Best holiday spots, island destinations in the Northern Territory
The Territory is home to some truly spectacular holiday destinations, from the Red Centre to the pristine Tiwi Islands. Here’s our list of the best and what you need to know.
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Whether it is the arid Red Centre or lush tropical falls of Litchfield, the Territory boasts some of the world’s most unique destinations.
Here you will find a list of the best, with a special shout out to our Top End islands – yes, we have them!
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta is one of the greatest wonders in the globe and a place of great cultural significance to the local Anangu people.
There is a variety of ways to pass time in this magical place, from walking the rock’s perimeter with Traditional Owners to joining a camel tour, dining beneath the stars or simply watching the rock’s hues transform at sunset or dawn.
Accommodation ranges from five-star luxury suites to backpacker hostels and camping.
If you have some time to spare, it is well worth checking out King’s Canyon in Watarrka National Park – a destination complete in its own right – about three-and-a-half hours’ away from Uluru.
Park passes apply to both.
Tiwi Islands
Known as the ‘Island of Smiles’, the Tiwi Islands offers fishers, footy fans and arts enthusiasts plenty to grin about.
Bathurst and Melville islands are the two largest and most visited of the archipelago – and just a short 20-minute flight away from Darwin.
Travellers can also opt to take a 2.5-hour scenic ferry journey over azure waters.
One of the destination’s best days of the year comes every March for the local footy grand final and art sale, while Aboriginal cultural tours and fishing charters are popular year-round.
Accommodation ranges from seaside lodges to camping, but daytrips from Darwin are just as popular.
Independent travel does require a permit however those travelling on the SeaLink ferry can wander around their destination Wurrumiyanga without one.
Arnhem Land
About 630km by air from Darwin, Groote Eylandt lies off the east coast of Arnhem Land.
It is the country of the Anindilyakwa people and a permit is required to go, but well worth seeking out if you’re a keen fisher.
Accommodation is available at the Groote Eylandt Lodge.
Time your visit to the mainland part of the region right and you may be in Nhulunbuy during August for Garma, one of the most important Aboriginal festivals in Australia.
Nhulunbuy is also a spectacular spot for fishing.
You’ll need a 4WD and a permit to enter the region, or you can join an organised tour.
Other East Arnhem destinations include Maningrida, Croker Island and the Cobourg Peninsula.
Litchfield National Park
Litchfield’s kaleidoscope of swimming holes and waterfalls is one of the most popular destinations among tourists and locals alike.
About an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Darwin, the most visited spots include Buley’s Rockhole, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls.
They all close to swimmers over the wet however Greenant Creek and its Tjaetaba Falls remain open most of the year.
Other attractions include a ‘graveyard’ of termite mounds, 4WD tracks, and birdwatching.
While the park has plenty of camp spots, a range of accommodation options can be found around Batchelor or Berry Springs.
Interstate and overseas visitors will need a park pass to enter and camping fees are cheap.
Kakadu National Park
One of the Territory’s two World Heritage-listed sites, Kakadu National Park covers an enormous 20,000 square kilometres.
It is home to ancient rock art, billabongs brimming with wildlife, rocky escarpments and lush rainforests.
About three hours’ drive from Darwin, many travellers choose to spend a night or two in the park, catching the sunset at either Ubirr Rock or Nourlangie.
Cruises along the Yellow Water Billabong, a scenic helicopter flight or a 4WD trek to the stunning Muguk or Motor Car Falls are some other top ways to pass the time.
Parks passes apply to non-Territory residents.
Katherine and surrounds
The Big Rivers region is a spectacular place to visit all year-round.
In Katherine you’ll find sparkling hot springs in the town centre, while the breathtaking Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park is just short drive away.
The gorge can be cruised, canoed or flown over, and its Southern Rockhole makes for a great bushwalk and swimming spot around March and April.
Edith Falls, also part of Nitmiluk National Park, is well worth visiting too.
If you have some time, head down to Mataranka for another saltie-free swimming oasis – at the right time of the year of course.
Barranyi Island
The most visited of the Sir Edward Pellew Islands group is Barranyi (North Island), which boasts prime fishing waters brimming with bluefin tuna, Spanish mackerel and coral trout.
It is also popular among birdwatchers and those seeking a truly remote destination.
About 30km from the McArthur River mouth, access is by boat only while campgrounds are found at the sandy beaches of Paradice and Mud bays.
Travellers do not need a permit but should register their visit with the Borroloola Ranger Station, with some parts of the Yanyuwa country restricted.
Standard park fees also apply.
Crab Claw Island
Only becoming an island at a rare high tide, Crab Claw Island is easily accessible by road but boats cruising though Bynoe Harbour can pull up an anchor too.
The oasis offers some of the Territory’s best fishing grounds, boats to hire, a licenced bar and restaurant, pools, panoramic views and plenty of relaxation.
Accommodation includes campsites and cabins in this destination about an hour’s drive from Darwin.
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