Best of the Northern Territory
Despite its relatively small population, this region is massive. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Northern Territory – a monsoon forest meets red-dirt patchwork of Top End and Red Centre landscapes – excels in nature escapes. And while Uluru, in all its monolithic splendour, might still front the tourism posters, there’s a lot more luring visitors today, including a burgeoning food scene, a vibrant year-round arts calendar, and industry-leading Indigenous tourism offerings.
Now you can see the NT’s most spectacular parks, crowd-free
Tour operator Rob Woods doesn’t like crowds. And when people pile into the Territory’s famed attractions in the dry season, he says there’s a better way.
- by Craig Tansley
Nine surprising things in the NT’s best-kept secret
Litchfield National Park is just a 90-minute drive from Darwin and most of its visitors are locals.
- by Helen Signy
The secret Uluru wants us all to know
An all-women wilderness retreat reveals how nature can teach us important lessons.
- by Nina Karnikowski
Nine must-do highlights of Darwin
This capital is more than croc country, although you’ll still find a few lurking around the city – on walls, inside museums, on gin bottles …
- by Kerry van der Jagt
Nine must-do highlights of Kakadu National Park
Indigenous culture, spectacular landscapes, natural plunge pools and unique culinary experiences make Kakadu National Park a must-visit.
- by Kerry van der Jagt
‘Fooluru’: The other giant rock that’s been duping tourists for years
Many celebrate too early after setting eyes on this outback monolith, which is actually bigger – though not as spectacular – as Uluru.
- by Catherine Best
The kangaroo sanctuary that inspired a new Australian film
Meet the NT’s original mob boss, a gentle giant whose wildlife rescue work forms the basis of a new movie.
- by Catherine Best
The extraordinary ancient artwork kept secret until 1987
It might be ancient, but the world’s largest single collection of rock art never gets old.
- by Helen Pitt
The balmy Aussie town with something better than beaches
I wouldn’t be surprised if Katherine, a township 320 kilometres south-east of Darwin, has the highest rate of pool-noodle ownership in the country.
- by Julia D'Orazio
The surprising thing about Australia’s famous outback homestead stay
Bullo River Station is a five-star luxury property offering a five-star luxury experience, but its appeal has nothing to do with the trimmings.
- by Craig Tansley
This stirring Top End festival is among the world’s greatest
The Garma Festival is an invitation to the clans to join in the diplomacy of kinship. It’s also a rare chance to engage with the world’s oldest living culture.
- by Anabel Dean
One of the world’s last untouched places is right here in Australia
Indigenous life has an incredibly long history in Arnhem Land, and it feels an absolute privilege to be given a glimpse of it.
- by Sue Williams
One of the world’s biggest light shows dazzles in the desert
Uluru’s night sky has never lacked dazzle, but these celestial lights might have met their match in one of the world’s largest and most impressive drone shows.
- by Andrew Bain
This outback safari may be Australia’s greatest wildlife spectacular
Unlike safaris in East Africa, here millions of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians can be seen by a maximum of 24 people – plus guides – at any one time.
- by Mark Daffey
Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/traveller/inspiration/the-best-of-the-northern-territory-20250404-p5lpbe.html