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West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory © Tourism Australia

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• Top things to do
• Getting to the Northern Territory

An adventure seeker’s mecca, the Northern Territory offers wide-open stretches of rich red outback, clear waterholes, ancient Aboriginal culture and charming tropical towns.

The Northern Territory is vast and incredible, from the mighty monolith of Ulu r u and the desert town of  Alice Springs  to the coastal capital of  Darwin  and its neighbouring islands. Offering unforgettable travel experiences, you’re sure to leave the Northern Territory a little different than you came. 

Be sure to come to the Northern Territory with an open mind – this place is not just about arid desert. You'll also find wildlife-rich wetlands and billabongs, natural thermal springs and fringing tropical islands. Each of these places is uniquely characterised by the cultural influence of the world's oldest living cultures, making a trip to the Northern Territory both exciting and insightful.

• Experience the magnificence of Uluru and Kata Tjuta
• Learn about Aboriginal history in Arnhem Land or in the Tiwi Islands
• Visit awe-inspiring national parks, including Kakadu and Litchfield

There are two major gateways into the Northern Territory: Alice Springs in Central Australia and Darwin in the north of the state (often called the Top End).

While you can’t fly direct to Alice Springs from outside of Australia, it’s easy to take a connecting flight from most capital cities. For an old-school experience with modern amenities, book a trip on the famed  Ghan train journey , which winds along the track between  Adelaide , Alice Springs and Darwin. Or, if you have time for an epic road trip, the  Explorers Way  crosses from Adelaide in  South Australia  to Darwin in the Northern Territory (or vice-versa).

Popular destinations in the Northern Territory

The Red Centre

Kings Canyon

Trips and itineraries

10 days of waterhole hopping

10 days of Australian Aboriginal experiences

Alice Springs to Uluru: a 7-day road trip

Ultimate 6-day Kakadu family road trip

4-day family holiday in and around Uluru

14 days of nature, wine and Aboriginal cultures

5-day Darwin to Katherine road trip

Things to do in the northern territory.

Top things to do in Darwin with kids

Day trips around Alice Springs

Where to see crocodiles around Darwin

Looking for more inspiration? Go to northernterritory.com

Travellers' stories, explore australia's states and territories.

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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NORTHERN TERRITORY TRAVEL

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Clicking on the areas on the NT map below will take you to the appropriate region in the Northern Territory where you can view and book your accommodation, tours and rentals, and transfers.

Click here for a Higher quality map in .PDF format (1.44 MB)

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Map of Northern Territory

Explore The Northern Territory with our interactive map. Simply click on the Map below to visit each of the regions of the NT. We have included some of the popular destinations to give you give you an idea of where they are located in the territory. If you want to see more maps use the navigation panel on the right hand side of this page to view other State and Territory Maps in Australia. Australia is a big country so make sure you understand the the distances and travel time involved.

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Don’t venture out into uncharted Territory. Plan your NT adventure with these comprehensive maps covering towns, deserts, islands, national parks, tourist drives and 4WD tracks.

Find your way around the Top End with maps covering Darwin City, Kakadu, Litchfield National Park, Arnhem Land and the Tiwi Islands.

Maps of the Red Centre covering Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Uluru and Kings Canyon will guide your travels and highlight some of the great information displays that appear along the way.

Darwin & Surrounds maps

Alice springs & surrounds maps, uluru & surrounds maps, kakadu maps, katherine & surrounds maps, arnhem land maps, tennant creek maps.

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The Top End. Different From The Bottom End.

Looking to head to the Northern Territory but don’t know where to go? This NT destination map will save you. The ultimate destination guide to all areas within the Northern Territory. From Darwin to Kakadu, Alice to Uluru and beyond… we’ve got you covered. You can build your own travel itinerary with this handy NT location guide!

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Northern Territory

From Kakadu to Uluru, from Darwin to the outback, the Northern Territory has stirring landscapes, abundant wildlife and a soulful Indigenous story.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Nothing can really prepare you for the immensity, grandeur, changing colour and stillness of 'the Rock'. It really is a sight that will sear itself on to…

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is one of the world's great national parks, combining an astonishing array of attractions. Its wetlands and escarpments shelter abundant wildlife,…

It takes a lot more than the busloads of visitors to disturb Ubirr's inherent majesty and grace. Layers of rock-art paintings, in various styles and from…

Nitmiluk National Park

Outback Northern Territory

Spectacular Katherine Gorge forms the backbone of this 2920-sq-km park, about 30km from Katherine. A series of 13 deep sandstone gorges have been carved…

Devil's Marbles

The gigantic granite boulders piled just east of the Stuart Hwy, 105km south of Tennant Creek, are known as the Devil’s Marbles (Karlu Karlu in the local…

Garig Gunak Barlu National Park

Arnhem Land

The entire wilderness of remote Cobourg Peninsula, including the surrounding sea, forms the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park. It's a stunning, isolated…

Trephina Gorge Nature Park

If you only have time for a couple of stops in the East MacDonnell Ranges, make Trephina Gorge Nature Park (75km from Alice) one of them. The play between…

Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Food is the main attraction here − from Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese and Malaysian to Brazilian, Greek, Portuguese and more − all at around $6 to $12…

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Get to the heart of Northern Territory with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Northern Territory and beyond

Northern territory Travel Guide

We design our Northern Territory Travel Guide as a starting point for planning your visit to the Australian outback. We cover the basics you need to plan a trip to Darwin, Uluru, and all the other major towns of this magical part of the world.

There are many reasons to visit, among them:

• The awe-inspiring UNESCO sites at Uluru, Kuta Tjuta and Kakadu
• A culture dating back more than 40,000 years
• 24 National Parks  and over 70 conservation areas
• Offbeat cultural/sporting events like the Beer Can Regatta in Darwin and the Camel Cup in Alice Springs
• Cruise or kayak Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge 

At 1600km from top to bottom, if the Northern Territory were its own country, it would be the 20th largest in the world!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s start planning!

Regions in Northern Territory

Unless you have a month or more to explore, you will probably only visit one or two of these regions on any trip. The state has so much to offer that it’s a good idea to get a lay of the land and see where the visitor hotspots are.

The NT is divided into seven regions; we have listed the key sites in each place if you are not exactly sure where everything is.

• Darwin and the Top End
• Arnhem Land
• Tennant Creek and Barkly Region
• Alice Springs
• Uluru and Kings Canyon

If you are not sure where to head, start with our guide to the regions of the Northern Territory.

Northern Territory Inspiration

How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Uluru in 2024

Northern territory travel planning.

Learn about the world’s oldest culture while visiting Australia’s ancient red centre. Experience the waterfalls of Kakadu and Litchfield and uncover some of the classic desert bush walks in Katherine and the McDonnell Ranges. Be sure to add a short stay in Darwin to learn about the Territory’s history and meet the local crocodiles!

How to get to the NT

There are a few ways to travel between the Top End and the Red Centre, but a flight will be your best choice if you are short of time.

The Northern Territory has three airports, but international flights only land in Darwin.

International Airports

• Darwin- Direct flights from Bali (2.5hrs), Singapore (5hrs) and Manila (5hrs), Dili (80mins)

Key   Domestic airports

• Ayers Rock (Yulara) – direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin and Cairns
• Alice Springs – direct flights from Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Ayers Rock
• Darwin – all Australian capitals and Broome, Cairns and Townsville

Interstate Trains

There are trains from Adelaide and Alice Springs; these are luxury services chosen more for the experiences they offer than a way to get from A to B.

Interstate Buses

You can take a long-distance bus from Broome to Darwin or between Adelaide and Alice Springs, as well as from Alice Springs and Darwin. These trips are tests of endurance and only suited to the hardiest travellers.

highlights of The NT

Getting around the Territory

Driving distances by average time.

• Darwin to Katherine – 3hrs 10 minutes
• Darwin to Kakadu – 3 hours
• Darwin to Tennant Creek – 10 hours
• Alice Springs to Darwin – 15 hours
• Darwin to Yulara – 19 hours

Explore more of THe NT

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6 Unforgettable Day Trips From Darwin

A Detailed Guide to Choosing Accommodation in ULURU 2024

Walks at Uluru – Everything you need to know

When is the best time To visit the Northern Territory

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Australia's Northern Territory

Written by Karen Hastings Updated May 26, 2022

A land of stark beauty, sacred Aboriginal sites, and sweeping wilderness, the Northern Territory has always stood apart from the rest of Australia. Vast deserts, wetlands, monsoonal rains, red-rock gorges, and raging rivers spark the spirit of adventure in those who visit, and wilderness adventures top the list of things to do.

"The Territory" is also rich in culture. The Traditional Owners of this land managed to preserve their way of life for much longer than other areas of the country, and today you can learn about how they thrived here for thousands of years.

The Red Centre , in the south of The Territory, is a land of parched deserts and striking rock formations. Uluru , the iconic red monolith, is one of the region's most famous tourist attractions. Northwest of here lies the legendary outback town of Alice Springs , a popular base for wilderness safaris.

The tropical Top End , or northern part of the state, encompasses the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park , famed for its Crocodile Dundee scenes; beautiful Litchfield National Park; Nitmiluk National Park; and the First Peoples settlements of Arnhem Land. Also in the Top End is multicultural Darwin , the capital of the Northern Territory.

Find the best places to visit in this rugged outback region with our list of the top tourist attractions in the Northern Territory, Australia.

1. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

2. kakadu national park, 3. mindil beach & mindil beach markets, darwin, 4. nitmiluk national park, 5. darwin's waterfront & stokes hill wharf, 6. litchfield national park, 7. kings canyon (watarrka national park), 8. darwin's museums & galleries, 9. finke gorge national park, 10. alice springs, 11. karlu karlu (devil's marbles conservation reserve), 12. simpsons gap, west macdonnell national park, 13. larapinta trail, 14. the tiwi islands, 15. arnhem land, map of tourist attractions in australia's northern territory.

In the Red Centre, World Heritage-listed Uluru National Park, is one of Australia's most famous tourist attractions . The park's main features include Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) , the 348-meter-high red monolith rising from the desert, and the dome-shaped rocks called Kata Tjuta ( the Olgas ), which lie 40 kilometers away from Uluru. Oxidation or rusting of iron in the rock gives the structures their beautiful red coloring.

Both sites hold deep spiritual significance to the Traditional Owners, the Anangu people, who manage the park jointly with Parks Australia. Around dusk, visitors gather at sunset viewing areas to photograph these impressive structures, when the play of color is at its finest. To really appreciate these sacred sites join a sightseeing tour led by an Indigenous guide.

Official site: http://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/

Kakadu's wild beauty will haunt your memory for a lifetime. Awarded dual World Heritage Status both for its outstanding natural and cultural value, this spectacular Top End wilderness area is Australia's largest national park and one of the top places to visit on a Northern Territory travel itinerary.

Landscapes range from lush wetlands to arid upland country. On the north coast lies the tidal zone, with river estuaries, mangrove swamps, and tall monsoon rainforests. Inland are the flood plains, where rivers pursue a winding course to the sea. Boat tours, like the Yellow Waters cruise and the Guluyambi Cultural Cruise take you through some of these waterways to view the unique plants and animals, including crocodiles and an impressive diversity of birds.

Waterfalls are among the many highlights of Kakadu. The escarpment of the Arnhem Land plateau runs diagonally through the park, from southwest to northeast. After heavy rain, water pours over its bare rocks and down the escarpment in magnificent tiers of thundering falls – Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are two of the most famous.

Hiking trails and the main access roads radiate through the gently rolling upland country, and this is the best way to explore the top attractions in this part of the park.

Wildlife mirrors the incredible diversity of habitats. Among the animals you can spot here are more than 70 different species of reptiles, the largest and most dangerous of which is the saltwater crocodile, as well as a vast array of fish, mammals, and birds.

In addition to all these natural attractions, the park is home to many sacred Aboriginal sites, and rock paintings dating back more than 20,000 years. Ubirr and Nourlangie hold Australia's most important collection of Aboriginal art.

You can visit Kakadu from Darwin , but this vast wilderness area deserves more than just a day trip. If you want to stay longer, consider basing yourself at Jabiru.

Note that seasonal flooding may close some sections of the park, especially during the wet season. For comprehensive information on the natural history and culture of this unique area stop by the National Park's Visitors Centre in Jabiru .

Official site: http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/index.html

Multicultural Darwin is the youngest of the Australian state capitals and the gateway to wilderness adventures like Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. But you'll find plenty of rewarding things to do in Darwin before you head out. Watching the sunset at Mindil Beach should be top on your list.

A mere five minutes from Darwin's city center, this rather unassuming stretch of sand and sea is the setting for a curious ritual. Every evening at sunset, throngs of tourists and locals plonk down on the shore to watch the sun dip into the tranquil Timor Sea. It's one of the best free things to do in the Northern Territory.

Mindil Beach also hosts the tourist-favorite Mindil Beach Sunset Markets . Come here every Thursday and Sunday evening to feast on tasty treats from around the world, buy souvenirs for your friends back home, or just soak up the scene of happy tourists. Live music adds an upbeat soundtrack, and the general vibe is one of a huge communal picnic catered by the many food stalls.

From Mindil Beach, wander along scenic waterfront paths to East Point Nature Reserve , where you can learn about Darwin's fascinating history at the Darwin Military Museum.

Formerly known as Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National Park is one of the most famous Top End tourist attractions. The main must-see site is the series of gorges. Up to 100 meters deep, they were carved by the Katherine River through the soft sandstone of the southern Arnhem Land plateau.

During the dry months, the river carries little water, leaving a series of pools separated by rocks and boulders. During the wet season, the river is at its most impressive as it surges tumultuously through the narrow gorges.

In contrast to the arid Arnhem Land plateau, the perennial flow of the Katherine River nourishes luxuriant vegetation and diverse wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles and more than 160 species of birds.

Boat trips through the gorges are one of the most popular ways to explore Nitmiluk National Park . But you can also explore the park on foot. Trails range from a two-hour hike to the viewpoint above the first gorge to a five-day hike to Leliyn ( Edith Falls ) in the park's northwest.

Kayak rentals and helicopter flights are other popular ways to experience the park.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/nitmiluk-national-park

Darwin's Waterfront Precinct is the best place to soak up the city's salt-tinged setting. Stroll along the waterfront promenade here, in the heart of the city, and see what piques your interest. You'll find everything from tourist attractions and art galleries to restaurants, parks, shops, and, of course, glistening water views.

Traveling with kids? Stop by the Darwin wave lagoon or water park for a cool dip, pop by the waterfront park for a clamber on the rock climbing wall, or relax with a picnic on the white-sand beach. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the World War II secret Oil Storage Tunnels. At night, take the family to the Deckchair Cinema to catch the latest flicks.

Just a few minutes' stroll across the bridge from Darwin Waterfront is Stokes Hill Wharf . Another tourist favorite, this working wharf is the departure point for harbor cruises, Jet Ski tours, and fishing charters. It's also a great place to visit for an alfresco seafood meal.

Prefer to catch your own fish? Cast a line from the free fishing platforms here. Stokes Hill Wharf is also home to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Darwin Tourist Facility, one of Darwin's top museums .

About a 90-minute drive from Darwin, beautiful Litchfield National Park is a popular day trip from the capital. It's great way to experience the Top End wilderness without traveling all the way to Kakadu.

Among Litchfield's main attractions are its beautiful waterfalls and freshwater springs, which flow from the escarpment of the Tabletop Range and tumble over steep cliffs.

The park scenery is also beautiful. It varies from patches of tropical monsoon forest around the waterfalls and ponds to open woodland and giant magnetic termite mounds. Don't miss the Lost City . This formation of large sandstone columns sits near Tolmer Falls in the park's west.

Bushwalking and hiking are particularly rewarding. You can also enjoy a dip in the park's plunge pools and swimming holes; explore the ruins of the Blythe Homestead ; and visit Wangi Falls , one of the most popular swimming and picnicking spots.

Sealed roads lead to most of the major attractions, but 4WD vehicles are recommended to access some of the park's more remote features.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/litchfield-national-park

Part of Watarrka National Park and located about midway between Alice Springs and Uluru, Kings Canyon has the deepest gorge in the Red Centre . The scenery is spectacular. Orange-red rocks glow against a typically deep blue sky, and the sandstone walls of the canyon rise to heights of 100 meters, almost looking like they were cut with a knife.

The park is also surprisingly lush in areas. On the bottom of the canyon are perennial waterholes, and ferns and palm forests line the upper part of the gorge – especially in the area called the Garden of Eden . More than 600 species of native plants and animals live in the region.

To the Luritja people, this area was sacred, and their dwellings and places of assembly are decorated with rock paintings.

One of the best ways to explore Watarrka National Park is on the network of scenic hiking trails. The steep six-kilometer Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the top hikes in Australia . Scenic flights and camel safaris are other ways to explore the park.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/watarrka-national-park

Despite its laid-back feel, Darwin has a turbulent history, and you can learn all about it at the city's excellent museums.

Darwin's World War II history shaped the country. This seemingly sleepy tropical city was the site of Australia's largest single attack by a foreign power, when the Japanese bombed the city and harbor on February 19, 1942. Learn more about this fateful event at the excellent Defence of Darwin Experience at the Darwin Military Museum.

For even more exhibits on the bombing of Darwin, save time to stop by the Darwin Aviation Museum . True to its name, the museum displays a collection of military aircraft, including a B52 Bomber on loan from the US Air Force.

A second key event in Darwin's history was Cyclone Tracy . On Christmas Day 1974, this ferocious storm slammed Darwin with wind speeds of up to 280 kilometers per hour, almost destroying the entire town. You can hear a chilling sound recording of the storm at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory . The museum also covers Darwin's maritime and natural history, and art lovers will enjoy the impressive collection of Aboriginal art. Keep a lookout for "Sweetheart," a 5.1-meter-long stuffed crocodile, one of the largest ever captured in the Northern Territory.

Prefer a feel-good museum? Head to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Darwin Tourist Facility on Stokes Hill Wharf. Here, you can learn all about the outback heroes who connect the Northern Territory's remote communities with life-saving medical care.

If gallery gazing is more your style, Mason Gallery (Shop 7/21 Cavanagh Street) displays and sells vibrant Aboriginal artwork with a focus on pieces from the Northern Territory.

Finke Gorge National Park is known for its prehistoric red cabbage palms, which grow in the valley of Palm Creek , a tributary of the Finke River . Extinct elsewhere, the palms are relics of a much wetter period. The imposing rock formations in the park are also of ritual significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people.

Because of its inaccessibility, Finke Gorge National Park drew few visitors until a campground was established on Palm Creek, near Palm Valley. For visitors without an all-terrain vehicle, organized tours depart from Alice Springs.

An oasis in the red-earthed desert, Alice Springs is one of Australia's most famous outback towns. Affectionately called "the Alice" by Aussies, it's an important base camp for tours to Red Centre attractions, including Uluru , Kata Tjuta , the MacDonnell Ranges , Kings Canyon , and the boundless expanses of the outback.

Neville Shute's novel, A Town like Alice , and its film version nudged this unassuming town into the international spotlight. Once a dusty outback settlement, today Alice Springs brims with restaurants, hotels, caravan parks, entertainment venues, shops, and Aboriginal art galleries. At the Araluen Cultural Precinct , you can learn about the region's history and Aboriginal culture in a complex of museums and galleries.

Wildlife lovers can meet some famous Northern Territory animals at Alice Springs Desert Park and Alice Springs Reptile Park . And for a dose of local color, try to time your visit for the annual camel races at the end of April and the beginning of May. The greatest event of the year, however, is the Henley on Todd Regatta at the beginning of October. At this famous event, locals trundle boats along the dry riverbed and top off the day with a festival.

Adventures abound in the surrounding countryside. Travelers can hike the Larapinta Trail , one of Australia's most challenging walks, and drive the Red Centre Way from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon . Desert safaris on quad bikes, hot air balloon rides, and camel rides are other popular things to do.

The Northern Territory has no shortage of quirky rock formations, and Karlu Karlu (The Devil's Marbles) grace the list. These huge granite boulders, worn down and split by weathering, are striking landmarks in a flat sandy plain.

In Aboriginal mythology these massive rocks, lying tumbled on the ground or piled on top of one another, are the eggs of the rainbow serpent and are called Karlu Karlu. Their shade and the dew that settles around them provide a habitat for low-growing plants and many birds.

Karlu Karlu are a favorite subject for photographers; arrive just before sunset for the best light.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/karlu-karlu-devils-marbles-conservation-reserve

A visit to Simpsons Gap, near Alice Springs, is a great way to experience the rugged topography of the western MacDonnell Ranges . Deep gorges carved by prehistoric watercourses form a striking contrast to the wide desert-like plains and dunes. Areas of white sand, huge river eucalyptus trees, and white-barked ghost gums lead to a permanent waterhole in the shelter of rugged cliffs, which are particularly impressive in the slanting sun of late afternoon.

To the Aranda people who live here, the gorge is the home of their giant goanna ancestors. Walking trails lead to quiet spots where rock wallabies appear in the early morning and late afternoon, and Cassia Hill offers excellent views of the Larapinta valley .

A 24-kilometer hike from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Simpsons Gap marks the first section of the famous Larapinta Trail , one of Australia's most famous outback walks.

Official site: https://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park-to-visit/simpsons-gap

One of Australia's top hikes , the legendary Larapinta Trail takes you right through the heart of the Aussie outback. This tough 223-kilometer track follows in the footsteps of the First Peoples, crossing ancient desert landscapes and threading along the craggy spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Starting at the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the Larapinta trail is best tackled by experienced hikers. The entire hike takes about 14 days , but you can slice it up into shorter sections to suit your time and ability. Highlights include Simpson's Gap , Ormiston Gorge , Stanley Chasm , and the spectacular views from the summit of Mount Sonder.

Along the way, you'll sleep under the star-spangled desert skies in a swag, or you can pitch a tent at one of the wilderness camps. Guided group tours are the best way to tackle this epic hike.

Official site: http://www.larapintatrail.com.au

Aptly called the "Islands of Smiles," the Tiwi islands, about 80 kilometers north of Darwin, are among the top Northern Territory cultural attractions. If you look at a Northern Territory map, these unsung tropical islands sit just north of Darwin and offer a fascinating dose of Indigenous culture, as well as white-sand beaches, dense jungles, and fantastic fishing.

Bathurst and Melville Islands are the only two inhabited islands and are the top destinations for visitors, but the group also encompasses nine small uninhabited islands.

A popular way to visit the Tiwi Islands is on an organized day tour, which starts with a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Darwin. Famous for their vibrant art, the warm and friendly Tiwi people welcome visitors with a traditional song and dance ceremony, and demonstrate artistic techniques like painting, screen printing, and carving in the islands' galleries. Australian Rules Football is also a favorite pastime, and many footie fans visit during March to attend the annual grand final and local celebrations.

Besides aboriginal cultural and art tours, another way to experience the islands is on a fishing trip based out of either Melville Island Lodge, Clearwater Island Lodge, or Johnson River Camp. Barramundi, giant trevally, golden snapper, and jewfish are some of the species found in the rivers and coral reefs.

If you prefer to skip the ferry, flights to the islands take about 25 minutes, but you need to organize a permit well in advance for overnight stays.

Wondering about unique things to do in the Northern Territory? Add Arnhem Land to your Northern Territory itinerary and learn about one of the oldest living cultures on Earth. Rivaling the size of Iceland, this remote homeland of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lies about 500 kilometers from Darwin.

The Yolngu people are the Traditional Owners, and with their permission, you can visit here to experience their way of life, admire vibrant Aboriginal art, see ancient rock art sites, and learn how they live off the land.

Make sure you bring a camera. The striking landscapes here will linger long in your memory. Lush greens vibrate against the glowing red earth, and the turquoise Arafura Sea washes up on empty white-sand beaches. The wildlife is also a highlight. Crocs, birds, goannas, kangaroos, and dugongs are just some of the animals you can see here.

Fishing is another top thing to do in Arnhem Land. In fact, the Cobourg Peninsula is one of Australia's top fishing spots.

Visiting Arnhem Land requires some planning. First, you'll need to organize a permit in advance. Second, decide whether you want to do a DIY trip or join a guided tour. The latter is probably the best way to see all the highlights. No matter how you do it, this trip is one of the best ways to get an authentic taste of this fascinating ancient culture.

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For most Australians the Northern Territory – known simply as “the Territory” or “NT” – embodies the antithesis of the country’s cushy suburban seaboard. The name conjures up a distant frontier province, and to some extent that’s still the case. Even today, a little over one percent of Australians inhabit an area covering a fifth of the continent, which partly explains why the Territory has never achieved full statehood. Territorians love to play up the extremes of climate, distance and isolation that mould their temperaments and accentuate their tough, maverick image as outsiders in a land of “southerners”. And beneath the grizzled clichés you’ll unearth a potent, unforgettable travel destination, serving up raw scenery, world-class national parks and a beguilingly strong Aboriginal heritage.

Alice Springs and around

Arnhem land, top end weather, kakadu national park, katherine and around, the macdonnell ranges, mereenie loop track, finke river route, arltunga to ruby gap, cattlewater pass, owen springs track, south to alice springs, south to kings canyon and uluru, along the stuart highway, the victoria highway to western australia.

The small but sultry city of Darwin , the Territory’s capital, is nearer to Bali than Sydney, with an unhurried tempo that regularly waylays travellers. Its location makes it the natural base for explorations around the Top End , as tropical NT is known. Most visitors make a beeline for the nearby natural attractions, most notably the photogenic swimming holes of Litchfield National Park and the World Heritage-listed, Aboriginal-managed Kakadu National Park , with its astonishing array of ancient rock art sites, waterways and wildlife: if croc-spotting’s a priority, you’re unlikely to leave disappointed. Arnhem Land , to the east of Kakadu, is Aboriginal land, requiring a permit to enter – some Darwinites think nothing of getting a permit every weekend to go fishing – while if you don’t want to go it alone, certain tours are authorized to visit the spectacular wilderness of scattered indigenous communities.

Around 100km south of Kakadu, the main attraction near the town of Katherine is the magnificent gorge complex within Nitmiluk National Park . Continuing south, a dip in Mataranka ’s thermal pools and some colourful “bush pubs” are the highlights of the 670km to Tennant Creek , by which time you’ve left the Top End’s savannah woodland and wetlands to travel through pastoral tablelands. The Stuart Highway continues to spool southwards, passing the rotund boulders of the Devil’s Marbles and rolling on into the central deserts surrounding Alice Springs . By no means the dusty Outback town many expect, Alice is home to more than 25,000, making it by some way the largest settlement in the interior. It’s an enjoyable base from which to learn about the Aborigines of the Western Desert and explore the region’s natural wonders, of which the stupendous monolith, Uluru – formerly known as Ayers Rock – 450km to the southwest, is just one of many. The West MacDonnell ranges, a series of rugged ridges cut at intervals by slender chasms and huge gorges, start on Alice Springs’ western doorstep. On the other side of town, the Eastern MacDonnells are less visited but no less appealing, while the remote tracks of the Simpson Desert to the south attract intrepid off-roaders. To the west, lush Palm Valley is accessible via a rough 4WD route and linked to the yawning chasm of Kings Canyon via a dirt track, the Mereenie Loop. These sights combined make for a memorable tour of the Outback. Renting a 4WD is recommended to get the most out of the trip; there many interesting off-road tracks.

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Cross Western Australia to Darwin

Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car.

The bright, clear desert air of ALICE SPRINGS gives the town and its people a charge that you don’t get in the languid, tropical north. Arriving here is a relief after a long drive up or down the Stuart Highway. Its sights, notably the wonderful Araluen Arts Centre and the out-of-town Desert Park, are worth leisurely exploration, and a couple of nights is the minimum you should budget for. Timing your visit for one of the town’s quirky festivals, from dry river-bed regattas to the Camel Cup, is also worth considering.

The centre of town occupies a compact area between the Stuart Highway and Leichhardt Terrace, along the almost perennially dry Todd River, bordered to the north and south by Wills Terrace and Stott Terrace respectively. Bisecting this rectangle is Todd Mall , a pedestrian thoroughfare lined with cafés and galleries. Get an overview of Alice’s setting by nipping up Anzac Hill (off Wills Terrace) for 360-degree views over the town and the MacDonnell Ranges.

Brief history

The area has been inhabited for at least forty thousand years by the Arrernte (also known as Aranda), who moved between reliable water sources along the MacDonnell Ranges. But, as elsewhere in the Territory, it was only the arrival of the Overland Telegraph Line in the 1870s that led to a permanent settlement here. It was Charles Todd , then South Australia’s Superintendent of Telegraphs, who saw the need to link South Australia with the Top End, which in turn would give a link to Asia and, ultimately, the rest of the empire. The town’s river and its tributary carry his name, while the “spring” (actually a billabong) and town are named after his wife, Alice.

With repeater stations needed every 250km from Adelaide to Darwin to boost the OTL signal, the billabong north of today’s town was chosen as the spot at which to establish the telegraph station. When a spurious ruby rush led to the discovery of gold in the Eastern MacDonnells, Stuart Town (the town’s official name in its early years) became a departure point for the long slog to the riches east. The gold rush fizzled, but the township of Stuart remained, a collection of shanty dwellings serving pastoralists, prospectors and missionaries.

In 1929 the railway line from Adelaide finally reached Stuart Town. Journeys that had once taken weeks by camel from the Oodnadatta railhead could now be undertaken in just a few days, so by 1933, when the town officially became Alice Springs, the population had mushroomed to nearly five hundred white Australians. The 1942 evacuation of Darwin saw Alice Springs become the Territory’s administrative capital and a busy military supply base.

After hostilities ceased, some of the wartime population stayed on and Alice Springs began to establish itself as a pleasant if quirky place to live, immortalized in fiction by Nevil Shute’s novel, A Town Like Alice . In the 1980s the town’s prosperity was further boosted by the reconstruction of the poorly built rail link from Adelaide and the sealing of the Stuart Highway. The town’s proximity to Uluru, which became a global tourist destination in the 1970s and 1980s, saw the creation of the many resorts and motels still present today. This trade took a knock when direct flights to the rock were established, and businesses in Alice are still suffering from this bypass effect.

There are decent accommodation options scattered across the city, on both sides of the Todd River. Much of it is reasonably central, but be aware that Alice isn’t the safest city for a long wander at night. Booking ahead is advisable during the winter school holidays (June & July) and events like the biennial Masters Games in October (even-numbered years).

Eating and drinking

There are plenty of good places to eat in Alice Springs. Todd Mall boasts a handful of cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating. Nightlife is fairly low-key, though Friday and Saturday nights get lively; doormen and regular police patrols keep things from getting too hairy but it’s safest to get a taxi back to your accommodation if you have more than a five-minute walk. The twice-weekly Centralian Advocate ( alicenow.com.au ) carries details of live music and other entertainment.

These days a rail adventure of international renown, The Ghan – the train service which travels year-round between Adelaide and Darwin – is remarkable for several reasons, not least the fact that it exists at all. Work first started on a rail line that would join the two cities in 1877, but poor engineering practices coupled with a flimsy understanding of seasonal rains meant decades of failed attempts. The service takes its name from the Afghan cameleers who had nailed Outback travel rather more effectively.

A workable stretch of track from Adelaide to Alice Springs was in place from the 1930s, although it wasn’t until as recently as 2004 that it finally reached Darwin. It’s a blessing that it now does. There are three types of ticket available: Red Service , Gold Service and Platinum Service . Red Service gives you a “Daynighter” seat and a view of the plains rolling by – plump for anything higher and you’re treated to a smart private cabin, indulgent food and wine, off-train tours and a general sense of rail travel as it should be. Highly recommended. See gsr.com.au or call 1800 703 357 for more information.

Pristine ARNHEM LAND is geographically the continuation of Kakadu eastwards to the Gulf of Carpentaria, but without the infrastructure and picnic areas. Never colonized and too rough to graze, the 91,000-square-kilometre wilderness was designated an Aboriginal reserve in 1931 and has remained in Aboriginal hands since that time. In 1963 the Yirrkala of northwestern Arnhem Land appealed against the proposed mining of bauxite on their land. It was the first protest of its kind and included the presentation of sacred artefacts and a petition in the form of a bark painting to the government in Canberra. Their actions brought the issue of Aboriginal land rights to the public eye, paving the way for subsequent successful land claims in the Territory.

Independent tourists are not allowed to visit Arnhem Land without a permit , and the twelve thousand Aborigines who live here prefer it that way. Little disturbed for more then forty thousand years, Arnhem Land, like Kakadu, holds thousands of rock-art sites and burial grounds, wild coastline, rivers teeming with fish, stunning stone escarpments, monsoon forests, savannah woodlands and abundant wildlife. In recent years, the mystique of this “forbidden land” has proved a profitable source of income for Arnhem Land’s more accessible communities, and tours, particularly to the areas adjacent to Kakadu, are now offered in partnership with a select few operators.

Aboriginal festivals

Attending an Aboriginal festival can make for a high point of a visit to Australia. Here are some of the best, and most memorable, in the Territory. They are almost exclusively alcohol-free.

Ngukurr (June; ngukurrarts.com ) A three-day festival at a remote community on the Roper Highway, incorporating everything from footy matches and craft workshops to hip-hop competitions and family activities.

Barunga (June; barungafestival.com.au ) One of the best known of the NT’s indigenous festivals, with a focus on music, sport and culture. 80km southeast of Katherine.

Dancing with Spirits (July; djilpinarts.org.au ) Held by the Wugularr community in SW Arnhem Land, sharing songs, dance, stories and music in a spectacular waterside setting. 4WD recommended for access.

Walaman Cultural Festival (July; ntyan.com.au) A colourful celebration involving workshops, traditional dancing, bush games and fire sculptures. Takes place in Bulman, 400km southeast of Darwin. No charge for tickets, all welcome.

Garma (August; garma.com.au ) Rightly famed and hugely popular, drawing large numbers of non-indigenous visitors to the Gove Peninsula to immerse themselves in the music, ceremonies and bushcraft of the “First Australians”.

In spite of its modest size, torrid climate and often traumatic history, DARWIN manages to feel young, vibrant and cosmopolitan, a mood illustrated as much by the buzzing bars along Mitchell Street as by the joggers and cyclists making the most of the tropical parks and waterfront suburbs. Travellers accustomed to the all-enveloping conurbations of the east coast can initially be underwhelmed by its low-rise, laidback mood, but Darwin more than matches its billing as one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia, and its population of some 125,000 accommodates a jumble of different ethnic backgrounds. To fully appreciate Darwin you should allow a minimum of three days to absorb its heritage buildings and wildlife attractions, visit the gleaming new waterfront quarter and enjoy the steaming nightlife.

Day-trips from Darwin include the ever-popular Litchfield National Park as well as the Aboriginal-owned Tiwi Islands, a thirty-minute flight from town. Crocodylus Park, on the city’s edge, makes for a full day out when combined with the excellent Territory Wildlife Park. On paper, Kakadu is another day-trip option, but to appreciate it properly you’ll need longer, possibly on a tour.

Setting up a colonial settlement on Australia’s remote northern shores was never going to be easy, and it took four abortive attempts in various locations over 45 years before Darwin (originally called Palmerston) was established in 1869 by the new South Australian state keen to exploit its recently acquired “northern territory”. The early colonists’ aim was to pre-empt foreign occupation and create a trading post – a “new Singapore” for the British Empire.

Things got off to a promising start with the 1872 arrival of the Overland Telegraph Line (OTL) , following the route pioneered by explorer John McDouall Stuart in 1862 that finally linked Australia with the rest of the world. Gold was discovered at Pine Creek while pylons were being erected for the OTL, prompting a gold rush and construction of a southbound railway. After the gold rush ran its course, a cyclone flattened the depressed town in 1897, but by 1911, when Darwin adopted its present name (a legacy of Charles Darwin’s former ship, the Beagle , having laid anchor here in 1839), the rough-and-ready frontier outpost had grown into a small government centre, servicing the mines and properties of the Top End. Yet even by 1937, after being razed by a second cyclone, the town had a population of just 1500.

During World War II, Japanese air raids destroyed Darwin, killing hundreds, information that was suppressed at the time. The fear of invasion and an urgent need to get troops to the war zone led to the swift construction of the Stuart Highway , the first reliable land link between Darwin and the rest of Australia.

Three decades of postwar prosperity followed until Christmas Eve 1974, when Cyclone Tracy rolled in overnight and devastated the city. Despite the relatively low death toll of 66, Tracy marked the end of old Darwin, psychologically as well as architecturally, and most of the population was evacuated before the hasty rebuilding process began. Over the last couple of decades links with Asia, and an influx of Aussies seeking warmer weather and a slower pace of life, have transformed the city into a vibrant multicultural destination. In 2004 tourism and the mining industry were boosted by the completion of the Darwin rail link with Alice Springs (and Adelaide). More recently, the billion-dollar waterfront regeneration project and the discovery of vast amounts of natural gas offshore have attracted more migrants and money.

The modern city spreads north from the end of a stubby peninsula where a settlement was originally established on the lands of the Larrakia Aborigines. For the visitor most of the action lies between the Waterfront Area and East Point, 9km to the north.

Aboriginal people and tourism

More than a quarter of Northern Territory’s population are Aborigines, a far higher proportion than anywhere else in Australia, and half of the Territory is once again Aboriginal-owned land , returned following protracted land claims. As a tourist, however, meeting Aboriginal people and getting to know them can be difficult. Excepting the national parks, most Aboriginal land is out of bounds to visitors without a permit or invitation, and most communities and outstations, where the majority of Aboriginal people live, are remote even by Territory standards.

There’s a tendency for outsiders to think of “Aborigines” as a single mass of people, overlooking the fact that dozens of distinct indigenous groups have traditionally inhabited the NT region, many of them with very individual cultural beliefs and practices. But it’s true, sadly, that the most visible Aboriginal people in the main towns of Darwin and Alice Springs are those living rough on the streets, a sad sight that shows little signs of changing. Likewise, the extent of certain social problems – most apparently alcoholism – is unavoidable.

But while these issues might be real they’re far from all-defining, and for those interested in getting to the heart of the enigmatic Australian Outback and meeting indigenous Australians, the Territory provides an introduction to a land that’s sustained fascinating and complex cultures for at least forty thousand years. Some Aborigines have a new-found pride in their heritage and identity, demonstrated in superb museums, successful tourism projects , and a flowering of indigenous art, media, music and literature.

The most meaningful contact for the short-term visitor is likely to be from an indigenous tour guide, a knowledgeable non-Aboriginal guide, or – if you time things right – a visit to a cultural festival. Try to choose Aboriginal-owned tour providers, for example Northern Territory Indigenous Tours or Batji Tours. Keep in mind that most tours will only scrape the surface of a complex way of life – secrecy is one of the pillars that supports traditional society, so what you’ll probably learn is a watered-down version from people unable to give away some of the particulars of closely guarded “business”. But if you’re keen to learn about the meaning of the country for Aborigines, about languages, bushtucker, bush medicine and Dreamtime stories, these tours can be enriching.

Darwin has plentiful accommodation , most of it conveniently central. Rates in the town’s apartments and more expensive hotels can drop by half during the Wet from October through to April .

Buying and playing a didgeridoo

Authentic didges are created from termite-hollowed branches of stringybark, woollybark and bloodwood trees that are indigenous from the Gulf to the Kimberley. They’re most commonly associated with Arnhem Land, where they were introduced between 1500 and 2000 years ago and are properly called yidaka or molo by the Yolngu people of that region. “Didgeridoo” is an Anglicized name relating to the sound produced.

Tiny bamboo and even painted pocket didges have found their way onto the market, but a real didge is a natural tube of wood with a rough interior. Painted versions haven’t necessarily got any symbolic meaning; plain ones can look less tacky and are less expensive. Branches being what they are, every didge is different, but if you’re considering playing it rather than hanging it over the fireplace, aim for one around 1.3m in length with a 30–40mm diameter mouthpiece. The bend doesn’t affect the sound, but the length, tapering and wall thickness (ideally between 5mm and 10mm) do. Avoid cumbersome, thick-walled items that get in the way of your face and sound flat. For authentic didges visit the workshop run by Richard Williams ( 21firstst.com ), based at Coco’s Backpackers in Katherine. Sounds of Starlight in Alice Springs also has an extensive range.

The key to making the right sound is to hum while letting your pressed lips flap, or vibrate, with the right pressure behind them – it’s easier using the side of your mouth. The tricky bit – beyond the ability of most beginners – is to master circular breathing; this entails refilling your lungs through your nose while maintaining the sound from your lips with air squeezed from your cheeks. A good way to get your head round this concept is to blow or “squirt” bubbles into a glass of water with a straw, while simultaneously inhaling through the nose. Most shops that sell didges also sell CDs and inexpensive “how to” booklets that offer hints on the mysteries of circular breathing and how to emit advanced sounds using your vocal cords.

Some Aboriginal communities forbid women to play the didge – as actress Nicole Kidman found out after she played one on German television to promote the film Australia . Besides being criticized for cultural insensitivity, Kidman was later informed that some Aboriginal groups believe that playing it makes women infertile.

Drinking and nightlife

Darwin’s alcohol consumption is notorious and weekend nights can get lively. The main focus is along Mitchell Street where a cluster of terrace-fronted bars compete for trade with happy hours, big-screen sport and acoustic live music. For a more sedate evening head down to the Waterfront Quarter or catch a movie under the stars. There’s no mass-market NT-brewed beer, but for the ultimate hangover cure, try an omnipresent Pauls Iced Coffee (only sold in the Territory).

Darwin has a surprisingly sophisticated restaurant scene. Local favourites can often fill up, so try to book ahead. Look out for seafood, particularly barramundi , a sweet-tasting fighting fish which is near inescapable on the city’s menus. Mindil Beach and Parap markets boast a plethora of Asian food stalls, while there are inexpensive seafood takeaways on Stokes Hill Wharf.

There is a certain amount of misunderstanding about the Top End’s tropical climate , usually summed up as the hot and humid “Dry” and the hotter and very humid “Wet”. Give or take a couple of weeks either way, this is the pattern: the Dry begins in April when rains stop and humidity decreases – although this always remains high, whatever the season. The bush is at its greenest, and engorged waterfalls pound the base of the escarpments, although it may take a couple of months for vehicle access to be restored to all far-flung tracks. From April until October skies are generally cloud-free, with daily temperatures reliably peaking in the low thirties centigrade, though June and July nights might cool down to 10°C – sheer bliss for unacclimatized tourists.

From October until December temperatures and humidity begin to rise during the Build Up . Clouds accumulate to discharge brief showers, and it’s a time of year when the weak-willed or insufficiently drunk can flip out and “go troppo” as the unbearable heat, humidity and dysfunctional air-conditioning push people over the edge. Around November storms can still be frustratingly dry but often give rise to spectacular lightning shows. Only when the monsoonal Wet season commences at the turn of the year do the daily afternoon storms rejuvenate and saturate the land. This daily cycle lasts for two months or so and is much more tolerable than you might expect, with a daily thunderous downpour cooling things down from the mid- to low thirties.

Cyclones occur most commonly at either end of the Wet and can dump 30cm of rain in as many hours, with winds of up to 300kph. Frequent updates on the erratic path and intensity of these tropical depressions are given on the radio, so most people are prepared when a storm hits. Some fizzle out or head back out to sea; others can intensify and zigzag across the land, most infamously in the form of 1974’s Cyclone Tracy, which pulverized Darwin.

And if further proof were needed that the Top End’s weather patterns warrant more distinction than merely Wet and Dry, know that the region’s Aboriginal groups traditionally recognize no less than six distinct seasons.

Some 150km east of Darwin lies KAKADU NATIONAL PARK , one of the most spectacular and varied wilderness areas in Australia, and World Heritage listed for both its natural and cultural riches. Kakadu derives its name from the Bininj/Mungguy people, the area’s traditional owners, who jointly manage the park with the Australian government.

Covering more than 20,000 square kilometres, Kakadu is a challenging place to appreciate in a short visit; aim to allow a minimum of three days , and consider either renting a 4WD or joining a 4WD tour. Try too to factor in a river cruise to get to more remote areas. The dry-season months are the most popular times to visit, with little or no rain, acceptable humidity and temperatures, and conspicuous wildlife. Towards the end of the Dry, birdlife congregates around the shrinking waterholes, while November’s rising temperatures and epic electrical storms herald the onset of the Wet. To see Kakadu during the Wet , which sees up to 1600mm of torrential rainfall between December and March, or the early Dry is, many argue, to see it at its best. While some major sights are inaccessible and the wildlife dispersed, the waterfalls are in full flow and the land possesses a verdant splendour that can be breathtaking.

You could easily spend a week visiting all the spots detailed here, ideally followed by a return visit six months later to observe the seasonal changes. All the places mentioned here are reached off either the Arnhem or Kakadu highways. Most roads are accessible to 2WDs, except where indicated; 4WD tracks are closed during the Wet when even the highways can be underwater at times.

Aboriginal rock art

More than five thousand known Aboriginal art sites cover the walls of Kakadu’s caves and sheltered outcrops, ranging in age from just 30 years old to more than 20,000. Most of the art sites are of spiritual significance to Aborigines who live in the park, and only a few locations, such as Ubirr and Nourlangie, can be visited by tourists. The paintings incorporate a variety of styles, from handprints to detailed “X-ray” depictions of animals and fish from the rich Estuarine period of six thousand years ago. At this time, rising sea levels are thought to have submerged the land bridge by which Aborigines crossed into Australia. It’s not unusual to see paintings from successive eras on one wall. Contact period images of seventeenth-century Macassar fishing praus and larger European schooners might be superimposed over depictions of ancient Mimi spirits or creation ancestors. For the indigenous people, the art sites are djang (dreaming places), depicting Dreamtime stories, and the images serve as prompts to communicate valuable lessons that are still passed down from generation to generation.

Kakadu’s wildlife

Kakadu’s 20,000 square kilometres encompass a huge range of habitats from sandstone escarpments topped with heathland to savannah woodlands, wetlands and tidal mangroves all changing throughout the seasons. Within these habitats an extraordinary diversity of wildlife thrives, including 2000 different plants, more than 10,000 species of insect, 68 mammals, and 120 different reptiles including thousands of crocodiles (the park’s main watercourse, the South Alligator River , was misnamed after the prolific croc population on its banks). You’ll also find a third of Australia’s bird species within Kakadu, including the elegant jabiru (black-necked stork), the similarly large brolga, with its curious courting dance, and white-breasted sea eagles, as well as galahs and magpie geese by the thousand. Mammals include kangaroos, wallabies, wallaroos, 26 species of bat, and dingoes.

With so many interdependent ecosystems, maintaining the park’s natural balance is a full-time job. Burning off has long been recognized as a technique of land management by Aborigines who have a safe, effective process that involves lighting small, controllable fires in a patchwork quilt-like pattern to stimulate new plant growth. Today, rangers imitate these age-old practices, burning off the drying speargrass during Yegge, the indigenous “cool weather time” season from May to June. Managing introduced species , from water buffalo to troublesome grass species and cane toads, is also a major priority in order to preserve the park’s environment.

Kakadu’s yellow gold

The land around Kakadu’s border with Arnhem Land contains fifteen percent of the world’s known uranium reserves , and mining and refining the ore produces millions of dollars in royalties for the park’s traditional owners (not to mention making a pretty penny for the mining company itself, multinational Rio Tinto). Environmentalists have long campaigned against mining in the park, arguing that it’s impossible to contain the low-level radioactive waste produced. There have been more than 150 leaks and spills at the Ranger Uranium Mine near Jabiru since it opened in 1981, and the vast open pit (surrounded by, but technically separate from, the national park) certainly makes for a sight deeply incompatible with the park itself. Until recently it was possible to take guided tours of the mine, although these were halted in 2013 after a transition began from open-cut mining to underground exploration. But subterranean or otherwise, and despite uranium still being touted as a catalyst for carbon-neutral power generation, mining in Kakadu won’t stop being a divisive issue anytime soon.

The small town of KATHERINE , 317km south of Darwin, is a worthwhile stopover, primarily for a sidetrip to the dramatic Nitmiluk Gorge (formerly Katherine Gorge) or to strike out along the epic Victoria Highway to Western Australia. The fast-flowing Katherine River , which runs through the gorge and town, must have been a sight for explorer John McDouall Stuart’s sore eyes as he struggled north in 1862. Having got this far, he named the river after a benefactor’s daughter, and within ten years the completion of the Overland Telegraph Line (OTL) encouraged European settlement, as drovers and prospectors converged on the first reliable water north of the Davenport Ranges. In 1926 a narrow-gauge railway line linked Katherine with Darwin and the town was established on the present site.

Katherine is essentially a “one-street” town, though in January 1998 when the river rose to 22m and broke its banks that street found itself under 2m of water – a crocodile was even spotted cruising lazily past the semi-submerged Woolworths.

The Stuart Highway becomes Katherine Terrace , the main street, as it passes through town. Along it lie most of the shops and services, while sprinkled around town are several excellent Aboriginal art and craft galleries. The town can be a good place to pick up casual work at the surrounding stations and market gardens (most readily during the main Nov–Dec mango season).

Nitmiluk National Park

The magnificent 12km Nitmiluk Gorge , carved by the Katherine River through the Arnhem Land plateau, is the centrepiece of the Nitmiluk National Park . The river, hemmed in by sheer ochre cliffs, makes for a spectacular cruise or canoeing trip (there are, in fact, thirteen gorges split by sections of rapids). Nitmiluk also has eight marked walking trails , including the renowned 36km Jatbula Trail. The local Jawoyn (pronounced Jar-wen) people own the park’s accommodation options and also run Nitmiluk Tours, which runs visitor activities in the park.

The MacDonnell Ranges are among the longest of the parallel ridge systems that corrugate the Centre’s landscape. Their east–west axis, passing through Alice Springs, is broken by myriad gaps carved through the ranges during better-watered epochs. It is these striking ruptures, along with the grandeur and colours of the rugged landscape – particularly west of Alice Springs – that make a few days spent in the MacDonnells so worthwhile. The expansive West MacDonnells are best appreciated with at least one overnight stay at any of the campsites mentioned here, while the often-overlooked East MacDonnells are a better bet if your time is limited. Both can be visited as part of a tour or with your own vehicle – a 4WD is recommended to get the most out of a visit, as some of the best spots are along corrugated dirt tracks. Take heed of off-road driving advice .

The East MacDonnells

Heading out of Alice Springs through Heavitree Gap and along the Ross Highway you soon reach tranquil Emily Gap , Alice Springs’ nearest waterhole, 10km from town. This is one of the most significant Arrernte sacred sites, being the birthplace of the ancestral Caterpillar beings who formed the surrounding landscape. There are some interesting stylized depictions of the caterpillars on the far side of a natural pool; and again at the equally peaceful Jessie Gap , a little further east. Corroboree Rock , 47km east of Alice Springs, is an unusual, fin-like outcrop of limestone with an altar-like platform and two crevices piercing the fin. The rock was once a repository for sacred objects and a site of initiation ceremonies, or corroborees .

The Old South Road and the northern Simpson Desert

Just 14km out of Alice Springs, shortly after the airport turn-off, a sign indicates “Chambers Pillar (4WD)”. This is the Old South Road , which follows the abandoned course of the Ghan and original Overland Telegraph Line to Adelaide; these days, the sandy route has become part of the Old Ghan Heritage Trail, which takes adventurous off-roaders all the way to South Australia. If you’re not an experienced off-road driver, some full-day tours from Alice Springs include Chambers Pillar.

Rainfall permitting, ordinary cars can normally cover the 35km to Ewaninga Rock Carvings , a jumble of rocks by a small claypan that is a sacred Aboriginal Rain Dreaming site, but after the store at MARYVALE (also known as Titjikala; has shop and fuel) you’ll need a 4WD and to be in the mood for a thorough shaking until Charlotte Ranges. After the ranges there are sand ridges all the way to Chambers Pillar (camping), a historic dead-end, 165km from Alice Springs. Named by Stuart after one of his benefactors, the 50m-high sandstone pillar was used as a landmark by early overlanders heading up from the railhead at Oodnadatta, SA. The plinth is carved with their names as well as those of many others, and can be seen from the platform at the pillar’s base.

Some 4WD tracks in the Centre

Renting a 4WD for a few days of off-road driving can get you to some beautiful corners of the central deserts. Here are some 4WD-only routes close to Alice Springs. Read the advice and carry the gear recommended in Basics. The Alice Springs Visitor Centre can provide maps and information on road conditions (1800 246 199, ntlis.nt.gov.au/roadreport). Beginners should also consider taking a 4WD course such as those offered by Direct 4WD (0408 485 641, direct4wd.com.au ) based in Alice Springs. Also make sure you are appropriately equipped for travelling in remote areas with plenty of food and water, tow ropes, a second spare tyre and spare jerry cans. All rental agents in the Alice Springs “Getting around” section can arrange 4WDs.

The main appeal of the 195km Mereenie Loop, linking Hermannsburg with Kings Canyon (allow 3–4hr), is that it avoids backtracking on the usual “Canyon and Rock” tour. It is a stunning drive with plenty of desert oaks, river crossings, wild horses, donkeys and dingoes. The corrugations can be fearsome; don’t even think about the trip if rain is forecast as it’s prone to flash flooding and inaccessible after rain. Obtain a permit at Alice Springs Visitor Centre, Glen Helen or Kings Canyon. Note that you’re not allowed to stop (except at the official “Jump-Up” lookout area, close to Kings Canyon) or camp.

With a day to spare and experience with a 4WD, following the Finke river bed from Hermannsburg down to the Ernest Giles Road offers an adventurous alternative to the highway and saves some backtracking. Rewards include stark gorge scenery, a reliable waterhole and the likelihood that you’ll have it all to yourself. Before you set off, check the road conditions.

The 100km track starts immediately south of Hermannsburg. After 10km of corrugated road you descend into the river bed. From here on driving is slow, along a pair of sandy or pebbly ruts – you should deflate your tyres to at least 25psi/1.7bar and keep in the ruts to minimize the risk of getting stuck. There’s just one designated campsite en route, Boggy Hole , which looks out from beneath river red gums to permanent reed-fringed waterholes.

Beyond, the track crisscrosses rather than follows the river bed before taking a roller-coaster ride to the Giles Road across some low dunes thinly wooded with desert oaks – beware of oncoming traffic on blind crests. Boggy Hole to the Giles Road is 65km, so allow three hours.

Call the Arltunga Ranger Station ( t 08 8956 9770), 101km east of Alice Springs, for the latest track conditions for this scenic, if bumpy, 47km drive (allow 2hr) through the Eastern ranges. It includes some steep creek crossings until you reach the sandy river bed of the Hale and the Ruby Gap Nature Park . From here, keep to the sandy ruts and inch carefully over the rocks for 5km, at which point you’ll need to stop and walk the last 2km to Glen Annie Gorge .

Another challenging track (impassable after the rain) heads north from Arltunga past Claraville station and up over the Harts Ranges through Cattlewater Pass to the Plenty Highway, 56km or three hours from Arltunga. It’s a scenic way of returning to Alice Springs from Arltunga and you’re bound to see some hopping marsupials along the way, but ensure you allow plenty of time, as it’s slow going in places.

A great option for those who want to combine 4WD touring with the region’s pioneering history. It’s a sandy but relatively short undertaking, running for 50km and forming a through-route from Larapinta Drive (50km west of Alice) to the Stuart Highway (66km south of Alice). Highlights along the way include old Aboriginal stockmen’s quarters and a log-hut homestead. There’s a detailed self-drive info sheet available online ( parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au ) or from the Simpsons Gap ranger station.

The West MacDonnells

Most of the ranges west of Alice are now part of the West MacDonnells National Park . The route described here follows an anticlockwise loop out along Larapinta Drive, then north along Namatjira Drive to Glen Helen Resort , a short while after which a 110km partly dirt road takes you south past Gosse Bluff to the Mereenie Loop and turn-off (east) for Palm Valley and Hermannsburg, and back to Alice Springs. A total distance of 370km, it can be slow-going depending on the condition of the road after Glen Helen and the Mereenie Loop, which is prone to flash flooding in rain and can be closed for weeks after. The Mereenie Loop (not part of the national park) passes through Aboriginal land ; get a permit from the Alice Springs visitor centre and check road conditions; do not attempt the route if rain is forecast.

Albert Namatjira

Born on the Hermannsburg Lutheran mission in 1902, Albert Namatjira , a member of the Arrernte tribe, was the first of the Hermannsburg mission’s much-copied school of landscape watercolourists . Although lacking much painting experience, Namatjira assisted white artist Rex Battarbee on his painting expeditions through the Central Australian deserts in the 1930s during which his talent soon became obvious to Battarbee, who later became Namatjira’s agent. Like all NT Aborigines at that time, Namatjira was forbidden to buy alcohol, stay overnight in Alice Springs or leave the Territory without permission. At the insistence of southern do-gooders – and against his wishes – he was the first Aborigine to be awarded Australian citizenship , in 1956. This meant he could travel without limitations, but needed a permit to visit his own family on Aboriginal reserves. Following the success of his first exhibition in Melbourne, he became a reluctant celebrity, compelled under Aboriginal tradition to share his wealth with his extended family. A shy and modest man, he died in 1959 following a sordid conviction and short imprisonment for supplying alcohol to fellow Aborigines.

Critics could never make up their minds about his work, but his popular appeal was undoubted: today his paintings remain among the most valuable examples of Australia’s artistic preoccupation with its landscape. Sadly, the Twin Ghost Gums in the West MacDonnell Ranges, which featured in some of his most famous works, were destroyed in a suspected arson case in 2013.

The Larapinta Trail

A wonderful way to experience the West MacDonnells is to trek the long-distance Larapinta Trail , which follows the ranges, beginning at the Telegraph Station north of Alice Springs and ending 223km to the west on the 1347m Mount Sonder summit. The walk is divided into around a dozen sections, but these don’t necessarily delineate a day’s walk. Trailside water tanks are situated no more than two days’ walk or 30km apart. The more impressive and more arduous sections are near town. Section 2 from Simpsons Gap to Jay Creek is 25km long – an overnight stop is advised, while the next section is a short but hard 14km to Standley Chasm with 350m of climbing. Pre-check weather conditions – it’s best tackled between April and October when the temperatures are lower. You can print a basic trail guide from the NT government website ( parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/walks/larapinta ) or, better, buy its comprehensive “Trail Package” ($44), which includes waterproof trail maps and notes. For those walkers looking for a touch of Larapinta comfort, it’s now possible to make use of rather stylish semipermanent campsites through World Expeditions ( worldexpeditions.com ).

The 1100km south from Katherine down “ the Track ”, as the Stuart Highway is known, to Alice Springs, is something of a no-man’s-land for travellers – taken up by a sparsely populated, flat, arid plain rolling all the way to the Red Centre. The bleak landscape can provoke a slight anxiety when looking at the fuel gauge. If you really have to drive straight through, allow a good twelve hours, though it makes sense to break the journey at Mataranka to visit the hot springs and overnight further south at Tennant Creek . Avoid driving in the dark, as there’s a strong likelihood of hitting kangaroos or dozy cattle, which often wander across the road.

West of the Track, the vast Aboriginal lands of the Warlpiri and neighbouring groups occupy just about the entire Tanami Desert , while to the east are the grasslands of the Barkly Tableland , a dramatic drought-affected pastoral region extending north to the seldom-visited coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria .

The Devil’s Marbles

Just off the highway about 130km south of Tennant Creek, the marvellous Devil’s Marbles are worth an hour or so of your time. Genuine geological oddities, the boulders are spectacular at sunrise and sunset, when they positively glow in the low-angled light. During the day, expect a steady stream of visitors striking elaborate between-rock poses for photos. The local Warumungu people believe the Marbles are the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent.

The tiny town of MATARANKA – just over 100km from Katherine – is the capital of “Never Never” country, named after Jeannie Gunn’s 1908 novel of a pioneering woman’s life set in the area, We of the Never Never . Nearby, the hot springs of Elsey National Park , Mataranka Homestead and the freshwater wetlands of the Roper River lure passing travellers from May to September. You’ll find accommodation, fuel, a supermarket and local museum on Roper Terrace (Stuart Highway).

The Red Centre: when to go and what to take

The aridity of the Centre results in seasonal extremes of temperature. In the midwinter months of July and August the weather is lovely and the light clear, although freezing nights , especially around Uluru, are not uncommon. In December and January the temperature can reach 40°C by 10am and not drop below 30°C all night. The transitional seasons of autumn (April–June) and spring (Sept & Oct) are the best times to explore the region in comfort, although in spring there’s the chance of rain. Although you may encounter floods and road closures, rain can transform the desert into a green garden with sprouting wildflowers, though generally it’s the midsummer storms that bring the most rain.

Out here a wide-brimmed hat is not so much a fashion accessory as a lifesaver, keeping your head and face in permanent shadow. A head net is also highly advisable – the flies can be maddening during the day, especially at Uluru. All walks require a water bottle and lashings of sun block . Australia’s venomous (but rarely seen) snakes, rocky paths and the prickly spinifex grass that covers a fifth of the continent, make a pair of covered shoes or boots essential too.

Tennant Creek

With its handful of shops, restaurants and sights, including an excellent Aboriginal cultural centre, TENNANT CREEK , 26km south of Three Ways, remains the best stopover on the long haul between Katherine (669km north) and Alice Springs (507km south). At the heart of the Barkly Region, Tennant is a hub for the mining and beef industries and the surrounding area is home to the NT’s oldest, and some of the world’s biggest, cattle stations.

Sadly, Tennant also has a dark side, with social problems and alcohol-related issues blighting sections of the Aboriginal community which makes up close to half the town’s population of around 3000. It can feel edgy when venturing out at night – taxis are a good idea if you’re taking more than a short walk – but the small town has for decades made efforts to shake off its reputation, and it deserves to be visited with an open mind.

John McDouall Stuart came through Tennant Creek in the early 1860s, followed by the Overland Telegraph Line ten years later. Pastoralists and prospectors arrived from the south and east, and in 1933 it was the site of Australia’s last major gold rush . Mining corporations continue to exploit the rich deposits here, with mineral exploration the most important industry alongside beef. The Stuart Highway becomes Paterson Street, the town’s main drag, as you enter Tennant.

Stunning Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park, southwest of Alice Springs, is accessible by three different routes. Most take the circuitous four-hour 450km journey south from Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway, then west on the Lasseter Highway (which continues on to Uluru), then north on the Luritja Road. Alternatively, a couple of 4WD routes, the Mereenie Loop and the Ernest Giles Road off the Stuart Highway, also access the park.

If you’re not self-driving, most tours of two days or more departing from Alice Springs include Kings Canyon on their itineraries, en route to or from Ayers Rock Resort . There are also daily bus transfers ($119 either way), with guided commentary, between Ayers Rock Resort and Kings Canyon with AAT Kings, with onward connections to Alice Springs.

Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park)

As you cross the boundary of the Watarrka National Park , you’ll see the turn-off to Kathleen Springs , where a walk (90min return) takes you to a sacred Aboriginal waterhole. Once used to corral livestock, it’s now a good place to catch sight of colourful birdlife.

Another twenty minutes’ drive down the road is the majestic KINGS CANYON itself, part of the magnificent George Gill Range. The big attraction is the three- to four-hour, 6km Rim Walk up and around the canyon, its scintillating views and complex natural history making it one of the Centre’s best hikes. Early morning is the most popular time, and for a couple of hours from sunrise, visitors swarm out from the car park along the track – if you don’t mind missing the sunrise, you might have the place to yourself in the late afternoon when the light is better, but avoid the heat of the middle of the day. The walk actually gets closed if temperatures are forecast to peak above 36°C (most commonly in Jan or Feb).

Undertaken in a now mandatory clockwise direction, the walk starts with a well-constructed stepped ascent (the toughest part of the walk), after which the trail leads through a maze of sandstone domes, known as the Lost City , where interpretive boards fill you in on the geology and botany. About halfway along, you clamber down into a cool, palm-filled chasm known as the Garden of Eden . Coming up the far side, there’s an easily missed detour downstream to a shady pool where you can swim. From here you get a blockbuster view of the sunlit south wall and the canyon below. Returning to the staircase, the walk comes to the very edge of the south wall and then descends gently to the car park. For a different perspective, the easy 2km return walk along the canyon bottom is also worthwhile.

Heading south from Darwin, the Stuart Highway passes old mining outposts and overgrown, but still commemorated, World War II airstrips. The highway itself snakes all the way down to South Australia, but along its most northern stretch are a number of attractions that can be visited either as excursions from Darwin or as diversions on the journey to Katherine, 320km to the south.

Litchfield National Park

“Kaka-don’t, Litchfield-do” is an oversimplified quip expressing many Darwin residents’ preference for LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK over its much larger near-neighbour. Situated just 100km south of Darwin, and roughly 16km west of the Stuart Highway, the park encompasses the Tabletop Range, a spring-fringed plateau from which several easily accessible waterfalls gush into swimming holes. The whole park is a laidback destination, great for bushwalking and lingering nature appreciation, without the hassle of long drives, permits or 4WDs. It offers comparatively little in the way of visible Aboriginal culture, but if you’re after a relaxed day or two in striking surrounds, it’s ideal. Pay attention to the signs warning of crocodiles .

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park encompasses Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock ) and Kata Tjuta (once known as the Olgas ). If you’re wondering whether all the hype is worth it, the answer is, emphatically, yes. The Rock, its textures, colours and not least its elemental presence, is without question one of the world’s natural wonders. While overt commercialization has been controlled within the park, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, it’s impossible to avoid other tourists, but this shouldn’t affect your experience.

In many ways just as spellbinding, Kata Tjuta (meaning “Many Heads”) lies 45km west from the park entry station. A cluster of rounded domes divided by narrow chasms and valleys, it is geologically quite distinct from Uluru and makes for a stunning early-morning hike spotting rock wallabies along the way.

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park

The entry fee for ULURU–KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK allows unlimited access for up to three days, though it’s easily extendable (an annual pass is just $32.50). Besides the two major sites of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the park incorporates the closed Aboriginal community of Mutujulu, near the base of the Rock, the site of the original caravan park before the resort was built. More than 400,000 tourists visit the park every year, and as many come in tour-bus groups, the place can sometimes feel crowded.

It is thought that Aboriginal people arrived at Uluru more than 20,000 years ago, having occupied the Centre more than 10,000 years earlier. They survived in this semi-arid environment in small mobile groups, moving from one waterhole to another. Water was their most valued resource, and so any site like Uluru or Kata Tjuta that had permanent waterholes and attracted game was of vital practical – and therefore religious – significance.

The first European to set eyes on Uluru was the explorer Ernest Giles, in 1872, but it was a year later that William Gosse followed his Afghan guide up the Rock and thereby made the first ascent by a European, naming it Ayers Rock after a South Australian politician. With white settlement of the Centre and the introduction of cattle came the relocation of its occupants from their traditional lands.

The first tourists visited the Rock in 1936, and in 1958 the national park was excised from what was then an Aboriginal reserve. By the early 1970s the tourist facilities in the park were failing to cope and the purpose-built township and resort of Yulara was conceived and completed within a decade. At the same time the traditional custodians of Uluru began to protest about the desecration of their sacred sites by tourists, who at that time could roam anywhere. After a long land-claim the park was subsequently returned with much flourish to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara peoples in 1985. A condition of the handback was that the park be leased straight back to the Department of Environment and Heritage, which now jointly manages the park with the Anangu.

Aboriginal people in the Red Centre

The Red Centre includes the lands inhabited by the “ Anangu ”, which simply means “Aboriginal people” in the languages of the Western Desert. Tribes include the Arrernte from the Alice Springs area, Luritja from the Papunya area, the Pitjantjatjara from the region stretching from Uluru/Yulara to Docker River, and the Yankuntjatjara and Antakarinja, from the areas in between. Notwithstanding massacres as late as 1928, the Aborigines of the central deserts were fortunate in being among the last to come into contact with white settlers, by which time the exterminations of the nineteenth century had passed and anthropologists like Ted Strehlow were busy recording the “dying race”. However, their isolation is thought to have made adjustment to modern life more challenging for them than for Aborigines of the northern coast.

At the centre of Anangu life and society is the concept of Tjukurpa , sometimes translated as “Dreamtime”. It’s a complex concept that encompasses the past, present and future; the creation period when the ancestral beings ( Tjukaritja ) created the world; the relationship between people, plants, animals and the land; and the knowledge of how these relationships formed, what their meaning was, and how they should be maintained through daily life and ceremony. In Aboriginal society their stories (which can sound simplistic when related to tourists) acquire more complex meanings as an individual’s level of knowledge increases with successive initiations. Read the interpretive signs at the base of the Rock to learn about Tjukaritja such as the Mala (rufous hare wallaby), Liru (venomous snake) and Kuniya (python).

Uluru geology

The reason Uluru rises so dramatically from the surrounding plain is because it is a monolith – that is, a single piece of rock, with most of its bulk hidden below ground like an iceberg. With few cracks to be exploited by weathering, and the layers of very hard, coarse-grained sandstone (or arkose) tilted to a near-vertical plane, the Rock has resisted the denudation of the landscape surrounding it. However, wind and rain have had their effects. During storms, brief, but spectacular, waterfalls stream down the rock forming dirty channels. In places, the surface of the monolith has peeled or worn away, producing bizarre features and many caves, most out of bounds but some accessible on the walking trails. The striking orangey-red hue is actually superficial, the result of oxidation (“rusting”) of the normally grey sandstone that can still be seen in some nooks and caves.

The Victoria Highway stretches for 510km southwest of Katherine to Kununurra in Western Australia. The two pit stops on the long journey west are the Victoria River Roadhouse , 194km west of Katherine, access point for the eastern sector of the remote and wild Gregory National Park, and Timber Creek, another 91km along the highway, near the entrance to the park’s western sector. More accessible and also worth a diversion is the Keep River National Park, just before the Western Australia border.

South of the highway, between Gregory and Keep River national parks, is the legendary Victoria River Downs (VRD) station, once the country’s biggest cattle station and the base of Australia’s biggest heli-mustering outfit ( heli-musternt.com.au ).

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Exploring the Northern Territory

• Aboriginal Culture
• Itineraries

Soul-stirring and steeped in spirituality, the Northern Territory is an achingly beautiful part of Australia, home to larger-than-life scenery and six dramatically different seasons.

With its ancient Aboriginal connection, the stories of the Dreamtime are shared on cliff-face galleries, creating the greatest and oldest collections of rock art in the world.

Home to the smallest population of any Aussie state or territory, the NT is big on landscape and natural beauty. Here, indigenous culture looms large, lush nature reserves are a rock wallaby’s hop from town, and the feeling of having entered a parallel world never goes away.

Top things to do in the Northern Territory

Explore the red centre.

Uluru is far from the only awesome thing to see in Australia’s Red Centre . To the north-east, the mighty Kings Canyon cleaves deep into the earth. Trek to the rim for views across the bluffs and gorges of Watarrka National Park, or through the West MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch for hundreds of kilometres, harbouring gorges and rock pools. It’s one of those trips-of-a-lifetime that is almost always underestimated, but the Red Centre sure packs a punch when you get there.

Chill out in Darwin

Closer to Bali than it is to Brisbane, Australia’s smallest capital blends 56 nationalities, a perky pulse and a laid-back tropical air. From the steamy weather right down to the faces you’ll see in its streets, Darwin is exotic. The city hosts incredible Asian food markets, galleries and museums walled with beautiful Indigenous art, and in the dry season (May to October), a continuous line-up of bumping cultural festivals.

Go Wild In Kakadu

Where better to get back to nature than in Australia’s largest national park – covering almost two million hectares of wilderness? Enter the unique World Heritage-listed landscapes of Kakadu and discover outdoor galleries of ancient art. Swim under Insta-worthy waterfalls, hike through deep red gorges, cruise the Yellow Water wetlands and learn from Indigenous people about how their ancestors related to this land.

Experience the world’s oldest living culture in Arnhem Land

Stunning scenery, abundant wildlife and a total lack of pretension – only a privileged few get the chance to travel to Arnhem Land . A focus on the pristine natural environment, rather than on man-made luxuries, combined with the deeply spiritual feel of the area – the Yolngu people are thought to have lived here for at least 50,000 years – make this a very special place. Whether you go for the fishing, for the wildlife, the beautiful beaches or the extraordinary art and cultural festivals, you’re guaranteed to come home changed by what you’ve seen and done.

The NT is world famous for its fishing, the ultimate dream being to battle metre-plus barramundi. Someone will one day be lucky enough to land the Million Dollar Fish .

While locals won’t tell you, we have managed to find the best places to fish in the NT.

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Must See Sights in the Northern Territory

See uluru change colour.

Close up, Uluru is powerful, awe-inspiring and intimidating. From a distance, Uluru famously changes colour, anything from blue or violet to glowing red. There are numerous ways and places to watch the sun rise or set over this remarkable pebble (a term coined by explorer Ernest Giles in 1872), from the back of a camel or a roaring motorbike to a romantic candlelit table set for two underneath a million stars.

The waterfalls of Litchfield National Park

Equal to, if not more stunning than, Kakadu, Litchfield is an easy day trip from Darwin. Quite apart from boasting one of the best waterfalls in the Northern Territory, Litchfield National Park features marvels like the Lost City (weathered sandstone pillars), the cooling (wheelchair accessible) swimming hole at Wangi Falls, the breathtaking view from popular Florence Falls, and the fun pools at Buley Rockhole.

The Tiwi Islands

The remote  Tiwi Islands (Melville Island, Bathurst Island) off Darwin are worth visiting for so many reasons: art, culture and fishing, to name a few. Think you’re sports mad? Wait until you experience the Tiwi Islands football grand final in March. Before kick-off though, check out the Tiwi Islands Art Sale. You’ll learn about the cultural history of the islands and, for a reasonable price, you’ll get to hang a piece of that history on your wall back home.

Reflections in Nitmiluk Gorge

Over a millennia, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge has been snaking its way for 12km along the Arnhem Land Plateau toward the sea. You can walk, canoe, boat or fly above a series of 13 stunning gorges; be sure your camera has plenty of memory space to capture such a magical place.

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Does the Field of Light outshine Uluru?

Field of Light, one of the largest art installations in Australia’s history, sits in the shadows of Uluru’s ancient wonder. Do...

24 incredible things to do at Uluru (that aren’t climbing)

We take a look at the incredible variety of things to do in Uluru at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park above and beyond scaling the R...

Here’s why climbing Uluru is banned

To climb Uluru or not to climb, that WAS the question. As of October 2019 visitors no longer have a choice in the matter. Our belo...

Yes, you should go to Kakadu in Wet Season

Myth has it that Kakadu is best visited during the calm and cloudless dry season. But intense weather seeds surprise, adventure an...

Australia’s Grand Canyon: Kings Canyon, NT

Anita Kelman camps out under the stars at Kings Creek Station and hikes Kings Canyon’s rim. Gazing down from a plane high abov...

Groote Eylandt: the island where they keep crocs as pets

On an island in the remote far reaches of the Northern Territory is a journey not only through a remarkably wild and dangerous nat...

Mount Borradaile’s Authentic Experience

If you’re searching for a “real” outback experience, you can’t get much more authentic than Mount Borradaile. It’s a saf...

The best ways to explore the West MacDonnell Ranges

The majestic West MacDonnell Ranges, aka the West Macs, are home to some of Central Australia’s most spectacular scenery, includ...

10 amazing places to reconnect with nature in the NT

With cabin fever the new shared experience, the Northern Territory's sparsely peopled, wonderfully vast spaces are beckoning. Leav...

Everything to know about the East MacDonnell Ranges

Before heading off on the iconic Larapinta Trail through Central Australia’s West MacDonnell Ranges, we pivot 180 degrees to ven...

The best ways to explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

The big question is not whether you should experience the world famous Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge, but how? Do you walk, canoe, boat...

Northern Territory Road Trips

Featured Post

Alice to Darwin: A Guide On The Best Road Trip

Delve deep into one of Australia’s most fascinating and remote regions, the NT’s Top End, on an inspiring Alice Spri...

Whether you’re hitting the highways in a hire campervan or kicking up dust in a 4WD, there’s no better way to see the Northern Territory than on a road trip. From the seaside capital of Darwin to the mesmerising landscape around Uluru and the quintessential Aussie towns of Tennant Creek and Katherine, there’s a tonne of places to see.

Driving routes

You could almost go as far as saying the Northern Territory is the road-tripping capital of Australia, with a swathe of ready-made routes .

You can pick an easy option and hire a vehicle at Darwin airport for a short sojourn around the city, venturing no farther than Litchfield National Park; you can head into Kakadu National Park for a week of waterhole hopping; you can embrace the Red Centre by discovering the stunning landscapes around Alice Springs; or go all out on an NT odyssey from Darwin to Uluru, taking your time to really see all this territory has to offer, along the Explorer’s Way .

If you do leave the city behind, be mindful that the NT is big and remote, so be prepared. Carry extra fuel and plenty of water, and ensure your vehicle is up to scratch for plenty of kilometres on sometimes bumpy, challenging tracks.

Here’s what you can expect on a Northern Territory road trip . 

The ultimate Darwin to Broome road trip: a 10-day itinerary

This is the western half of the Savannah Way, if you are considering doing it all, then you will also need our itinerary and guide...

The ultimate Cairns to Darwin road trip itinerary

Adventure through the eastern side of the Savannah Way from Cairns to Darwin. Starting in Tropical North Queensland and finishing...

The best road trips in the NT

The ultimate adventure-lover's state offers up a dizzying array of national parks, waterholes, Aboriginal culture, and unforgettab...

The only Alice to Uluru itinerary you’ll ever need

From the heart of the Red Centre to an Australian icon, Alice Springs to Uluru makes an epic road trip. Here’s everything you’...

How to road trip Kakadu and itineraries for visiting

There’s no shortage of great tours on offer in Kakadu, but a do-it-yourself driving adventure holiday is pretty hard to beat, sa...

Australia’s best Red Centre outback road trip

Australian Traveller drives The Red Centre Way from Alice Springs to Uluru and back on one of Australia's greatest outback journe...

The Ultimate Red Centre 5-Day Driving Adventure

The beating heart of Australia is the perfect place for avid adventurers. This 5-day itinerary has everything for your inner thril...

Dream road trip – Alice Springs to the Devils Marbles

The essential outback roadtrip: Alice Springs to the Devils Marbles - a drive through our country’s heart is one every Australia...

Exploring Aboriginal culture in the NT

8 Aboriginal cultural tours you will love in the NT

The Northern Territory is the place to delve deeper into Indigenous Australia with an impressive number of Aboriginal to...

Nowhere in Australia is Aboriginal culture and history as prevalent, present and thriving as in the Northern Territory. Accessing this incredible eternal culture is a non-negotiable on a trip to the NT.

Aboriginal cultural tours in the NT

Perhaps the best ‘first stop’ is an Aboriginal tour. Tours are as varied as Aboriginal nations, from one hour experiences in Visitor Centres to multi-day immersions. To help find the tour for you, we have created this guide to choosing an Aboriginal tour .

Most tours start and end around the major centres of Darwin , Jabiru or Cooinda in Kakadu , Katherine , Alice Springs and Uluru . We have done the heavy lifting for you and have chosen our favourite Aboriginal tours in the NT for you .

Aboriginal Art in the NT

Part of understanding and enjoying indigenous culture is an appreciation for the most common Aboriginal cultural expression – art. Typically this will mean appreciating the ochre-coloured dots (in the Red Centre ) or hatching (Top End) canvas but increasingly through textiles and objects. As with any unfamiliar cultural practice, it is best to understand how to ethically buy Aboriginal Art . Even better, perhaps take on a specific Aboriginal Art Tour.

The Aboriginal Art tours of Tiwi Islands are accessible from Darwin and very popular. Meanwhile, you can self-drive the Red Centre on an art trail in luxe . And occasionally there are private art tours of Arnhem Land and elsewhere that will leave you not just breathlessly overwhelmed, but full to the brim with appreciation for our Aboriginal brothers and sisters’ craft.

Aboriginal Festivals in the NT

Another popular way to experience and understand living Aboriginal culture is through one of the many Aboriginal Festivals in the NT. The festivals can focus on specific parts of culture, like the impressive Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair , to the half Aboriginal conference/half dance festival of Garma .

An exemplar of the modern Aboriginal festival is Parrtjima . A quixotic mix of light projections on the desert landscape including the West MacDonnell Ranges , installations and activations it has quickly become a top 10 bucket list experience in Australia.

Find the right festival for you with our picks of the best Aboriginal festivals in the NT .

Bush tucker in the NT

Trying bush foods with a local guide gives visitors to the Northern Territory a window into Aboriginal culture. Throughout the NT you will find restaurants that include native foods and ingredients on the menu.

You can also do bush tucker experiences in the Alice Springs Desert Park and at Uluru, Mark Olive has a truly educational bush foods program .

Parrtjima – this annual festival in the desert will blow your mind

Each April, Parrtjima turns the landscape around Alice Springs (Mparntwe) into a virtual canvas with large-scale light installati...

An insider’s guide to visiting Darwin’s Aboriginal Art Fair

It’s the liveliest time of year to visit Darwin, when the days are not too hot, not too wet, and the city comes alive with one o...

There are 6 Indigenous seasons of Kakadu – for those who learn to look

The six Indigenous seasons of Kakadu inflect the cultures, traditions and Dreaming stories held within the ancient landscape. Unl...

Tiwi Islands Art Tour: a review

If it’s earthy, meaningful and one-of-a-kind Aboriginal art you seek, take to the Tiwi Islands for an art tour – just don’t ...

The best Aboriginal cultural festivals in the NT

Immerse yourself in the rich history, culture and beauty of Indigenous Australia at the best Aboriginal festivals in the Northern ...

Experiencing Garma Festival in Arnhem Land, NT

Join the Yolngu nation in the NT’s remote North East Arnhem Land to feel the heartbeat of the country at its most important cult...

How to choose the best Aboriginal tours in the NT

The cultural experiences and tours on offer in the Northern Territory have been 65,000 years in the making, and promise a connecti...

East Arnhem Land: the ultimate cultural odyssey

East Arnhem Land’s vast and remarkable wilderness is alive with indigenous culture, where a traditional way of life is thriving....

Everything you need to know about ethically buying Aboriginal Art

Investing in Aboriginal art is about more than just finding something to hang on your wall. For an art form with traditions and p...

5 things you can only see or do in East Arnhem Land

East Arnhem Land is a stunning wilderness bound together by pockets of rich Yolngu culture, well worth a journey, if only to see t...

Is this the best Aboriginal rock art in Australia?

Susan Gough Henly thinks she might have seen the best Indigenous art in the land.  Welcome to Arnhem Land's Mount Borradaile. I ...

Itineraries and Guides

With so much to see and do in the Northern Territory, we created some suggested itineraries for couples and families.

And for those that like to make their travel dollars stretch but don’t want to compromise on comfort, here are some helpful guides for the budget-conscious traveller.

Incredible day trips from Darwin you need to try

A holiday to Darwin isn’t complete without venturing into the natural and cultural wonders that lie beyond its city lights. Here...

Your ultimate guide to the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands: a far-flung northern sanctuary where there’s art, footy and fishing fever abound. Until recently, the Tiwi Is...

7 epic reasons a Great Outback Escape on your bike is like no other

There are epic experiences to be had while on a bike riding holiday through the Red Centre with Great Outback Escape. A multi-day...

The best 3-day Uluru itinerary for an unforgettable trip

It’s been called the spiritual heart of Australia and a journey here has the potential to reshape everything you think you know ...

You can visit the Red Centre in comfort on a budget

Explore the heart of Australia without camping or getting a second mortgage with our comfortable travellers’ affordable guide to...

Arnhem Land: everything you need to know about visiting

We all want to go there, but most have no idea where to start. So get ready to leave all expectations behind, open your eyes and e...

The ultimate Uluru and Alice Springs holiday on $150 a day

It’s easy to enjoy the Red Centre on a shoestring budget, and you don’t have to rough it. With the Northern Territory’s bor...

How to holiday here this year in the Northern Territory

Northern Territory, discover the best ways to holiday here this year... Explore Alice Springs in an unexpected way, NT If you th...

Your Guide to Solo Travel in the NT

There's no better place to contemplate life than against the stunning blue skies and spirited red dunes of the Northern Territory....

6 days solo on the Larapinta Trail

With only a week up her sleeve, Caro Ryan squeezes in the best of the Larapinta Trail’s wild swimming holes, classic ridgetop hi...

Delve deep into one of Australia’s most fascinating and remote regions, the NT’s Top End, on an inspiring Alice Springs to Dar...

Northern Territory Itineraries and Guides

With so much to do and see in the Northern Territory and so much territory to cover (geddit?) we have created a number of starter ...

How to have an ultimate couples driving adventure in the Red Centre

Stay in the good books with this challenging but fun Red Centre holiday for couples. With desert sunrises, star-smattered night s...

Kakadu FAQs: How, where & the wet season conundrum

Wet season or dry season? Kids or no kids? Walk or drive?  Kakadu Tours or self guided? These are just some of the most frequent ...

Northern Territory Family Holidays

How families can spend a fun 7 or 14 days in the Red Centre

From exploring the base of Uluru to marvelling at the Devils Marbles, here’s a Red Centre itinerary the whole family c...

If you want to show the kids somewhere really special in Australia and open their eyes to new landscapes and experiences, then the Northern Territory ticks the boxes.

Family-friendly attractions and destinations

If you love the outdoors, your family will thrive in the NT. There are myriad water parks and waterholes (natural and man-made) in and around Darwin that will entertain big and little children for hours. Plus, the city has great family friendly dining, hotels and museums, and if you want to hand over the reins to a guide, there is a great mix of Darwin tours to choose from.

Leave the city behind and you’ll discover the natural adventure playgrounds of Litchfield and Kakadu national parks, where days are spent hiking, 4WDing and swimming.

Venture further south to introduce the children to Australian reptiles, birds of prey and other outback animals in and around Alice Springs and Uluru. If you head east,  you can expand their knowledge of Australian history in Tennant Creek (check out Battery Hill Mining Centre) and Indigenous culture in Nitmiluk National Park.

To help get you started, here are some of our favourite family trips and activities.

Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove Darwin

For many, the thought of encountering a giant crocodile is the stuff of nightmares. But swimming with saltwater crocs is truly a o...

How to keep the family happy on a holiday in the Top End

Take the kids wild swimming, croc-spotting and waterfall chasing with our guide to the best of the Top End for families. There ar...

A Jumping Crocodile Cruise is a must for wildlife lovers

Contrived spectacle or Attenborough adventure? Jennifer Pinkerton braves infested waters on a jumping crocodile cruise “Tell me...

The Aussie Christmas you never thought of

Embrace the steamy weather for a Northern Territory Christmas you’ll never forget. If dazzling light shows, an abundance of chi...

8 tips for travelling (& surviving) the outback as a family

With its unparalleled beauty and endless reaches, the Aussie outback holds its own. And, while the bush certainly brings its own c...

The 10 wildlife experiences your kids will love in the Northern Territory

Get face-to-face with a crocodile, thorny devil or orphaned kangaroo on an Aussie safari, says Jennifer Ennion. You don’t have ...

Caravanning with kids in the NT

As many young parents focus on settling down, a growing number of others are throwing caution to the wind and embracing caravan tr...

Top Foodie Experiences in the Northern Territory

The NT’s an outdoorsy type of place, so it’s only natural that it’s home to two of the country’s most memorable ways to dine alfresco. There’s nothing quite like the assault on the senses you get when walking among the food stalls of Darwin’s Mindil Beach Sunset Market – it’s a tropical fantasy come to life. But the market is only the tip of the iceberg, with Darwin blessed with a plethora of incredible places to eat .

Head inland and there’s nothing like watching the setting sun paint Uluru in a cloak of changing colours while dining atop a desert dune at the Sounds of Silence or Tali Wiri dinners.

12 best Darwin cafes, coffee and breakfasts

Once it was hard to find a Darwin cafe that didn’t serve its coffee in a mug. Those days are long gone. Whether you�...

12 excellent Alice Springs restaurants to try now

Quirky cafes, bars and high-end restaurants boasting jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding ranges are just some of the attraction...

19 of the best restaurants in Darwin for all occasions

Darwin’s best restaurants add a healthy dollop of spice and experimentation to cuisines you might have tried before. Asian mark...

Amazing dining experiences near Uluru

From fine bush tucker dining to cheap barbecue cook-ups, you’ll be ready to devour the desertscape once you’ve read about thes...

The best bars in Darwin for every occasion

It used to be that a Darwin bar was considered on the upmarket side if thongs were frowned upon. But then these out-of-this-world ...

Why the locals love the Darwin Ski Club

The name might throw you at first – Snow? Skiing? In tropical Darwin? – but it’s water skiing that gives this local food and...

Savour the stars at the Sounds of Silence

Experience the Sounds of Silence dinner at Uluru. Kicking the red dust of Australia around your feet under a sky with more glitte...

Restaurant review: Hanuman, Darwin, NT

Where do you eat when you’re only in town for a few hours? Go where the recommendations point you, and you won’t be disappoint...

Fancy an outback, bush tucker dining experience?

A Top End dining experience takes the unknown out of native bush foods and comes to life with campfire tales.   With wide...

Best Accommodation in the Northern Territory

featured post

Your go-to guide to Kakadu accommodation

Going wild doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Here are all the best accommodation options in and around Kakadu. Kakadu...

The Northern Territory holds an undeserved reputation for having only rough-and-ready accommodation options when, in fact, there are far more choices than most travellers would first expect. From luxury lodges to glamorous glamping and million-star camping and crocodile-shaped hotels in the wilderness, there is accommodation to suit any taste and budget.

Accommodation in Kakadu comes in all styles. For those who like a little (or a lot) more comfort, Bamurru Plains Lodge  or Wildman Wilderness Lodge on the edge of Kakadu are our pick.

In Uluru, Longitude 131 holds the title for one of Australia’s most iconic accommodation offerings, but there are plenty more: find something to suit you in our Uluru guide .

Katherine is similar, with campsites, rustic and affordable options and the more indulgent Cicada Lodge. 

Like any capital city, the accommodation options in Darwin are almost endless, but this beachfront casino resort has the wow factor.

The top Alice Springs accommodation for every traveller

Chalk it up to friendly locals, boutique safari tents, fancy hotels, or the timeless charm of the desert, but we’ll never get ti...

9 bucket-list worthy glamping sites in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory's night sky is made for sleeping under. Glamping gets you close to nature without compromising on comfort.....

Going wild doesn’t have to mean roughing it. Here are all the best accommodation options in and around Kakadu. Kakadu National ...

Luxe to less: Uluru accommodation for any budget

From extreme luxury glamping to cheap-as-chips dorm rooms, here are the best places to stay near the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Par...

All your Uluru camping questions answered

We’ve laid out everything you need to know about camping near Uluru: from the best time to go to choosing the right campsite for...

10 top caravan parks in and around Darwin

Hitting the open road in a caravan is one of the best ways to explore Darwin. But where to rest your home on wheels? We’ve got y...

6 resorts in Darwin to get you outside the city centre

A tropical stay up Darwin way deserves a stunning resort to match. Want to soak up the Northern Territory sunshine in a poolside...

The top 12 Darwin city hotels to suit every budget

Spending 72 hours in Darwin, and not sure where to stay? If you want to sleep right in the main downtown, or by the waterfront, we...

The best Darwin airport hotels

Start or finish your Darwin trip on the right note, with these airport hotels. While the phrase ‘airport hotel’ doesn’t qui...

6 best Darwin hostels and backpackers

Score a win for your wallet when you book in at one of Darwin’s top hostels and backpackers. Hostels. You either love ’em or ...

Unique stays in the Northern Territory

Discover the most unique stays in the Northern Territory... We've revealed our pick of 100 unique stays across Australia and belo...

Escape to Mindil Beach Casino Resort: a tropical resort, Darwin style

When dreams of a tropical holiday set in it's time to think outside the box and plan an escape to Mindil Beach Casino Resort. As ...

The best short break stays in the NT

Check into luxury lodges and secret spots in the midst of the NT’s most spectacular landscapes. Hale River Homestead, East MacD...

Cicada Lodge: Luxury in the heart of Katherine Gorge

Where ancient rock art meets Bvlgari soap. Australian Traveller magazine heads to Cicada Lodge: the outback’s newest high-end st...

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Madama Butterfly

“A modern Butterfly soars as art and spectacle combine on Sydney Harbour” (Limelight).

• Fireworks every night
• Pop up bars and eateries
• Picture perfect backdrop of the Sydney Opera House

Your Country Escape Awaits

Immerse yourself in the majesty of the Greater Blue Mountains and save 10% when staying two nights or longer. *From complimentary inclusions

• Gourmet meals daily
• Selected wines & beers
• 2 on-site activities daily*

Embrace a slower pace – stay 3 nights and save 20%

Save 20% on 3+ nights. Includes sparkling wine, daily yoga, bike hire, late checkout, and more.

Don’t miss the Festival Village at Noosa Eat & Drink Festival 2024!

If you purchase a ticket this year, make sure it has Festival Village written all over it! Our weekend-long village brings together Noosa’s greatest restaurants, your favourite drinks, world-class chefs, artisan producers & interactive masterclasses.

A new look Beach Garden for Noosa Eat & Drink Festival!

Join us for beach events over 3 days in our new look Beach Garden. From twilight events, beach club sessions, & brunch to a party under the stars.  

Need a holiday? Stop dreaming & start planning!

Book your AAT Kings holiday today & save up to 20%* on selected 2023 tours. This is your chance to roam beyond the ordinary. *T&C’s apply.

• Hassle-free travel
• The best inclusions
• Authentic experiences
• 100+ years of expertise  

Get cosy at Alice Springs Beanie Festival

Head to the Alice Springs Beanie Festival for four days of beanie madness, textile workshops, exhibitions, Indigenous c ulture, live entertainment and great tucker. Warming up the Red Centre from 21 to 24 June, the Beanie Fest is not to be missed !  

An incredible line up of Restaurant Events for Noosa Eat & Drink Fest

Noosa is brimming with superb new venues and world famous restaurants, stretching from the country to the coast.   2024 will see some incredible collabs with some of Australia’s best!

Your heavenly hideaway nestled in nature

Relax & connect with loved ones in these one, two- & three-bedroom villas, set amidst a 7,000 acre wilderness retreat.  

Northern Territory on SALE!

Seek something different this End Of Financial Year with these incredible Northern Territory travel deals on sale now!

• Discover unique experiences
• Join a guided tour
• Seek different in the NT

Camping & Glamping in the Northern Territory

Swagging, campervanning, pitching, unhitching: however you like to camp, you’ll find a site for you in the Northern Territory. This place is a camper’s dream, and you’ll continually be spotting 4WDs with rooftop tents, off-road camper trailers, motorhomes and caravans rattling along the roads.

Best campgrounds

But let’s start with the most important part – the locations. Litchfield National Park has a couple of great campsites within easy walking distance to its famous waterholes, while Kakadu National Park has a fantastic mix of caravan park-style sites to rough-and-ready options where you’ll need to be self-sufficient.

And let’s not forget Darwin and its bunch of holiday parks, if you need to unwind, soak in city delights (Mindil Market to name one) or spend a day or two recalibrating after an epic Uluru to Darwin road trip.

Best Glamping

Don’t be fooled into thinking that the NT’s remote and hardy reputation means finer options are out of the question. Glamping has taken off in the Northern Territory and a few of our favourites are Bamurru Plains, Longitude 131° and Wildman Wilderness Lodge.

Camping in Kakadu – here’s where to have a thousand star experience

Camping in Kakadu National Park is guaranteed to be a thousand-star experience. Visiting Kakadu National Park is a nature lover'...

Longitude 131: glamping in Uluru’s glorious shadow

The hulking form of Uluru is a privilege to see, whether standing in awe at the rock’s base or kicking back in a bathtub at Ulur...

The best places to camp from Darwin to Kakadu and Katherine

The driving route from Darwin to Katherine via Kakadu and Nitmiluk national parks is a popular one. But it does require a little ...

West Alligator Head Camping Adventure

Australian Traveller looks at the remote camping outpost of West Alligator Head in NT's Kakadu National Park. When it comes to ca...

Bamurru Plains Lodge: Luxury accommodation Kakadu style

Airboats, chilled towels and champagne - Bamurru Plains Lodge is just one of two luxury accommodation options on the outskirts of ...

Top Destinations in the Northern Territory

• Arnhem Land
• Kakadu National Park
• Alice Springs
• Tiwi Islands

© Australian Traveller Media 2024. All rights reserved.

The Perfect Itinerary for a 2 week Northern Territory Road Trip

If you want to experience the Australian Outback, there is nothing better than a Northern Territory road trip when you travel to Australia.

Home to spectacular gorges, pretty as a picture swimming holes and abundant wildlife, the area also has a rich indigenous history and is the perfect place to learn about their ancient culture.

If you are looking for NT road trip ideas, or need help planning your Northern Territory itinerary, you have come to the right place. Our outback road trip itinerary will take you to some of the best Top End road trip destinations including three Northern Territory National Parks located in the Top End: the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park.

• 1 Tour or self drive the Northern Territory?
• 2 Northern Territory Itinerary
• 3 Campervan hire in Darwin
• 4 Northern Territory Road Trip
• 5 Day 1: Darwin to Jabiru (Kakadu National Park)
• 6 Day 2: Jabiru to Ubirr
• 7 Day 3: Ubirr to Cooinda
• 8 Day 4: Cooinda to Jim Jim Falls
• 9 Day 5: Jim Jim Falls to Maguk Gorge (Barramundi Gorge)
• 10 Day 6: Maguk Gorge to Gunlom
• 11 Day 7: Gunlom
• 12 Day 8: Gunlom to Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park
• 13 Day 9: Umbrawarra Gorge to Katherine (Nitmiluk National Park)
• 14 Day 10-11: Nitmiluk National Park
• 15 Day 12: Katherine to Edith Falls (Leliyn)
• 16 Day 13: Edith Falls to Florence Falls (Litchfield National Park)
• 17 Day 14: Florence Falls to Sandy Creek
• 18 Day 15: Sandy Creek to Darwin
• 19 Day 16: Darwin
• 20 When to visit Northern Territory
• 21 Getting to Darwin
• 22 4WD Camper Rental Darwin
• 23 Northern Territory Guide Book
• 24 Travel Insurance

NT Road Trip Essentials >> Don’t rely on mobile reception. Purchase your Northern Territory State Map here >> Book your 4WD – compare prices here >> Pack the right gear – see our Outback Packing List here >> Find the best hotel prices in Darwin here. >> Avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes! Click here to purchase the Thermacell Repeller.

Tour or self drive the Northern Territory?

When we first decided to explore the Top End, I have to admit I was nervous about a self drive road trip – it is the Australian Outback after all! But the reality wasn’t scary at all.

The driving conditions on our Northern Territory trip were perfectly manageable for inexperienced 4WD drivers like us. The 4wd camper we rented handled the terrain easily.

And the best thing? A self drive road trip gives you so much more freedom to explore the Northern Territory destinations at your own pace.

We recommend renting a 4wd campervan and taking a Northern Territory road trip through the Top End to experience the very best of the Australian Outback.

We share more tips on choosing a vehicle for your Northern Territory road trips here.

Top end Tours

If you absolutely cannot do a self drive road trip, we strongly recommend you look at the multi-day tours instead of a day trip, especially for Kakadu National Park.

There are many tour companies offering day trips from Darwin , but they involve a lot of driving. The Northern Territory is a big place and driving distances can be huge!

Click here to see some good multi-day tour options for the top end

Northern Territory Itinerary

So how long do you need to explore the Top End? It depends how much you want to see and how often you want to move.

More time is always better, but we think a 2 week Northern Territory itinerary gives you a good amount of time to see the best of the Top End landmarks .

It is possible to explore the National Parks more quickly, but there are so many things to do in the Northern Territory. It is a long way to go so you may as well make the most of it, right?

You will notice that most stops are one night stays. We decided to camp at a new site each day rather than base ourselves at a single campground. It saves a lot of travel time and also means you can experience more unique places during a two week road trip.

Our Northern Territory self drive itinerary is a loop starting and ending in Darwin. You could reverse the order of the itinerary too.

This itinerary can easily be modified to be part of a one-way trip to or from Alice Springs or even as part of a longer road trip to Western Australia .

10 day Northern Territory Itinerary

If you only have 10 days for your Darwin road trip, we recommend the following changes:

• Reduce your Gunlom stay to one night
• Skip the night at Umbrawarra Gorge
• Reduce your stay at Nitmiluk Gorge to 2 nights
• Visit Florence Falls on the way to Sandy Creek and don’t stay the night

Trip map courtesy of TravellersPoint

Map Your Itinerary

Start plotting your itinerary with the help of the Hema Maps NT State Map .

Hema Maps produce excellent detailed maps of popular Australian road trip destinations complete with fuel stops, camp sites and 4wd tracks marked.

We love them and have purchased and used many of their maps for our Australian road trips.

They are very affordable and an essential resource in outback areas with patchy internet and phone reception.

>> Click here to check the price for the HEMA NT State Map

Campervan hire in Darwin

There are many campervan hire options in Darwin, with all of the big rental companies offering vehicle rentals out of Darwin.

There are many 2WD options but we recommend renting a 4WD camper to give you more freedom to explore off the main roads, experience the outback with fewer people and stay in smaller campgrounds in spectacular locations.

Another option would be to rent a 4WD car and take tents and camping equipment with you.

Expert Tip: Campervan rental prices jump significantly during school holidays, so if you have flexibility to travel outside of those dates, you will save a lot of money!

Whichever way you decide to travel, ensure the rental agreement allows you to travel on dirt roads so you can see the Australian Outback at its best.

We rented a 4WD Landcruiser and were very happy with our choice. The car was easy to drive on dirt roads, through shallow river crossings, over bumpy and sandy tracks. The roof tent was quick to set up each day and all bedding and kitchen equipment was provided too.

Book your campervan | Compare 4WD camper prices | Search car rentals

Northern Territory Road Trip

Our NT itinerary is broken down day by day with the highlights, campground details and key information listed for each day.

You can read all our best tips for planning a Northern Territory road trip here.

We share our Outback Australia packing list here.  With everything from clothes to bags to cooking equipment and lighting, you can be confident you have a complete packing list to plan your trip.

Note: All prices listed throughout the itinerary are in Australian Dollars.

Day 1: Darwin to Jabiru (Kakadu National Park)

Distance: 247 kms (153 miles) Driving time: 2.5 hours

Pick up your 4WD in Darwin and drive straight to Kakadu National Park. It is an easy drive to Jabiru on paved roads.

On the way out of Darwin make sure to stop at the town of Coolalinga to stock up on groceries. You will want to stock up on as many non-perishables as you can squeeze into your vehicle before you leave Darwin. There is only one small grocery store within Kakadu National Park, in the small town of Jabiru.

Also note that takeaway alcohol cannot be purchased within Kadadu National Park, so if you would like to have drinks on hand you will need to purchase them in Darwin.

Don’t forget: Purchase your Kakadu National Park Pass. A family pass costs $100. A single adult costs $40. The pass can also be purchased at the Bowali Visitor Information Centre when you arrive.

We caught sight of our first crocodiles cruising the South Aligator River and were excited to watch the landscape change quickly from urban to outback.

If you have time, head to the Bowali Visitor Information Centre . Otherwise you can do this first thing the next day.

Where to stay in Jabiru

Kakadu Lodge is a great stop for your first night in Kakadu National Park.

It is a large campground with cabins, unpowered and powered sites, a pretty lagoon style swimming pool and an onsite bar and restaurant. We paid $32 for a shady unpowered site.

Click here to check current prices for Kakadu Lodge

Give yourself adequate time to set up camp on the first night. We got more efficient at setting up and packing down during our Northern Territory 2 week itinerary but it takes time to learn the ropes.

We were able to set up the tent in around 15 minutes. Pack down was a little longer, around 20 minutes.

Watch our timelapse video setting up the roof tent here.

Day 2: Jabiru to Ubirr

Distance : 42 km (26 miles) Driving time : 45 mins

Before heading to Ubirr, we recommend you stop in at the Bowali Visitor Information Centre. The helpful staff can provide details on which campsites and 4WD tracks are open.

They also have information on the excellent and free ranger-guided programs.

Activities include guided walks, talks and art activities with local aboriginal artists. We adapted our Top End itinerary to fit in with some of these activities and I am glad we did because they are great.

Note that many of these programs are scheduled during the week, so you may need to plan your itinerary around these times.

The Visitor Centre also has displays about the local wildlife, plants and aboriginal culture which is a great introduction to the Park. The Visitor Centre is open every day from 8am – 5pm.

Basket Weaving

We stopped in at the Merl Campground to join a basket weaving session run by two local female indigenous artists.

Over two hours the kids watched and learned how the pandanus leaves are stripped, they helped make the colourful dyes from local plant roots and flowers and made their own bracelets using the dried pandanus.

It was a hands-on, interactive learning experience and one of the best free Kakadu activities with kids. We highly recommend it.

Cahills Crossing

While in the area make sure to visit Cahills Crossing. Located on the East Alligator River, Cahills Crossing is one of Australia’s most dangerous bodies of water.

It is a tidal river crossing into Arnhem Land and has been the site of several fatal crocodile attacks. It is a challenging crossing for some, evidenced by the rusted upturned cars downstream.

We watched cars make the crossing and also watched men risk their lives standing shin deep in the river to fish off the causeway despite the crocodile warning signs.

We saw a number of crocodiles in the area and couldn’t believe they were fishing!

Ubirr Rock Art Site

The highlight of any visit to Ubirr is the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ubirr Rock Art site. It is one of the best things to do in Kakadu National Park.

We joined a free ranger-led walk through the site, which ran from 4.10pm – 6.10pm. The walk included 4 info sessions with breaks in between to freely explore the surrounding area and the rock art.

After admiring the rock art, head to the lookout for sunset. You will be rewarded with spectacular views across the floodplains and to the distant escarpments.

Where to stay at Ubirr

We stayed at Merl Campground . It is a pretty campground with plenty of space and shade. There is drinking water, flush toilets and hot showers available for $38 for a family on an unpowered site.

Warning: The Merl campground backs onto a swamp and the mosquitoes at night in this campground were unlike anything we have seen anywhere in the world.

There were swarms of mosquitoes after sunset. So much so we found it difficult to cook and eat dinner.

Despite spraying ourselves with mosquito spray and covering up, we were still being bitten through our clothes. We could see them everywhere and could hear them buzzing all around us.

When we woke in the morning we could see dozens of mosquitos sitting on the flyscreens, looking in at the tasty meal they missed out on!!

The very next day, on advice from the ranger, we bought a Thermacell Mosquito Repeller. It wasn’t cheap, but it works!

Click here to buy the Thermacell Camper’s Kit

Thankfully we didn’t experience mosquitoes so bad anywhere else during our trip, but we used the Thermacell most nights to keep the pesky mosquitoes away.

When we turned the device on, there was not a mosquito to be seen. Best purchase ever!

Tip : The alternative to staying at Ubirr is to stay at Jabiru and return there in the evening. You need to watch out for wildlife driving at night as you return after Sunset, but there were plenty of people taking this option when we visited.

Where to eat in Ubirr

Apart from self-catering you only have one option, but it is a great one.

Stop in at the Ubirr Border Store on your way out to or back from the Rock Art site. As well as serving snacks and delicious icy cold drinks they serve up great Thai food too. The yellow and green curries were delicious.

Read Next: 17 Essential Tips for a Northern Territory Road Trip

Day 3: Ubirr to Cooinda

Distance: 118km (73 miles) Driving Time : 2 hrs

The next stop in our Northern Territory holiday itinerary is Cooinda, on the south side of Kakadu National Park.

Cooinda is a great base from which to join a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong.

Don’t forget to stock up on groceries and fuel at Jabiru on the way through.

Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock Art Site

On the way to Cooinda, take a detour to another UNESCO World Heritage Rock Art Site known as Burrungkuy (Nourlangie).

There are ranger led programs available here, but this time we explored the site on our own. The x-ray rock paintings are very impressive and easily accessible via a short walk up through shaded rock shelters.

If you have time, check out the nearby Anbangbang Billabong (a nice spot for lunch) or walk up the Nawurlandja Lookout for spectacular views cross the escarpment (best at sunset).

Yellow Water Wetlands Cruise

A cruise along the Yellow Water Wetlands is a must on any Kakadu road trip.

The guides are very knowledgeable, the floodplain is teeming with birdlife, crocodiles and lush vegetation, and the colours of the landscape are spectacular.

It isn’t a cheap activity at a whopping $300 for a family of 4, but it was one of the highlights on our Northern Territory travel itinerary.

The cruise is especially good at sunrise or sunset.

There is a free shuttle from Cooinda Lodge to the jetty. The sunrise cruise departs at 6.45am. The sunset cruise leaves at 4.30pm. You can book tickets online here .

Where to stay in Cooinda

We stayed at the campground at Cooinda Lodge. Cooinda Lodge offers rooms as well as a campground with powered and unpowered sites.

There is a pretty billabong style pool to cool off and a large restaurant and bar for those who don’t feel like cooking. We paid $36 for an unpowered site for the family.

>> Click here to check the prices and availability at Cooinda Lodge

Day 4: Cooinda to Jim Jim Falls

Distance : 71 kms (44 miles) Driving Time : 2.5 hrs

Today make your way to Jim Jim Falls, one of the most impressive gorges in Kakadu National Park.

Don’t forget to top up groceries, drinking water and fuel at the small general store at Cooinda Lodge.

Access to Jim Jim Falls is via a dirt/gravel road for about 50 kms (30 miles).

I couldn’t believe the colours of the landscape around us as we drove along. 

Brilliant red dirt, clear blue skies, lush green palms, charred black ground from recent fires. It is a dramatic and stunning landscape.

The road is wide but corrugated and was generally in a good state of repair when we visited in late June. We travelled at around 50-60km/hr without any trouble but it can vary.

Once you reach the Garnamarr campground the road narrows for the last 8 kms (4.9 miles) to the Jim Jim Falls carpark. A 4WD is required for this last section.

The track crosses a number of shallow causeways and was sandy in places, but our Landcruiser had no problem navigating the terrain.

The trailhead to Jim Jim Falls is at the carpark where there are basic pit toilets available.

The 2km (1.2 miles) return trail is very pretty as it meanders through monsoon forest, across large boulders and along a creek that gradually narrows into a steep and jaw dropping 200m (1/8 mile) tall gorge.

The kids loved scrambling up over rocks, although they were nervous at how close the trail was to the creek considering the large crocodile warning signs they had just read at the carpark!

Jim Jim Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls we visited on our 2 week Northern Territory road trip and the trail can only be accessed during the dry season.

I can only imagine how impressive it must look in the wet season with water pouring off the top.

We spent an hour or two exploring the plunge pools and beach pool with brilliant white sand, paddling in the water, and Matt braved a chilly swim out to the wispy waterfall, all the while thinking about the croc traps we had sighted on our way in!

There is another walk to the top of the falls. It is listed as a difficult 5-6 hour walk on steep terrain over 6kms (3.7 miles) return.

If you want to take the walk, ensure you leave early and take at least 3 litres of water per person.

Where to stay at Jim Jim Falls

Camping is available close by at the Garnamarr campground . We had wonderful views of the red stone escarpment from our site. Showers and toilets are available and we paid $20 for the family.

Expert Tip: We suggest stopping in at the campground first, choosing a site and leaving table/chairs at the site so that you can return later in the day and know you have a site secured as the site did fill up. We share more tips on campgrounds here .

Day 5: Jim Jim Falls to Maguk Gorge (Barramundi Gorge)

Distance : 116 kms (72 miles) Driving Time : 2.5 hrs

The drive from Jim Jim Falls to Maguk Gorge is again mostly on gravel/dirt roads.

The road into Maguk Gorge was heavily corrugated, but completely manageable in the 4WD. The last 1km from the campground to the car park was very sandy and a high clearance 4WD is essential.

We saw enormous termite mounds everywhere along the sides of the road – able to withstand fire, rain, the heat and the dry – they are impressively tall buildings for these little creatures.

The walk from the car park to the gorge is shaded through monsoon forest, again along a small creek bed, then along small beaches and across smooth large rocks before arriving at the swimming hole.

Maguk is a very pretty waterhole with crystal clear water, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and pandanus plants. It was an instant favourite.

We took lilos to swim out to and under the waterfall. The kids searched for fish and found rocks to jump off into the water.

Maguk is incredibly peaceful, not very busy and we didn’t want to leave. So we came back in the morning for another swim before we left!

It is possible to walk to the top of the waterfall where there are a number of smaller plunge pools.

To reach the top of the falls, stay on the left hand side of the creek and follow the track to the top.

Where to stay at Maguk Gorge

We stayed at the small campground at Maguk, about 1km before the carpark to the gorge. Note there is no drinking water or showers available. The toilets are basic pit toilets.

Be sure to reserve your spot with a table/chair before making your way to the gorge for a swim. We paid $15 for a family.

Day 6: Maguk Gorge to Gunlom

Distance : 87 kms (54 miles) Driving  T ime : 2.5 hrs

The last 35km of this drive is along gravel/dirt roads. We picked up firewood along the way and enjoyed the views towards the escarpment.

Gunlom is one of the most famous destinations in Kakadu and most day trips from Darwin to Kakadu will include it in the itinerary.

The high waterfall plunges into a large pretty swimming hole and there is a small sandy beach and grassy picnic sites nearby.

But it is the plunge pools ABOVE the falls that make this such a memorable place to visit.

Just a 500m steep walk to the top brings you to a set of gorgeous natural plunge pools, a natural infinity pool with spectacular views across the plains and even a narrow gorge to swim through.

Our kids managed the walk easily in about 15 minutes, but it is a steep climb.

The view from the top is simply out of this world gorgeous. The views at sunset are incredible. Where else can you swim in a pool with views like this, for free!

It certainly beats many hotel roof top pool views!

Where to stay at Gunlom

There is a campground right alongside Gunlom waterhole and it is a great spot to stay.

Everything is close by. There is drinking water, flush toilets and showers available. All sites are unpowered. We paid $38 for the family.

Day 7: Gunlom

After a week of moving each night, we decided to stay 2 nights at Gunlom. With a nice campground and gorgeous plunge pools for swimming, we weren’t short of things to do for an extra day.

There are also a number of walks close by for those seeking a bit more activity.

Kakadu is home to a third of Australia’s bird species and I think all of them live at Gunlom! Each day we were woken by a cacophony of sound as the birds woke up for the day.

The rocks at the top plunge pools are smooth and warm up through the day. They are the perfect place to laze away a few hours.

We spotted a water dragon swimming through the gorge and the kids loved exploring all the little pools and finding higher and higher rocks to leap off into the water.

Day 8: Gunlom to Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park

Distance : 133km (82 miles) Driving Time : 3 hrs

Drag yourselves away from Gunlom and continue south towards Katherine. Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park is a great place to break up the trip if you have the time.

On the way you will drive through the small town of Pine Creek. Top up groceries, fuel and water here.

The Gorge is a detour off the main highway along a dirt track for about 20 kms (12.4 miles).

Once you arrive at the small carpark, the trail through the Gorge is an easy 2km (1.2 miles) return walk along the creek, although it is possible to continue walking for much further up the gorge by scrambling over the rocks.

The creek is lined with native paperbark eucalyptus, wattle, grevilleas and surrounded by deep red sandstone cliffs.

In the early dry season it is possible to swim in the waterholes along the way, which we were lucky enough to do. We spotted kookaburras and parrots. To me this gorge was the perfect image of the Australian Outback.

Where to stay at Umbrawarra Gorge

There is a small, basic campground close to the gorge.

There is no drinking water or showers available. Pit toilet only. It is worth saving a spot before walking the gorge. We paid $7.70 for the family.

Day 9: Umbrawarra Gorge to Katherine (Nitmiluk National Park)

Distance : 138km (85 miles) Driving Time : 2 hrs

The drive to Katherine is along the main highway where you will get to see the famous road trains. Used in remote outback areas to move freight across the country, these trucks often had 3 or 4 large trailers.

To get to Nitmiluk National Park you will drive through the town of Katherine. You should stop to stock up on groceries, water and fuel here.

Katherine Hot Springs

A great spot to stop on the way to Nitmiluk National Park is the Katherine Hot Springs. These natural thermal springs are on the banks of the Katherine River and are fed from a hole in the river bed upstream.

You can enter the springs at a number of spots along a path and it fun floating down the river and across small cascades.

There are more thermal springs further south at Mataranka and Bitter Springs, but as we were not traveling any further south this was a great stop to include in our Northern Territory road trip itinerary.

Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park is owned by the local Jawoyn People.

It is a beautiful National Park where the main attraction is Nitmiluk Gorge. Carved out by the Katherine River for over 12km, the surrounding rock faces are over 70m high in places.

The Gorge is actually made up of 13 separate gorges and there are many ways to explore the beauty of the gorge.

Once you arrive, check in at the visitor information centre to receive maps and information on hikes, kayaking and river cruises.

Where to stay in Nitmiluk National Park

We stayed at the lovely Nitmiluk National Park Campground .

While it was more expensive, at $50 per night for the family, we were based right in the park and didn’t need to travel at all for 3 nights.

For those looking for something more luxurious, the Cicada Lodge is located within the National Park and makes a great option for a treat.

Click here to see prices and availability at Cicada Lodge

Day 10-11: Nitmiluk National Park

There are a number of hikes and lookouts in the area as well as the opportunity to take a boat cruise, helicopter flights and even rent kayaks (or bring your own) to explore the gorge at a slower pace.

We spent our two days in Nitmiluk Gorge hiking and kayaking through the gorge.

Click here to book activities at Nitmiluk Gorge

Day 12: Katherine to Edith Falls (Leliyn)

Distance : 91 kms (56 miles) Driving Time : 1.5 hours

As you make your way back to Darwin, a stop at Edith Falls is a must. The site is off the main highway and is an easy drive on paved roads.

Edith Falls is within Nitmiluk National Park and is also the final stop for those completing the Jatbula Trail , a 62 km multi day day hike through Nitmiluk National Park. This walk is on our bucket list and looks achievable when the kids are older.

Spend the day swimming at the top pools and in the billabong at the base of the falls. The kids loved paddling under the waterfall at the top pools, leaping off the rocks and attempting to swim under the waterfall.

We are pleased we packed the inflatable surf mats as we all made great use of them during the road trip. You can download our full Outback Australia packing list here.

There are a number of different walks starting from the campground for those seeking a longer hike, with many more pools along the way to cool off.

Where to stay at Edith Falls

There is a popular, managed campground at Edith Falls and you need to arrive early to secure a site.

We arrived at 9am and already the sites were filling up. It is a lovely grassy, shaded campground.

There is drinking water, showers and toilets available. All sites are unpowered. We paid $30 for a family.

Day 13: Edith Falls to Florence Falls (Litchfield National Park)

Distance : 259 kms (160 miles) Driving Time : 3 hrs

On your way back to Darwin visit Litchfield National Park. Due to its proximity to Darwin it is one of the most popular places to visit in the Northern Territory.

This also makes it one of the busiest and we noticed a marked difference in the number of people visiting compared to the places we visited in Kakadu National Park.

Our first stop in Litchfield National Park was Florence Falls. After finding a campsite it was an easy 2km (1.2 mile) return walk to the falls along a paved path.

The falls were very busy with visitors when we arrived. We had a quick dip and returned later in the day to explore a little more without the crowds.

You can swim up to and under the waterfalls at Florence Falls which is loads of fun. There is also a lookout not far from the falls which gives you a great view over the falls and swimming hole.

Where to stay at Florence Falls

We stayed at the old 4WD campground at Florence Falls. There are two campgrounds at Florence Falls and both are easily accessible.

There were toilets and showers available, but no drinking water. We paid $15.40 for a family.

You should arrive by early afternoon to ensure you can claim a campsite. It is a very popular campground.

Day 14: Florence Falls to Sandy Creek

Distance : 31 kms (19 miles) Driving Time : 50 minutes

For our final night in the 4WD camper we decided to make our way to Sandy Creek. Much quieter and a little out of the way, it was one of our favourite campsites and close to Tjaynera Falls.

On our way to Sandy Creek we stopped at Buley Rockholes and Tolmer Falls.

The drive into Sandy Creek is along a 4WD dirt track, and has a water crossing. The road had only opened in early July so there was still a bit of water across the road, at around 50cm depth.

It made for an interesting water crossing, then through scrub land to a pretty campsite not far from Tjaynera Falls.

Buley Rockholes

The well-known Buley Rockholes are just up the road from Florence Falls.

A series of cascades running over smooth, shallow rocks, it was fun to make our way down the cascade, find little waterfalls to sit under and rocks to jump from.

It was very busy, so visit early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.

Tolmer Falls

We also stopped to admire Tolmer Falls from the lookout.

The Falls aren’t open to the public, but you can view them from a lookout which is only 1km return walk from the carpark.

Tjaynera Falls

It is a 3.4km (2.1 miles) return walk from the Sandy Creek campground along a flat trail that follows the creek to get to the falls.

The swimming hole is very pretty, surrounded by impressive large overhanging sandstone cliffs and a tall cascading waterfall.

There only a few people there and it was a very peaceful place to swim and play for the afternoon. It was one of our favourite swimming holes in our Northern Territory road trip.

Where to stay at Sandy Creek

There is a lovely, small campground at Sandy Creek. The campground has toilets and showers, but not drinking water. We paid $15.40 for a family.

The campground is small and was full by mid-afternoon so don’t arrive too late in the day.

Day 15: Sandy Creek to Darwin

Distance: 145 kms (90 miles) Driving Time : 2.5 hrs

There are two ways to get back to Darwin from Sandy Creek.

One is back via Batchelor and along the main highway. The alternative is via Cox Peninsula Road which passes Wangi Falls and Berry Springs. We chose the latter route.

There is a small section of dirt road, but it is wide and well maintained.

You need to check whether the road is open all the way through, as it is often closed in wet season due to flooding.

Wangi Falls

We stopped in at Wangi Falls early in the day on our way back to Darwin.

It is a very popular destination (you can also camp at Wangi Falls), so we recommend you get there early, or camp at the site to explore the falls without the crowds.

Don’t forget to take a dip in the small rockhole bored from the rock at the base of the waterfall on the left.

I am not sure whether it was the crowds or the fact we had seen so many other gorgeous falls, but I didn’t rate Wangi Falls as highly as many of the others we had visited in our 2 week Northern Territory road trip.

Berry Springs Nature Park

Another great stop on the return trip to Darwin, Berry Springs is a pretty thermal spring.

Free to visit and bigger than the Katherine Hot Springs, there are a set of pools (upper, main and lower) of gorgeous turquoise water, surrounded by grassy picnic grounds.

It makes a lovely stop for lunch and a swim before the final drive into Darwin. Note that due to its proximity to Darwin it can get pretty busy.

Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel.

World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Day 16: Darwin

We had just one day to explore and found there are plenty of things to do in Darwin.

We enjoyed our visits to the Darwin Military Museum and the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory.

Click here to see the full list of things to do in Darwin.

The easiest way to explore the city is by car. While it is a small city, the public transport isn’t great and it is easy to find places to park the car in the city and surrounding areas.

Click here to book your Darwin rental car

Where to stay in Darwin

There are number of different accommodation options available in Darwin.

If you are looking for a campground , we recommend Darwin FreeSpirit Resort.

Book Darwin FreeSpirit Resort | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

If you are looking for a hotel , like we were (as we dropped our 4WD camper back on our arrival in Darwin), we recommend the Novotel Darwin Airport.

The hotel is walking distance from the airport, which makes it very convenient for anyone with early flights in or out of Darwin.

The hotel breakfast is available from 4am so you can get something to eat before an early morning flight!

We booked a double queen room and were overjoyed to have a long warm shower, sleep in a comfy bed, enjoy a buffet breakfast and eat out for 2 nights before our flight home!

Book Novotel Darwin Airport   | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Where to eat in Darwin

Darwin has a great food truck scene. We ate both dinners by the ocean at different food trucks at East Point and NightCliff during our stay and loved eating out in the warm evening air and watching the sunsets Darwin is famous for.

Food trucks we can recommend include Salty Plum Café, Needle in a Haystack and Cucina Sotto le Stelle. For a list of other food trucks and their locations see the schedule here.

When to visit Northern Territory

The Top End has two seasons: Wet and Dry. While the temperature changes little over the year, the difference is the level of humidity and the amount of rain.

Dry season is May to October. Wet Season is November to April. Peak tourist season is during the dry season.

We visited the Top End in the dry season in late June / early July. Daytime temperatures were in the low 30s Celsius (86 F) with overnight lows around 18 C (64 F).

We were worried it would be too hot to hike and explore, but there are so many swimming holes that we never went a day without a dip to cool off.

The lower humidity levels meant the temperatures were manageable as long as you planned to do the most energetic activities in the morning, and took a swim in the afternoon when the heat was at its peak.

Accessibility to popular spots in wet season may not be possible. Some areas remain closed until June and even later so we recommend you check with the relevant the national park website for up to date information.

Getting to Darwin

Getting in and out of Darwin can be expensive, particularly during the peak season and school holidays.

Flight times from domestic locations also vary, with many budget airlines departing and arriving through the night.

Look at regional airlines such as AirNorth for daytime options if you don’t mind some additional travel time.

Search Skyscanner for the best priced flights to Darwin

4WD Camper Rental Darwin

There are many rental options available out of Darwin. We rented a 4WD Landcruiser with seating and beds for up to 5 people.

Northern Territory Guide Book

We have used Lonely Planet Guidebooks for over 20 years.

Buy your copy of Lonely Planet Northern Territory on Amazon .

Plus don’t forget to buy your HEMA Northern Territory map .

Travel Insurance

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We hope we have answered all your questions about NT road trips. Find all our articles on Australia travel here .

If you have any questions about our Northern Territory self drive tours please leave us a comment or contact us – we are happy to help!

Looking for more road trip inspiration? You might like:

• 17 Essential Tips for a Northern Territory Road Trip
• Ultimate Outback Australia Packing List
• Best gift ideas for road trip lovers
• 2 week South Africa road trip itinerary with kids
• Europe by campervan with kids

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Rachel Rodda

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8 thoughts on “the perfect itinerary for a 2 week northern territory road trip”.

How much did the trip end up costing?

Hi Tom, Excluding flights and travel insurance, the trip cost about $7K AUD. That includes car rental, all campsites and hotels, food and activities.

Wow, this is an excellent guide! I did a 4-day camping trip in Kakadu National Park many, many years ago when I was a university student in Adelaide. The landscape of Northern Territory and the outback is truly spectacular and indeed the best way to explore these places is to be on a road trip. Love your post! #FarawayFiles

Thanks Kat. It was our first time to Outback Australia and I am 100% sure it won’t be our last. I was quite taken with the landscape.

This looks like a wonderful way to explore the Australian Outback. I particularly appreciate that you’re not travelling miles each day, instead stopping to explore and enjoy the amazing things along the way. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles

It is tempting to try and cover a lot of ground, as there is so much to see. We enjoyed the shorter drives on this road trip as like you said it meant there was a lot more time to enjoy each place.

Excellent itinerary. Looks like you guys had a lot of fun. I had no idea there were so many swimming opportunities up there – they all look fantastic.

The number of swimming holes was a pleasant surprise for us too! It made the heat bearable, which was great.

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The Northern Territory is vast. Occupying about one sixth of Australia's total land mass, its boundaries encompass a variety of contrasting landscapes and experiences, best tackled by exploring a few key destinations - each with their own distinct personality, we urge you to experience the wonders of our region. We can help with all your tours, car hire and accommodation in Darwin, Kakadu, katherine, Litchfield and Arnhem Land.

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The Darwin Region incorporates Darwin, Litchfield National Park, the Tiwi Islands and The Peninsula Way. Darwin is a lively harbour city well-known as Australia’s gateway to world-class nature and cultural experiences. This is the perfect base to enjoy fresh seafood, explore majestic waterfalls, go fishing for the catch of a lifetime and watch the sunset over the ocean.

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The Kakadu Region incorporates Kakadu and the Wildlife and Wetlands Region. World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, covering almost 20,000 square kilometres, is a place of contrasting landscapes and diverse habitats. Within the Park and Wildlife & Wetlands region, you'll see saltwater crocodiles lurk in freshwater billabongs dotted with lotus lilies, waterfalls cascade into pools fringed with pandanus.

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The Arnhem Land Region incorporates West and East Arnhem Land. In Arnhem Land, you can explore a spectacular landscape with unspoilt shores and timeless culture. The scenery is beautiful and diverse, with rugged coastlines, remote islands, rivers teeming with fish, lush rainforest, towering escarpments and savannah woodland. Arnhem Land is made up of 91,000 square kilometres.

The Katherine Region incorporates Katherine, Douglas & Daly River regions, Timber Creek & Victoria River and Borroloola & The Gulf region. Explore famous Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, great fishing, hidden natural wonders and a rich indigenous and pioneering history. The region stretches from the Gulf of Carpentaria to the West Australia border.

When journeying the Stuart Highway, you’ll find Tennant Creek and the Barkly Tablelands 1000 kilometres south of Darwin and 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs. Here, you can discover the iconic Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles as well as the gold mining history, Aboriginal culture and large cattle stations this outback region is known for.

ALICE SPRINGS

Alice springs is a spirited outback centre, framed by the MacDonnell Ranges, Larapinta Trail and desert landscape. Here you can see stunning landscapes, explore a unique pioneering history and a mix of contemporary and traditional art.

One of the great natural wonders of the world, Uluru towers above the surrounding landscape at 348 metres. Located approximately 460 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs, you’ll find this World Heritage-listed treasure right in the heart of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a place that speaks of timeless folklore, rich indigenous culture and great spirituality.

Suggested Itineraries

Need some inspiration? Take a look at our suggested itineraries.

Nature & Wildlife

Visit wetlands and waterfalls, see crocodiles and wildlife.

Aboriginal Experiences

Explore rock art, sample bush tucker & learn traditional weaving.

World Class Fishing

Fish for barra and more in lush billabongs, rivers & coastlines.

WWII History

Discover an important key chapter of Australia’s military history.

Territory Champion Nominations

During your visit was there someone who went above and beyond to help make your experience in the Territory that extra bit special?

Weave through varied landscapes on an adventurous tour

Top End Holiday Guide

Talk to a local

Our team of local experts at the Travel and Information Centre are here to share their top tips and recommended experiences.

Pick of the crop food guide

Is a handy e-brochure to Download

Events in the Territory

Family Friendly

Tiny Tots Playgroup at Casuarina Square

Let your little stars shine bright and join our FREE weekly playgroup in The Quarter with Messy Bubs Darwin. Expec... more

SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre Beam Me Up, Kate

SLIDE Youth Dance Theatre presents the original workBeam Me Up, Kate, a whirlwind story of science, hope, hum... more

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