Five ways to embrace the laid back NT lifestyle and learn a little more about our backyard
The Northern Territory lifestyle is unique in so many ways. For many of us, enjoying balmy weather in the wet or dry season is what we’ve mastered.
We all know we have pretty spectacular scenery, epic national parks, a melting pot of nationalities and tasty cuisines, and a love for fishing that suits our laid-back lifestyle.
But how often do we take the time to learn and explore more about this place we call home? We pulled together a quick list of things to see, do and hear to help you enjoy living the NT life a little more.
Tune in and listen to local stories from the Northern Territory
1. Listen to podcasts about locals, living and loving the local life
For the times when you’re craving some peace and quiet, keen to enjoy more alone time, or your current music playlist just isn’t cutting it – podcasts are a great way to immerse yourself in human stories across a range of genres and topics.
These five local podcasts focus on some of the stories behind the people, places and businesses that demonstrate just how unique Territorians are:
SPUN is more than just a podcast – it’s also a series of live events telling the stories of local Territorians. The SPUN Stories podcast introduces you to the backyards, communities and lives of locals, where you’ll hear all sorts of tales from local characters to crocodiles.
Love your fishing? Join the NT’s own Tim Moore and Andy Warton as they put their own spin on the dos and don’ts of fishing in the NT – even if they do occasionally steer the conversation off course a touch!
Hosts Pete and Pete chat all things NT and have fun interviewing real Darwin locals and budding entrepreneurs, for an insider’s look at how the Territory ticks.
Tune in for weekly conversations highlighting the best bits about the Northern Territory: the people, places and communities that connect the NT and the rest of the world. 
This monthly podcast offers new perspectives on life in regional Australia, stepping away from big city life to celebrate industry shapers, rising stars, quirky characters and quiet achievers. Truly inspiring stories about resourcefulness in regional Australia.
Tune-up on Northern Territory arts and culture
2. Visit MAGNT
The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory attracts over 300,000 visitors each year across its Darwin and Alice Springs locations – showcasing local history, culture and science as part of permanent and limited-release exhibitions.
When browsing MAGNT’s collections you can step back in time with the help of 8 million year old megafauna displays, Aboriginal art and cultural archives, plus heritage buildings and World War II displays.
Stay in the loop with MAGNT to know what’s on and when, across their locations.
3. Join an Aboriginal cultural tour
It’s not only important but relevant, that we understand and recognise local Aboriginal culture: the people, knowledge and stories that have been here all along. 
Participating in cultural tours is a unique way to grow our understanding of local landscapes and connection to country, native plants and animals, Dreamtime stories, language, and places or people of significance.
Keen for some culture? These local tour operators are a good starting point:
- Ethical Adventures, Darwin
- Journey The Dreaming, Alice Springs
- Top Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery, Katherine
Head to the Tourism NT website for more information on local cultural experiences, or learn about how Kleenheat’s contributing to the Wesfarmers Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan.
Chase that Northern Territory dream catch
There’s no better place in Australia to wet a line than in the Territory – with local and out-of-town anglers treated to a wide selection of waterways and fish species to while away the hours chasing the catch of a lifetime.
Of course, when it comes to NT’s world-class fishing, the star of the show is the famous local barramundi – celebrated as much for its fighting qualities in the water as its unmatched flavour on the plate. 
4. Fish for a fortune
What if your love for fishing could earn you a fortune? Each year, the Million Dollar Fish competition lures fishos from across the country in chase of specially-tagged barramundi worth a cool $1 million cash.
With seven local barra tagged and secretly released across the state’s five main fishing regions – Darwin, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Katherine and Tiwi – anglers can quickly become hooked on Australia’s richest fishing prize.
Stay connected to the Million Dollar Fish website for competition dates and prize details.
5. Jump on a fishing charter
Whether you’re a seasoned fisho or just getting started, treating yourself to a day out on the water with a charter service is the ultimate NT fishing experience.
Battle a barra or chase other sports fish including giant trevally, queenfish, Spanish mackerel, golden snapper and red emperor – either way, you’re likely to have dinner sorted.
Local charters can cruise the open road towards river and estuary hotspots or tackle the open seas in search of the catch of a lifetime, with options to suit individual skills and budgets.