35 Things to Do in the Northern Territory for Nature Enthusiasts

The Northern Territory is Australia’s wildest state. Between the arid Red Centre and the humid Top End, the Northern Territory is as vast as it is diverse. Home to the spectacular Kakadu National Park with its lush wetlands teaming with birds and crocodiles and the Uluru, surrounded by red desert, it is the state that is best experienced on a road trip. Alternatively, you can base yourself in Darwin or Alice Springs and explore the region on organized trips.

Adelaide to Darwin road trip - Thorny devil in Australia
Thorny devil in Kings Canyon

I compiled this guide to my favourite things to do in the Northern Territory to help you plan your own nature adventure. It is a mix of my personal recommendations and a few experiences, like the Ghan train and the hot air balloon ride, that are still on my bucket list. I have links to detailed destination guides in the relevant sections.

The Northern Territory is vast, with long stretches of road between the attractions in the arid Center and those in the tropical Top End. To help you get oriented, this guide is divided into two sections: the Tropical North (Darwin, Kakadu and Katherine Gorge) and the Red Center (the area around the Uluru and Kings Canyon).

How to Visit the Northern Territory

Depending on which area you want to explore, you can fly to Alice Springs or Uluru for the Red Center and to Darwin for the Tropical North.

Given how spread out the Northern Territory attractions are, the best way is to explore the state is on a road trip. In fact, one of the best things to do in the Northern Territory is to take an epic road trip on the Stuart Highway.

Saltwater crocodile in Kakadu National Park
Saltwater crocodile hunting in Kakadu National Park

On our first visit to the state, we spent a month driving from Uluru to Darwin, camping in the most spectacular places along the way. It is just under 2,000km along the highway, but you’ll end up driving a much greater distance overall as you explore the gorges and wetlands along the way.

Alternatively, you can take smaller road trips from Darwin and Alice Springs. You can rent a car at either airport. For a suggested itinerary, check out my guide to planning a Northern Territory road trip.

If you don’t want to drive, it is possible to explore some of the most popular destinations on organized tours, either from Darwin or Alice Springs. I include available tours to the destinations in this guide.

Things to do in the Northern Territory – The Tropical North

To explore the tropical north, fly to Darwin and either go on a road trip or take day tours to some of the most iconic destinations. I have a dedicated guide to things to do in Darwin, including day trips you can take as organised tours.

Explore Kakadu National Park

Things to do in Darwin - see saltwater crocodile
Saltwater crocodile on the Yellow Water Billabong

Kakadu is the quintessential Australian wilderness, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Roughly the size of Slovenia, Kakadu is a world of lush wetlands teaming with birds and crocodiles, dramatic rock formations adorned with Aboriginal rock art, and spectacular waterfalls.

The must-see highlights in Kakadu are the cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong, Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and Nourlangie and Jim Jim Falls.

Kakadu lies 300 kilometres southeast of Darwin, so I recommend spending at least two days in the park. If you only have 1 day and decide to take a tour from Darwin, make sure to book one that includes a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, which is the best opportunity to see wildlife in Kakadu.

See my guide to spotting wildlife in Kakadu National Park for more details and images.

Cruise Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

Katherine gorge / Nitmiluk
Katherine Gorge. Image/Depositphotos

Nitmiluk, or Katherine Gorge, is one of the most spectacular gorges in Australia’s Top End. It is actually a network of 13 gorges carved out by Katherine River in what is now Nitmiluk National Park. The National Park lies 244 km southeast of Darwin and 23 km from Katherine and borders Kakadu National Park in the north. If you don’t mind a long day, you can visit Nitmiluk and cruise Katherine Gorge on a tour from Darwin.

The most spectacular way to explore Katherine River Gorge is by cruising the River as it meanders between 70-meter-high red limestone cliffs. Sunrise and sunset tours are best for photography. There are also a few walking trails in the park that lead to viewpoints with stunning panoramas. More details in my guide to exploring Katherine Gorge.

Spot Australia’s Most Beautiful Finches

Things to do in the Northern Territory - spot gouldian finch
Gouldian finch. Image/Depositphotos

This one is for keen wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers. The Top End is home to one of Australia’s most beautiful birds – the strikingly colourful Gouldian finch. One of the best places to see several species of finches, including Gouldian finches, is the creek bed along Edith Falls Road (-14.186792, 132.084319), on the way to Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park. The best time to visit is early morning between July and October.

If you are a keen photographer, keep in mind that the finches are tiny, and they will stay some distance away. You’ll need a teleconverter to get a decent shot. My 400mm lens on a cropped sensor camera was not up to the task; hence, I chose a stock photo image above rather than my own.

Take a Dip in Edith Falls

Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park
Edith Falls. Image/Depositphotos

Edith Falls, or Leliyn, is an inviting natural swimming hole at the base of a cascading waterfall that lies at the western end of Nitmiluk National Park. The falls are about 50 kilometres away from Katherine, about an hour’s drive.

Before you head to Edith Falls, stop by the Visitor Center to see whether the falls are open for swimming. If so, there are plenty of swimming holes at the base of the falls and along the river. And if you are visiting Katherine Gorge on a tour from Darwin, your tour will include a swim at Edith Falls.

Take a Cruise on Corroboree Billabong

Jabiru on corroboree billabong
Jabiru on Corroboree Billabong

Of all the things to do in the Northern Territory, a cruise on a billabong is a must. So, if you don’t have a couple of days to visit Kakadu, head to Corroboree Billabong to experience the iconic landscape of Australia’s top end. And if you don’t have a car, you can book a tour from Darwin to the Billabong.

Corroboree Billabong gives you a good opportunity to see both Saltwater and Freshwater crocodiles and a plethora of bird species. You can find more details in my guide to visiting Corroboree Billabong.

Chase Waterfalls in Litchfield National Park

Things to do in the Northern Territory - see Wangi Falls in Lichfield National Park
Wangi Falls. Image/Depositphotos

Litchfield is by far the most spectacular national park within easy reach of Darwin. Lying just over 100 kilometres south of Darwin, Litchfield makes for a perfect day trip. The park is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Northern Territory, including Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Tolmer Falls (this one is reached by a 1.6km loop walk). Bullet Rock Hole is another gentle 3-tied waterfall perfect for a refreshing dip.

If you’d rather not drive, you can visit Lichfield on a day tour from Darwin. This way, you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot in the park, which is a boon if you visit the park during the peak season. Lichfield is among the most crowded of all attractions listed in this guide.

Spot Hooded Parrots in Pine Creek

Things to do in the northern territory - see hooded parrots in Pine Creek
Hooded parrot in Pine Creek

Pine Creek is a tiny town between Darwin and Katherine in Australia’s Northern Territory. And this tiny Outback town has a special thing going for it. The lawn sprinklers in front of the Lazy Lizard tavern attract hooded parrots from the surrounding savanna to town. They arrive in the late afternoon and roost in town overnight.

Hooded parrots are vividly colourful parrots, but what makes them particularly fascinating is their ecological relationships with termites. Unlike most parrots that nest in tree hollows, Hooded parrots make their homes in termite mounds. Yep, that’s right—these birds dig burrows in termite mounds, which offer them protection and a stable environment for raising their young. More details in my guide to finding Hooded parrots in Pine Creek.

Swim under a Hidden Waterfall at Southern Rockhole

Things to do in the Northern Territory - swim at Southern Rockhole
Southern Rockhole. Image/Depositphotos

If you are visiting during summer (Dec to Mar) you can enjoy a beautiful hidden gem in Nitmiluk National Park – the Southern Rockhole waterfall that you can swim under. It is a stunning swimming hole, and because it’s remote, it doesn’t get as crowded as the more easily accessible waterfalls.

The Southern Rockhole is located near the top of the first gorge and can be reached by a ferry ride from Nitmiluk jetty. The ferry will drop you off within 150m of the Rockhole. Alternatively, there is an 8km (4km each way) walking track from the car park. If you are up and about early in the morning, you could walk there and catch the ferry back.

Kingfisher Gallore at Buffalo Creek

Little kingfisher on Buffalo Creek in Darwin
Little kingfisher on Buffalo Creek

The best discovery on my recent visit to Darwin was a boat cruise along Buffalo Creek with Christopher Spooner. The timing of the cruise varies as it needs to coincide with low tide, and during my visit, the low tide came a couple of hours before sunset, so we were cruising during the golden hour.

The main attractions of the cruise for the serious birders are the Chestnut rail and Little kingfisher, but you’ll see plenty more birds with Christopher. If you are a photographer, you’ll love how close you can get to some of the birds in a boat. If you are keen, check my guide to Buffalo Creek boat tour for details.

Visit Darwin Botanic Gardens

wildlife in Darwin - crimson finch
Crimson finch in Darwin Botanic Gardens

Escape the tropical heat in this lush garden of orchids, palms, and mangroves. The George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are located a 5-minute drive/Uber ride from the city centre.

The botanic gardens are a great place to see some of the region’s 400+ bird species. It is best to visit the gardens first thing in the morning (the gardens open at 7 a.m.) or an hour or two before sunset. Not only are the birds more active, but it is also much cooler during these times.

Of course, the most famous bird in the gardens is the Rufus owl. There is a resident pair that nests in the rainforest area. Unfortunately, I missed the owls on both my visits.

Discover Different Faces of Fogg Dam

comb crested jacana at Fogg Dam
Comb-crested Jacana at Fogg Dam

Fogg Dam is a fascinating natural gem near Darwin. By day, the wetlands are teaming with birds. But at night, Fogg Dam metamorphoses into a different world, dominated by snakes and rodents, namely Water pythonsOlive pythons and dusky rats. 

Fogg Dam is rumoured to have one of the highest biomass of predator (water pythons) to prey (dusky rats) ratios in the world.  The dusky rats can be difficult to see; we hadn’t seen any in the three nights we spent spotlighting at the dam. The pythons, on the other hand, are difficult to avoid, as they reign unchallenged over Fogg Dam’s night scene.

The best way to visit Fogg Dam at night is to drive from Darwin. The only tour that visits Fogg Dam in the evening is Fogg Dam and Humpty Doo Hotel. You won’t get to stay at the wetland after dark, but you might see some pythons on the drive out. Find more details in my guide to Fogg Dam.

Go for a Swim in Bitter Springs

Things to do in the northern territory - swim in Bitter Springs
Bitter Springs

Elsey Natural Park is home to two thermal pools, the more popular Mataranka and the more tranquil Bitter Springs. I suggest skipping the crowded Mataranka thermal pool and instead visiting Bitter Springs, where you can have a swim in a crystal clear thermal spring in the shade of paperbark trees. When we visited, we were completely alone there. Keep in mind that you’ll need a park pass to visit Elsey National Park. And check the national parks website to see if the park is open before setting out.

Catch Sunset at Mindil Beach

See sunset in Darwin
Sunset on Mindil Beach

Unlike Australia’s east coast, in Darwin, you can watch the sun set over the ocean. A great place to watch the sunset over the Timor Sea is the lovely Mindil beach, a short drive or Uber ride from the centre of Darwin.  On Thursdays and Sundays, Mindil Beach becomes a lively sunset market with dozens of stalls selling food and souvenirs. So pick your day wisely, depending on whether you are looking for a tranquil sunset-watching experience or a fun market atmosphere.

See Wildlife in the Territory Wildlife Park

Antilopine Wallaroo at the Territory Park, Darwin
Antilopine Wallaroo in the Territory Park

A good place to see the iconic wildlife of Australia’s Top End near Darwin is the Territory Wildlife Park, 50 km south of Darwin. If you don’t have a car, you can visit the park on an organized tour from Darwin. We visited mostly to see the Antilopine wallaroo – one of the common Northern Territory animals that evaded us everywhere else.

Despite my reservations ( I generally don’t like seeing animals in captivity), we quite liked the Territory Wildlife Park. The Antilopine wallaroos seemed blissfully content, snoozing in the shade in their large fenced-off enclosure. The bird show was well worth watching too, to see a Black-breasted buzzard using a rock to crack a massive egg and an Osprey dive into a pool for a fish. The skill and intelligence these birds demonstrate are extraordinary.

Descend into Cutta Cutta Caves

Cutta Cutta caves in the Northern Territory

Cutta Cutta underground caves are the only publicly accessible tropical limestone caves in the Northern Territory, home to glittering formations and rare ghost bats.

Located 30 km south of Katherine, the caves can be explored on a guided tour, giving you a chance to see some stalactites and stalagmites and spot five different species of bats, including the rare ghost and leaf-nosed bats. Tours start every hour.

Catch a Ferry to Tiwi Islands

Things to do in the Northern Territory - Visit Tiwi Islands
Tiwi Island Art Gallery. Image by By Satrina Brandt via CC BY-SA 3.0

Surrounded by azure waters 80 kilometres north of Darwin, the Tiwis – is an archipelago of 11 islands, with Bathurst and Melville the largest of these. About 90 percent of the islands’ inhabitants are Aboriginal, and a visit to the island is a journey into Aboriginal culture, art, and way of life.

Take a 2.5-hour ride with SeaLink Ferries from Darwin to Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island and wander around the cultural precinct. Or, for a more meaningful experience, join a cultural tour. Most of the wildlife spotting opportunities on this trip will be from the ferry.

Have a Cold Drink at Daly Waters Pub

A quirky outback institution, this pub is famous for its unique décor. The bar area is decked out in ‘momentous’ the pub’s patrons left behind, which are mostly ladies’ bras, supposedly including Tina Turner’s from the set of Mad Max. The pub is not a nature destination but a convenient and curious stop along Stuart Highway between Tenant Creek and Katherine.

Things to Skip

Crocosaurus Cove

There are plenty of authentic opportunities to see crocodiles at close range in their spectacular natural environment in the Top End. There is hardly a need to see them in captivity.

Crocosaurus’ claim to fame is the experience of ‘cage diving’ with the crocs. While it may seem appealing, it’s more like a circus performance than a wildlife experience. Crocosaurus is located in Darwin CBD and the space is tiny for the number of crocodiles it houses. The enclosures are ridiculously small.

I appreciate the idea behind providing sanctuary for ‘problem’ crocodiles who can’t be left in the wild because they developed habits of taking domestic stock animals, but keeping these animals in the tiny enclosures in the city centre smacks of animal exploitation for human entertainment.

Jumping Crocs Tours

Better than Crocosaurus, since these crocodiles live freely in the Adelaide River, Jumping crocs tours also have the feeling of a circus performance. Yes, these crocodiles choose to interact with the boats, but it says something about us when, instead of enjoying being accepted into animals’ worlds, we turn our encounters into spectacles.

Mataranka Hot Springs

Overcrowded, overdeveloped and overhyped, Mataranka lacks the serenity of Bitter Springs.

Things to do in the Northern Territory: The Red Center

One of the best ways to explore the Red Center is by taking a road trip on Red Center Way. This 835-km scenic drive takes you from Alice Springs to the most beautiful locations in the centre of Australia, including West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, and Uluru, before returning to Alice Springs. Plan about one week for this trip.

Alternatively, you can organise tours from Alice Springs to UluruKings Canyon, and West MacDonnell Ranges.

See the Changing Colors of Uluru

Things to do in the Northern Territory - visit Uluru
Uluru at sunset

Sacred and stunning, this sandstone monolith is the most famous landmark in the Northern Territory and in all of Australia. The sandstone giant is 348 m high with a total circumference of 9.4 km. However, as tall as Uluru appears, what you are seeing is just the top of an iceberg – most of Uluru’s bulk lies underground.

The Rock is known for its ability to change colour depending on the time of the day and the angle of the sun. In the late afternoon, it practically glows dark red, towering over the surrounding landscape. And if you are keen to see Australian desert wildlife, check my guide to spotting native animals at Uluru.

Walk Among the Domes of Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuta rock formation
Kata Tjuta formation

About 30 kilometres from Uluru, Kata Tjuta is a group of large ancient rock formations that is part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. There are 36 strikingly coloured domes, some reaching higher than Uluru, spread over an area of about 20 kilometres. The domes are surrounded by vast desert landscapes, creating dramatic views, especially during sunrise and sunset.

The best way to explore Kata Tjuta is by taking an early morning walk among the domes. My favourite walk is the short Walpa Gorge walk. While it is quite short, it is a stunning walk. It enters the formation through a V-shaped opening in the monolith sandstone walls and follows the creek bed deep into the cooler and shadier environment.

Hike the Rim of the Kings Canyon

Things to do in the northern territory - visit Kings Canyon
The Lost World

Kings Canyon, located in Watarrka National Park, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Red Centre. Not surprisingly, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of Australia’s most iconic short hikes.

The rim walk is a 6 km circuit that starts with the steep climb to the top, known as “Heart Attack Hill”, then goes through dramatic rock formations of the “Lost City” before emerging on the trail that follows the edge of the cliffs with dramatic views. The most unexpected section of the walk is the “Garden of Eden”, a tranquil waterhole surrounded by ancient cycads.

Keep in mind that the entire trail is exposed, and there is virtually no shade. Aim to finish the walk by 9 am.

Experience the Simpson Desert at Old Andado Station

Old Andado is part of Adelaide to Darwin road trip
Red sand dune in the Simpson Desert

The remote historic Old Andado station in the Simpson desert is one of my favourite places in the Northern Territory. The homestead, which has been restored to its 1920s condition, is set against the striking backdrop of the Simpson Desert, with its vast red sand dunes, spinifex grasses, and the endless blue sky. The remote location of this place gives a feeling of true isolation.

The station is accessible by 4WD, and you can stay in the very basic dorms or camp among the sand dunes. The dunes surrounding the homestead are teaming with wildlife both by day and by night. You can find more details in my guide to spotting Australian desert animals at Old Andado station.

Explore West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja)

Things to do in the Northern Territory - Tour West MacDonnell Ranges
Ellery Creek big hole in West MacDonnell Ranges. Image/Depositphotos

West MacDonnell Ranges is a stunning chain of mountains that stretches 161 km west of Alice Springs. It is easily the most spectacular environment in the Northern Tettiroty. Over the eons, the Finke River has cut its way through the mountains, forming a number of spectacular gaps and gorges and crystal-clear idyllic swimming holes.

The best way to explore the West MacDonnell National Park is on a road trip, whether you drive the entire Red Center Way or just tour the Namatjira Drive between Glen Helen and Simpson Gap (123 km). If you have a night to spare, camp under the stars at Ormiston Gorge so you can have the stunning waterhole to yourself in the morning. Alternatively, you can stay at the Discovery Parks in Glen Helen once it re-opens. For more details, check out my guide to West MacDonnell Ranges.

Venture into Palm Valley

Dingo seen on Adelaide to Darwin road trip
Dingo in Palm Valley

Palm Valley is one of the less explored destinations of the MacDonnell Ranges, and it requires a high-clearance 4WD to access. However, the regular tours from Alice Springs are now making the valley more accessible. Nestled inside a deep gorge, Palm Valley has the feel of a primeval lost world, dominated by large ferns and ancient palm trees – reminders of a much wetter climate in the region.

Part of the spectacular Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley is the only place in Central Australia where Red cabbage palms survive. To see the palms, follow the Arankaia Walk (2 km, 1 hour) or the longer Mpulungkinya Walk (5 km, 2 hrs return), which meanders alongside a lush oasis of slender palms across the plateau.

Cross the Tropic of Capricorn

The Tropic of Capricorn Maker is a roadside stop and a photo-op landmark where the tropics meet the temperate zone 30 km north of Alice Springs. The Tropic of Capricorn is a latitude line that’s 23.4 degrees south of the equator. It’s one of the five major circles of latitude on a map of the Earth, and it marks the southernmost latitude where the sun can appear directly overhead at noon.

Check out Devil’s Marbles (Karlu Karlu)

Devils marbles
Devil’s Marbles. Image/Depositphotos

The Devil’s Marbles are a scattering of surreal granite boulders right next to the Stuart highway. These boulders are piled on top of one another in peculiar arrangements. Some appear as if they’ve been cleaved in half, others balance precariously on small round boulders in gravity-defying ways.

There are three walking trails meandering among the Marbles, and in the morning, they are teaming with wildlife. Colourful birds like Painted finches and Weebills flutter in the trees, and reptiles sun themselves on the rocks. There also seems to be a resident, Dingo, who likes to hang out near the car park. For more details, check out my guide to Devil’s Marbles.

Spot UFO at Wycliffe Well

Wycliffe well
Aliens at the campsite

Just 37 kilometres from the Devil’s Marbles is one of the oddest spots in the Northern Territory – the self-proclaimed UFO capital of Australia. It is essentially a roadhouse, a petrol station and accommodation. We camped at Wycliffe Well Holiday Park among all the alien paraphernalia.

Inside the restaurant, which doubles up as reception, the walls are covered in newspaper clippings, and the general message is that “if you stayed up all night looking, you would be considered unlucky not to see anything rather than lucky to see something”. You can practically hear the X-Files soundtrack looking at this place.

Meet the Wallabies in Alice Springs

Black-footed rock wallabies at Simpson Gap
Black-footed rock wallabies at Heavitree Gap

Wildlife is so abundant in the Northern Territory that even in Alice Springs, you can meet some tame Black-footed rock wallabies. Heavitree Gap caravan park on the outskirts of town is where it all happens. The wallabies live in the hills above the park, and in the late afternoon, they come down to feed on the pellets that you can buy at the park’s shop. The wallabies are used to people feeding them and will readily eat from your hand.

See Desert Wildlife at Alice Springs Desert Park

Australian parrots: Princess parrot
Princess parrot at the Desert Park

To see some of the more elusive critters, visit the Desert Park located on the way to West MacDonnell Ranges. The park has lovely walk-in aviaries where you can walk among the birds of the Australian Outback and see some of the rarer species up close.

It is also a good place to see the remarkable Thorny Devils, one of Australia’s oddest-looking reptiles with their mean-looking spikes and a false head designed to confuse predators.

See the Stars at Earth Sanctuary

night sky

This one is for stargazing enthusiasts. Deserts are famous for clear skies due to their dry air. Just a few minute’s drive from Alice Springs, the Earth Sanctuary is your opportunity to appreciate the night sky in the Australian desert and see the deep sky through giant telescopes.

For the full experience, book the dinner package and enjoy the sunset over the MacDonnell ranges with a drink in hand. Have a traditional Australian BBQ dinner and then hit the telescopes. For the best stargazing experience, visit on a moonless night. And bring a jacket! It gets chilly in the desert at night.

Take the Hot Air Balloon Ride

This one is still on my bucket list. Imagine floating over the red desert and the MacDonnell Ranges at dawn. If you feel like a splurge, you can’t find a better experience than an Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight from Alice Springs.

Hike the Iconic Larapinta Trail

Glen Helen gorge in West Macdonnell ranges. Things to do in the northern territory
Glen Helen Gorge along the Larapinta Trail. Image/Depositphotos

The Larapinta Trail is one of the most iconic long-distance hikes in the world. Stretching 223 kilometres along the spine of the jaw-dropping West MacDonnell Ranges, this trek is a truly immersive experience of the ancient landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and cultural richness of Central Australia.

The beauty of the Larapinta Trail is that it offers flexibility for all levels of hiking prowess. The trail is divided into 12 sections, ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day hikes. You can do a day hike, pick one section, or commit to the full end-to-end journey (12–16 days). And if you don’t fancy hiking on your own, you can walk it on a guided tour.

Walk Among the Pebbles (Kunjarra)

Things to do in the Northern Territory - walk among the Pebbles
The Pebbles. Image/Depositphotos

The Pebbles, just outside of Tennant Creek are the smaller relatives of the Devil’s Marbles. It is an Aboriginal Women’s dreaming site, sacred to Waramungu people. The stones are roped off, but the rope is not intrusive and there is a walking trail around the formation.

The boulders are not as impressive as the Devil’s Marbles but they are quite striking in the warm afternoon light and as the sun sets the rocks change color much like Uluru. So if you are looking for things to do in Tennant Creek, check them out.

Ride the Ghan

Things to do in the northern territory - ride the Ghan

(Alice Springs to Darwin)

If you’d like to travel across the Northern Territory but don’t fancy a 2,000-km drive, there is a super luxurious way to travel through the outback – the Ghan. This historic train has been operating since the 1920s and while in the early days the “Afghan Express” ferried across livestock and goods, as well as passengers, today, the Ghan prides itself as a luxury passenger train.

The journey from Alice Springs to Darwin takes 2 days, departing Alice Springs in the evening and stopping in Katherine for an off-train experience. You can choose either a Katherine Gorge cruise, a visit to Cutta Cutta caves, or an extra charge, a helicopter flight over Katherine Gorge. After the excursion, you’ll arrive in Darwin in the evening.

Take an Epic Road Trip

Things to do in the northern territory - take an epic road trip

My favourite way to explore the Northern Territory is a road trip. The epic journey from Alice Springs to Darwin is 1,500 kilometres. Once you add the Red Center Way, Kakadu, Litchfield, and the Simpson desert, it’ll be closer to 2,000 km.

The journey is best done in a 4WD, although most of the destinations described in this guide can be accessed in a conventional 2WD providing it has some clearance and that you travel during the dry season.

The variety of landscapes you’ll drive through is absolutely incredible from red sand dunes to lush tropical wetlands through gorges and past thundering waterfalls.

Ultimately, whichever way you travel around the Northern Territory, you are in for a real treat. This state is wild, remote, and often spectacularly beautiful.

Best Time to Visit the Northern Territory

Now that we have covered all the amazing things to do in the Northern Territory, let’s talk about when to visit this part of Australia. The landscape here changes dramatically between seasons.

Dry Season – May to early September

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Darwin is during the peak of the dry season, June-August. The temperature is in the high 20s, and the air is dry. Another perk is the dry season sunsets. With all the backburning (to reduce the fuel load of dry grasses), there is a lot of smoke in the air. And when the sun gets low in the sky, the smoke makes the sky look as if it is on fire.

The Red Center is also best visited in the cooler months. During the hotter part of the year, the temperatures may reach above 40 degrees. When we explored the Red Center in April, we had to do all of our walks before 9 am. After that, the sun and the heat were unforgiving.

The Build-up – September to December

Avoid visiting the Tropical North during the build-up season from October to Christmas. The temperatures skyrocket into the 40s, and humidity is almost 100%. Our bodies are not designed to withstand such conditions, and people tend to go slightly mad. This is where the saying “going tropo” comes from.

Wet Season – January to March

When the rains finally come, they arrive as epic storms that sound like an Armageddon. The storms are quite spectacular, with up to 1,000 lightning strikes per storm. But much of the Top End becomes inaccessible during the wet season.

The run-off – March to April

Best time to visit the northern territory - Kakadu in April
Kakadu National Park in April

The rains are followed by the run-off season when all the waters run into the ocean. By the end of April, most of the water is gone, and the billabongs are at their best. The high water levels mean that you’ll be cruising through the flooded forests several meters up from the ground level. It’s a magical feeling to cruise among the submerged tree trunks.

This is my favourite time in the Tropical North. Although some of the roads might still be flooded during this time, and some places are still inaccessible unless you are driving a high-clearance 4×4 with a snorkel.

More Nature Adventures in the Northern Territory


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About the Author

Margarita is a woman on a mission. Her quest is to see all 40 species of wild cats in their natural habitat. A couple of years ago, she upped the ante and started a PhD in an attempt to unravel the mystery of wild cats’ charisma. She is also fascinated by medieval towns and Renaissance art. More about Margarita.

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