Northern Territory
Travel Guide
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My travel guides are organised in two main sections:
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This will help you to decide if this is a location for you, and if so, where you may want to spend your time. For larger countries, I also provide additional overviews of different regions, states and territories.
Best things to do
Here I list specific things to see and do. For each, I provide star ratings so that you can easily see how good, unique and adventurous each place is. This means that you can easily pick out where sounds right for you!
Northern Territory Travel Guide 2026
This is part of my Australia travel guide. Given Australia’s massive size and immense diversity, I’ve made specific guides and recommendations for the best places to visit in each state. You can see my main Australia Travel Guide by following this link; this also has links to my guides for each of Australia’s states and territories. I have lived, worked and travelled in Australia and visited every state and territory, so here goes!
Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory and Tasmania are, in my opinion, the two most underrated states in Australia. Top tip though, do not go in the summer! If there is any way to give you an idea of the people who live there, I can tell you that their unofficial slogan is “CUintheNT”. You will see this on T-shirts, hats and pretty much anything else.
The capital Darwin is an interesting town, the waterfront is really nice with bars, restaurants and a safe, free public lagoon (swimming pool) to swim in, as well as a paid lagoon with a wave machine. Mindil Markets at sunset is also incredible and offers a beautiful sunset and when I went there were performers with fire on the beach for a free show! I found Darwin how to explore by foot even in the winter, and I mainly travelled by e-scooter and occasionally e-bike.
I wouldn’t say that I felt unsafe in Darwin, but by Australian standards, it definitely is. There is a higher crime rate here. The town was also only established in 1869 and there is a high number of Aboriginals living in the town and the surrounding areas. This was the first place I saw firsthand the much-talked-about lack of cohesion between Aboriginals and those of European descent. The Aboriginals in the town were polite and made good conversation with me; however, I noticed that for locals and Aboriginals, they typically passed by each other as if one another were ghosts and unseen, with very little interaction from what I saw between the two groups. Many Aboriginals here spoke their native tongue as their first language, with most not speaking fluent English.
As for the hostels in Darwin, they are mainly party hostels. It was also in Darwin that I stayed in what is easily the worst accommodation I have ever stayed in (in any country), Frogshollow Backpackers. The hostel had recently reopened after being shut down and has since been shut down once more. More info. on my podcast at some point, no doubt!
A lot of places in Australia were named by explorers of British descent and over recent years, more place names are reverting to their Aboriginal names. This can be a little confusing when making travel plans, so I’ve decided to use them both in this to avoid confusion with the Aboriginal name first and the alternative name in brackets.
I really loved the NT outside of Darwin, the territory is massive with loads to see and tons of wilderness with very few people. I found being there in the winter was also incredible, as it wasn’t too hot during the day and it was slightly cool in the night, making wild camping a great experience, because there is no rain. I also got away with sleeping in a cheap pop-up tent!
The most well-known tourist attraction in the NT is Uluru (Ayers Rock), which is located in the far south of the NT. I went there when I was on holiday as a kid and remember enjoying camel rides and seeing Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), but I chose not to return as an adult. This was partly because you can no longer climb the rock, as it is sacred to the local Aboriginals, and I felt it was a long detour just to look at a big rock I have already seen. I am glad that I didn’t make a detour to do this. Don’t get me wrong, if you want to show in photos that you’ve been to Australia, you’ll want a good photo in front of the Sydney Opera House and Uluru, but I don’t care about that, and frankly, I feel there are other better places to visit in the NT!
There aren’t many major roads in the NT. The main ones (which are tarmac) run north-south from Darwin right down to Adelaide. Another road goes west from Katherine (not too far south of Darwin) into WA and the road east to Queensland shoots off the north-south road (A87) at a tiny place called Three Ways (shown as Warumungu). You’ll also see plenty of road trains bombing it down these roads (I crossed loads on my drive east from Three Ways into Queensland) and these are huge lorries with about five large wagons behind them. If you are planning a road trip, I’d say definitely take plenty of spare water and jerry cans for spare fuel if you need it. Do some homework for where petrol (gas) stations are so that you’re not caught short. If in doubt, it’s better safe than sorry. Also have a reliable car because even if you are on a main road where you are found, getting towed out there will cost you what you saved on getting a cheap banger of a car and then some!
My favourite place in the NT was Katherine. This is a small town, around three hours south of Darwin. I loved exploring the canyon there, which is incredible. It’s too far inland to be at risk of having saltwater crocodiles (‘salties’) in it, so you can swim safely. It is made up of around five large sections where you can kayak up them (I went with a group where I had a tandem kayak, which was great fun), and you can paddle up to the end of the first section, drag your kayak over a few rocks and then into a second section and so on. There are some great lookouts over the canyon and some cool places to jump in. The other incredible thing to do in Katherine, which is potentially the best hidden gem in the entire world, is the hot springs there. Unlike many other hot springs, this is an actual warm river you can swim in, not just a pool. It’s free and easily accessible right next to the town itself. The water is very hot but still comfortable and the river has various sections with vegetation overhanging it. It also surprisingly has some fish in its amazing, clear yet slightly blue waters and it felt like something from a science fiction movie. I highly recommend it! Also, if you time this so that you are leaving the springs at sunset, you will be treated to seeing thousands of flying foxes (bats) soaring overhead, truly incredible. You will see massive colonies of flying foxes in much of rural Australia and they are incredible to see.
Another great thing to do is to take a boat trip on the Adelaide River to see the massive saltwater crocodiles (‘salties’) jumping out of the river to catch meat which is dangled for them over the side. The boat tour guides will tell you more about these incredible prehistoric animals and your mind will be blown by how something so massive and fast-moving can get so close to the boat while you have no idea until it strikes. The downside to this tour, however, is that you will be terrified of murky water for a while afterwards! This leads me to another point: do not swim unless you are told it’s safe by a lifeguard. In places like the NT, they have numerous threats: strong currents, sharp reefs, salties (which can go in rivers and the sea, although often frequent the sea around river estuaries), sharks (bull sharks can also swim in rivers) and never turn your back to water. Also, just because you see others swimming somewhere, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Even beautiful-looking waterfalls can be safe at the edge of the plunge pool, but have strong currents in the centre and around the waterfall landing area, which can pull you under. Use your common sense and, importantly, listen to the locals.
In conjunction with doing the Adelaide river cruise to see the crocodiles (‘crocs’ I’d also recommend seeing the crocs at Crocosaurus Cove in Darwin (an aquarium), as you can see crocs in clear water and get an idea of how terrifyingly massive these guys are.
Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks are also worth visiting, with beautiful waterfalls to swim in and massive termite mounds and other things. Also, you will see as you drive through termite mounds with clothes on them (a bit like snowmen), which is funny to see!
Best places to visit in the Northern Territory, Australia
I provide star ratings for each of my recommendations so that you can quickly narrow down what appeals to you. Explanations for what these mean can be found here.
I use Google Maps to plan all my trips and it’s a game-changer! I’ve added links to Google Maps for each of the locations below so you can easily add them to your own map. Be sure to copy this web link into the description of each location you save so that you can easily refer back to this guide later. Check out this blog for more tips on how to use Google Maps to enhance your travels!
Northern Territory (NT)
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Coastal town
Recommended Duration: 1 day+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
The town is an interesting one where you can feel the divide between those of European descent and the Aboriginal population, of whom there are many in the area. The town has some crime, so be vigilant with many minor thefts, car thefts and opportunist robberies so stay vigilant.
Even in the winter, I found that I was getting around via e-scooter because of the extreme heat and humidity here. It’s definitely a place to avoid in summer. You will also find many of the locals leave town for this season too. Also, be cautious, there are lots of saltwater crocodiles, so only swim in the sea where you are told by lifeguards that it’s safe to do so. Definitely visit the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, where you can swim safely, and there is also a separate wave pool. You can also find many restaurants and bars in this area and it’s really nice, green and well-designed. Bombing it down here on a rental e-scooter is definitely the way to get about town! Also, check out the Bicentennial Park, which is along the waterfront and beautiful. Crocosaurus Cove is also a must-see, in my opinion. I would recommend doing this as well as the Adelaide River Cruises to see crocodiles there as in the Crocosaurus Cove, you can see these prehistoric animals in clear water, observing how huge they are up close and how small the portion of their body is that protrudes from the water.
Darwin also has a boozy and party nightlife atmosphere and all the hostels there are party hostels (sorry to those who want a quieter night), so be prepared if you want to stay in hostels in Darwin, that’s what you need to expect.
You can also check out the Mindil Beach sunset market. When it wraps you you can head down to the nearby beach for a jaw-dropping sunset. When I was there someone was also performing with fire on the beach which definitely added to the atmosphere.
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Wildlife
Recommended Duration: 3 hours+ (depending on your tour company and pickup location)
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
I would 100% recommend doing an Adelaide River Crocodile Cruise. It is touristy and you’ll be on a boat with a lot of other people, but it’s still amazing and this doesn’t take away from the experience. They will tell you about crocodiles in general and the crocodiles living there.
They then hang meat on a stick over the water with crocs coming out of nowhere and leaping out of the water to get the food. I did a tour from Darwin that picked us up (since I hadn’t bought my car yet) and which also showed us some nice wetland areas on the way back but if you have your own car you can drive to the boat tour location yourself – there are a few companies offering these river cruises so do your own homework and see which is right for you.
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: National Park
Recommended Duration: 1 day
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
This is easily one of my favourite national parks. Firstly, on your way into the park, you will see loads of termite mounds, but take a detour and see the massive ones: if you search for ‘magnetic termite mounds’ in the national park on Google Maps, you will find where they are.
There are also plenty of waterfalls to swim in, which are great fun and don’t worry, the water here is too far upstream for saltwater crocodiles to get you. Please note that freshwater crocodiles (AKA ‘freshies’) don’t live in the area, but they are smaller and don’t go for humans (unless you are right in its face and it feels threatened). Many people go to Florence Falls, which are nice and have a good walk to them and you can also stop at Buley Rockhole on the way, but I found this place too busy to enjoy swimming at and much preferred the lesser known (and much better in my opinion) Wangi Falls. Wangi Falls are a little further down the road but much quieter. There is a nice hike around the back of the walls, which gives an amazing view. Also, I love bats and there were thousands of huge fruit bats sleeping in the trees just in front of the waterfall too, which was amazing to see. On your way down here, you can also stop at Tolmer Falls. You can do all of this in one day if you have your own car and leave early. I also saw loads of flying foxes hanging from the trees near Wangi Falls and got a great view from the top so I highly recommend it.
Kakadu National Park
Category: National Park
Recommended Duration: 1 day+
Andy visited?: No, but people have recommended it to me
Description
I had this national park highly recommended to me, but unfortunately couldn’t go. It’s huge, so it will take time to get around and it is home to Aboriginal rock art, and it has gorges which my homework suggests you can swim in at Barramundi Gorge and Jarrangbarnmi Gorge – planes don’t take my word for it, though and check with the locals that this is safe!
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Adventure!
Recommended Duration: 1 day
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
You can rent kayaks here and head down a series of gorges, taking your kayak out at the end of one, dragging it over some rocks and then into a further gorge. These are huge, and you likely won’t have time to do them all. I enjoyed swimming in the gorge and doing some small cliff jumps at the entrance to the first gorge. I highly recommend it!
Katherine Hot Springs
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Hot springs and swimming
Recommended Duration: 2 hours+
Andy visited?: Yes
Description
These are the best hot springs I have been to anywhere in the world. This is because they are an actual river, not just a pool! They are easily accessible from the towns and have vegetation growing over them and even small fish swimming by in the clear, slightly blue water.
It’s phenomenal and like something from a science fiction movie! I came out at sunset too and was treated with a view of thousands of flying foxes soaring overhead as I watched from the nearby carpark, so try and time your trip for then if that’s something which you would like to see!
Devils Marbles
Category: Landscape
Recommended Duration: 2 hours+
Andy visited?: No, but my internet research suggests it may be worth visiting
Description
Large boulders and rocks in unusual formations which look akin to marbles. This can be found on the road south from Darwin to Alice Springs, around 1.5 hours south of Three Ways, where you would otherwise turn east towards Queensland.
Adventure
Andy Argo
Uniqueness
Category: Landscape
Recommended Duration: 2 days+ (in the area)
Andy visited?: Yes (as a young’un)
Description
I went here as a kid but chose not to return as an adult. I got photos when I was young next to the rock but to be honest, I don’t think for me it was worth the detour. Obviously, the main attraction is to look at Uluru; however, you are not permitted to climb it anymore as it is sacred to local Aboriginal peoples.
If you want to take photos of you in Australia which show you have been there, no two are more iconic than in front of the Sydney Opera House and Uluru. Uluru (formerly known as Aires Rock) is a huge red rock in the centre of Australia. It is definately an impressive and iconic natural feauture but it is a massive and expensive detour to go and see it so you need to work out if it’s worth it for you. There isn’t tonnes to do there. You can’t climb up the rock any more as it is sacred to the local indigenous people but you can walk around it, take camel rides and also explore other large rock formations nearby called at Mount Olga (AKA Kata Tjuta). As a kid when I was here I also visited an Aboriginal workshop where local people talked about their cultured and shared how they made artwork which was really interesting.
Personally, I’m not if everyone will find the detour to see the area worth the time and expense. If you are lacking in either of those resources then I wouldn’t feel bad at all about skipping here. As I said, I went as a kid and enjoyed it but I definitely don’t feel like I missed out in not going back as an adult. Much of what you can do in the area can be done elsewhere in the Australian outback so as long as you visit some of the red centre, wherever that may be you will get a flavour for what life is like out there. I typically take the view though that if I think I would regret not going then I tend to go ahead and do it. Although I am fine with not returning here I probably would have made the effort if I hadn’t visited when I was younger given how iconic and bucket-list-able this destination is.
All of my photos on my website are either taken by me, or of me. I refuse to use any stock images. This photo is my one slight exception as it was taken by my dad when I visited with my family as a youngster, hence why it’s a bit grainy. I felt I couldn’t make a travel guide for Australia though and not include a photograph of Uluru! I also appreciate that many people will recognise its appearance even if they do not know it by name.
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Title image: Road in the outback in the Northern Territory as I drove from the NT to Queensland