Immerse in culture, place and history in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory offers an unforgettable educational adventure and is uniquely positioned to deliver on cross curriculum outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, sustainability, as well as Australia’s military history.

Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity where the breadth and depth of cultural experiences on offer are like nowhere else. There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures found throughout the Top End and Red Centre.

Cultural immersion

While in the NT visit Aboriginal communities and engage students with an in-depth cultural immersion program.

Overland Oz have a dedicated team who have built strong relations with Traditional Land Owners and Elders within Kakadu National Park.  In partnership, they work closely to identify, organise, construct and deliver projects endorsed by the community.  These projects enable students to come together with members of the community, working in unity towards a shared outcome.

Remote Education Tours programs are a profoundly important resource for young developing minds and an equally useful tool for teachers wanting to acquire the skills and confidence to teach the ever-emerging importance of Australia’s history and Aboriginal culture. Trips can be tailored to link student needs with specific learning outcomes whilst also developing other life skills that extend beyond the classroom such as mindfulness, wellbeing, curiosity, social skills and cultural sensitivity.

Military history

School groups can engage with tourism businesses to provide exciting educational experiences exploring Darwin’s unparalleled military history. As Australia’s only location of major battles during World War II, the city is home to many significant sites.

The Darwin Military Museum and the Defence of Darwin Experience play wartime footage and interviews with WWII veterans and have curated a captivating collection of artefacts including uniforms, weapons and artillery pieces.

Students can be transported back to the Japanese bombing of Darwin Harbour in 1942 with RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility award-winning Virtual Reality experience.

Or visit Darwin's Top Secret World War II Oil Storage Tunnels. The WWII Tunnels Museum has displays of Darwin's rich history during WWII, including photos of the brave men and women who served in the protection of our country.

Outdoor classrooms

Travel to Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre where you can camp overnight while students learn about ecology, astronomy, sustainability and culture. Guides introduce knowledge supporting Indigenous methods of conserving and caring for nature for long term survival. Students investigate practices such as fire stick farming and guidelines to ensure regeneration.

You can also explore world heritage sites such as Kakadu National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.  School groups can use NT parks as an outdoor classroom for a day or overnight camp and you can request a community engagement officer join you on your trip to a park or reserve.

NT Learning Adventures

Understanding that hands-on experiences are the best learning tools, Tourism NT has partnered with tourism businesses, national parks, schools and other stakeholders to create an A-Z directory called the NT Learning Adventures.

This guide features businesses that are committed to working with schools and excursions organisers to provide safe, memorable and enjoyable activities to learn through experience and discovery.

• Get inspired with these suggested school group itineraries.
• Discover how your school can use Northern Territory Parks as an outdoor classroom. Book a campsite, explore Parks and Wildlife NT’s school resources plus download a range of excursion guides.
• Apply for an exemption on park entry fees for the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Kakadu National Park
• Apply for the Save and Learn funding to access up to $2,000 in eligible funding to support your school group’s excursion to the Northern Territory.

Save and Learn in the NT

School group tours departing from 1 January 2025 and that complete travel by 31 December 2025 can apply for funding support through the NTLA Save and Learn Program.

Interstate schools who travel with a minimum of 10 students, stay in the Northern Territory for a minimum of five nights and book with at least three NTLA operators (excluding accommodation and other services) are eligible to apply for $2,000 (GST inclusive) funding support, per school group. Check out the full terms and conditions of the program.

Simply submit a completed application (and attachments) for assessment at least four weeks prior to travel and then claim the approved funding support at the completion of your trip. Available funding is limited.

Save and Learn funding program allows all eligible Australian schools to apply for up to $2,000 funding to support their excursion to the NT.

We look forward to seeing you and your students explore the Northern Territory.

For help planning your NT Learning Adventure and to register for the Save and Learn program contact [email protected].  

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