Best Places to Visit in the Northern Territory
If you are working out where to go in the Territory, start here. These are the places most trips are built around, with the distances and seasons that decide whether a plan works — a fair few of them close for months of the year.
20 locations · Featured first, then closest to Darwin · Updated September 2026
1
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Darwin's iconic beachside market with 200+ stalls of Asian street food, live music, handmade crafts, and the best sunset in Australia. Over 60 food stalls from Thai, Sri Lankan, Indian, Malaysian, Greek, Brazilian and more.
3km8 minFree entry
2
Berry Springs Nature Park
Crystal-clear spring-fed pools shaded by monsoon forest. One of the few guaranteed croc-free swimming spots near Darwin. Three interconnected pools with varying depths — perfect for families.
57km50 minFree
3
Tiwi Islands
The 'Islands of Smiles' — Bathurst and Melville Islands, home to the Tiwi people with a unique culture developed in isolation. Famous for Tiwi art (bold distinctive designs), AFL football passion, and pristine beaches. No independent visits — must be on organised tour or invited. SeaLink ferry from Darwin. Cultural day tours from $340.
80kmFerry 2.5h from DarwinTour packages from $340
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
Florence Falls
Twin-stream waterfall plunging into a deep, croc-free plunge pool surrounded by monsoon forest. 135 steps lead down to paradise. Litchfield's crown jewel.
115km1h 50minFree
6
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)
7
Gunlom Falls
Kakadu's best-kept secret. The infinity pool at the top has arguably the best view in Australia — swim to the edge and look out over endless bushland.
201km2h 31min
8
Daly River
Arguably the NT's premier barramundi fishery. The Daly River system holds barra year-round with peak catches during the build-up and early wet season. Run-off season (Feb–Apr) produces monster fish over 1m.
228km3h 15minFree
9
Yellow Water Cruise
Kakadu's signature wildlife experience. Dawn and sunset cruises through Yellow Water Billabong — saltwater crocs, jabirus, sea eagles, jacanas, and lotus-covered wetlands. Book the sunrise cruise for best wildlife.
230km3hFrom $99/adult
10
Edith Falls (Leliyn)
Stunning natural pool at the base of a waterfall surrounded by pandanus palms. The upper pool is reached via a scenic 2.6km walk through savanna woodland — both pools safe for swimming in dry season.
292km3h 10minFree
11
Arnhem Land
One of the last great wilderness areas on Earth. Aboriginal-owned land with 60,000+ years of continuous cultural heritage. Injalak Hill art site near Gunbalanya features rock art galleries spanning millennia.
300km5h+Permit fees + tour costs
12
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)
13
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
14
Ghan Railway Experience
The legendary Ghan train journey from Adelaide to Darwin (or reverse) — 2,979km through the heart of Australia. 54 hours, from ,489 one-way. Off-train excursions at Katherine and Alice Springs. One of the world's great train journeys.
1495kmvaries
15
Alice Springs Desert Park
Three desert habitats — desert rivers, sand country, and woodland. Nocturnal house reveals the hidden night life of the desert. Birds of prey show features free-flying raptors.
1497km16h (fly to Alice Springs)$37/adult
16
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
17
Longitude 131° Luxury Resort
Ultra-luxury tented pavilions facing Uluru. All-inclusive: gourmet dining, guided experiences, and sunset Uluru views from your bed. From ,500/night. Consistently ranked among Australia's finest luxury lodges.
1943kmFly
18
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)
19
Kurt's Cakes
Kurt's Cakes is a dining experience in the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, known for its multicultural food scene, stunning sunsets over the Timor Sea, and proximity to world-class national parks. The Darwin food scene blends Australian bush tucker with influences from Southeast Asia, creating a unique culinary identity you won't find anywhere else. Located in Darwin.
0km0 min
20
Deck Bar Darwin
Popular waterfront bar in the CBD. Live music, craft beers, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. Great for sundowners.
0km0 min