Northern Territory: Things To Do & Places To See

The Northern Territory is a plethora of incredible landscapes from desert to tropics, deep seeded ancient Aboriginal Culture and iconic landmarks. A conglomerate of adventure and beauty, here is your guide to the best of the Northern Territory.

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(Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Hannah Millerick)

 

A great base for exploring the natural wonders of the Red Centre, spend a few days in the outback’s most cosmopolitan town of Alice Springs. See works from some of the most famous Aborignial artists at the Araluen Arts Centre, meet friendly kangaroos at the wildlife reserve and dedicated Kangaroo Sanctuary or participate in the town’s colourful events calendar.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Kyle Hunter & Hayley Anderson)

 

No trip to the Red Centre is complete without visiting one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks: Uluru/Ayres Rock. Just 45 minutes from Alice Springs, walk the iconic Uluru Base walk or see it from camel back on a sunset safari. The lesser known but just as awe-inspiring Kata Tjuta is not one to miss either. South-west of Alice Springs and composed of 36 domes rising from the arid lands, hike the Valley of the Winds walk along the base of Kata Tjuta. Get a whole new perspective from above and take a scenic helicopter flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta and its surrounding Australian desert scenery.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Mitchell Cox)

 

Lace up your hiking boots and uncover the Red Centre on foot. Only a 3 hour’s drive from Uluru, walk the Kings Canyon Rim Walk boasting exceptional views across the rugged, rocky landscape of Watarrka National Park. Just west of Alice Springs head to the West Macdonnell Ranges and walk it’s many trails leading to hidden gorges and waterholes. For enthusiastic hikers and adventurers, you can’t look past one of the greatest desert treks on earth on the famous Larapinta trail. Walk the best sections of the trail through vast flood plains and razorback rocky outcrops or take on the challenge and walk the trail end-to-end along the 223km of track from Alice Springs to the summit of Mt Sonder .

 

 

(Photo Credit: Toursim NT/Longitude 131)

 

For a little piece of luxury in desert, watch the colours dance over the desert landscape as you dine under the cover of a thousands stars with Uluru as your backdrop at the famous Sound of Silence. Stay at the unique ‘Luxury Lodge of Australia’, Longitude 131 featuring uninterrupted views of the monolith icon.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

 

The state’s capital of Darwin offers a contrast to the iconic harsh desert landscapes of the Red Centre. Home to fascinating military history and museums, head to the Darwin Military Museum or East Point Military Reserve or simply relax and take advantage of the city's lively nightlife and food culture, influenced by its proximity to Asia. Darwin is also a great base for exploring Kakadu, Litchfield National Park and more.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Tourism NT/Rob Mulally)

 

The Northern Territory is home to a variety of awe-inspiring national parks no more than 3 hours south of Darwin including Litchfield, Nitmiluk and of course Australia’s largest national park and most visited Kakadu. Swim beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls, walk among the largest termite mounds in the Top End and walk the Wangi Falls trail in Litchfield National Park. Take a cultural cruise down Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park on the Nit Nit Dreaming cruise or enjoy a meal on a sunset dining cruise. Take a dip at the famed Gunlom Falls with sweeping vistas of the southern hills and ridges of the park. Wander around Australia’s best Aborignial rock art at Ubirr and make sure you stay for the sunset at Ubirr lookout. Cruise the yellow water billabong or take a scenic flight over Jim Jim Falls.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Tourism NT/James Fisher)

 

A Place of rich Indigenous culture, don't miss the opportunity to experience and learn about Aboriginal culture while you are in the Northern Territory. Experience a traditional smoking ceremony, visit the Injalak Art and Craft Centre in Arnhem Land and discover contemporary Yolngu art or join a tour to Injalak Hill with an indegenous guide to see the ancient rock art and hear the Dreamtime stories. Forage for bush tucker and learn about Aboriginal hunting and bush skills or visit during Garma, a gathering of more than 2000 people erupting in traditional dance, storytelling and music.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Cobourg Coastal Camp)

 

Found on the northern tip of Arnhem Land, a lesser known hidden gem is found on the Cobourg Peninsula. Think pristine sandy beaches, grasslands, dunes and stunning coral reefs and lagoons. A favourite for avid fishers, the Cobourg Peninsula offers one of the best fishing destinations in Australia. It’s marine habitat has been historically conserved where you can find the world’s biggest concentarition of marine turtles. To truly immerse yourself in the remote peninsula, stay at the Cobourg Coastal Camp nestled in the bushland overlooking the wates of the Cobourg Marine Park and a perfect base camp for your adventures. 

 

 

 

(Photo Credit: The Ghan)

 

 

How To Get To The Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is accessible through two major hubs. You can fly into the Northern Territory via Darwin both domestically and internationally. Although Alice Springs does not support international flights, it is easily accesible through connecting flights from most Australian capitals. For an experiential journey to the Northern Territory, why not journey on the iconic and world-famous Ghan from Adelaaide to either Alice Springs or Darwin or take to the road on an epic road trip on the Explorers Way, thorugh Adelaide to Darwin.

 

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