Three reasons to make the move to the NT and leave behind city life

Find work-life balance and plenty of adventure in Australia’s sunny territory
An aerial photo of Darwin City
Photograph: Supplied | Glenn Campbell
By Olivia Hart for Time Out in association with Avid Collective
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Dreaming of a tree change? We’ve got the perfect place for you. The Northern Territory is absolutely brimming with breathtaking landscapes, ancient wisdom, and UNESCO World Heritage natural wonders like Kakadu National Park. 

Chase the warmer weather all the way to the NT and you’ll find so much more than just sunny days welcoming you. With a slower pace of life and a more affordable lifestyle than other Aussie cities, some of which have been ranked the most unaffordable in the world, swapping city life for the wide-open spaces might be just what the doctor ordered.  

3 reasons to move to the NT

Swap the hustle and bustle for a slower pace of life

City living can wear you down – the commutes are long, the crowds heaving, you’re constantly sharing personal space and the noises never stop. Cue burnout. Imagine trading in the chaos for a quiet pace of life in the NT where you can reclaim a life outside the four walls of your office and the distraction of your phone. Not only will you be surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, but you’ll finally have the time to appreciate them. You might even pause before reaching for your phone to snap a photo of the view.   

If you’re young and looking for an adventure but feel a bit swallowed up by the big  city life, we suggest you set your sights on Darwin. Not only does it sit in summer year-round, but this city is packed with things to do including a vibrant international dining scene, hikes galore, winter festivals and an epic music festival held every year in May. This far north city might just be Australia’s best-kept secret. For those ready to set down roots or empty nesters looking for a change, smaller towns like Alice Springs or Katherine are the perfect spots to go. Spend your free time exploring the outback territory, rich in adventure and steeped in ancient culture which you can learn all about, from the many Aboriginal people who call this land home.

Find a balanced lifestyle with so many benefits

One of the benefits of slowing down means there’s more room for balance. With a bit more time on your hands now that you’ve cut down on commuting and hustling out of hours, why not squeeze in some adventure. Nothing beats clocking off early and taking a stroll along the beach or visiting a local market, but there’s plenty of other exceptional activities available in the NT that you’ll want to take advantage of too. For those that live in Darwin, just under a two-hours drive away you can find the natural wonder Kakadu. This national park has no shortage of deep blue pools (there’s even a natural plunge pool) to beat the NT heat. Stay until late to do some dark-sky stargazing and witness the wonders of the cosmos. If you’re located more centrally, Alice Springs has tours that can take you out to one of three places in Australia where the night sky isn’t interrupted by light pollution. Spend your weekends exploring the rest of the territory’s beautiful scenery including the world’s most famous rock – Uluru. We suggest getting there at sunrise or sunset when it's truly magical to explore. Or, head to the rocky ranges of Arnhem Land, which you can find at the tippity top of the Northern Territory and brimming with culture and untouched vistas. This hidden gem is a bit tricky to get to (you’ll need a 4WD) but well worth the trip. Just be sure to get a permit before you start your exploration, as it's designated Aboriginal land. With so many airports and modes of transport to get you around the territory, there’s no excuse not to see it all.

Grow your career quickly with a vibrant job market

The Northern Territory offers a wealth of culture, history, and natural beauty  as well as abundant job opportunities for skilled workers. Due to the demand for work in this sunny territory, there’s ample chance to start over from scratch or grow at a quicker pace in your career of choice. Best of all? Since you’ll most likely be working in smaller teams, there’s plenty of time to get to know your new workmates and build a community. Start your search in Darwin where industries like healthcare, education, tourism, hospitality, retail and IT are always on the lookout for talent. 

Ready for a life where career opportunities and natural beauty intertwine? Make the Northern Territory your home and unlock a fulfilling lifestyle year-round, not just during vacations. Expand your horizons with WorkerConnect and stay ahead by setting up a job alert here.

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