The Northern Territory stuns. Red dirt, thundering waterfalls, towering gorges, and iconic natural wonders make it a feast for the eyes. But natural beauty is just the beginning of what the NT has to offer.

Perhaps more importantly, the Territory is also the best place to immerse yourself in Australia's rich Indigenous culture – to connect with ancient tradition and experience the deep cultural significance of this land. It's a pilgrimage every Australian needs to make in their lifetime – so here's a few must-dos for your itinerary. It's a bucket list item for a reason.

Uluru is a breathtaking sight, with a grandeur that has to be seen in person to be believed. It's most awe-inspiring at sunrise and sunset, when light plays with the landscape and appears to make the rock formations change colour. But it's not just the wonder of 'the rock' itself that makes Uluru so special.

At its base you can find approximately 80 rock art sites, each telling different ancient Anangu and Tjukurpa stories. You can view those open to the public on the guided Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole , where viewing platforms offer the best vantage point to take in the centuries-old creation stories. Across ten nights in April, the Desert Park of Mparntwe (Alice Springs) sparkles when it plays host to Parrtjima – A Festival in Light , the world's only authentic Aboriginal light festival.

Created by a network of the local Mparntwe, Antulye and Irlpme people, Parrtjima lights illuminates the 300-m.