10 amazing places to reconnect with nature in the NT

With cabin fever the new shared experience, the Northern Territory’s sparsely peopled, wonderfully vast spaces are beckoning. Leave your four walls behind and embrace the freedom of the NT’s wide-open spaces at these 10 destinations.

1. Nitmiluk Gorge

Jaffa-coloured cliffs envelop you as you glide along a mirror-like Katherine River in Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge , one of the most remote – and magical – destinations you’ll find in the NT. Whether you join a cruise, hire a kayak or hike in to check out the rock art, Nitmiluk will satiate your wanderlust while allaying any social distancing concerns. The gorge is near the outback town of Katherine; the best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September.

Boat cruise at Nitmiluk National Park. (Image: Tourism NT and Backyard Bandits) — The outback scenery of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT and Backyard Bandits)

2. Kakadu National Park

If you dream of visiting Kakadu, the months immediately after restrictions lift are a great time, as not only will local operators welcome tourism dollars but you’re likely to find the park emptier than usual.

That means you can soak up the beauty of the waterfalls by yourself. One of our favourites is Jim Jim Falls, which runs dry in winter allowing travellers to trek a 900-metre trail to a large amphitheatre and two cool plunge pools. The Ubirr rock art galleries and lookout are also a must-see.

Moon rising over Kakadu escarpment. (Image: Tourism NT and Emilie Ristevski) — The wild and untouched beauty of Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT and Emilie Ristevski)

3. The Larapinta Trail

One of the toughest and rewarding treks in Australia, the Larapinta is a top choice for those of us with a bad case of cabin fever. The 223-kilometre desert route leads through the West MacDonnell Ranges and takes around 14 days, making it one epic Red Centre adventure.

If you don’t have the time or fitness to take on the whole journey, the walk is broken up into 12 more manageable sections. Make the most of the experience by joining fellow hikers on World Expeditions’ six-day Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort tour with semi-permanent campsites.

Simpsons Gap is located 18 kilometres west from Alice Springs, on the Larapinta Trail. (Image: Tourism NT and Jarrad Seng)

4. Longitude 131°

The Northern Territory is home to some special accommodation and one of the standouts is Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta. The luxury camp features 16 tented pavilions with unobstructed views across a desert landscape to “the rock". There’s also a restaurant and bar in a central lodge, with all the creature comforts you could want.

Longitude 131's collection of pavilions provide jaw-dropping views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT and George Apostolidis) — Longitude 131’s collection of pavilions provide jaw-dropping views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT and George Apostolidis)

5. Kata Tjuta

Widely known as The Olgas, Kata Tjuta is a big group of domes about 40 kilometres west of Uluru (and actually taller than the monolith).

Seeing the 36 domes by chopper will impress, but if you’d prefer to get up close (or spend less) there are plenty of walks around the base. The Valley of the Winds walk is the pinnacle at 7.4 kilometres; it goes between the domes for a more secluded experience. You can also experience Kata Tjuta on a guided tour with AAT Kings, and there’s a dune-viewing area from which to catch sunrise and sunset.

Couple admiring Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT and Salty Aura) — Admire Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT and Salty Aura)

6. Bullo River Station

Experience life on a working cattle station at this stunning property, which spans half a million acres in the East Kimberley. Spend your days working the farm, swimming in waterholes, catching barramundi, admiring Aboriginal rock art, and getting up close to iconic wildlife, including crocodiles and jabiru. As dusk descends, retire to your cosy, contemporary room, watch sunset among the boabs, or enjoy billy tea with other travellers for a standout holiday.

Aerial shot of waterhole at Bullo River Station. (Image: Tourism NT) — Swim in the waterholes at Bullo River Station. (Image: Tourism NT)

7. Alice Springs

Alice Springs, in the heart of Australia, may be one of the NT’s top destinations but you can escape the tourist buses on a number of day trips. Hot-air ballooning is a surefire way to distance yourself while still seeing Alice and the MacDonnell Ranges with Outback Ballooning. You can also join an Alice Springs Mountain Bike Tour with Outback Cycling (all fitness levels are catered for) as well as a camel tour with Pyndan Camel Tracks.

Soar above the majestic MacDonnell Ranges on a hot-air balloon. (Image: Tourism NT and Plenty of Dust)

8. Karlu Karlu

Reconnect with nature at the otherworldly Karlu Karlu , also known as the Devils Marbles, in the Red Centre. The collection of huge granite boulders are part of Aboriginal Dreamtime (it’s believed they’re fossilised eggs of the Rainbow Serpent) and are a sight to see when sunset paints the landscape mauve. The boulders are up to six metres in height and can be found an hour’s drive south of Tennant Creek.

Karlu Karlu, also known as Devil’s Marbles is must-see on your journey. (Image: Tourism NT and Kate Flowers)

9. Kings Canyon

With sandstone walls soaring almost 300 metres skyward, Kings Canyon, in Watarrka National Park, is the kind of place you’ll want to, metaphorically, get lost in.

For serious post-ban fitness, tackle the six-kilometre Canyon Rim Walk (about three to four hours) that leads to the supernatural sandstone landscape known as the Lost City, as well as the Garden of Eden waterhole (for admiring, not swimming). It’s a tough walk so be sure to set out early to beat the heat.

Kings Canyon in Wattarka National Park has a nHelicopter tour over Kings Canyon. (Image: Tourism NT and Shaun Jeffers) — Kings Canyon in Wattarka National Park has a number of spectacular scenic flight options. (Image: Tourism NT and Shaun Jeffers)

10. Tiwi Islands Retreat

Our final recommendation for a socially distanced holiday is the Tiwi Islands and in particular the Tiwi Island Retreat. A true remote island experience with access to some of the best fishing and Aboriginal art the beachfront retreat is fast becoming a hero experience of the NT and Australia.

View from Tiwi Islands Resort. (Image: Tourism NT and Tiwi Island Retreat) — The view from the Tiwi Islands won’t leave you soon. (Image: Tourism NT and Tiwi Island Retreat)

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com