7 ways to explore the NT
Posted 23 July, 2020
Ellen Morgan
The Northern Territory is back open for business. The third largest state/territory in Australia, the NT spans 1.4 million square kilometres, which means there’s a whole lot of ground to cover.
From the Red Centre of Alice Springs to the lush national parks and beachfront vistas of Darwin’s city centre, it’s a traveller’s playground. Whether you’ve got the kids in tow, you’re on a retirement adventure, or you’re looking for a romantic weekend away in the wilderness, there’s something to fill everyone’s travel cup.
We’ve put together a list of top experiences and places to visit if you’re planning a trip up to the Top End.
Outdoor Adventure
Litchfield National Park
Just 60-minutes south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is great for a day trip if you’re using the city as your base. Water holes, waterfalls and vine forests are just some of the natural wonders that abound in this NT secret.
Often overlooked for beautiful Kakadu, locals say ‘Litchy’ is a must-visit. Spanning an incredible 1500 square kilometres, the national park has a number of different routes and landmarks to glimpse when you’re travelling through. Some of the more unique include magnetic termite mounds and the iconic Lost City which features a cluster of sandstone pillars that have stood the test of time.
If you’re on the road, why not stay the night in your campervan or caravan? There are a number of licensed campgrounds on offer around Litchfield. If you’re feeling adventurous, set out on a 3-day tour where you can explore Kakadu and Litchfield in a 4WD, camping along the way.
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Litchfield National Park tour and experiences.
Kings Canyon, Alice Springs
Part of Watarrka National Park in the territory’s south, Kings Canyon boasts all the NT’s quintessential dramatic red scenery and desert landscape. Sandstone walls towering up to 300 metres high are among the majestic sites on offer here. You’ll want to bring your camera – this place is jaw-droppingly beautiful. A 3-hour drive from Uluru, you can make your own journey of it, either as a stop-over while you’re travelling north, or with Kings Canyon as your destination.
There are a range of accommodation options around the Canyon, and a number of walking trails to keep you moving. Set off on a full-day tour from Uluru to Kings Canyon, which includes transfers, guided tours along Rim Walk and Creek Bed Walk, as well as a cooked breakfast.
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Kings Canyon tours and experiences.
Finke Gorge National Park
An NT treasure, Finke Gorge National Park is a protected reserve that’s home to some of the oldest rivers and trees in the world. Only accessible by 4WD, the park is ideal for those road-tripping their way through the territory.
With water holes, river red gums and a collection of walks on offer, perhaps the most significant sites here are the red cabbage palms of Palm Valley and the Finke River, both estimated to be millions of years old.
If you’ve got your own 4WD and you’re experienced with this kind of track, feel free to choose your own adventure. If not, you can take your pick from a number of tours. Our top pick is a 4WD safari from Alice Springs, which includes a tour of Palm Valley as well as a picnic lunch and a number of other stop-offs along the way.
Find out more about
Finke Gorge tour and experiences.
