8 High-Thrill Adventures You Can Only Have In The Northern Territory
If you seek different, this is the holiday for you.
Sometimes a relaxing holiday is exactly what we need. And sometimes we need a holiday that jolts us out of the 9-to-5 mindset and reminds us that we’re alive, baby!
If you’re leaning more towards the second option after the 87 years that was 2020, nothing can beat a quick trip up to the Northern Territory. The Top End is packed with adventure and excitement, and it’s just a quick flight away from wherever you are in Australia.
So, to help you pack your itinerary with as much adrenaline as you can handle, we’ve put together a list of the essential high-thrill adventures you can only have in the NT.
#1 Swim with crocs
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There are lots of ways to get up close and personal with crocodiles in the NT, but the most thrilling is from inside Crocosaurus Cove’s “Cage of Death”.
Don’t worry, it’s just a name.
You’ll stay safe inside a fully enclosed, see-through cage that’s submerged in a pool with a saltwater croc. It’s a front-row seat to a show put on by a massive croc as it shows off the true strength of its powerful bite. You can even share the experience with a mate.
It’s the only crocodile dive in Australia, so it’s literally now or never.
#2 Skydive over Uluru
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Skydiving over a beach kinda pales in comparison to skydiving over the Red Centre. If you want a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Australia, you can book a tandem skydive with a qualified instructor to jump out of a plane 12,000 feet above Uluru.
You’ll see Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Mount Connor, and Lake Amadeus from the air before jumping – and you can choose to either free fall for up to five minutes or deploy your parachute straight away for a slower, more scenic glide to the ground.
#3 Fly a glider above the outback
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The NT has some of the most spectacular landscapes in Australia, so why limit yourself to only seeing them from the ground?
Take a ride in a glider just outside Alice Springs to see the Outback from above. Gliders are much quieter than planes or helicopters, so you won’t have any distractions as you soak in the view. You’ll even get a chance to fly it yourself after the professional pilot you’re with teaches you the ropes.
#4 Go on a quad safari
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If you’d prefer something a little more rugged, how about going off-road on a quad bike tour? Race across the wilderness, through outback towns, and end at a lookout that offers unbeatable views over Rum Jungle.
Be prepared to get muddy on this Outback adrenaline rush – it’s totally worth it.
#5 Tackle the outback in an ATV
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It’s like a quad bike tour but with friends! You and up to three mates can drive a lightweight four-wheel drive buggy across the West MacDonnell Ranges. You’ll see watering holes, riverbeds, and maybe even wild horses as you pass through landscapes that were made famous by Albert Namatjira’s paintings.
The top-of-the-range ATVs come equipped with all the features and engine power you’ll need to really put your foot down – or you can choose to be driven by one of the experienced guides so you can sit back and watch the gorgeous scenery go by.
#6 Conquer the mountain bike trails
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You can also cross the NT on a mountain bike if that’s more your speed. Epic trails wind through iconic places like Alice Springs, Nitmiluk National Park, and Charles Darwin National Park, so you can choose between scenic flats, wild terrain, and hilly playgrounds.
#7 Hit the waves on a jet ski
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The NT isn’t all red sand and mountain ranges – there’s also adventure waiting in the water. Explore the Darwin coastline in style on a high-speed guided jet ski tour.
Meet marine life, explore WWII wrecks, and make a pitstop on a deserted sandbar. Tours run throughout the day, including sunrise and sunset. If you really want to get your blood pumping, there’s even a James Bond-themed mystery tour.
#8 Float above the Red Centre in a hot air balloon
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This is the most chill adventure on the list, but you can’t beat the thrill of watching the sunrise above the desert from your very own hot air balloon.
You’ll follow the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges and see red kangaroos, wallabies, and bush scrub on your ride. It’s an unforgettable way to see the NT.
This article originally appeared on Junkee.
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Discover more of the Northern Territory and how you can experience a holiday that’s different in every sense.
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(Lead image: @gear_up_imagery courtesy of Tourism Northern Territory)