Best Short Break Stays in the NT | Australian Traveller

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. (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, 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. (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 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. (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.

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.

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.

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

The best short break stays in the NT