THE Northern Territory has pulled out all stops to ensure that 2022 is the best year yet to visit. This year, visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to new experiences and events.
Here are just some of the best NT experiences for 2022
Spotlight on Arnhem Land
Bordered by the Arafura Sea and Gulf of Carpentaria, Arnhem Land is an unspoiled wilderness region, known for its remoteness, pristine landscapes and Aboriginal culture. Travellers can only enter via permit or by tour.
For a life-changing holiday, head on tour with Lirrwi Tourism and experience the tight-knit Yolngu community.
Stay at eco-lodge Davidson Arnhem Land Safaris and explore the surrounding landscape of rugged ranges, fringed by idyllic billabongs, floodplains, rainforests, wildlife and Aboriginal rock art.
Relax in total bliss at Banubanu Beach Retreat, an exclusive glamping resort overlooking spectacular beaches.
Reel in a line in the world-class fishing grounds of Groote Eylandt and spend the night at beachfront stay Groote Eylandt Lodge.
Culture
Be part of one of Northern Territory's most unique cultural events, the Tiwi Islands AFL Grand Final and Art Sale, on March 20. This is your chance to check out and potentially purchase unique Tiwi art and watch the community's beloved grand final.
Head on an art trail in Alice Springs, known to have the highest concentration of Indigenous art galleries in the world.
Learn about Aboriginal culture with local guide Manuel at Top Didj Cultural Experience. Manuel will discuss language, hunting, gathering techniques, Rarrk painting and more.
Gain an authentic insight into traditional Aboriginal bush tucker, bush medicines, traditional dot painting and weapon making on the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience Tour.
Nature
Take a one-hour daytrip from Darwin to Litchfield National Park, known for its pristine waterfalls and swimming holes, 4WD tracks and magnetic termite mounds.
Discover the geological marvel of Karlu Karlu/Devil's Marbles, a set of ancient granite boulders that seem to have dropped from the sky and seemingly withstood eroding forces of wind and rain.
Cruise along the majestic gorges of Nitmiluk National Park at dawn and take in the dramatic escarpment country, whilst meeting local wildlife and learning about the local Jawoyn people.
Explore the rugged beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges/Tjorijta, appreciating sacred sites like Standley Chasm and taking a dip in the park's permanent waterholes such as Ormiston Gorge.
At Kakadu's Ubirr, marvel at some of the world's most famous Aboriginal rock art before catching a remarkable sunset overlooking the Nadab floodplains.
Food & Drink
Dine under the sparkling outback sky and on a private dune overlooking Uluru with once-in-a-lifetime Indigenous dining experiences Sounds of Silence and Tali Wiru.
Book Darwin Gourmet Tours and explore a selection of Darwin's top eats, stopping by iconic restaurants including Jimmy Shu's Hanuman.
In the Top End, where laksa is a local institution and is celebrated annually at the Darwin International Laksa Festival, sample the 'Golden Bowl' winner Chow! and 'People's Choice Laksa' Chok's Place.
Enjoy Darwin's vibrant nightlife at stylish gin distilleries and cocktail bars Charlie's of Darwin and Willing Distillery.
Adventure
Embark on an exciting heli-MTB tour, where avid cyclists will be transported to world-class mountain bike sites around Alice Springs and treated to stunning aerial views before finally hitting the trails.
Walk in the footsteps of generations of Jawoyn people on the Jatbula Trail, a 62-kilometre walk traversing through the wilderness of Nitmiluk National Park.
Embark on the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk and enjoy sweeping desert views of Watarrka National Park. Stay the night camping, glamping or in lodge-style at the newly renovated Kings Canyon Resort.
Designed by NT's famous wrangler Matt Wright, The Top End Safari Camp offers a bespoke, outback adventure which includes glamping, crocodile encounters, airboat ride and scenic helicopter flight.
Channel James Bond with 00Seven Off-Road Adventures and see Darwin's beautiful off-road terrain in a buggy through Charles Darwin National Park.
Luxury
Be immersed in 'wild bush luxury' at Bamurru Plains, a safari lodge offering exclusive access to 300 km of pristine floodplains, forests, wetlands and woodlands in Kakadu's Mary River.
Splurge on a romantic getaway to Longitude 131, a luxury camp offering unparalleled views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the Dune Pavilion's private plunge pool and relax at Spa Kinara.
Book the Lagoon Room at Mindil Beach Casino Resort, a five-star tropical retreat located in the heart of Darwin, and catch a beautiful sunset at the hotel's infinity-edged or expansive lagoon pool.
Situated on 500,000 acres of privately owned countryside, Bullo River Station is a working cattle station and homestead, promising outback luxury, pure remoteness and stunning landscapes.
Festivals
Inspired by The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, fabALICE will be held in Alice Springs from March 10-12. The three-day pride festival is a unique and colourful showcase of drag, cabaret, comedy and family-friendly entertainment.
Parrtjima- A Festival in Light will take place in Alice Springs from April 8-17. The festival is an extraordinary ten night celebration of First Nations art and culture, featuring interactive light installations, musical performances, workshops, talks and nightly projections against the 300-million-year-old canvas of the MacDonnell Ranges.
Dance away to Northern Territory's biggest and longest-running music festival BASSINTHEGRASS in Darwin on May 21. the festival is hosted on Darwin's Mindil Beach and features the best in Aussie talent.
A vibrant celebration of art, music, theatre and dance, Darwin Festival will take place from August 4-21. The festival shines a spotlight on First Nations culture with national events like the National Indigenous Music Awards.
For more information on what the Northern Territory has to offer click HERE