When it comes to holiday highlights in the Northern Territory, our staff have some great recommendations and favourite experiences to get you inspired for your next NT trip.
Jack
Exploring Kakadu on foot and by car is definitely worthwhile, however, seeing the natural beauty that Kakadu has to offer in terms of waterways, wildlife and rock formations can only be experienced by air. It opens your eyes to how large Kakadu is and what you miss out on only doing it by car and foot.
Allanha
My favourite experience in the Northern Territory is the Segway tour around Uluru. It's a fun twist on walking the circumference and offers an amazing opportunity to see the rock up close from all angles. Glamping out at Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu is another fav recommendation of mine. The comforts of quality accommodation, but the camping outdoors atmosphere that makes you feel connected with the abundance of nature surrounding you.
Rob
G’day, Rob here! As a Canadian traveller myself, I look for the best way to explore and make every dollar count without sacrificing seeing the most & best. There’s no better way to travel and get the best experience than to bring the family or bring your friends and go on a Top End Road Trip!
There’s nothing like exploring the stunning Aussie Outback with an itinerary of your choosing or what I recommend is:
- Darwin has it’s unique style and flavours, not only in it’s World class Laksa, but in the way the city feels. A solid and fascinating starting and ending destination. Sidenote: Push through those odd flight times, it’s well worth it!
- Drive 3.5h just down the road to Kakadu National Park and see Ubirr and this unique national park for a night or 2. You don’t need a 4wd for the NT but if you’re looking to do off the sealed road places like Jim Jim Falls, You’ll want a car with the power to make it (P.S: Make sure you’re enjoying the journey as the places along the way may be the stops that make your trip most memorable!).
- Next up, head to Katherine for a cruise through this dense tropical rainforest that’s a different feel from the rest you’ve seen so far.
- Not too far north it’s time to enjoy the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park! A day trip must do In the NT & again you’ll be amazed at how close yet so different each of these destinations are.
- Come on back to Darwin and end your night with a few drinks on the Champagne Sunset Sail Cruise with heaps of food platters and bubbles galore, It’s time to celebrate! You’ve just completed a road trip people across the world dream of doing!
Dani
I can’t choose just one experience as a favourite in the NT, but I’ll try! In the Top End, I absolutely adored the experience at Tiwi Island Retreat which is a barefoot luxury resort that doesn’t have WiFi or TVs; it’s all about relaxation, connection and adventure with experiences such as deep sea fishing, buggy tours with a bonfire and freshly caught seafood, and a waterfall trip by helicopter. Everything Is looked after and it’s such a relaxing experience. As for the Red Centre, Uluru as a destination is another favourite – there’s just something about it that keeps you drawn in and want to keep visiting. Be sure to partake in Field of Light at sunset and the Sounds of Silence dinner. Other favourites that need a shout out include hiking Kings Canyon, the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs, the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge cruise and a sunset dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour!
Sarah
I would highly recommend visiting the Darwin Trailer Boat Club, just outside of the CBD. It’s a local’s favourite for a great relaxed atmosphere, casual drinks and food overlooking the gardens and ocean, and the spot to take in a spectacular Darwin sunset! A walk along Darwin’s coastline up to East Point Reserve is also a must if you have time, the views along the way are just stunning. And lastly, a day trip to Litchfield National Park to view the spectacular waterfalls and impressive Termite Mounds is a highlight, topped off by a swim in Florence Falls for a true Territory experience.
Peter
I highly recommend the Sacred Sites, Sunset & BBQ Dinner at Uluru. This tour starts with a visit to the Sacred Site at the base of Uluru and talks about the culture and history of the local Aboriginal people with a visit to see some rock art. Next you are taken to a viewing area to watch the sun set (great photo opportunity) and witness the changing colours. Also nearby is a mound that you can climb and watch the sunset over Kata Tjuta (Olgas). From here you are transferred to the BBQ setting with magnificent views of Uluru in the background. There is plenty of food and drinks to satisfy all. The highlight being the talk by an astrologist that takes you on a journey through the stars above. A 3 in 1 package that is not to be missed!
Hannah
If you’re an adrenaline junkie I would highly recommend a jet ski ride around Darwin Harbour with 00Seven Adventures. It’s an amazing way to see Darwin’s stunning harbour whilst getting your beach/ocean fix for the day. Another favourite of mine was the Darwin Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise – I felt like I was on a Greek Isles dinner cruise for a fraction of the cost. It was an amazing experience and the sunsets are unmatched, especially when cruising on the harbour at dusk. Plus, the food and service were incredible, I can’t thank them enough for an amazing evening! If you’re not into cruising I would highly suggest a meal at Hot Tamale’s located within the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. The Mexican food is phenomenal and they serve the best frozen margaritas!
Brett
Some of my favourite memories from my time up in the NT are:
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk – The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is an often missed gem in the Red Centre. Whilst a challenging 500 steps to get to the top, it’s well worth the effort and one you’ll never forget!
- Katherine / Nitmiluk Gorge – Incredible beauty and a variety of walks and vantage points to this awesome spot. Often missed from those stopping in Darwin, it’s well worth the travel to get to this spot and you’ll be glad you made the effort!
- Mataranka Springs – An unexpected find when I was taking an adventure tour from Alice Springs to Darwin, this little piece of tropical paradise is well worth the stop when on a self drive tour to take a dip in the springs and recharge.
- Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles – An unexpected enjoyment to see these with my tour group on the way up and an incredible memory spending the night in a swag in the campground and waking to see them at first light as the sun rose.
Click here for our holidays to the NT our contact the NT Now team on 1800 854 897 or email deals@ntnow.com.au.
Image credit: Tourism NT, 00Seven Adventures, Shutterstock, TNT, Sean Scott and Shaana McNaught
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