The Northern Territory is preparing to open its borders to travellers from NSW. It’s the good news we Sydneysiders have been hoping and waiting for.
Speaking to media this week, the Northern Territory’s Chief Minister Michael Gunner said NT officials are “satisfied with the progress that’s been made in Sydney to recommend a change to their hot spot status”.
In order for NSW residents to be able to visit the NT, for the next 28 days, Sydneysiders will have to continue the downward trend in new COVID-19 cases. “A four-week buffer gives Sydney more time to keep beating the virus, and gives us the time and flexibility we need to change our plan, if necessary,” Gunner said.
By Friday, October 9, arrivals to the NT from Greater Sydney will not need to undertake 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine. Should all go to plan, visitors from Sydney will be able to travel the Top End and take in all the territory has to offer.
Need a little inspo for your visit to the NT? Here’s what you’ll find us doing when borders open.
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
In 2020, Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, will be running until Sunday September 20 in Alice Springs. Of course, this means NSW visitors will unfortunately miss the spectacular Aboriginal light festival, that runs over ten nights and includes live talks, events, music and interactive light installations from a number of Aboriginal artists.
Recently, however, it was announced that Parrtjima would be returning to the Red Centre from April 9-18 2021. So, if you can hold out until then, then we’d certainly suggest timing a trip so you too can experience the celebration of Aboriginal arts, culture and storytelling through these extraordinary light, art and sound installations, set against the majestic MacDonnell Ranges.
Uluru’s iconic Field of Light exhibition, which features 50,000 solar-powered lights that illuminate the red dirt at sunset and glow long into the night, is running until December 31, 2020, so you can catch a glimpse of that.
Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds
Not for the fainthearted, The Valley of the Winds walk presents visitors with an opportunity to experience Kata Tjuta’s domes, the Red Centre’s hidden secret.
The challenging walk is steep, lengthy at 7.5km, and takes around four hours, however, the views from Karu and Karingana lookout points and stunning landscapes are well worth it.
Entry to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park costs $25, with the funds going toward maintaining the park’s facilities, preserving its World Heritage sites and supporting traditional owners and their community.
Redbank Gorge
The destination is worth the journey when it comes to Redbank Gorge. Located a short two hour’s drive west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell Ranges and at the base of Mount Sonder, you’ll park your car and make the rest of the trip on foot.
Walk two kilometres along the creek bed, to find your way here, to the expansive Gorge that presents not only an incredible outlook, but the change to swim in cool, refreshing waters.
A great day trip, but should you wish to make a weekend of it, you can spend the evening in one of two camping locations closeby, both of which are fully equipped with fire pits, restrooms and picnic areas.