Fast Facts

Airports

Getting to the Northern Territory is easy. There are domestic airports in all major centres in the Territory - Darwin, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs and Uluru/Ayers Rock, and international arrivals and departures from Darwin.

Rail

The Northern Territory can be accessed by rail in two ways - from South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales via The Ghan from Adelaide, Melbourne or Sydney, and from Queensland via The Inlander.

International flights

Qantas flies from Singapore to Darwin three times a week (as does Australian Airlines) and from Bali twice a week, with connections to the UK and Europe
Garuda Indonesia flies between Darwin and Bali twice a week
Royal Brunei flies to Darwin via Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) three times a week from Europe
Tiger Airways flies between Darwin and Singapore four times per week.

Domestic flights

Qantas has daily flights to Darwin and Alice Springs from most Australian capital cities. Qantas also flies to Ayers Rock Resort from Perth, Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne
Jetstar commenced direct flights from Darwin to Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide from Monday May 1, 2006
Virgin Blue flies to Darwin direct from Melbourne and Brisbane, and connects via most other Australian cities
Skywest flies from Perth to Darwin via Broome three times a week
There are regular connecting flights between Darwin, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Airport.

Climate

The Northern Territory is so big that it covers two very distinct climate zones. The Territory’s tropical north experiences warm and sunny weather for most of the year while Central Australia is a semi-arid environment and experiences Australia’s typical four seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring.

Banks and credit cards

Banking facilities in the Northern Territory are comprehensive. Australia’s largest banks all have branches throughout the Northern Territory, and many will exchange foreign currency. All major international credit cards are accepted throughout the Territory, but note that not all businesses accept all cards and some may charge transaction fees.

Currency

Australia’s currency is Australian dollars and cents (AUD). Notes come in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 and coins in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c. Prices will be rounded to the nearest five cents. Overseas currency and travellers cheques may be exchanged at most banks and foreign currency exchanges. Some large hotels will also exchange major currencies.

Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory in Australia. However, travellers are at liberty to leave a tip after a particularly satisfying meal or for exceptionally good service.

Visas

All international travellers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel permit before entering Australia. For complete visa information, visit the Australian Federal Government website.