13 Best Places to Visit in the Northern Territory, Australia

From watching the sun rise over ancient red rock to discovering rich Aboriginal culture, here are the best places to visit in the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory is Australia’s wild and wonderful outback frontier. It’s a land of timeless landscapes, sacred Indigenous culture, dramatic natural wonders, and adventure.

Spanning the tropical Top End to the vast, sunbaked Red Centre, the Northern Territory offers a travel experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.

Here, cities like Darwin and Alice Springs are gateways to a different pace of life, where crocodiles rule the rivers, ochre-red deserts stretch for miles, and Aboriginal traditions run deep and strong.

Besides marvelling at iconic sights like Uluru, visitors to the Northern Territory often explore the ancient rock art galleries of Kakadu National Park or cruise through the breathtaking gorges of Nitmiluk.

But there’s more to the NT than just its highlights.

In fact, the region is full of surprises, from quirky outback pubs and bush markets to hidden waterholes and star-studded night skies.

While here, you get to meet saltwater crocodiles up close, experience Aboriginal-led tours that open your eyes to the world’s oldest living culture, or visit remote towns where time seems to stand still.

Read our guide to the 8 Best Northern Territory Road Trips for more ideas!

The Northern Territory is a land of awe-inspiring contrasts, with endless desert landscapes, lush tropical wetlands, towering gorges, and deeply rooted Indigenous culture.

There’s no shortage of incredible things to see and do here.

If you’re planning a trip, use this guide to discover the best places to visit in the Northern Territory.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

As the gateway to the Northern Territory, Darwin is a vibrant destination in its own right, brimming with tropical charm, thrilling adventures, and a laid-back multicultural vibe. Perched on a stunning harbour, the city offers countless ways to bask in the warm, relaxed vibe.

Thrill-seekers can jump on jet skis for an exhilarating ride around Darwin Harbour, take to the skies on a unique heli-pub-crawl that lands at outback-style bars, or cool off at the sprawling Aqua Park at the Darwin Waterfront, the largest inflatable water park of its kind in Australia.

But there’s more to Darwin than just adrenaline. Discover the city’s blossoming food scene by wandering through its famous outdoor sunset markets, where sizzling street stalls serve everything from fresh seafood to bush-tucker-inspired dishes.

For another classic Top End experience, head down to Stokes Hill Wharf, a favourite spot to indulge in local fare, watch fishing boats come and go, and admire the breathtaking harbour sunsets.

And if you want the ultimate way to cap off your Darwin adventure, book one of those harbour cruises, such as this Darwin Harbour: 2-Hour Gaze and Graze Sunset Cruise.

Most journeys through the heart of the Northern Territory begin in Alice Springs, a true icon of the Outback.

Just a few hours by air from Australia’s major cities, Alice Springs serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring this vast, rugged region.

Nestled between the majestic East and West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes.

The town itself is brimming with personality, famous for its colourful outback characters and a warm, welcoming community that captures the essence of life in the Red Centre.

Alice Springs is also a hub of culture. You can visit local art galleries showcasing vibrant desert works or join cultural tours that share Dreamtime stories and ancient bush skills. Tour Alice Springs Desert Park or the Museum of Central Australia for insights into local nature and art.

Those travelling to Alice Springs shouldn’t miss a visit to Simpsons Gap, a dramatic gorge just outside town where sheer rock walls rise above a serene waterhole.

Many travellers drive from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon, making it an epic road trip through the heart of the Red Centre.

Situated within Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon is a must-visit for anyone wanting to witness the Australian Outback in all its breathtaking glory. This remarkable protected area is renowned for its spectacular landscapes, diverse wildlife, and strong ties to Aboriginal culture.

The iconic Rim Walk is a highlight. It leads you along the edge of the canyon from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the rugged gorge below and beyond.

But it’s not just the vistas that make Kings Canyon so special. The area is also rich in rare flora, tranquil rock pools, and hidden pockets of cultural significance that speak to thousands of years of ancient Aboriginal culture.

There’s no shortage of ways to explore this incredible place. Join ranger-guided activities to delve deeper into the area’s unique Aboriginal history or head off on a bushwalk to connect deeply with the land.

If you want to see Kings Canyon from a jaw-dropping perspective, don’t miss the chance to embark on a King’s Canyon: 15-minute Scenic Helicopter Tour, a thrilling way to take in the vast scale and raw beauty of the Northern Territory’s Outback region.

The majestic Uluru stands as the crown jewel of Northern Territory attractions and is truly the heart of Australia’s famed ‘Red Centre.’

Rising dramatically from the surrounding desert plains, this immense sandstone is a living cultural landscape with over 30,000 years of deep cultural significance.

Uluru is sacred to the Anangu people, who have cared for these lands for countless generations and continue to share their stories, traditions, and wisdom with visitors today.

Thus, a visit to this remarkable place is also an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the world’s oldest living culture.

Join guided walking tours led by Aboriginal guides to learn about the area’s geology, rare plant life, native wildlife, and rich Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that breathe life into every cave and waterhole.

For a different perspective, you can hop on an Uluru Base Segway Tour at Sunrise, ride a camel across the red sands, try some self guided Uluru walks, or take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight for breathtaking aerial views of this iconic landmark.

The Berry Springs Nature Park is one of Northern Australia’s most incredible places to unwind, surrounded by nature.

Just a short 30- to 40-minute drive from Darwin, this beautiful reserve is a favorite among locals, thanks to its crystal-clear swimming holes and lush tropical scenery. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s wartime past.

Berry Springs is best known for its inviting natural pools, where you can swim and snorkel among small fish and aquatic plants. Those eager to explore the underwater marine life should aim to visit during the dry season, from May to October, when the water is at its clearest and the weather is simply ideal.

However, during the wet season (October to April), the swimming holes may be closed due to flooding.

Berry Springs is one of those national parks where you can enjoy scenic walks. Wander along easy trails shaded by tall trees, keep an eye out for colourful birdlife, and soak up the serene atmosphere that makes this part of Northern Australia so special.

Berry Springs Nature Park also holds echoes of the past, once serving as a World War II rest and recreation area for thousands of troops.

Read next: 9 Best Day Trips From Darwin, NT, Australia

No list of the best places to visit in the Northern Territory would be complete without mentioning Litchfield National Park, one of the region’s most accessible national parks.

Just a short drive from Darwin, Litchfield is a true gem among Northern Territory attractions, drawing visitors with its lush landscapes, thundering waterfalls, and inviting natural swimming holes.

While exploring Litchfield National Park, you’ll find some of the most spectacular scenery in the Top End, such as the rugged sandstone escarpments, monsoon forests alive with birdsong, and clear, spring-fed pools perfect for a refreshing swim.

Litchfield National Park is also known for its fascinating fields of magnetic termite mounds, standing like silent sentinels across the landscape, and offering a glimpse into one of the Outback’s more curious natural wonders.

With its spectacular landscapes and easy access from Darwin, it’s no wonder Litchfield National Park is considered one of the most-visited places in the Northern Territory.

Another one of the best Northern Territory attractions is the Territory Wildlife Park.

Spanning an impressive 400 hectares, this immersive park showcases the variety of flora and fauna native to Central Australia, from colourful bowerbirds to unique wildlife, such as the intriguing orange-footed scrub-fowl.

Wander through a series of carefully recreated habitats that mirror the real ecosystems found across the Top End.

Meander along the Monsoon Forest Walk, step into the vast walk-through aviary where vibrant birds flutter around you, or dive into the fascinating underwater world at the park’s aquarium.

A visit to the Territory Wildlife Park is also a chance to deepen your understanding of how unique creatures thrive in the Northern Territory’s varied environments.

Join one of the daily wildlife presentations or book a special encounter for an up-close look at the park’s resident reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Read next: The Ultimate 7 Day Darwin Itinerary, NT, Australia

Kakadu National Park is one of the Northern Territory’s crown jewels. It’s a place of spectacular scenery and rich ancient culture in a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth.

Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres (roughly the size of a small country), Kakadu is Australia’s largest national park, proudly holding a dual UNESCO World Heritage listing for its outstanding natural wonders and immense cultural significance.

This world heritage site is also a paradise for walkers, with trails like the short yet rewarding Winds Walk near Nourlangie Rock leading to a viewpoint over the Arnhem Land escarpment.

There are also trails leading to thundering waterfalls, including Jim Jim and Twin Falls, where towering sandstone cliffs and crystal-clear plunge pools showcase the area’s scenery.

Take a cruise on the stunning Yellow Water Billabong to witness crocodiles basking on the banks, watch graceful jacanas tiptoe across lily pads, and marvel at sunsets that paint the sky in unforgettable hues.

As one of the richest regions of living Aboriginal culture on the planet, Kakadu is home to thousands of rock art sites, some dating back over 20,000 years, which share timeless stories of creation, hunting, and daily life.

The dry season, from May to October, is the best time to visit Kakadu National Park, when tracks open to spectacular spots like Jim Jim and Twin Falls.

If you don’t have your own car to explore, you can visit on a guided day tour from Darwin!

Explore more of the Outback on an Adelaide to Darwin road trip!

For anyone exploring the Northern Territory, the West MacDonnell National Park is an absolute must.

Stretching west from Alice Springs, this remarkable expanse (often called the West MacDonnell Ranges) or simply “the West Macs”, showcases some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the Northern Territory.

The West MacDonnell Ranges are a wonderland of towering ochre cliffs, hidden gorges, and tranquil waterholes. Popular activities include bushwalking, swimming, and simply soaking up the grandeur of the Outback.

As you wander around the park, you’ll encounter iconic sites like Ellery Creek Big Hole, a stunning natural waterhole framed by steep red cliffs. It’s one of the best spots in the West Macs to take a refreshing dip, have a picnic, or snap photos that capture the stark beauty of the region.

Other highlights include Ormiston Gorge, a favourite for spotting rock wallabies and enjoying sweeping views, and Simpsons Gap, just a short drive from Alice Springs, where towering cliffs create a dramatic backdrop at sunrise or sunset.

The Tiwi Islands are among the most unique cultural destinations in the Northern Territory. Located just 80 kilometres north of Darwin, this remote location feels like an entirely different world, where ancient Aboriginal traditions and artistic heritage flourish.

Often called the “Islands of Smiles,” the Tiwi Islands are renowned for their welcoming communities, intricate textiles, striking wood carvings, and colourful Pukumani burial poles that reflect deep spiritual connections to the land.

Join art workshops, watch traditional dance and smoking ceremonies, or explore local museums that reveal fascinating stories of Tiwi life and customs.

Beyond its cultural richness, the Tiwi Islands also showcase some of the Northern Territory’s most striking natural scenery. Think pristine beaches fringed by whispering palms, crystal-clear waters perfect for fishing adventures, and lush tropical bushland teeming with birdlife.

With limited visitor numbers and a deep sense of local pride, exploring the Tiwi Islands feels like stepping into a hidden world where ancient traditions continue to shape daily life.

Also known as Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk Gorge is one of the Northern Territory’s most spectacular natural attractions and a true highlight among the region’s many national parks.

This majestic system of 13 deep sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River is a place of rugged landscapes, ancient culture, and endless outdoor adventure.

Nearby, the mighty Roper River winds its way through the eastern reaches of the Katherine region, adding even more opportunities for remote fishing, boating, and exploring the vast savanna country that defines this part of Australia.

While many come to navigate the breathtaking sandstone gorges of Nitmiluk National Park by boat, don’t miss Edith Falls (Leliyn) at the northern end of the park, where cascading waterfalls feed into tranquil swimming pools that are perfect for cooling off during the dry season.

Nitmiluk National Park is also one of those special places in the Northern Territory with deep Aboriginal significance. The Jawoyn people have called this land home for thousands of years, and you’ll find remarkable rock formations throughout the park that tell stories of creation and connection.

To round out your visit, don’t miss the chance to unwind once more in the region’s beautiful hot springs. The thermal pools around Katherine are a relaxing spot to visit year-round, and pair perfectly with a side trip to explore stretches of the nearby river.

Devils Marbles, known by their Aboriginal name Karlu Karlu, stand as one of the most striking and internationally recognised symbols of the Australian Outback, and undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in the Northern Territory.

Situated within the Tennant Creek & Barkly Region, these massive, gravity-defying granite boulders are scattered across a wide valley and glow a brilliant red at sunrise and sunset.

Karlu Karlu translates to “round boulders,” and this sacred site holds deep spiritual significance for the Kaytetye, Warumungu, Warlpiri, and Alyawarr people, who remain joint custodians of the area.

Their ongoing stewardship ensures that the cultural stories and traditions tied to this remarkable landscape are preserved.

As you explore Karlu Karlu, keep an eye out for small zebra finches and painted finches flitting among the rocks.

For the best experience at this iconic Northern Territory landmark, plan your visit between April and September when the temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for wandering through the reserve.

Arnhem Land is one of the most remarkable and truly untouched regions in all of Australia.

Offering a unique window into the ancient heart of the Northern Territory, this vast wilderness is famed for its rugged coastlines, soaring escarpments, serene billabongs, and strong, living Aboriginal culture.

The top attractions at Arnhem Land are not limited to natural wonders. There are also profound cultural experiences.

Guided tours led by Traditional Owners allow you to explore sacred rock art galleries that date back tens of thousands of years, witness intricate bark paintings in renowned art centres like those in Yirrkala, and learn about hunting, bush foods, and the deep spiritual connections the Yolŋu people have with their land.

Adventure lovers will also find Arnhem Land to be a paradise for four-wheel driving, with rugged tracks leading to remote beaches, natural swimming pools, and some of the most beautiful spots in Northern Australia.

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