2009 is all about getting back to basics, and with 92 National Parks in the Territory, there’s no better place to get in touch with nature and feel grounded again. Our protected tracks of land edge the pristine coastline, cover red dirt country and stretch across tropical islands, giving you access to our diverse environment the way it’s always been – unspoilt and sublime.

Tick off the six marine turtle species swimming in the aqua waters of Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. Be lost for words as you gaze across Kakadu National Park’s luscious wetlands from the top of Ubirr Rock. Seek out ancient Aboriginal rock art, hidden on the cliff-like gorge walls weaving through Nitmiluk National Park. And breathe deeply as you witness the Centre’s scorched red earth do it’s chameleon-style transformation to black, throughout Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Heighten the experience by getting some Top End dirt under your fingernails. Conservation Volunteers Australia works hard to ensure our unique environment is maintained, and you can join them in Darwin or Alice Springs on their flora and fauna surveys and weed removal trips. See the land from a passionate local’s perspective, and make a difference by giving something back to our precious world.