The best short break stays in the NT

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Check into luxury lodges and secret spots in the midst of the NT’s most spectacular landscapes.

Hale River Homestead, East MacDonnell Ranges

A cooling magnesium pool embedded in the hypnotic Red Centre landscape is one reason to head north-east of Alice Springs for 115 kilometres to Hale River Homestead at Old Ambalindum. And there are plenty more.

 

This peaceful station stay offers a taste of old country life in the Territory: pitch up at the campsite or check into The Old Homestead, The Cottage, The Bunkhouse quarters or the Gen Shed.

 

The Workshop serves meals, while bushwalks from the property take in the local scenery. The deserted gold rush town of Arltunga and Ruby Gap Nature Park are a short drive away.

Hale River Homestead, East MacDonnell Ranges

Hale River Homestead, East MacDonnell Ranges. (Image: Celeste Mitchell)

Hideaway Litchfield, Litchfield National Park

Hole yourself up in bushland surrounds at this unique eco-friendly spot fashioned from repurposed shipping containers.

 

Choose between two secluded cabins – one at ground level and great for families, the other an architectural gem of two halves. Each has a queen-size bed, en suite, kitchen and living space plus ample deck space.

 

Wake in the morning to a breakfast of bacon and eggs and don’t feel the need to stray too far – Hideaway Litchfield is close to popular Wangi Falls and rockpools to swim and chill out in.

Stay at Hideaway Litchfield

Stay at Hideaway Litchfield, in Litchfield National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)

Longitude 131˚, Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Stealing away for a few days at this show-stopping accommodation in the heart of the Red Centre might just make for the ultimate short break.

 

As well as a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and on-site spa, Longitude 131˚ features 16 luxury tents that gather on the red-rust landscape as if around a campfire. These abodes echo the environment in their design and showcase vibrant ceramics, paintings and weavings by artists in the nearby Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands.

Longitude 131˚, Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Longitude 131˚, Uluru-Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

From bed, or luxe swag on the balcony, gaze out to Uluru or across the desert to Kata Tjuta; from the premium Dune Pavilion you can see both. As far as basecamps go for exploring the cultural and natural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, it’s hard to beat.

Longitude 131˚ is the show-stopping accommodation

Longitude 131˚ is the show-stopping accommodation at the heart of the Red Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

Bamurru Plains, edge of Kakadu

Spend a long and languorous weekend on the floodplains of the Mary River at one of Australia’s most unique bush retreats, three hours’ drive from Darwin on the fringes of Kakadu National Park.

 

Part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia portfolio, Bamurru Plains immerses guests in the remarkable profusion of wildlife at its doorstep.

 

Watch the world go by from the sanctuary of your safari-style bungalow flanked on three sides by mesh walls or sip a sundowner on the deck of the main lodge as the water buffalo come in off the floodplains for the night.

Bamurru Plains, edge of Kakadu

Bamurru Plains, edge of Kakadu. (Image: Nicky Ryan)

Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B, Alice Springs

Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B offers a suitably quirky stay just outside Alice Springs, complete with sumptuous bed affording a stunning view of the Central Australian desert around you. Spend your evenings around the campfire for the quintessential outback experience.

Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B

Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B, Alice Springs.

Banubanu Beach Retreat, East Arnhem Land

This secluded East Arnhem Land eco retreat is located in the tropical surrounds of Bremer Island, a 15-minute flight from Gove Airport. Built in partnership with the local Yolngu people, it provides an opportunity to relax and absorb the natural wonders and rich culture here.

Banubanu Beach Retreat, East Arnhem Land

Banubanu Beach Retreat, East Arnhem Land.

Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu National Park

A Kakadu classic on the edge of Yellow Water Billabong, where guests cruise among the birdlife and the crocodiles, Cooinda Lodge is a village-style property offering lodge rooms, safari-style tents and camping spots. There’s also a pool, bistro dining, and the absorbing Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre a few steps away.

Cooinda Lodge Swimming pool

Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)

Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park

Owned by the Jawoyn people, Cicada Lodge is a Top End sanctuary and ideal launchpad for exploring Nitmiluk National Park. Sink into the ritual of the lodge’s ‘Welcome to Nitmiluk’ sunset drinks and canapés each evening by the poolside.

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Uluṟu’s new hike just got luxe accommodation to match

    By Taylah Darnell
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    This multi-day hike just got even better thanks to its exclusive new accommodation offering.

    To complete its new Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, Tasmanian Walking Company is constructing a suite of luxury accommodation along the route, which snakes through Australia’s Red Centre.

    Each night, guests will retreat to the stunning eco-sensitive lodgings to recharge before hitting the trail again come morning – the ultimate finishing touch to this quintessential Aussie outback experience.

    All about the new accommodation

    The new accommodation offering from the Tasmanian Walking Company will open to guests on the four-night Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk in 2026. It will include two environmentally conscious camps and the exclusive Luxury Lodge, all nestled deep within the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

    Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Accommodation in the Northern Territory

    The exclusive accommodation is part of the new Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk.

    On the first night, hikers will hunker down at Camp One, which offers sweeping vistas of the iconic red-dirt landscape. Wash your first day on the trail away with a hot shower before getting snug in your thoughtfully designed canvas tent for a good night’s rest.

    Camp Two, where guests stay on their second night, is similar in style and offers the same amenities, including flushing toilets. Here, you can treat yourself to a foot spa before heading out onto the designated stargazing deck to see the Milky Way in all its glory. Keen cosmic observers can even opt to camp out under the stars in a cosy swag.

    Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Accommodation in the Northern Territory

    Spacious canvas tents allow for full immersion in the ancient landscape.

    Nights three and four of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk will be spent at Tasmania Walking Company’s impressive new Luxury Lodge. Guests are invited to rejuvenate with a massage or facial at the onsite Wellness Centre before relaxing with new friends in the communal lounge or retreating to private sleeping quarters.

    While full details are yet to be released, the lodge is designed specifically to spotlight the surrounding scenery in all its raw, unfiltered beauty and integrate unique features that will work to fully immerse guests throughout their stay. Uninterrupted views of Uluru also allow for thoughtful reflection on your journey, amplifying a real sense of connection to and respect for Country.

    Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Accommodation in the Northern Territory

    Reflect on your transformative five-day journey at the Luxury Lodge.

    It’s important to note that all accommodation along the way is twin share, so most solo travellers will need to bunk up with a fellow hiker. While single rooms can be requested upon booking, 75 per cent of your full fee is required as a supplementary payment.

    What to expect along the way

    The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk has been developed in close consultation with the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people (Anangu), the Traditional Owners of the land. All up, the hike spans 54 kilometres across this vast and ancient landscape, earning itself a place among Australia’s most unforgettable hikes before it even opens to the public.

    Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk in the Northern Territory

    The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk span 54 kilometres.

    During the day, guests will tackle different sections of the trail with an experienced guide, from the soaring domes of Kata Tjuta to the 550-million-year-old Uluru, the sacred heart of Australia. Along the way, you’ll witness ochre-rich dunes, mulga woodlands and ancient outcrops, as well as hear Ancestral stories and learn about caring for Country. If five days isn’t enough (and it rarely is in this magical place), tack on an extra week or so to experience everything else Uluru has to offer.

    Bookings for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk are now open, with availability from April 2026 to September 2026. Prices start at $5395 per person and include all accommodation, transfers, meals and a selection of beverages, as well as a mandatory national park pass.