Best National Parks in the Northern Territory
The Northern Territory's national parks are among the most spectacular in the world — from Kakadu's UNESCO-listed wetlands to Uluru's sacred red desert. Most are completely free to enter.
12 locations · Updated June 2026
1
Kings Canyon (Watarrka)
The Rim Walk is one of Australia's great short walks — towering 100m sandstone walls, the Garden of Eden permanent waterhole, and vast desert views. Ancient cycad palms create an otherworldly atmosphere.
1620km15h (fly to Alice Springs + drive 4.5h)Free
2
Kakadu National Park
Australia's largest national park covering 20,000 km² of wetlands, sandstone escarpments, and Aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000+ years. Dual UNESCO World Heritage listing for both natural and cultural values. Home to one-third of Australia's bird species, saltwater crocodiles, and over 10,000 insect species.
171km2h 30minFree (park pass)
3
Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge)
Thirteen stunning sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River over 23 million years. Paddle, cruise, walk, or helicopter over one of Australia's most spectacular natural formations. Jawoyn Country.
312km3h 30minFree (cruises/canoe hire extra)
4
Litchfield National Park
The Territory's most accessible national park featuring magnetic termite mounds, monsoon rainforest, and some of the Top End's best swimming holes. Florence Falls, Wangi Falls, and Buley Rockhole are iconic destinations.
109km1h 45minFree
5
Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)
Giant granite boulders balanced precariously across the landscape — some perched impossibly on tiny contact points. Sacred to the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarra and Warlpiri peoples. Stunning at sunrise and sunset.
1064km11hFree
6
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Australia's spiritual heart. Uluru rises 348m above the desert plain — a site of profound cultural significance for the Anangu people. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) offers equally stunning walks through 36 ancient domed rock formations.
1943km20h (fly recommended)$38/adult (3-day pass)
7
Adelaide River Show Ground
Adelaide River Show Ground is located in or near Litchfield National Park — the Top End's most accessible national park, just 1.5 hours from Darwin. Known for its stunning waterfalls, croc-free swimming holes, and magnetic termite mounds, Litchfield is a must-visit for any Territory traveller.
120km1h 30min
8
Tnorala Conservation Reserve
Tnorala Conservation Reserve protects some of the most remarkable landscapes in Australia's Red Centre, a vast desert landscape of ancient red rock gorges, sacred Aboriginal sites, and some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth. Explore ancient rock formations, spot unique wildlife, and connect with tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal culture. 1274km from Darwin. Best visited during the dry season (May–October).
1274km15h 56min
9
Melacca Swamp Conservation Area
Melacca Swamp Conservation Area protects some of the most remarkable landscapes in the lush tropical Top End, home to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, ancient wetlands, and some of Australia's most biodiverse landscapes. Explore ancient rock formations, spot unique wildlife, and connect with tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal culture. just 45km from Darwin. Best visited during the dry season (May–October).
45km34 min
10
Drovers Memorial Park
Drovers Memorial Park protects some of the most remarkable landscapes in the Katherine region, gateway to spectacular gorge country, thermal hot springs, and the transition zone between the tropical Top End and the arid Red Centre. Explore ancient rock formations, spot unique wildlife, and connect with tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal culture. 612km from Darwin. Best visited during the dry season (May–October).
612km7h 39min
11
Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve
Napwerte / Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve protects some of the most remarkable landscapes in Australia's Red Centre, a vast desert landscape of ancient red rock gorges, sacred Aboriginal sites, and some of the most dramatic scenery on Earth. Explore ancient rock formations, spot unique wildlife, and connect with tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal culture. 1325km from Darwin. Best visited during the dry season (May–October).
1325km16h 34min
12
Bicentennial Park
Stretching along Darwin's Esplanade overlooking the harbour, this park is a memorial to Darwin's WWII bombing. Walking paths through tropical gardens with interpretive signs, war memorials, and cenotaph. Spectacular harbour views. Free. Start point for the Darwin Bombing Trail walk.
1km5 min
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