The Northern Territory, also known as the Top End of Australia, offers a unique perspective on the country.
The Northern Territory of Australia offers a wide range of activities and attractions, making it difficult to decide where to start.
It offers an opportunity to experience the Outback and the Red Centre, discover some of the country’s oldest and most revered sites, witness stunning natural landscapes, swim in a waterhole, admire rock formations, and encounter Australian wildlife.
The Northern Territory is an Australian territory with distinctive characteristics.
If you’re planning to travel to the Northern Territory and need some suggestions, here are some of the top places, activities, and experiences in the region.
Should you visit the Northern Territory of Australia?
Australia is recognised for its stunning coastlines, yet it’s the distinct Australian Outback that distinguishes it from other nations.
The Outback provides unique characteristics like its immensity, age-old Aboriginal traditions, natural marvels, twinkling stars and varied fauna.
Darwin is a balmy city celebrated for its remarkable dusks and clear heavens, which become more captivating as you linger.
The Northern Territory should be visited and felt in person, even if there are countless images and television ads you might have already observed.
Transportation options in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is a perfect location for a driving adventure. It is advisable to possess a vehicle to traverse the region and truly appreciate all the events and sites on offer in the NT.
This is because most of the premier sites are situated outside. The area is renowned for its nature reserves and untouched distant and vast spaces. Having a vehicle is essential to reach some of these spots.
For individuals who aren’t drivers, an alternative is to join excursions from Darwin or Alice Springs.
One can observe the sunset at Uluru (Ayres Rock)
You can swim at Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National Park
Kakadu National Park is considered one of the top three favourite national parks in Australia.
This infinity pool provides amazing views of the valley, is surrounded by eucalyptus trees, and is ideal for a refreshing swim and lunch. Additionally, there are no crocodiles present.
Witness the sunset at Mindel Beach
Based on our evaluations, Darwin ranks as one of the premier spots in Australia for sunset viewing, with Mindil Beach emerging as the favoured spot, especially during the Thursday evening bazaars.
In this period, many individuals congregate on the shore to see the sun descend past the skyline, an awe-inspiring visual.
Darwin Harbour or the Darwin Waterfront are sought-after places for sunset appreciation, given they are less packed than the shoreline.
Undertake the Kings Canyon Rim Walk
The Red Centre Way showcases the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a 6-kilometre circuit encompassing Cotterill’s Lookout and the Garden of Eden.
The trek reveals magnificent panoramas of the ‘Lost City’, a cluster of banded rock formations reminiscent of Purnululu. It’s hailed as one of the standout sites in the Red Centre, positioned slightly behind Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Experience the sunrise at Uluru
Observing the transformation of the desert is a highly recommended experience.
You can choose to either visit the main sunrise lookout at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku to see the sun shining on the rock along with many other tourists, or you can go to the sunset lookout spot for a more peaceful sunrise experience where the rock will block the sun as it rises.
Glen Helen Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges has hiking
Glen Helen Gorge, a stunning and permanent waterhole, is located at the headwaters of the Finke River. According to the traditional owners, it is believed to be the home of an ancient and powerful Rainbow Serpent.
For a convenient location to explore the West MacDonnell Ranges, consider stopping by the Glen Helen Homestead.
Experience a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise in Kakadu
A journey through Kakadu’s wetlands on the Yellow Water Cruise is a memorable experience, particularly at sunrise when the abundant wildlife in the billabongs awakens.
In the area, egrets fly in groups, sea eagles sit above searching for food, and you can observe the impressive saltwater crocodile, a prime example of evolution.
Enjoy swimming at Buley Rockholes in Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Parkis located a 90-minute drive from Darwin and is known as one of the top swimming spots in the Top End.
Buley Rockholes can be reached by walking along the Tabletop Track. This trail leads to a series of rock pools with cascading water.
The Darwin Military Museum can be visited at East Point
As Australians, we learned about Gallipoli in school but less about events in our country.
On 19 February 1942, Darwin was heavily damaged by Japanese bombing, and despite 58 additional attacks, Darwin emerged as a significant forward base for the Pacific Campaign.
The Darwin Military Museum provides historical information and narratives.
You can enjoy a swim in the Mataranka Hot Springs
The Mataranka Thermal Pool maintains a steady temperature of 34 degrees Celsius and is known for its rejuvenating waters. A palm forest surrounds it.
When participating in this activity, it is recommended to bring a flotation device such as a noodle. Allow the current to guide you and repeat the process as desired.
Katherine Hot Springs in Katherine South is also a well-known hot spring.
Discover Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park
Florence Falls boasts a twin cascade that culminates in a well-known swimming location.
A set of stairs provides access to these basins, commencing from a viewpoint, and visitors can traverse between Florence Falls and Buley Rockholes.
Try tubing in Redbank Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges
While in the West MacDonnell Ranges, it’s a must to experience tubing at Redbank Gorge. Nestled under the presence of Mt Sonder, this gorge is famed for its calming and refreshing waters.
There’s a petite swimming spot that connects to a slender gap in the wall. You can navigate this passage and ascend the boulders with your tubes to reach each successive tier.
You can go on a sunrise cruise in Katherine Gorge
Katherine Gorge, also known as Nitmiluk National Park, is comprised of 13 gorges that were formed by the Katherine River carving into the ancient sandstone.
The river holds significant cultural value for the local Aboriginal community.
One way to explore the gorge is by taking a cruise, where you can also stop at Edith Falls.
I selected a two-hour sunrise cruise, and it was a captivating experience to observe the gorge come to life in the morning sunlight.
Witness the sundown at Ubirr within Kakadu
The summit of the stone at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park presents breathtaking views of the Nadarb wetlands and Arnhem Land, positioning it as the prime locale for sunset observation. It’s counted among the most magnificent sunsets we’ve ever beheld.
Experience Kata Tjuta through walking
Several walking trails in Kata Tjuta lead between the domes, including the Walpa Gorge Walk and the Valley of the Winds Walk, which offer stunning views of the desert plains.
It is recommended to start this walk at sunrise, particularly during the warmer months. Additionally, visiting the Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is advised to learn about the park’s history and the indigenous people who own it.
You can go for a swim in Ormiston Gorge
This swimming hole in the West Macs is known for its size and beauty, making it a popular destination.
Visitors can take a brief stroll into the gorge for a rejuvenating swim, or they can walk up to the steel viewing platform that offers a panoramic view of Ormiston Waterhole (a round trip that takes about 20 minutes). Alternatively, they can continue on the Ghost Gum Walk, a loop that takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
One can walk around the base of Uluru
This is a 10km loop walk around the entire base of the cliff.
To avoid the heat, it is recommended to start the walk at dawn from the Kuniya car park and walk counterclockwise.
It is advisable to come prepared with water and snacks, take regular breaks, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a hat. It is important to note that flies can be bothersome during the summer.
Take a look at Standley Chasm
The Standley Chasm near Alice Springs is a natural alleyway formed by flood waters over thousands of years, cutting through quartzite to create a picturesque landscape.
The best time to visit is noon, when the sunlight illuminates the chasm’s walls, creating a golden, orange, and red glow.
Experience Aboriginal Rock Art in Kakadu
Kakadu is known for its exceptional aboriginal rock art in the Northern Territory, with guided talks available at the Ubirr Rock Art Gallery.
An Aboriginal ranger provides information about the stories behind the paintings on the wall of the 1km circular walk. Additionally, the Nourlangie region offers more impressive rock art.
You can visit the Termite Mounds at Litchfield National Park
Thousands of termites construct the giant magnetic termite mounds in a north-south orientation, which helps regulate the temperature inside and reduce sun exposure.
If you enter the park from Darwin, the termite mounds will be the first thing you come across.
Visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets in Darwin
The Mindil Beach Markets are held Thursdays to Sundays from March to November and offer affordable and delicious international cuisine.
The stalls offer a diverse range of cultures, live music, clothing and souvenirs. Additionally, many people gather on the beach to witness the beautiful sunset.
Please visit the Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory is known for its laid-back and artsy vibe, particularly in Darwin.
The Art Gallery of the Northern Territory houses cultural and scientific collections of pieces from the Northern Territory, including fossils from Alice Springs and a substantial collection of aboriginal art.
Check out Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges
Simpsons Gap is a significant gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges, just a short drive from Alice.
The area includes the impressive cliffs of Simpsons Range, a permanent waterhole, and is known for its sightings of Black-Footed Rock-Wallabies along the gap’s walking track at dawn or dusk.
Karlu Karlu is a unique rock formation
Karlu Karlu, also known as the Devil’s Marbles, is located near Tennant Creek and is renowned for its distinctive landscape, adorned with numerous colossal granite boulders.
The boulders are located in a small valley and hold importance for the Warramungu people.
I suggest visiting at sunset when the sunlight illuminates them in a fiery red hue.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Ellery Creek Big Hole
The Ellery Creek Big Hole in the West MacDonnell Ranges is a popular spot for swimming and cooling off.
Please be aware that the weather can be scorching between October and April. Swimming early in the day, even during those months is advisable.
Take a look at Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu National Park
Jim Jim Falls is considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Kakadu National Park, as well as in the entire Northern Territory.
The cliff measures 150 meters and features water plunging into a deep pool below.
Visiting the visitor centre before going is advised, as the falls may dry up towards the end of the dry season.
