The NT is famous for a lot of things, and its wide variety of native and exotic wildlife is definitely one of them.
In fact, even though there are hundreds and hundreds of animals already inhabiting the lands and waters of the NT, there are still species of life continually being discovered, and, if you keep your eyes open, you may be the one to do it.
Below we’ve collected a list of some of the best wildlife tours, cruises and locations in the NT. There’s up close and personal options for the Steve Irwins out there, as well as something a little more laid back for the rest of you city slickers.
Camel Tours in Alice Springs and Uluru
There’s no better way to see Outback wildlife than on the back of a camel. Yes, while the camel isn’t quite native to the NT, they are well accustomed to travelling over red desert terrains.
Taking an Alice Springs Camel Tour will allow you to witness the amazing West MacDonnell Ranges, where you’ll be able to see not only the jaw dropping landscape views, but also a bevy of local wildlife such as kangaroos, birds, reptiles and wallabies.
Similarly, one of the best ways to take on Uluru (Ayers Rock) is by jumpin’ in on either the morning or afternoon Uluru Camel Ride Express tours. These 45 minute tours are lead by professional guides who’ll provide you with an experience never to forget as you charge ‘round on your very own double humped 4 wheel (leg) drive.
That’ll one up any of those camel-less tourist’s back at your hotel, won’t it?
Kangaroos ‘n’ Wallabies
Ok, to be honest, it is the NT and you won’t find it hard to spot a kangaroo on your travels.
However, these wild thick-legged bad boys aren’t like the cartoon kangas you’ve come to know and love from the TV.
Approaching a wild roo in the outback mightn’t be the smartest idea. If you want to see, pat or take a photo with one, why not check out the Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary or Nina’s Ark Wildlife Sanctuary near Litchfield National Park.
Both of these organisations dedicate themselves to rescuing and rehabilitating injured roos in the outback.
As they use the money gained from the tours to help take care of these creatures, you and your patronage are always greatly appreciated.
Crocs, Crocs and More Crocs!
Definitely not talking about those hideous florescent rubber clogs that only members of society who have given up on society wear. No, were talking about those toothy dinosaurs of land and water, the Crocodylinae (Crocodiles).
Jump on board the Mary River Wetland Cruise and check out the awesome billabongs, wildlife, fauna and the world’s – yes world’s – largest concentration of saltwater crocs.
For those of you feeling a little more adventurous, or fancy yourself to be the next Mick Dundee, why not head down to Crocosaurus Cove where you’ll be able to see some of the world’s largest crocs chow down at feeding time.
Crocosaurus Cove also houses the world famous Cage of Death, where visitors try desperately not to wet their pants as they climb into a glass cage and are lowered into a pool of swimming crocs.
Garn’ on big balls, give it a crack!
National Parks
Why not double your chances of experiencing the Australia’s widest variety of wildlife by visiting Kakadu National Park.
Spanning almost 20,000 km2 Kakadu houses over 280 species of bird life and one tenth of Australia’s croc population.
Book a day tour through the park, or jump on board a Yellow Water Cruise to get a cracker view of Kakadu from all perspectives.
What Next: Book your Kakadu National Park Day Tour Here
Bird Watching
If you consider yourself a bit of an avian enthusiast (bird lover) then hook yourself up with the NT Bird Specialists, who offer an award winning bird and wildlife photography tour departing from both Darwin and Kakadu.
You can choose to either book a group tour or treat yourself, and a couple of your mates, to a private charter.
Get ready, because this tour has everything you need to get your bird lovin’ beak wet, including: jabirus, finches, bowerbirds, comb-crested jacanas, rufous owls and ducks – yeah that’s right, ducks.
