13 Best Places to Visit in the Northern Territory, Australia

From watching the sun rise over ancient red rock to discovering rich Aboriginal culture, here are the best places to visit in the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory is Australia’s wild and wonderful outback frontier. It’s a land of timeless landscapes, sacred Indigenous culture, dramatic natural wonders, and adventure.

Spanning the tropical Top End to the vast, sunbaked Red Centre, the Northern Territory offers a travel experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.

Here, cities like Darwin and Alice Springs are gateways to a different pace of life, where crocodiles rule the rivers, ochre-red deserts stretch for miles, and Aboriginal traditions run deep and strong.

Besides marvelling at iconic sights like Uluru, visitors to the Northern Territory often explore the ancient rock art galleries of Kakadu National Park or cruise through the breathtaking gorges of Nitmiluk.

But there’s more to the NT than just its highlights.

In fact, the region is full of surprises, from quirky outback pubs and bush markets to hidden waterholes and star-studded night skies.

While here, you get to meet saltwater crocodiles up close, experience Aboriginal-led tours that open your eyes to the world’s oldest living culture, or visit remote towns where time seems to stand still.

Read our guide to the 8 Best Northern Territory Road Trips for more ideas!

13 Best Places To Visit In the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is a land of awe-inspiring contrasts, with endless desert landscapes, lush tropical wetlands, towering gorges, and deeply rooted Indigenous culture.

There’s no shortage of incredible things to see and do here.

If you’re planning a trip, use this guide to discover the best places to visit in the Northern Territory.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

1. Darwin City

As the gateway to the Northern Territory, Darwin is a vibrant destination in its own right, brimming with tropical charm, thrilling adventures, and a laid-back multicultural vibe. Perched on a stunning harbour, the city offers countless ways to bask in the warm, relaxed vibe.

Thrill-seekers can jump on jet skis for an exhilarating ride around Darwin Harbour, take to the skies on a unique heli-pub-crawl that lands at outback-style bars, or cool off at the sprawling Aqua Park at the Darwin…