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 April 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
Channel Point Coastal Reserve
Channel Point Coastal Reserve 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. 110km from Darwin (about 1h drive). Best visited during the dry season (May–October).
110km1h 23min
8
Marri-Jabin (Thamurrurr - Stage 1) Indigenous Protected Area
Marri 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. 189km from Darwin (about 2h drive). Best visited during the dry season (May–October).
189km2h 22min
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
Ormiston Gorge
The jewel of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Deep permanent waterhole surrounded by towering red quartzite walls. The Pound Walk (7.5km circuit) is one of Central Australia's best day walks.
1600km17h (Alice Springs base)Free
11
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
12
Barranyi (North Island) National Park
Explore Barranyi (North Island) National Park — a protected wilderness in the remote Barkly Tableland — genuine outback country where cattle stations span horizons, ancient rock formations dot the desert, and the stars are brighter than you've ever seen. The Territory's national parks aren't manicured gardens; they're vast, raw, ancient landscapes where nature runs the show. You might spot wallabies at dawn, hear dingoes at dusk, or discover Aboriginal rock art that's been here for millennia. Free entry to most NT parks. Best in the dry season (May–October).
900km10h
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