Best Weekend Breaks in the NT | Australian Traveller

Epic adventures in the Northern Territory don’t have to be restricted to the bucket list. Some of its most stunning destinations, like Nitmiluk National Park, are perfect short break material. Here, the best weekends away in the NT for your hit list.

Kakadu National Park

There’s nothing quite like cruising through the wetlands of Kakadu on a Yellow Water Billabong cruise, swimming in a plunge pool at the top of Gunlom Falls or gliding over the Mary River floodplains on an airboat at Bamurru Plains to soothe the soul.

And there’s nothing like marvelling at age-old rock art like that found at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) and Ubirr. Even just a few days in this surprisingly accessible national park – three hours’ drive east of Darwin – will leave you feeling recharged long after you’ve returned to your everyday life.

Spend a few days in the surprisingly accessible Kakadu National Park, NT.

Corroboree Billabong

At once calm and full of life, to hang out on a billabong for a few days is to truly be a guest of the animal kingdom.

Stop short of Kakadu on the way from Darwin at the paperbark-fringed and lily-pad layered Corroboree Billabong, home to saltwater crocs and all manner of fish and birds including magpie geese, owls and black cockatoos.

The birdlife at Corroboree Billabong. (Image: Tourism NT)

Hire a houseboat – complete with showers, barbecues, double suites, bunks for the kids and more – through Corroboree Houseboats to spend a deeply tranquil few days going with the flow on the Mary River.

Cruising Corroboree Billabong. (Image: Tourism NT/Corroboree Wetland Cruises)

Litchfield National Park

Those who want to escape the Darwin heat drive south for 60 minutes to the refreshing spring-fed waterfalls and shady canopy of Litchfield National Park – one of the NT’s best-kept secrets.

Surround yourself by its monsoonal vine forests and soak up those health-giving ions of its many waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming holes: don’t miss Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole.

Contrast this with some of the most enormous cathedral termite mounds you’ll find in the Top End and the series of large sandstone outcrops known as the Lost City for their uncanny evocation of an ancient civilisation (accessible via 4WD).

Darwin

Tee yourself up for a cultural weekender in Darwin, which could incorporate any and all of the following: a city tour of vivid street art; a culinary trip around the world at the city’s famed food markets; a crash course in modern Territory history at spots like the Darwin Military Museum and the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT); an immersion in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (6–8 August) and, until June 27, a tour of MAGNT’s Fresh: Connecting new & old art, which provides a rare opportunity to engage with treasures from the museum’s extensive Aboriginal, Australian and Southeast Asian art collection.

Artwork: Baluka Maymuru, Gon Wapitja, 2018., Telstra Collection, MAGNT Collection. — MAGNT’s Fresh: collecting new and old art. (Image: Mark Sherwood/Artwork: Baluka Maymuru, Gon Wapitja, 2018)

Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands are a 20-minute scenic flight from Darwin but, well known for their vivid Indigenous culture of arts and craft, love of Aussie rules and rainbow-coloured beaches, present an altogether different proposition.

On Bathurst, one of the two main islands alongside Melville, Tiwi Island Retreat is a paradise island escape with a Tiwi twist that’s all about escaping the crowds and immersing yourself in its art and cultural tours, world-renowned fishing, outback adventures or simply just relaxing by the pool.

Groote Eylandt

Or whisk yourself away to Arnhem Land’s Groote Eylandt, a 1.5-hour flight from Darwin and home to the Anindilyakwa people, whose language is thought to be one of the most ancient in Australia.

Groote Eylandt Lodge is a top fishing retreat with plenty to keep you occupied besides – not least a pandanus-fringed pool and those famous Top End sunsets. The lodge runs cultural tours in partnership with the island’s Traditional Owners, which take in a historic mission church, ancient cave paintings, a market garden and more.

Across the road from the lodge, Anindilyakwa Arts is a hub of creativity where you can ethically purchase authentic Aboriginal art, design and fashion.

Anindilyakwa Arts, Groote Eylandt. (Image: Sean Fennessey))

Alice Springs

Fly to the Red Centre for a long weekend of quirky and cosmopolitan outback spirit with easy access to desert wildernesses the likes of Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, with its cool scenic gorges dotted with refreshing swimming holes and plants that are relics from a bygone age of tropical forests.

Visit the geologically spectacular quartzite gorge Angkerle Atwatye (Standley Chasm) – a sacred Dreaming site for Arrente women – at noon, when the sun illuminates the vertical shaft.

Or time your visit for another light spectacular: Parrtjima, which goes from strength to strength each year, or for one of Alice’s many other festivals such as the Alice Springs Beanie Festival (25–28 June).

Palm Valley and Hermannsburg

Located within Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley is an oasis of rare plant species, including red cabbage palms, set within a maze of sandstone amphitheatres and gorges.

It’s this rust, red and green landscape that inspired painter Albert Namatjira, who was born in the Hermannsburg Lutheran Mission, 30 minutes’ drive away. Visit the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct to learn its stories, have tea and scones in Kata Anga Tea Rooms, and learn about its artistic legacy that still thrives today.

Explore the restored town’s heritage-listed buildings, shaded by red river gums and date palms, and see work by local artists and the acclaimed Hermannsburg Potters.

Visit on a day trip from Alice Springs or on tour with AAT Kings, or opt to camp overnight nearby at Ntaria Caravan Park or in Palm Valley itself.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Believe it or not, Uluru makes for a pretty perfect long weekend. In three days you can absorb the magic, serenity and power of Uluru and Kata Tjuta and understand their significance to Anangu, dedicating full days to exploring each by foot, camel and even by air.

And with time left over to soak in those famous sunrises and sunsets, have dune-top dinner under the stars (Ayers Rock Resort’s Tali Wiru), and take in a good dose of art: whether that’s Anangu-owned art centre Maruku Arts or Bruce Munro’s Field of Light.

Field of Light at Uluru. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Kings Canyon

Part of Watarrka National Park, it’s a 3.5-hour drive from both Alice Springs and Uluru to Kings Canyon, an ancient canyon forged in layers of sandstone and shale that soars 270 metres above sea level and plummets in places to the lush Garden of Eden.

Watarrka National Park, NT. (Image: Tourism NT/Matt Glastonbury)

Pop-up bar at Kings Creek Resort. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Challenge yourself on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk then retreat to your glampsite at Kings Canyon Resort (where you can’t miss a session at the Sunset Viewing Platform complete with pop-up bar).

The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

1. Alice Springs

echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park — See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .

2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

woman standing at Ormiston Gorge — Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset — Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

4. Tennant Creek

pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory — See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

5. Mataranka

aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory — Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

6. Nitmiluk National Park

Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise — Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft .

7. Litchfield National Park

cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park — Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

8. Darwin

darwin street art — Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.

Ultimate weekends away in the NT