The 10 best places to visit in the Northern Territory

If you haven't heard of Uluru, you might have been living underneath it. It really is one big rock – higher than the Eiffel Tower. 348 metres to be exact. While the monolith is pretty spectacular in its own right, many people overlook the astounding Kata Tjuta region nearby. Also known as The Olgas, this dome shaped rock formation is magical to explore, especially at sunset and sunrise when they’re glowing. The Valley of the Winds Walk is a scenic 7.4km circuit that goes right through the rocks. If you want the low down on the area’s fascinating Dreamtime stories, the local Anangu people are who to go to.

Kings Canyon is one of the most extraordinary places in Australia, and when you're walking around the shockingly crimson rim of this spellbinding desert oasis, you'll agree. Located in Watarrka National Park, this magical canyon has been home to the Arrente and Luritja peoples for more than 20,000 years. It’s home to 100-metre-high rock faces, rainbow stretches of desert, ancient plants, sacred waterholes and a spectacular Rim Walk, where you’ll feel as if you’re walking on top of the world. Plus, don’t miss Light-Towers – an immersive, outback maze at the Discovery Resort, featuring two 69-metre tall towers that change colour in tune with sound. 

Litchfield National Park is a lush and verdant corner of the Northern Territory that's often forgotten. Located just 1.5 hours from Darwin city, this national park is overflowing with thundering waterfalls, crystal pools and vivid greenery that has to be seen to be believed. In a part of the world where pretty much all bodies of water are to be heavily avoided at all costs (read: saltwater crocs), Litchfield is a special oasis for swimmers and weary travellers alike. The best time to visit for camping, hiking and swimming is during the dry season from May to October.

Katherine is your relaxation destination. Why’s that? The region is brimming with hot springs. Katherine Hot Springs sits at a cosy 25-30 degrees Celsius, while the thermal waters at Bitter Springs are a truly magical clear blue hue. If keeping busy is your thing, embark on the five-day Jatbula Trail, which includes 58 kilometres of swimming holes, ancient rock art and waterfalls. The Cutta Cutta caves and their pointy limestone structures are just waiting to be explored and Katherine Gorge is a prime location for a nice long paddle in the ol’ kayak.

The NT's capital is a lively display of the culture that is so rich and concentrated here. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets bring the city’s edge to life at twilight with stalls slinging delicious eats and deadly First Nations art. Book in to feed crocs on a cruise tour, and if that isn’t close enough to take ten years off your life, swim with the prehistoric creatures in the Cage of Death at Croc Cove. Darwin is also only an hour’s drive away from Litchfield National Park where its waterfalls and scenic walks galore.

Australia’s biggest national park (which is UNESCO World Heritage-listed too) has no shortage of natural pools to beat the NT heat. A large portion of the park is rainforest territory, meaning that everything, from the vegetation to the gorges, is lush and beautiful. If you’re travelling in a 4WD (which we highly recommend for the state’s rugged terrain), the natural plunge pool, Maguk, is accessible from Kakadu Highway and is a truly magical detour. Twin Falls is another sight to behold and is best gazed upon by helicopter for those really wanting to ball out.

The NT usually brings red dirt, big rocks and spinifex bushes to mind, but don't forget that this state is just as tropical (and north) as the world-famous Queensland. The Tiwi Islands region comprises two islands, Bathurst and Melville, and the waters here are just as blue as AFL is popular. Yes, Melbourne may be known as the capital of Australian Rules Football, but the sport is somewhat like a religion to the island’s widely indigenous population, and the grand final garners 3,000 spectators every year. Whether you come for a barefoot luxury getaway at Tiwi Islands Retreat or to get to know the culture of the locals, Tiwi Islands is a trip unlike many others.

Situated in Australia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs gets its wonderful warm hues from the minerals in the soil. Due to its remote location (and by remote, we mean smack bang in the middle of Australia’s outback), it’s one of the most spectacular places in Oz to go stargazing. Earth Sanctuary runs astronomy tours and has some epic space camp accommodation options. Come morning, hop in a hot air balloon for a different perspective, and be sure to also explore the nearby West MacDonnell Ranges for world-famous hikes, like the Larapinta Trail.

The tippy top of the Northern Territory is designated Aboriginal land so be sure to look into getting a permit before exploring the countless natural wonders of the area. The rocky ranges here play canvas to some of Australia’s most spectacular, and ancient Aboriginal art. They’re actually some of the oldest surviving art pieces in the world. While you’re soaking in the culture, now seems a pretty good time to drop the fun fact that Arnhem Land is the home of the didgeridoo. You’ll need a 4WD and a pretty solid supply of the staples to explore the area but it's well worth it for the untouched coastal vistas.

If your fishing obsession has brought you to northern Australia, Daly River is the place to be. This is one of the most popular places in the Northern Territory, and the country for that matter, for hooking barramundi abundant to the area’s waterways. The town features fishing competitions every year and there are camping options aplenty. If you’re about to – or you're in the midst of – embarking on a great outback road trip, the town is a good spot to stock up on supplies before you hit the road and head off the grid.