The 10 wildlife experiences your kids will love in the Northern Territory

Get face-to-face with a crocodile, thorny devil or orphaned kangaroo on an Aussie safari, says Jennifer Ennion.

You don’t have to make the long journey to the African continent to give the family an outstanding safari-style holiday. The Northern Territory has a huge range of animal encounters, many of which are bucket-list experiences. Here are our favourites:

Experience the outback life — Experience the equine outback life at Katherine Outback Show. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Top End Family Wildlife Experiences

Turtles with Sea Darwin

One of the best parts about northern Australia is having the opportunity to watch turtles, and Sea Darwin runs a fabulous Turtle Tracks tour for ocean lovers. Head over to Njulbitjlk (also known as Bare Sand Island), west of Darwin, in time for sunrise or sunset, when you can watch flatback and olive ridley turtles return to shore to nest.

Sea Darwin Turtle Tracks tour — Sea Darwin runs a fabulous Turtle Tracks tour for ocean lovers. (Image: Sea Darwin)

Witnessing turtles lay eggs is always a special wildlife experience and no doubt you’ll feel privileged to be there. The tour includes a fast boat ride to and from the island (ex- Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin), as well as guides, dinner and drinks. The experience is timed with the lunar cycle and tides so be flexible and pack some cards to pass the time while you wait for the turtles to make an appearance.

Baby turtles on Sea Darwin Turtle Tracks tour — Witness this special wildlife experience. (Image: Sea Darwin)

Crocs (of course) at Crocosaurus Cove

Feeding animals isn’t for everyone, but Crocosaurus Cove ups the ante with the “wow" factor and is therefore hugely popular. Easy to get to in Darwin, Crocosaurus is famous for its Cage of Death, a croc “dive" where the participant snorkels in a Perspex tank for a face-to-face encounter with a five-metre saltie.

Crocosaurus is famous for its Cage of Death..

If that’s not for you, there’s also the Big Croc Feed VIP Experience, during which you feed a croc as part of a 1.5-hour guided tour. Crocosaurus Cove is just one of numerous family-friendly activities in the Top End.

All creatures great and small at Territory Wildlife Park

To experience a gamut of Aussie creatures, call into Territory Wildlife Park, in lovely Berry Springs, 45 minutes’ drive south of Darwin. This place has it all: carpet pythons, blue-winged kookaburras, bandicoots, wallaroos, curlews, bats, echidnas and emus. If you love birds of prey, sign up for the On the Glove experience where intimate groups of five all get the option to hold one. There is also the “pelican brekky" where you can feed them fish, as well as the Secret Creatures Nocturnal House for reptiles, mammals and birds. The park makes a great stop for animal-loving families on a caravanning trip through the NT.

Whipray-encounters — Whipray encounters at the Territory Wildlife Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Bag a barra with Wildman Fishing Tours

The Mary River wetlands are thriving with fish, so you’ll keep keen anglers in the family happy if you book a charter with Wildman Fishing Tours. Try your luck snagging a prized barramundi, or reel in a salmon, mackeral or snapper on a private or shared charter.

Along with Mary River, the company can also take you to Shady Camp, Finniss River and Dundee on single or multi-day tours. Before you go fishing in the NT, check out our guide to bagging a big one.

Wildman-fishing-above — Exploring the Mary River wetlands with Wildman Fishing Tours.

Birds and Buffalos (and, of course, crocs) with Yellow Water Cruises

A highlight of any trip to Kakadu National Park is a tour with Yellow Water Cruises along Yellow Water Billabong and South Alligator River. The major selling point is seeing crocs in the wild, but what you’ll love about this trip is the plethora of other Top End animals you come across: majestic storks with blue necks, darters with their impressive black wings, golden tree snakes and water buffalo.

The most popular times to join the year-round tours are sunrise and sunset when avid photographers can capture the billabong awash in pinks and tangerines (bookings recommended). On top of all this, the company is Indigenous-owned and focused on positive Indigenous outcomes, which makes it a popular tour with ethical travellers.

Horsing around outback style at Katherine Outback Experience

Instead of looking at animals from a Jeep, try your hand at being an Aussie cowgirl or cowboy at Katherine Outback Experience . Sign up for a private or group horse-riding lesson that suits your ability – whether you’re a complete novice or advanced rider.

While you’re there, catch the Outback Show, featuring horse-starting and working dog demonstrations. Read up on our safety tips before you head into the NT’s more remote areas, such as Katherine and surrounds.

Katherine-Outback-Experience-1 — Puppy cuddling at the Katherine Outback Experience. (Image: Tourism NT)

Red Centre Family Wildlife Experiences

Birds of prey at Alice Springs Desert Park

In the heart of Australia, you will find one of the country’s most impressive wildlife centres – Alice Springs Desert Park. This place rates highly because of its free-flying bird show, where visitors sit in an outdoor amphitheatre as expert handlers entice eagles, kites and other species to the “stage".

Woman holding a barn owl at Alice Springs Desert Park — Holding a barn owl at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Jess Caldwell & Luke Riddle)

The show is about the birds’ natural behaviours and both children and adults will be enthralled. Alice Springs is usually the first destination on a Red Centre holiday, with plenty more to see for families if you have a spare week or two.

Ranger holding a wedge-tailed eagle during a demonstration at the Alice Springs Desert Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Yuri Kardashyan)

The silent but deadly critters of Alice Springs Reptile Centre

Continue your Aussie animal-themed holiday by checking out some of the nation’s favourite and most feared slippery, spikey critters at Alice Springs Reptile Centre . Get up close to snakes and a saltwater croc, as well as beautiful outback lizards such as thorny devils, goannas, bearded dragons, and frillneck lizards. Try and catch the daily reptile shows, which include the chance to handle some of the animals.

Reptile encounters in Alice Springs — A slippery encounter at the Alice Spring Reptile Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

The lovable joeys at the Kangaroo Sanctuary

Alice has it all, with a visit to The Kangaroo Sanctuary rounding out a trio of wildlife encounters. The sanctuary is for rescued and orphaned kangaroos and joeys, and is aimed at educating visitors about one of Australia’s favourite marsupials and encouraging them to care for injured wildlife. Call in for a guided sunset tour, and tick off some home-schooling for the kids while you’re at it.

Board the bumpy desert barges with Uluru Camel Tours

It really doesn’t get more “safari" in Australia than by joining a caravan of camels traipsing through the desert, so if you’re really craving an iconic experience, head out with Uluru Camel Tours . There are sunrise, sunset and express rides during which you not only learn about camels but also the landscape and outback flora and fauna. You may also get to try some freshly baked beer bread damper (adults only, of course).

Round out your NT safari with other great activities such as hiking in Kakadu, market-hopping in Darwin and road-tripping through the Red Centre. Click here for more NT inspiration.

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