7 ways to explore the NT

By Ellen Morgan
Published: Thursday, July 23, 2020

The Northern Territory is back open for business. The third largest state/territory in Australia, the NT spans 1.4 million square kilometres, which means there’s a whole lot of ground to cover.

From the Red Centre of Alice Springs to the lush national parks and beachfront vistas of Darwin’s city centre, it’s a traveller’s playground. Whether you’ve got the kids in tow, you’re on a retirement adventure, or you’re looking for a romantic weekend away in the wilderness, there’s something to fill everyone’s travel cup.

We’ve put together a list of top experiences and places to visit if you’re planning a trip up to the Top End.

Outdoor Adventure

Litchfield National Park

Just 60-minutes south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is great for a day trip if you’re using the city as your base. Water holes, waterfalls and vine forests are just some of the natural wonders that abound in this NT secret.

Often overlooked for beautiful Kakadu, locals say ‘Litchy’ is a must-visit. Spanning an incredible 1500 square kilometres, the national park has a number of different routes and landmarks to glimpse when you’re travelling through. Some of the more unique include magnetic termite mounds and the iconic Lost City which features a cluster of sandstone pillars that have stood the test of time.

If you’re on the road, why not stay the night in your campervan or caravan? There are a number of licensed campgrounds on offer around Litchfield. If you’re feeling adventurous, set out on a 3-day tour where you can explore Kakadu and Litchfield in a 4WD, camping along the way.

Find out more about Litchfield National Park tour and experiences.

Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park. Image: Evelien Langeveld, Tourism NT

Kings Canyon, Alice Springs

Part of Watarrka National Park in the territory’s south, Kings Canyon boasts all the NT’s quintessential dramatic red scenery and desert landscape. Sandstone walls towering up to 300 metres high are among the majestic sites on offer here. You’ll want to bring your camera – this place is jaw-droppingly beautiful. A 3-hour drive from Uluru, you can make your own journey of it, either as a stop-over while you’re travelling north, or with Kings Canyon as your destination.

There are a range of accommodation options around the Canyon, and a number of walking trails to keep you moving. Set off on a full-day tour from Uluru to Kings Canyon, which includes transfers, guided tours along Rim Walk and Creek Bed Walk, as well as a cooked breakfast.

Find out more about Kings Canyon tours and experiences.

Kings Canyon. Image: Matt Cherubino, Tourism NT

Finke Gorge National Park

An NT treasure, Finke Gorge National Park is a protected reserve that’s home to some of the oldest rivers and trees in the world. Only accessible by 4WD, the park is ideal for those road-tripping their way through the territory.

With water holes, river red gums and a collection of walks on offer, perhaps the most significant sites here are the red cabbage palms of Palm Valley and the Finke River, both estimated to be millions of years old.

If you’ve got your own 4WD and you’re experienced with this kind of track, feel free to choose your own adventure. If not, you can take your pick from a number of tours. Our top pick is a 4WD safari from Alice Springs, which includes a tour of Palm Valley as well as a picnic lunch and a number of other stop-offs along the way.

Find out more about Finke Gorge tour and experiences.

Palm Valley. Image: Steve Strike, Tourism NT.

Katherine

According to locals, Katherine is a must-add to the bucket list when visiting the Top End. A 3-hour drive from Darwin, the country town of Katherine is a gateway to a host of world-class experiences, tucked away in the centre of the NT.

One must-see is Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where you can canoe, swim, cruise or even helicopter your way around beautiful waterways and sheer cliff-faces. Further afield, there’s the crystal-clear waters of the Mataranka thermal pool – nature’s very own swimming pool, surrounded by forests and native wildlife.

Find out more about Katherine tours and experiences.

Nitmiluk Gorge. Image: James Fisher, Tourism NT

City Sites

Darwin Harbour & Deckchair Cinema

So close to Asia, Darwin has all the tropical, beachside beauty of a holiday destination across the seas, but it’s right on our doorstep. Darwin is surrounded by water, with a host of activities and harbour hot-spots just a hop, skip and a jump from the CBD. The waterfront precinct offers a host of dining options, walks, a wave pool and a swimming lagoon.

The broader harbour precinct is ideal to take a cruise, drop a line, or even scuba dive. One of the city’s most popular attractions is the Deckchair Cinema, situated right on the Darwin Harbour, with views out to sea from the comfort of your seat.

In operation from mid-April to mid-November every year, the cinema is open 7 days and features its own licensed kiosk. You’re also welcome to bring along your own picnic (although bringing your own alcohol is not permitted).

Find out more about a range of other activities and experiences in Darwin city and surrounds.

Deckchair Cinema. Image: Friederike Franze, Tourism NT

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

Make the most of seaside vistas and explore another section of the picturesque Darwin Harbour – Mindil Beach. Every Thursday and Sunday, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets run along the waterfront (until late October). Shop ‘til you drop, sample the flavours of a range of cuisines from a plethora of food stalls, and soak up the atmosphere of this popular Darwin attraction.

Admission is free, and you might even be lucky enough to hear a few local buskers or performers. Otherwise, simply grab yourself a bite and sit and enjoy the sunset on the sand.

Find out more about the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

Mindil Beach Markets. Image: Kevin Phan, Tourism NT

Cultural Experiences

Tiwi Islands

Comprising of Bathurst and Melville Island, the Tiwi Islands are just a 2.5-hour ferry ride from Darwin. The residents of the islands are predominantly Indigenous communities – the original land custodians. Experience the thriving Indigenous culture by meeting some of the people of the island and learning about the significance and role of arts, food, fishing and Dreamtime stories in daily life here.

Embark on an Aboriginal Cultural Day Tour, which includes a return ferry to Bathurst Island and a guided day tour to meet the locals and experience their way of life. Sample traditionally made damper and tea, and learn all about bush tucker from the locals.

Find out more about experiences on the Tiwi Islands.

Rainbow Beach, Tiwi Islands. Image: Tourism NT: Elise Cook

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