The 10 best places to visit in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory's capital is a lively display of the culture that is so rich and concentrated. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets bring the city’s edge to life at twilight with stalls slinging delicious eats and deadly First Nations art. Book in to feed crocs on a cruise tour, and if that isn’t close enough to take ten years off your life, swim with the prehistoric creatures in the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove. Darwin is also only an hour’s drive away from Litchfield National Park, where its waterfalls and scenic walks galore.

EAT: If there's one thing you have to eat, it's laksa (and many other amazing foods) at the Parap Village Markets, or sink into incredible Sri Lankan food by a former Masterchef contestant, Ella by Minoli. 

STAY: The affordable, family-friendly Leea Resort Darwin offers up a lush, rainforesty vibe, a stone's throw from the CBD. 

DO: Do a helicopter pub tour to some of Australia's most remote Outback pubs. All in a day's work. 

The literal red heart of Australia and our most special national icon, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa is a magnificent and special place that has been deeply sacred to the Anangu people for at least 30,000 years. Its presence is awe-inspiring, and at a gigantic 348 metres tall (higher than the Eiffel Tower), you can't miss it. With its immense Indigenous significance and ability to viscerally connect you with the world's oldest living culture, Uluṟu is unlike anywhere else on Earth.

EAT: The Outback Hotel, for a no-frills pub slinging hearty grub after a day in the desert.

STAY: For the first time, you can camp inside the national park, but only through a unique experience created by Anangu Traditional Owners and the Tasmanian Walking Company. The five-day, 54-kilometre guided hike winds from the crimson peaks of Kata Tjuṯa all the way to Uluru, sharing ancient stories of the Anangu people along the way. 

DO: Check out Bruce Munro's incredible Field of Light immersive activation that lights up the desert with wild rainbow colours.

If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the land before time (friendly dinosaur babies not guaranteed), Kakadu National Park is for you. Tucked into the Top End of the Northern Territory, just a 2.5-hour drive from Darwin, this World Heritage site is the biggest national park in Australia, covering a whopping 20,000 kilometres of wilderness, rugged terrain (bring a 4WD) and ancient art and culture. It's home to the Bininj and Mungguy people, including 19 distinct clan groups, and has been a site of life, culture and ceremony for more than 65,000 years.

EAT: Manjmukmuk Restaurant and Bar in the eccentric, crocodile-shaped Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel embraces Indigenous culture through local bush tucker. It offers the finest feed you'll find in Kakadu.

STAY: Cooinda Lodge for a peaceful and affordable glamping stay deep in the bush. 

DO: Plunge into the otherworldly, crystalline waters of Maguk Gorge, and don't miss the incredible wildlife spotting to be had with a dawn boat ride with Yellow Water Cruises. 

Kings Canyon is one of the most extraordinary places in Australia, and when you're walking around the shockingly crimson rim of this spellbinding desert oasis, you'll agree. Located in Watarrka National Park, this magical canyon has been home to the Arrente and Luritja peoples for more than 20,000 years. It’s home to 100-metre-high rock faces, rainbow stretches of desert, ancient plants, sacred waterholes and a spectacular Rim Walk, where you’ll feel as if you’re walking on top of the world.

EAT: For an unforgettable experience, try the five-course tasting menu featuring seasonal, locally sourced produce under the stars with Under a Desert Moon by Discovery Parks.

STAY: For affordable, but ultimate ease in the middle of the desert, try Kings Canyon Resort.

DO: Don’t miss Light-Towers – an immersive, outback maze at the Discovery Resort, featuring two 69-metre tall towers that change colour in tune with sound. 

Litchfield National Park is a lush and verdant corner of the Northern Territory that's often forgotten. Located just 1.5 hours from Darwin CBD, this national park is overflowing with thundering waterfalls, crystal pools and vivid greenery that has to be seen to be believed. In a part of the world where pretty much all bodies of water are to be heavily avoided at all costs (read: saltwater crocs), Litchfield is a special oasis for swimmers and weary travellers alike. The best time to visit for camping, hiking and swimming is during the dry season from May to October.

EAT: Fuel up for all your Litchy adventures at Kin Coffee and Goods, the area’s first espresso bar and gift shop. This cute café is just three kilometres from the Cascades and eight kilometres from Wangi Falls. 

STAY: Camp at Wangi Falls campground, which opens during peak season from May to September. Given it's Litchfield's most popular swimming hole, you'll want to book far in advance. 

DO: Go for a swim at Buley Rockhole, an opalescent series of freshwater pools set into deep orange rock, surrounded by lush green rainforest.

Situated in Australia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs is a bustling, eccentric and wild Outback town that gets its wonderful warm hues from the minerals in the soil. Due to its remote location (and by remote, we mean smack bang in the middle of Australia), it’s one of the most spectacular places in Oz to go stargazing. Earth Sanctuary runs astronomy tours and has some epic space camp accommodation options. Come morning, hop in a hot air balloon for a different perspective. 

EAT: Warung Makan Alice, for affordable and delicious Indonesian in the middle of town.

STAY: Desert Palms offer self-contained villas with a pool to cool off in. 

DO: Explore the nearby West MacDonnell Ranges for world-famous hikes, like the Larapinta Trail.

Katherine is your relaxation destination. Why’s that? The region is brimming with hot springs. Katherine Hot Springs sits at a cosy 25-30 degrees Celsius, while the thermal waters at Bitter Springs are a truly magical, clear blue hue. The Cutta Cutta caves and their pointy limestone structures are just waiting to be explored, and Katherine Gorge is a prime location for a nice, long paddle in the ol’ kayak.

EAT: Try the Finch Café, a centrally-located and family-run venture serving up friendly service, delicious dishes and much-needed, refreshing drinks.

STAY: Cicada Lodge is a luxurious spa-like experience nestled in the bush, close to Nitmiluk National Park.

DO: Day trip to Nitmiluk National Park, where you can cruise the mighty Katherine River, tackle some of the legendary Jatbula Trail and cool off at Leilyn/Edith Falls.

The Northern Territory usually brings red dirt, big rocks and spinifex bushes to mind, but don't forget that this state is just as tropical (and north) as the world-famous Queensland. The Tiwi Islands region comprises two islands, Bathurst and Melville, and the waters here are just as blue as AFL is popular. Yes, Melbourne may be known as the capital of Australian Rules Football, but the sport is somewhat like a religion to the island’s widely indigenous population, and the grand final garners 3,000 spectators every year. Remember that as this is Aboriginal-owned land, unless you're on an organised tour, you'll need to apply for a permit if you're going here independently.

EAT: You need to plan ahead and bring your own food if you're visiting for the day, as there are no cafes or takeaways available on the islands. But if you stay at the Tiwi Islands Retreat, you're in for a culinary treat. 

STAY: Book a campsite in advance for $10, or try a dash of barefoot luxury with a getaway to the Tiwi Islands Retreat.

DO: A Tiwi Island Day Tour, where SeaLink NT and AAT Kings literally ferry you around to the top art, cultural and natural spots.

The tippy top of the Northern Territory is designated Aboriginal land so be sure to look into getting a permit before exploring the countless natural wonders of the area. The rocky ranges here play canvas to some of Australia’s most spectacular and ancient Aboriginal art. They’re actually some of the oldest surviving art pieces in the world. While you’re soaking in the culture, now seems a pretty good time to drop the fun fact that Arnhem Land is the home of the didgeridoo. You’ll need a 4WD and a pretty solid supply of staples to explore the area, but it's well worth it for the untouched coastal vistas.

EAT: Kamayan Café offers up fresh, zesty and seasonal Southeast Asian food in the Nhulunbuy town centre.

STAY: In such a big place, there are plenty of options. But Groote Eylandt Lodge is an exciting, fishing-oriented eco-lodge right on the water's edge. 

DO: Check out the epic, annual Garma Festival, the world's biggest Indigenous-Australian gathering. This is a four-day celebration of Yolngu art, culture and community. 

If your fishing obsession has brought you to northern Australia, Daly River is the place to be. This is one of the most popular places in the Northern Territory, and the country for that matter, for hooking barramundi abundant to the area’s waterways. The town features fishing competitions every year and there are camping options aplenty. If you’re about to – or you're in the midst of – embarking on a great outback road trip, the town is a good spot to stock up on supplies before you hit the road and head off the grid.

EAT: Other than your own fish that you catch, you're in for a treat at Daly Waters Pub.

STAY: Camp riverside, or stay at the Daly River Barra Resort.

DO: Relax in the naturally steaming Douglas Hot Springs.