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).

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

Ultimate weekends away in the NT