NT Towns & Cities

Capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the Top End. Tropical multicultural city known for its outdoor lifestyle, incredible sunsets over the Timor Sea, world-class Asian food scene at Mindil Beach Markets, and proximity to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Darwin was rebuilt after Cyclone Tracy destroyed it on Christmas Day 1974 and was bombed 64 times during WWII.

The heart of Australia surrounded by the MacDonnell Ranges. Gateway to Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the 223km Larapinta Trail. Rich in Aboriginal art, with galleries lining Todd Mall. Home to the Alice Springs Desert Park, Kangaroo Sanctuary, and the annual Parrtjima light festival. A genuine outback town with character.

The NT's third-largest town and gateway to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge — 13 sandstone gorges carved over 23 million years. Essential stop between Darwin and Alice Springs with all services. Also the junction for the Victoria Highway west to WA. Free thermal hot springs right in town.

Heart of the Barkly region and the last gold rush town in Australia. Halfway between Darwin and Alice Springs. Gateway to the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu), 100km south. The Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre showcases Warumungu Aboriginal culture. A genuine outback town with red earth character.

The only town inside Kakadu National Park, built originally for uranium mining. Main service centre for Kakadu visitors with fuel, supermarket, accommodation, and medical facilities. The Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is shaped like a saltwater crocodile when viewed from the air.

Purpose-built resort village and the only accommodation near Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. All hotels, campground, restaurants, and tour services are here. From budget camping to ultra-luxury Longitude 131° (tented pavilions facing Uluru). The Town Square has shops, galleries, and dining.

Remote coastal town in northeast Arnhem Land. Built for bauxite mining but increasingly a tourism destination for pristine beaches, world-class fishing, and deep Yolngu Aboriginal culture. Permit required from Northern Land Council to visit. The Garma Festival is held nearby each August.

Darwin's satellite city and the NT's fastest growing urban area. Shopping centres, restaurants, parks, and family-friendly facilities. Good base for day trips to Litchfield and Berry Springs. Friday night Palmerston Markets in the dry season.

Historic WWII township on the Stuart Highway. Famous for the Adelaide River Inn and Charlie the buffalo from Crocodile Dundee (now stuffed in the pub). The Adelaide River War Cemetery is the final resting place for those killed in the bombing of Darwin. Small but significant.

The NT's oldest mining town, established during the 1870s gold rush. Heritage buildings, a railway museum in the old train station, and you can still go fossicking for gold. Good fuel and food stop between Darwin and Katherine. The turnoff for Kakadu is just north of town.

Small town famous for its 34°C thermal hot springs surrounded by towering palm trees. Gateway to Elsey National Park and Bitter Springs thermal lazy river. The 'Never Never' country from Jeannie Gunn's classic Australian novel. A must-stop on any Darwin to Alice road trip.

Legendary outback settlement home to the Daly Waters Pub — one of the oldest licenced pubs in the NT (since 1938). Walls and ceiling covered in bras, business cards, banknotes, hats, and boots from travellers worldwide. Famous Beef 'n Barra night with live entertainment. An essential Stuart Highway stop.

Small outback town on the Stuart Highway serving surrounding cattle stations. Junction point for the Barkly Highway east to Queensland's Mount Isa. Basic services available for travellers.

Small Aboriginal community between Tennant Creek and Alice Springs. Fuel stop and rest area on the Stuart Highway. Known for Aboriginal art from the Anmatyerr people. The Ti Tree art gallery showcases local talent.