Wild and wonderful things to do in the Northern Territory

If you want adventure and excitement on your holiday, this list will give you the inside scoop on where to go to get your fix.

NT hotairballoon

If you want adventure and excitement on your holiday, this list will give you the inside scoop on where to go to get your fix.

Like to live on the edge? Need an adrenaline rush to keep you interested? The Northern Territory is definitely the place for you. It’s all about helifishing, quad biking, skydiving, swimming with a crocodile and mountain biking. It’s 100 per cent blood pumping, heart racing stuff.

Want to fish in the more remote locations of the NT to catch a barramundi? That’s where Helifishing comes in - so much more than just a fishing tour, its adventure equipped with a fishing reel via helicopter. If fishing isn’t your style, take a scenic helicopter tour over Litchfield National Park, world heritage-listed Kakadu National Park or over the tropical city of Darwin.

You don’t have to jump out of a plane to see the Red Centre from above. Outback Ballooning gives you the view while keeping your feet firmly planted in a basket. Let the wind take you across the breathtaking landscape as the sun slowly rises over the Outback. Depart close to Alice Springs and see the MacDonnell Ranges in all their glory. Catch a glimpse of native wildlife such as the red kangaroo and be inspired by the remoteness and beauty of the desert. When you’re back on land, sip some bubbles, grab a muffin and let the memories flow.

Hit the road on a quad safari adventure that takes you partly through a cattle station, rolling over red sand dunes and spotting local wildlife in the bush. Kings Creek Station gives you a true outback experience in the Red Centre. No licence needed, nor previous experience required.

Skydiving is the ultimate adrenaline rush. I mean who wouldn’t want to jump out of a plane 14,000 ft above the ground with nothing but you and your parachute (and tandem partner of course). Whether you tandem skydive the beach in Darwin, tandem dive Batchelor (Litchfield National Park), or above the heart of Oz over Uluru, get a spectacular view of the NT along with the sheer excitement of jumping out of a plane.

While swimming with crocs is usually discouraged, there is one exception in the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin city. It’s 15 minutes of pure exhilaration as you get up-close and personal with a huge saltie.

Get out of the car and get on your bike for an adventure you just can’t miss. Whether you head out on a park trail in Alice Springs or take on the epic Mountain Bike trails in Darwin, there’s no shortage of routes through the rugged and beautiful terrain.

Adventure sports in the Northern Territory aren’t always fast-paced. Hop in a canoe at Nitmiluk Gorge and paddle down the ancient river system brimming with life. Stop for lunch, take a look at the rock art or jump in for a refreshing swim. Hiring a canoe from Nitmiluk Tours gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, in peace and tranquillity.

Are walking adventures more your scene? There are plenty to write home about in the NT. Known as one of the world’s best hiking trails, the Larapinta Trail is 223km of spectacular bushwalking and hiking. Start in Alice Springs and head upward along the spine of the MacDonnell Ranges to Mount Sonder. Pass through weathered hills, above spinifex-dotted valleys and remote desert landscapes to see Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ellery Creek to name a few. More than just views, you’ll have the privilege of walking on a trail that took 1.6 billion years to make and is filled with unique native flora, fauna and spiritual places.

Looking to hike through lush greenery and pass by stunning waterfalls? The Jatbula Trail is more your style. Make your way across the ancient Song Line used by the Jawoyn people from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leilyn (Edith Falls) on a journey of discovery and beauty. See magnificent waterfalls, high sandstone escarpments, pass through shady monsoon forests and see stunning ancient rock art on this one-way circuit across the park. This is one circuit you don’t want to miss.

Originally published as Wild and wonderful things to do in the Northern Territory