Emily Hatchett

Emily Hatchett

Marketing Executive

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For those looking for a fun, thrill-seeking holiday, look no further than Australia’s Northern Territory. Ultimate adventure, ancient landscapes and Aboriginal art is waiting for you in the NT and Trailfinders has short-listed the top 10 unmissable sights in this handy guide.

1. Uluru

At the physical and spiritual heart of Australia lies Uluru, a spectacular geographical wonder that is unmissable for any trip Down Under. Witnessing the amazing changing colours of the large sandstone formation at sunrise and sunset is a sight that one will never forget as well, as well as the many activities that can be done at the base of Uluru.

From the ‘Sounds of Silence Dinner’, where you will dine with a view of Uluru after a spectacular sunset, to admiring Bruce Munro's ‘Field of Light’ installation where 50,000 coloured spheres gently come to life illuminating the Outback, to ‘Wintjiri Wiru’, the new light and sound show that tells an Aboriginal cultural story with drones, lighting up the night sky. 

 

Lilac sky above Uluru
Uluru

2. Uluru & Kata Tjuta at Sunrise

Witnessing the beauty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the colours of the sky reflect off Uluru and change in front of your eyes.

Kata Tjuta is a rock formation made up of 36 domes, it’s about 40 minutes down the road from Uluru and some say even more spectacular at sunrise and sunset. You can hike through Kata Tjuta with the Valley of the Winds walk which takes 3-4 hours or for those that are pushed for time you can do the Walpa Gorge Trail, taking you directly through the rugged walls. Keep your eye out for wallaroo hopping around the domes! 

 

Tourists walking at Walpa Gorge
Walpa Gorge

3. Darwin at Sunset

It’s hard to beat that magical moment of a sunset, and Darwin is famous for its tropical, fiery red sunsets so be sure to enjoy Darwin Harbour at one of the most beautiful times of the day.

Head out on the water for a relaxing evening aboard a dinner cruise and simply enjoy the view as you dine on a sumptuous Territory-style banquet of local produce and fresh Australian seafood. For those not wanting to take to the seas, head to Mindil Beach Sunset Market, open Thursday and Sunday evenings through the dry season, for fantastic local street food, drinks and technicolour sunset views. 

 

Darwin at Sunset
Darwin at Sunset

4. Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is made up of 13 spectacular gorges and sits in Nitmiluk National Park, close to the town of Katherine. 

Witness the sheer beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge as you cruise deeper into this spectacular natural wonder. For those looking to get a closer look at the landscape that holds huge cultural importance to the Aboriginal people, explore on foot with a scenic hike along the Jatbula Trail or take to the skies on an exhilarating helicopter trip. 

 

Cruise on Nitmiluk Gorge
Nitmiluk Gorge

5. Aboriginal Rock Art in Kakadu National Park

At just under 20,000sqkm, the World-Heritage listed Kakadu National Park is one of Australia’s largest national park. Discover ancient landscapes, look out for unique Aussie wildlife including saltwater crocodiles and admire authentic Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr or Nourlangie.

Located just 36km from Kakadu’s main town lies Nourlangie, where you will see a painting of the important creation ancestor Namarrgon and many more cultural significant paintings which are up to 20,000 years old. To immerse yourself in the history of the art, visit Nourlangie with a local guide.

 

Tourist looking at Aboriginal art Nourlangie, Kakadu National Park
Nourlangie, Kakadu National Park

6. Kings Canyon

Nestled in the breathtaking Watarraka National Park, a few hours drive from Uluru, the 300-metre high sandstone wall of Kings Canyon is a feast on the eyes, boasting a deep weathered gorge, rugged ochre coloured sandstone domes and an abundance on native plant and bird life.

Known as the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, this spectacular hike to the top and around the Canyon is a must-do for keen walkers. The 6km circuit will take you down into the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rockhole surrounded by rare plants, before ascending to 360 degree panoramic views over the red desert.

 

Hiking at Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park

7. The West MacDonnell Ranges

Located in the Red Centre, just next to the outback town of Alice Springs, the landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are an extraordinary sight with their array of sunburnt orange, maroon and purple hues.

Accessible via a day tour or self drive, view the spectacular scenery and beautiful swimming holes, as you travel through Outback Country, stopping at Ormiston Gorge, Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm for some beautiful walks. For spectacular views of the West MacDonnell Ranges, visit Glen Helen Gorge and witness beautiful sandstone walls and views of Mount Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia. 

 

Woman looking at Glen Helen Gorge
Glen Helen Gorge

8. Alice Springs from the Skies

There’s something magical about floating above the vast expanse of the Australian outback as dawn begins to break.

Fly in the sky for either 30 or 60 minutes while admiring the colour changes of the MacDonnell Ranges and if you’re lucky, spot an iconic red kangaroo hopping below, before toasting this unforgettable memory with a glass of sparkling wine.

 

Hot air balloon over Alice Springs
Alice Springs

9. Litchfield National Park

Just 90 minutes from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a must-see for any visitor to the NT’s Top End.

Discover beautiful cascading waterfalls, monsoon forests and towering termite mounds. Stop at picturesque Florence Falls, enjoy a scenic bush walk, visit the historic town of Batchelor and swim in one of the many waterholes and waterfalls including Wangi Falls. 

 

Admiring the spectacular Wangi Falls
Litchfield National Park

10. Incredible Top End Wildlife

Home to 400 species of bird, 150 mammals and 300 reptiles, the Northern Territory is not short of diverse and fascinating wildlife and there’s an abundant of opportunities to spot animals in the wild, on wildlife tours and wildlife cruises in the Top End.

For the chance to get up close to crocodiles in their natural habitat, join a cruise on the Adelaide River to see crocodiles jumping up from the water while observing from comfort of your boat. If visiting Kakadu National Park, embark on the Yellow Water Billabong Cruise to look out for incredible birdlife, close-by crocodiles and you may also spot wild horses and buffalo nestled on the land. 

 

Crocodile in Yellow Water Billabong
Yellow Water Billabong

For more inspiration take a look at our Northern Territory Holidays pages.