Alley Pascoe

When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it’s hard to beat those on offer in Australia’s Red Centre. This magical stretch of the Australian outback is full of endless possibilities and wild adventures, all centred around one of our nation’s most recognisable and sacred landmarks, Uluru (Ayers Rock).  On the ancestral lands of the Anangu people, Uluru has immense spiritual importance for Australia's First Nations people. During the day, walk around the rock’s vast ten-kilometre base, where you’ll uncover fascinating geological facts and learn Tjutkurpa (creation stories) shared by the Traditional Owners. At night, magical drone shows, lasers and light projections illuminate Uluru’s wildest corners, bringing an extra layer of magic to an already extraordinary place. Here’s our guide on the best things to do in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. 🌳 Your guide to Kakadu National Park🌅 The best things to do in Darwin🌲 Australia's most beautiful national parks

The Stuart Highway slices straight down the middle of Australia. At the cross-section between the south, north and west is Katherine. Population: 10,000. Kilometres to Darwin: 317. Activities: endless.  Whether you are stopping through on a Top End road trip or sticking around to explore the Big Rivers Region, there’s plenty to do in the town where the outback meets the tropics. Our local NT expert, Alley Pascoe, recommends day tripping to Nitmiluk National Park, where you can cruise the mighty Katherine River, tackle some of the legendary Jatbula Trail and cool off at Leilyn/Edith Falls. We've also included the best spots to eat in town in this ultimate guide to the best things to do in Katherine. When is the best time to visit Katherine? The best time to visit Katherine is during the dry season from May to September, when you can enjoy warm days and cool nights with minimal rainfall. Many tour operators close during the wet season from October to April, with frequent road closures due to flooding.  🌳 The best places to visit in the Northern Territory☀️ All the best things to do in Darwin💗 What to do in Alice Springs

Everything’s bigger in the Northern Territory: the horizon, the highways and the speed limit. It's the only place in Australia where you can drive 130 kilometres per hour on some roads, and it’s a good thing too, as there’s plenty of ground to cover.  Distances may be far in the Top End, but that’s part of the allure. Day trips from Darwin are less 'casual stroll through the countryside' and more 'action-packed adventure'. Whether it's exploring national parks like Kakadu or Litchfield to island escapes to Tiwi and Crab Claw, our local expert, Alley Pascoe, has rounded up the best day trips from Darwin. Strap in, you’re in for a ride (within driving/sailing/helicoptering distance from the city).  🚗 The most epic Australian road trips🌳 The best things to do in Darwin🥐 Darwin's best cafés

The Northern Territory is the unofficial watering hole capital of Australia: literally, and alcoholically. After a day spent exploring the best natural swimming spots, Darwin is where the action is at for a nice cold bevvy and some good pub grub. And with the city boasting year-round warm weather and a stellar waterfront scene, it’s almost a crime not to kick back al fresco at one of Darwin's best pubs. We’ve chosen the best pubs in Darwin for their tasty specials boards, central location and snug atmosphere. Shenannigans is your go-to for late-night live music, The Precinct is our top pick for waterfront views, and Sweethearts serves up the best pub grub in town. See you at the bar! 🍺 The best bars in Darwin🍔 Where to find Darwin's best burgers🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin

What does the city of Darwin have in common with a vindaloo curry? They’re both best enjoyed hot (with a mango lassi in hand). Considering these similarities, it makes sense that there’s a thriving Indian food scene in the capital of the Northern Territory.  Up here in the tropics – where chillies grow all year and mangoes fall off the tree in summer – our Indian restaurants are brimming with biryani, chole bhature and yes, butter chicken, too. From high-end dining experiences to late-night stops, our local food writer, Alley Pascoe, has rounded up the best Indian restaurants in Darwin. Yup, spice is definitely nice! Editor's favourite Indian restaurants in Darwin: 🌊 Best special occasion: Hanuman 😋 Best cheap and cheerful: Darwin Tandoor 🍛 Best fusion: Nirvana For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🍽️ The best restaurants in Darwin🍻 Darwin's best bars for a night out

When it comes to steak, Darwin has got that certain sizzle. From wood-grilled rib eyes with harbour views to hearty rump steaks at buzzing local pubs, the Top End knows how to do beef right. And who better to guide you through the city’s best than Alley Pascoe — a freelance writer based in the Northern Territory with her finger firmly on the pulse of Darwin’s food scene.   Whether you’re after a perfectly seared steak in a waterfront location like Wharf One, a pub meal at an old favourite like Hotel Darwin, or want something with bold flavours like they have at Moorish Café, this guide has you covered. So, sharpen your steak knives and bring your appetite — here’s where to find the very best steak in Darwin. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍔 The best burgers in Darwin🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🍻 Darwin's best bars

Juxtaposition – that's what makes a good burger. A juicy patty sandwiched between a lightly toasted bun, gooey cheese paired with the tangy crunch of a pickle, the freshness of lettuce combined with a house-made burger sauce...   If your mouth is watering just thinking about burgers and you happen to be in Darwin, you’re in luck. We got local foodie Alley Pascoe to compile a list of the very best burgers in Darwin right now. Yep, she selflessly tried, tested and rounded them up for you – all in the name of research. Editor’s favourite burgers in Darwin 🍔 Best beef burger: Patty Shack Burger Bar ✨ Best luxe burger: De La Plage 🐓 Best chicken burger: Besser Brew Bar For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🍻 Darwin's top bars for a night out🍽 Darwin's best Indian restaurants

As the old saying goes, ‘There’s no such thing as a bad pizza’ – because even when it’s average, it’s still a treat. This rings especially true for the pizzerias in Darwin, where every pizza is a slice of heaven.  Our local Darwin pizza expert, Alley Pascoe, has rounded up the cheesiest, sauciest, tastiest pizzas in the city. From slices with a sea view at Nightcliff foreshore, to mouthfuls of flavour at the most authentic Italian restaurant in town, this list of the best pizzas in Darwin won’t let you down. In the same way, pizza will never disappoint you. 🍕 The best pizza in Australia🌳 The best things to do in Darwin🍽 Darwin's best restaurants

Just dropped a chunk of change on a heart-pounding swim with a crocodile in the Cage of Death? Time to balance the budget with some top-tier free fun. Luckily, Darwin life happens outdoors, meaning there’s no shortage of incredible things to do for zero dollars.  You can tear down mountain bike trails at Charles Darwin National Park, step back in time at the old Fannie Bay Gaol or stake out the perfect picnic spot on a scenic walk. Take your pick from this list of the best free things to do in Darwin, as curated by our local expert writers. 🌳 More of the best things to do in Darwin🚗 All the best day trips from Darwin🥐 The best cafés in Darwin

Compiling a list of the best Indian restaurants in a city, let alone a country, is no easy task. Every region, city and family have their own specialties, offering a diverse line-up of comforting curries, crunchy pakoras, fluffy naan bread, tangy pickles and cooling lassis. Time Out Australia has enlisted its team of well-travelled editors and writers to bring you this list of must-try Indian restaurants in every capital city. In Melbourne, a tiny at-home restaurant presents one of Melbourne’s most singular degustations, taking diners on a journey through different regions and seasons. In Sydney, a vibrant late-night eatery serves up colourful curry plates and roti wraps until 2am on the weekends. Meanwhile, a beloved Adelaide institution has been dishing up crowd-favourite butter chicken and beef vindaloo curries for almost 50 years. Wherever you are, your next spice fix awaits. 🍽 All the best restaurants in Australia🍱 The best Japanese joints in Australia🍕Where to find the best pizza in Australia

Finding a stellar steak in a country with almost 30 million cattle is no hard task. But claiming your favourite to be the absolute best? That’s sure to stir some serious beef. Whether you’re into rib eye or rump, medium rare or well-done, smothered in peppercorn or chimichurri sauce, and paired with chips or mash – the ways to enjoy a steak are as endless as they are delicious. Our local expert writers have sliced into the best steaks across every capital city to bring you this list of our favourite steaks in Australia. Now, go get up in their grills. 🍔 The best burgers in Australia🥧 Australia's best pies🌭 15 mouthwatering sausage rolls in Australia

There’s nothing like a walk in the park to fill your cup. Whatever the season, Australia’s parks deliver wide-open spaces, sunshine galore and plenty of fresh air to soak up your daily dose of vitamin D. Whether you’re looking to get lost in nature, a scenic path to walk your four-legged friend, a perfect picnic patch or even a launch pad for your kayak, these parks offer all that and much more. And by more, we’re talking fabulous playgrounds, stunning lookouts, free barbecue facilities and fitness equipment to get the blood pumping. Here’s our pick of the best parks in Australia.  🥾 The most epic hikes to do in Australia🌳 Australia's best national parks🤿 The best things to do in Australia

To fully appreciate the beauty and history of the Yolŋu culture, one must walk in the footsteps of the Yolŋu people. Look no further than the Dhimurru Coastal Walking Trail, marked by three short walks from Binydjarŋa (Daliwuy Bay) to Garanhan (Macassan Beach), Ŋumuy (Turtle Beach) and Bariŋura (Little Bondi). The trail takes you from white sandy beaches to eucalypt woodland and paperbark swamp, showcasing the immense variety of land and sea resources in the area, as documented by the Traditional Owners who have provided interpretive material along the route. Experience East Arnhem Land in all its glory on the Dhimurru Coastal Walking Trail (with a visitor access permit from Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation).  Drive time from Nhulunbuy: 40 mins Duration (one way): 7.2kms (3 hrs 45 mins) Level of difficulty: Easy

From start (Nitmiluk Gorge) to finish (Leliyn, also known as Edith Falls), this hike has it all: cascading waterfalls, sandstone escarpments and monsoon forests. The Jatbula Trail along the western edge of the Arnhem Land plateau has long been walked by the Jawoyn people, and now it is open to a select number of people (15 a day) during the walking season (June to September). The trail starts at 17 Mile Creek, which can be reached by ferry from Nitmiluk Gorge. The scenic cruise sets the tone for the rest of the picturesque adventure. Expect to see ancient rock art, native red-tailed black cockatoos and crystal-clear water holes.  Drive time from Katherine: 22 mins to the drop-off area at Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Centre  Duration (one way): 61km (5–6 days)  Level of difficulty: Medium to hard

The Ridgetop Walk is a one-day hike that connects John Hayes Rockhole (Atneperrke) and Trephina Gorge (Alherrkentye). You can start the hike at either end, but locals suggest beginning at Trephina Gorge, walking to John Hayes Rockhole and then following the road back to the carpark at the Gorge. If you want to enjoy a night immersed in the East MacDonnell Ranges, then bring a tent as there are camping areas at both sites. Amongst the rock formations, River Redgums and spinifex, you might be lucky to see a Splendid Fairywren or Western Bowerbird. Come prepared for the conditions and make sure to bring enough water. Drive time from Alice Springs: 1 hr Duration (one way): 9km (5 hrs)  Level of difficulty: Medium to hard

Over several days, hikers can dive into the wilderness (and plunge pools) of Litchfield National Park, an hour-and-a-half’s drive south of Darwin. The Tabletop Track is a triumphant trail through the bush, along creeks and to waterfalls. Prepare for water crossings, tall grass fields and rocky slopes. Reward yourself after a challenging day’s hike with a swim at Florence Falls, Greenant Creek, Wangi Falls and Walker Creek, which are all stops on the loop route. This is an adventurous trek for the wild at heart and the well-experienced walker. Go forth and get amongst it.  Drive time from Darwin: 1.5 hrs Duration (return): 39km (3–5 days) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard