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7 Ways to Experience the Best of the Northern Territory
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
From glamping in remote Central Australia to traversing the entire state aboard The Ghan, holidays in the Northern Territory are different in every sense.
From the rich red plains of Central Australia to the tropical coast of Darwin and Kakadu National Park’s ancient wonders, every Northern Territory experience is totally diverse. With so much to see and do, it’s likely you’ll need multiple trips to discover everything it has to offer.
Whether you’re seeking a soul-stirring outback adventure, a deeper connection to country or a luxurious wilderness stay, the Northern Territory has it all.
Here’s how to experience the best of the NT.
Discover the Northern Territory
1. Go glamping in the outback
Distinctive red sand dunes, ancient gorges and rugged sandstone formations make the Australian outback unlike any place on Earth. One of the best ways to explore this extraordinary landscape is with a glamping experience, allowing you to get closer than ever to nature.
Spend your mornings watching kangaroos and cockatoos forage among towering eucalypts, or exploring culturally significant landmarks like Uluru and Kata Tjuta, before returning to your luxe, safari-style tent for an unforgettable sunset. Then enjoy the best stargazing of your life as a blanket of stars twinkles to life against a deep blue backdrop, a once-in-a-lifetime experience in itself.
2. Connect to country
While the Northern Territory offers countless ways to connect to country, none tops a visit to Uluru. Not only is the ancient monolith a spectacular sight to behold, its spiritual significance only serves to enrich the experience. Follow the tracks of ancestral beings as you walk around the ancient monolith with an Anangu guide – one of the traditional custodians of the land – to see intricate rock carvings, ancient handprints and, if you’re lucky, native wildlife.
You can also sit with a local Anangu artist to learn more about ancient symbols, dot painting and Tjukurpa creation stories. After an enriching experience, witness a sunset you’ll never forget as the sky bathes the sacred rock in hues of orange, red and purple. As stars begin to appear overhead, the silence is broken only by the gentle rustling of the wind and the distant call of a dingo – in such a special moment, one can’t help but feel a deep connection to the country.
3. Go off-grid with a station experience
From glamping at Kings Creek Station near Kings Canyon to Bullo River Station‘s ultra-luxe homestead on the edge of the remote Kimberley in the Top End’s northwest corner, the Northern Territory’s working cattle stations offer a unique way to get off-grid.
Thanks to their remote locations, stations provide a base for exploring hidden gems – from pristine billabongs and cascading waterfalls to vast gorges and striking rock formations.
And don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the buzz of farm life. Watch horses grazing in paddocks, see calves being fed and witness cattle mustering from dedicated viewing platforms, then cool off with sunset canapes by a pool or under a shady veranda.
4. Take one of the world’s most legendary train journeys
Regularly hailed as one of the world’s best rail journeys, The Ghan allows you to soak up the beauty of the Red Centre and Top End as you journey between Adelaide and Darwin. Enjoy all the comforts of a luxury hotel, including champagne on arrival, nightly turndown service and all-inclusive dining and drinks.
Arguably the highlight of this iconic journey are its unmissable Off-Train Experiences – stretch your legs in Alice Springs Desert Park or wind your way through Nitmiluk Gorge on a relaxing cruise down Katherine River. Return to The Ghan for dinner and drinks as you watch the passing landscape turn to gold in the setting sun.
5. Discover Arnhem Land
Few places are as breathtakingly beautiful and wildly spiritual as Arnhem Land. Nestled in the northeast corner of the Northern Territory, this unspoiled wilderness is home to rugged coastlines, mammoth gorges, meandering rivers, ancient rainforest, savanna woodlands and cascading waterfalls. It’s also Aboriginal owned, and home to vibrant traditional culture.
Explore ancient rock art at Injalak Hill, admire Aboriginal paintings and artefacts at Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Art Centre or discover some of the region’s jaw-dropping white-sand beaches, including Wanuwuy and Binydjarrŋa. Or embrace outdoor adventure – fish for barramundi on an early morning charter, search for mud crabs in shallow mangroves or look for native wildlife during a bushwalk through Garig Gunak Barlu National Park.
6. Swap off-grid for inner city
No trip to the Northern Territory is complete without time spent in Darwin. Australia’s smallest, and arguably most laidback, capital boasts closer proximity to Indonesia than Sydney, resulting in a multifaceted food scene. Spicy laksa, fresh-caught seafood, and aromatic curries can all be found at Mindil Beach Sunset Market, along with one of the most spectacular sunsets.
Darwin is the gateway to the Top End so hop on an outback safari to marvel at magnetic termite mounds and pristine swimming holes in Litchfield National Park, ancient Aboriginal rock art in Kakadu National Park or spot ‘salties’ in the Adelaide River on a jumping crocodile cruise.
7. Head out to the islands
Located 80 kilometres north of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands are not only a beautiful day trip, they’re also some of the best places in Australia to encounter Indigenous artwork. Across Tiwi-owned galleries and art centres, visitors can explore paintings, carvings, screen printed fabrics and sculptures crafted in traditional styles.
At Patakijiyali Museum, hear stories of Tiwi Dreamtime, discover the role of the Tiwi people during World War II and learn about the islands’ sporting heritage.
With their tropical location, the islands are also a perfect destination for a longer stay – picnic under swaying palms on remote sandy beaches, reel in prize-winning catches from the shore or explore the uniquely pink sands of Rainbow Beach.
Feature image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr.
This article was produced in collaboration with Tourism Northern Territory.
Looking for more inspiration? Read 12 Bucket-List Experiences in Australia (That Aren’t Just the ‘Big’ Things).
