Northern Territory: Darwin and the northern outback 

At the heart of the Northern Territory, Alice Springs is an oasis in the outback. Darwin is the capital of the Territory and is the largest city in Northern Australia and is steeped in history. Darwin has some interesting sights, as indeed does Alice – but in between there’s not much. And that means not much for a long, long time. The staging posts of the Stuart Highway, such as Tennant Creek and Katherine, are typical hard-bitten outposts of the outback. The characters in the bars are tough, and can be friendly – but don’t expect many classical Greek scholars.

On the other hand, you’ll find quite a few Greeks in Darwin, which has a rich mix of races and cultures. Darwin is the big city of the fabled Top End, the northern section of the Northern Territory. This is the land of Crocodile Dundee, and you’ll soon discover that he was one of its more presentable characters. If you want to visit Crocodile Dundee’s natural habitat (and his natural companions), head east from Darwin to the Kakadu National Park (www.environment.gov.au/topics/national-parks/kakadu-national-park). This tropical wilderness is one of the best places to visit, with exceptional wildlife, and literally thousands of Aborigine rock-painting sites. Darwin is also an ideal starting point for a visit to the justly renowned Kimberley – see the Kimberley and Beyond section.

It will take you two or three days at least to drive the highway, and you should allow at least four days for exploring once you reach the end.

TRANSPORT

You can reach Darwin and Alice Springs by air from any major city in Australia (www.qantas.com). The Ghan railway connects Alice Springs to Adelaide (www.greatsouthernrail.com.au/trains/the_ghan/). Those who wish to go on an endurance test rather than a holiday will also be pleased to hear that you can reach Alice Springs by bus from Adelaide (www.railmaps.com.au/routedetails.php?RouteSelect=419) and continue on to Darwin. A vehicle of your own (preferably 4WD) is best.