is.
We've put together most of our schedule now but are debating whether to do Uluru or Melbourne. We don't really like any of the available accomodation at Uluru (other than the extortionate Longitude 131) and the only other city we're doing is, obviously, Sydney.
Anyone's input would be appreciate - basically, is it worth the time out getting there?

Visiting Darwin for first time, female, over 40 travelling alone and won't be hiring a car. Have about 7 days to do stuff and need to work out where to stay (at least for the first night). Happy to stay at a backpackers with my own room, - good for booking cheap trips - but not keen to share my space with beer sodden 20 y.olds (been one, moved on) Can anyone suggest what I should do, what I should book and an okay place to stay that's central and well priced?

I'm arriving in Sydney around 6am from London. Then I can fly to Uluru or to Alice Springs (I plan to stay a few days in the area). The first day I will probably just be able to wander around until is a decent time for going to bed... where will be better?

I thought it would be nice to see the sunset at Uluru but I read the hotels are actually far away from the rock. Is there actually some views, o something (relaxed) to do?

maybe stying in AS would be better for me?

I may be driving or taking a tour on the next day to explore the area for 3-4 days (asked in a different post)

Thanks!

Hi!

I'll plant to visit the Uluru area at the beginning of September, and I can only allot 3-4 days.

I'm not really a tour person, and I usually like driving... but I'm not sure I'm keen on driving there as I'm traveling alone. I'm not worried about the roads, I'm worried about and driving in the 'wrong' side of the road and with jetlag (I'll fly there directly after my flight from Europe)

I started thinking a tour may be better for me at this point of the trip... any thoughts?

TIA

My husband and I will spend two nights in Uluru in October 2009. I need a mid-range hotel and recommendation for transportation to and from Alice Springs. We are both 60, a fairly fit 60.

Hi,
We are planning a one of trip to Darwin and have booked a 3 day tour of Kakdu but would like to Hire a car and travel from Darwin to Ayers rock airport.
We will be leaving Darwin on the 31st august and fly from Ayers rock on the 5th September total of 5 days travel time ? would this be enough time and what is the best and cheapest car hire company's you could recommend, trying to find one with unlimited kilometers seems near impossible any good one in Darwin (PLEASE HELP!!) Any advice on cheap places to stay along the way and good places to see would be greatly appreciated.

Arrive Darwin 1pm Saturday 1st August and joining tour Sunday Evening which leave us the remainder of Saturday and all day Sunday to do our own thing pre tour.
The tour includes a morning tour of Darwin Monday.

Any suggestions of special things happening weekend, including markets, possible boat cruise, where to take good photos and a good place for dinner Saturday night, something casual.

What is the best way to get around on weekend, public transport or taxi. We will be ataying at the Vibe hotel, which they say is on the dge of the city centre and close to wharf.

Appreciate all information.

Mike

My wife and I and our 16 yr old son will be spending two nights at Ayres Rock in July. All of the tours are rather expensive. We got the cheapest accomadation (bunk beds at the pioneer) but I wonder if the tours are worth it or should I rent a car? We don't plan on climbing the rock but want to see the caves and paintings. It also sounds worthwhile to visit Kata Tjuta.

Any thoughts?

Mike in Alaska

Hi ppl. My partner and I are travelling to Darwin in July. We have only just booked our flights recently and as yet do not have any accommodation or travel schedule. We are probably going to stay the first few days around Darwin then maybe get out and about in the national parks for a few days then head back to city for the remainder, We are in NT for a total of 9 nights from the 3rd of july until the 12th. Does anyone have any suggestions on what do and see in the outback/national parks (anything in NT infact) I have looked at a few tours and they seem expensive, I guess it is peak season. Would it be better/easier/more interesting to hire a car and do these ourselves? We also do not have any accomodation in Darwin yet but are probably loking at cabins out of the city.. (malak?) or something similar Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This is our first time in the Territory and can't wait!

Thanks in Advance

Snig & Annette

Hi, we are a Young couple from the eastern suburbs of sydney wanting to drive to Uluru and back!!! (around the end of June). We recently purchased a holden jackaroo and we are ready to go, we heard it can be dangerous driving alone so we are looking for a convoy to join, or someone else who is heading that way at around the same time. is anyone interested?? if there is any valuable travel info anyone would like to share with us, (like alternative routes to take, to cut time and basic necessities) that would be greatly appreciated too!.

CHEERS!!

I am arriving in Alice Springs on Saturday May 30th at 3:20pm and leaving on June 3rd at 5:20pm. I will be traveling with my 3 children (16, 14, 5) and think a campervan would be the most economical way to go. But since I arrive so late I am finding a lot of the rental offices will be closed and if I don't pick it up on the 30th then I would only be renting it for 4 days not a minimum of 5 days.

I would also like to drive to King's Canyon. It seems that I would need a 4x4 if I took the unsealed road but is there a sealed road that I would be allowed to drive on without a 4x4?

My departure date is rapidly approaching any help would be greatly appreciated!!

We are couple with a 14 year kid; We have like 5 days to spare and coming on self drive; I plan to stay the first night and last night in Darwin; I plan to cover Kakadu and Litchfield National Park for which I have 3 days/nights to spare; What should I see and not miss and what is the best way to drive at start to go to Litchfield (Batchelor) first and then to Kakadu and how long a drive is from Batchelor to Kakadu (Jabiru) and should i visit Katherine or do feel i will be stretching too much in such a short time?? How much mileage will it be apprx. from Darwin to Litchfield to Kakadu back to Darwin and if I deviate to Katherine how much more km will I have to add for this extension; Is there any short cut road from Jabiru or nearby to Batchelor as the maps seem to show the road is only via Pine Creek which looks pretty close to Katherine then again.

We are bringing a family of 5 (kids 9,11,13) to ayers rock Jan 2 from perth - Jan 5 to the east coast. We will be tenting at the campsite - does anyone have advise on either the camping conditions and/or the best things to do?

Staying in Sydney, we have four days in which to see Alice Springs/Uluru. So far, thinking of
day 1 fly into Alice. Stay overnight
day 2 hire car and drive to Uluru
day 3 Uluru
day 4 return to Sydney

Is it better to do a one way hire and fly out of Uluru or drive back to Alice?

Hi, I will be visiting Darwin around Anzac day for 4 days.

The beach markets will not have started until the following week, so I wanted to know what the berry springs markets are like. I was planning on hiring a scooter and heading there, visiting the wildlife park and going swimming. I do ride a scoot daily at home, so am confident on highway riding. Does anyone know of any riding clubs in area?

Also I was wanting to go on a sunset cruise of the harbour, but there are so many options, any recommondations?

The RSL has sent me details for the dawn service, what size crowd is usually attending. In brisbane is is pretty huge. What are best places for Anzac day drinks.

Looking forward to my trip, and thanks in advance for your replies.

Is there snorkeling/scuba diving anywhere in the Darwin coastline area?

My son enjoyed his trip to Perth recently, we vistied Caves, lighthouse and farm stay. May I know what type of activities are there in Darwin for a 4 years old? Is there any farm stay in Darwin? Is there any hot air balloon in Darwin?
Thanks!

I'm headed to Australia from LA to watch tennis (Melbourne) in January but want to see Uluru. So far I have a flight to Alice arriving early January 2010. I enjoy camping and the outdoors but it sounds like the hiking tours would be unpleasantly hot. Even an un-airconditioned 4WD sounds scorching.

The most appealing of the tours is a 3 day small van tour with hiking and outdoor camping.

Is it just too hot?

Thanks

I arrive in darwin on 12th june and leave perth on the 28th june. I have been to alice springs, and from perth to karratha on previous travel. I am intending looking round darwin and kakadu then heading down to broome via the kimberly. would then like to take the interior road from port headland to perth.
Does this sound feasible in the time. I have been looking at the 9 day 4wd from darwin to broome.
Does anyone have any experience of the routes or tours listed. Any tour companies to avoid. Good and bad hostels. I have read that bBroome is very expensive
All replies appreciated

I'd like to hear from some other locals. Whats to do in Kakadu that you dont need a tour group or a 4WD to go and see. From what i remember not much. Litchfield always seems the go.

We are going to be in Australia for 2 weeks in July. We will have to spend one week in Sydney, but were planning to travel to some other locations during the 2nd week and were thinking of Alice Springs as one of the places. Is it unreasonable to visit Ayers Rock with a child who has a has a physical disability and is mentally challenged? She is able to walk, but not very well. She can walk slowly on flat ground. I read that there is a short, easy one mile walk, but don't know if that is really worth the trip. Any input would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Susan

What is Darwin like for an extended holiday. We have never been there. Some friends have said it is laid back and friendly...others the opposite. I was told you need to be careful with the weather too.

Are there "good " areas to stay or perhaps places to be avoided.

We would like to get a "feel" for the place...meet locals. We will explore the surrounding ares ...have 4WD but it is the city we would like to know about.

We have been to Alice Springs and driven from there to Boulia so know outback roads.

Thanks in anticipation

Marg

Hi, I have just purchased a 4wd, (Jackaroo 1999), and will be travelling from the Central Coast, (Nrth of Sydney), directly to alice springs, (with loads of gear as I will be moving!! I'm not sure about the best route. Can I take short cuts on the dirt, or do you recommend I travel on the main roads. The Aust. travel map recommends i go to broken hill, port austusta, coober pedy, etc. Is this the best route or should I travel to Charlaville and across that way? Any ideas welcome. Cheers, Wendy