Experience the 5 Top Wonders of the Northern Territory

The untamed, vast wilderness of the Northern Territory will leave a lasting impression.

Northern Territory

Pack your bags and get ready for an intrepid journey through the Northern Territory, discovering some of the best food, culture and landscapes along the way.

1. Darwin

Unearth the quirks of Darwin. Relish in the easy-going, good time vibes of this eclectic city.

 

Food is a big deal here, particularly Asian cuisine due to Darwin’s close proximity to South East Asia. For fresh local produce, try Hanuman Restaurant, owned and managed by local celebrity chef Jimmy Shu. Soak up the vibrant décor and unbuckle your belt a few notches in preparation for the mouth-watering selection of South-East Asian dishes, including Bombay pakoras and Thai crispy whole fish. 

 

Sated and ready to stretch the legs, head to Bicentennial Park. Running the length of Darwin’s shimmering waterfront and shaded by tropical trees, enjoy a walk through the expansive open grasslands. 

 

If your visit is during Dry Season (end of April to the end of October), you can’t miss Mindil Beach Sunset Market operating every Sunday between 4:00pm – 9:00pm. Here you’ll find an incredible offering of local art, craft and entertainment complemented by over 60 food stalls. 

 

Throw down a picnic rug and try local delicacies including barramundi and crocodile or sweet favourites like churros and crepes whilst watching a spectacular tropical sunset. 

2. Kakadu

Ancient and beautiful, Kakadu is 3 hours drive from Darwin and home to Australia’s biggest national park. There’s no shortage of raw beauty here, with plunging gorges, aboriginal rock art and an abundance of wildlife at your fingertips. 

 

Twin Falls Gorge

One of Kakadu’s major waterfalls is mesmerising regardless of the pace of the flowing water, dictated by the course of the season. With a split cascade, the waterfall flows from a 150m cliff into crystal-clear waters of the pool at its base.

 

Access to Twin Falls during the dry season is by road, boat and walking track but is weather dependant so it’s best to check before commencing the journey. Access is prohibited during wet season as the area is prone to flooding. The best vantage point during wet season is from above – taking advantage of a tour of the region via helicopter. 

 

Gunlom Plunge Pool

Hit the refresh button with a cooling swim at gorgeous ‘secret spot’ Gunlom Plunge Pool. This clear rock pool is perched on the Kakadu escarpment and affords sweeping views of the rugged southern hills and ridges of the park. Just float and relax in the pristine pool water or discover rock pools along the rocky walls of the creek, heading away from the edge. 

3. Katherine

This vast and diverse region is where the outback and tropics converge. Explore ancient aboriginal customs, uncover hot springs and discover a wilderness of native birds and wildlife in the spectacular parklands.

 

Katherine Hot Springs

A tropical oasis that lies within the Katherine township. Relax in natural thermal springs on the verge of the Katherine River, surrounded by native flora and fauna.  Once you’ve finished drifting, you can enjoy the surrounding walking tracks and plentiful places to picnic. 

 

Nitmiluk National Park - including the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

Experience of the magic of this ancient sandstone landscape, illuminated and darkened by the ever-changing position of the sun.  Cruise, kayak or hike to explore impressive gorges, craggy waterfalls and jutting cliff faces. 

 

Katherine Outback Experience

Immerse yourself in a true outback experience with musician Tom Curtain.  His captivating 90 minute shows celebrate life on the land with horse breaking demonstrations, interactions with farm animals, storytelling and award winning country music.

4. Tennant Creek

All that you imagine Australia to be. Remote, vast and raw. Long highways, remote pubs, local characters and bobbing kangaroos. This is genuine Outback Australia.

 

Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles

In a valley south of Tennant Creek lies an assembly of mammoth granite boulders that have formed over millions of years. Exposed to the elements they continue to crack and change, ensuring a unique perspective for each passing visitor. Be sure to learn about the ancient Aboriginal mythology of these formations by taking a short self-guided walk around the reserve. 

 

Davenport Range National Park

Head to the Davenport Ranges, just east of Tennant Creek for a truly secluded outback adventure. Go back to basics with your camping gear and 4x4 and find peace in the natural hum of the landscape, native bushland and diverse wildlife.

5. Uluru and Surrounds

Surely, the most awe inspiring landscape in the Northern Territory. Here, you can behold one of the greatest natural wonders of the world and learn about the deep cultural significance of the land from the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu.

 

Uluru

Towering strong and imposing, Uluru is one of the world’s largest and most recognisable monoliths. Walk around the base and make a connection with this deeply spiritual place, watching in awe as this incredible landscape slowly changes colour, from burnt orange to deep scarlet red.  

 

Kings Canyon

Isolated and wild, you’ll feel a million worlds away from the everyday at Watarrka National Park. Famed for its 300 metre high sandstone walls and eye watering views across the desert – Kings Canyon is a sight to behold. If you’re feeling fit and fresh and geared up with essential supplies, take the Rim Walk. This 6km circuit will see you down a striking staircase into the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rock hole, home to a wealth of native plants.

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