Things to do & places to visit in Northern Territory, Australia

Northern Territory #7 destination in Australia 2023. The average rating score is 4.50 based on 59.8k traveler reviews, of 134 attractions. Timezone: Australia/Darwin, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 13:07.

Northern Territory Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

89°F - 62°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm and breezy

Feels like

Chance of rain

13.0 millimeters

Amount

16.3 mph

Wind speed

41%

Humidity

11.3

Daylight length

6:53 AM

Sunrise

6:12 PM

Sunset

53%

Cloud cover

T-shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (30)

Top destinations in Northern Territory 33

See more 21 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility (1.136 reviews) from $18.98
- Expected a little more
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The Royal Flying Doctor Service Darwin Tourist Facility is an exciting attraction on Stokes Hill Wharf that brings to life two iconic Australian stories. Both iconic stories are retold using state of the art technology including Virtual Reality headsets, hologram movies, audio-visuals and touch screen TVs as well as the fascinating story boards. The first story is the Royal Flying Doctor Service, affectionately known as the RFDS. Founded in 1928 by Reverend John Flynn, it began its aero-medical operations in the Northern Territory in 1939. The second story is the Bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942. The bombing raids by the Japanese, brought destruction to the city of Darwin and many of the events that happened that day are featured. The RFDS Tourist Facility is a must see in Darwin for visitors of all ages and families to have an interesting learning experience about Darwin's history. The facility will be closed Good Friday 15th April 22 and Christmas Day 25 Dec 22. See more..
5.0 Katherine Outback Experience (928 reviews) from $47.44
- Great Aussie experience
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Farms • Ranches • Horseback Riding Tours

The Katherine Outback Experience was awarded Best Tourist Attraction at the 2021 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards and Best Tourist Attraction at the Brolga NT Awards in 2021, 2019 and 2018 - to name a few! Owner Operator Tom Curtain is a multiple Tamworth Golden Guitar winner and his team work together to provide an educational, entertaining and more often than not, amusing show featuring real horse starting (or horse 'breaking' in old terms - but Tom's technique is far from that!) and dog training demonstrations. This is all backed by a solid soundtrack featuring music inspired by Tom's experience of living and working in the outback. The show is suitable for all ages, especially the young at heart! The show is in a shaded undercover arena for the comfort of our guests. Plenty of parking is available for caravans and big rigs. ONLINE BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL Shows are seasonal. See website for specific show times. We look forward to seeing you. See more..
5.0 Ubirr (927 reviews)
- Worth the climb
Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • National Parks

Ubirr, home to some of the world's most outstanding Aboriginal rock art, depicting sources of food, wildlife and the creation ancestors. The panoramic views at the top show surrounds of Kakadu National Park, the East Alligator River and Arnhem Land, a view that is favoured at sunset. See more..
5.0 The Larapinta Trail (533 reviews)
- An experience to never forget!
Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

Ranked as one of the world’s top 20 treks, the Larapinta Trail is a 231-kilometre path that follows the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder. Experience key attractions in the region such as Simpsons Gap and Ellery Creek Big Hole, weave past some of the world’s most ancient rock formations, and sleep under the stars. See more..
5.0 The Kangaroo Sanctuary (530 reviews)
- 100%+++
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Our Kangaroo Sanctuary is a place to celebrate the beauty of the Red Kangaroo – an Australian icon. Join us on a pre-booked guided sunset tour (Wednesday to Friday) and meet the kangaroo characters from Kangaroo Dundee (BBC/Nat Geo Series). Our motto is Animals Come First. $85 adult $65 child (note that tours are not available for children under 7) See more..
5.0 Ormiston Gorge (496 reviews)
- Photographer & hikers dream
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Ormiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip in the natural pool surrounded by towering red cliffs of the gorge. Located within the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park the surrounding area offers an Ormiston Pound Walk, which is a 3-4 hour circuit where you can spot native flora and fauna. See more..
4.5 Uluru (4.458 reviews)
- Magical
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

Palya! Welcome to Anangu land. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is Aboriginal land. It is jointly managed by its traditional owners Anangu and Parks Australia. The park is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site for its natural and cultural values. The spectacular rock formations and surrounding sand plains provide rare habitats for an incredible variety of plants and animals. Anangu invite you to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to learn more about their land, beliefs and culture. See more..
4.5 Mindil Beach (3.922 reviews)
- Beautiful Sunset with great food
Sunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Beaches

Situated just 5 minutes from Darwin City, Mindil Beach is a local’s favourite for watching tropical sunsets over the ocean. With a palm filled, grassy reserve, Mindil Beach is popular for markets and events. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets take place here every Thursday and Sunday evening throughout the dry season (April to October). Follow the surrounding walking paths, which take you from Mindil Beach to Fannie Bay and East Point Reserve. See more..
4.5 Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (3.576 reviews)
- A morning at the Museum.
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) is the NT's premier cultural institution. Enjoy permanent exhibition highlights such as Cyclone Tracy, Natural History and Sweetheart, a famous croc as well as exciting temporary exhibitions. Enjoy a meal at the picturesque Saltwater cafe overlooking the sea or purchase a book or gift at the Store at the Museum. Entry is free. MAGNT runs an engaging series of talks, public programs, workshops and school holiday programs. Check out the website for details See more..
4.5 Crocosaurus Cove (3.287 reviews)
- The cage of death
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Crocosaurus Cove allows visitors a unique, up close and personal view of massive saltwater crocodiles, crocodile hatchlings, juveniles as well as being home to the World’s largest display of Australian reptiles and the famous Cage of Death. The Cage of Death is the only cage in the world that brings you face to face with some of the largest Saltwater Crocodiles in captivity. Remember to bring your bathers and ‘Swim with the Crocs’ in our unique swimming area that allows you to get up close to our very active juveniles. Don’t miss the chance to feed these hungry juveniles as part of our latest attraction, "fishing for crocs" ...this is a photo opportunity not to be missed. Meet the reptiles and learn more about the Top End’s unique and favourite critters such as Western Bearded Dragons and Olive Pythons. Check out the barramundi in our 200,000 litre freshwater aquarium and don’t forget our gorgeous top end turtle enclosure. All this and a daily program of fun & interactive reptile activities await you at Crocosaurus Cove, in the heart of Darwin City. See more..
4.5 Darwin Waterfront (3.072 reviews)
- Great place to stay and discover
Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

There is fun for everyone at the Darwin Waterfront. Home to the wave pool, where you can attempt to ride the waves - and a waterfront lagoon for safe beachside swimming. The Waterfront encompasses many fresh, local food options, including Mexican, seafood and Asian. Stokes Hill Wharf is a short walk across the bridge where you can grab some local fish and chips and watch the sunset. See more..
4.5 Kata Tjuta - The Olgas (2.300 reviews)
- Kata Juta Walks
Mountains • Geologic Formations

Kata Tjuta is Pitjantjatjara meaning 'many heads'. This spectacular landform lies about 50 kilometres drive from Uluru and Yulara. This area is an Anangu men's site and is sacred under Tjukurpa (traditional law). Everyone is welcome and encouraged to visit this place but as with all areas of the park, please stay on the marked tracks. Take in the sunrise from the viewing platform or on a walking trail through Walpa Gorge or the Valley of the Winds. See more..
4.5 Alice Springs Desert Park (2.064 reviews)
- Must see Experience
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Alice Springs Desert Park is an inspiring portrayal of Australia’s central desert environment that effortlessly blends the plants, birds, animals and people of our arid regions within one, extraordinary tourism and conservation facility. Our ‘natural’ attraction is as distinctive as the Australian desert itself - a truly unique experience that continues to captivate and educate travellers from every corner of the globe. There’s much more to deserts than meets the eye and our visitors are astonished by the life and beauty they discover on their journey with us. See more..
4.5 Defence of Darwin Experience (2.061 reviews)
- Well worth the visit
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Speciality Museums

The Defence of Darwin Experience is managed by Darwin Military Museum on behalf of the Northern Territory Government. It was established to tell a story of Darwin's role in World War II and is dedicated to the period 1932 to 1945 - a very important time in Territory history. The Defence of Darwin Experience opened on 18 February 2012, which was in time to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin. Defence of Darwin Experience is the first facility in Australia to provide visitor with an immersive, interactive, multimedia experience which extends beyond the physical walls of the precinct 'hub'. The Defence of Darwin Experience is fully airconditioned inlcuding a gift shop and cafe. The Darwin Military Museum is only a step outside of the Defence of Darwin Experience, providing visitors with a different experience: artillery pieces; vehicles, uniforms, firearms, models and paintings and much more. The Darwin Military Museum is the original military museum which was established from the 1960s by the Royal Australian Association of the Northern Territory. The Darwin Military Museum is continuing to expand by adding more exhibitions to further educate visitors of Northern Australia involvement in WWII. Defence of Darwin Experience and Darwin Military Museum has formed a large World War II precinct at East Point. Visitors can move through the precinct and view the displays and exhibitions offered by both facilities. See more..
4.5 Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge (1.606 reviews)
- We did not cruise but enjoyed the excellent facilities.
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge is a deep gorge carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River. Situated within the Jawoyn-owned Nitmiluk National Park, characterised by its sandstone country features above the gorge, lush rainforest gullies in the gorge walls, and broad valleys meandering through both the high and the low country. Enjoy a boat tour, helicopter flight, various walks, camping and canoeing. See more..
4.5 Anzac Hill (1.512 reviews)
- Views & Veterans
Lookouts

Anzac Hill is the most visited landmark in Alice Springs. An ideal spot for a lookout over the town and the surrounding ranges, particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The Anzac Hill memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 and is now dedicated to all those who have served in the defence of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated. See more..
4.5 Wave Lagoon (1.415 reviews)
- Excellent facility for the general public
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Water Parks

One of the Waterfront's coolest attractions is the Wave Lagoon: a palm-fringed swimming pool that turns into a tube-riding, boogie-boarding bucket of fun when the waves roll in every 20 minutes. The fully patrolled Wave Lagoon is two metres at its deepest point and slopes to a shallow area of still water, perfect for families. Bring your book: there are plenty of banana lounges, beach umbrellas and shady patches of lawn. Aqua Zumba classes every Sunday from 9am are a HUGE hit with tourists and locals alike. See more..
4.5 Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve (1.411 reviews)
- Great experience for adults and kids learning about some history
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Located within the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, the Telegraph Station is the birthplace of the Alice Springs township. Is is an excellent value and must see destination to add to your itinerary while visiting the Northern Territory, and situated 4km north of the Town Centre, is easily accessible for a visit. The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Established in 1871 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide and also linking with an underwater cable network to London. Consequently creating the first real communication between Australia and England. Time your visit with one of our 4 daily guided tours (included in the price of your entry). The guided tours will immerse you in the history of the Telegraph Station and the township. Most noteworthy, you will learn about how this monumental innovation that connected Australia to the rest of the World! See more..
4.5 Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum (1.341 reviews)
- Australian Travellers
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

The Museum home of the RFDS. Visit the original RFDS Alice springs working base that commenced in 1939. See, experience and learn through the wonder of technology the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Learn about the history and the activities of the RFDS’s pilots, engineers, doctors and nurses, and the experiences of the patients that are carried and cared for each day. Learn the importance of the RFDS to outback Australians and the medical care required to service isolated regions. The NEW John Flynn Hologram a truly amazing experience! The pioneering holographic show forms the centrepiece of the facility as Flynn tells the story of his vision and its realisation into the RFDS of today. The RFDS Virtual Reality is awesome!! 2 x Virtual Reality Stories of the RFDS - Relive the true experience of patient Gene Hildebrand and see what its like to fly with an RFDS Pilot. Walk through the museum and meet Alf Traeger and Nurse Kathy. See more..
4.5 Berry Springs Nature Park (1.127 reviews)
- Berry Springs Nature Park
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Geologic Formations

Berry Springs Nature Park, is a great location close to Darwin where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a BBQ. A great place to unwind after spending a day at the Territory Wildlife Park. Please check our website for access to swimming. During the wet season, October-April, the pools may be closed when swimming is considered to be unsafe. See more..
4.5 Alice Springs Reptile Centre (997 reviews)
- MET SOME OF THE LOCALS
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is a privately owned park which displays an extensive range of reptiles from the Northern Territory of Australia including Terry the Saltwater crocodile and large Perentie Goannas. The talk and handling sessions are a must and are at 11am, 1pm and 3.30pm daily, check the website and social media for up to date opening and show times. See more..
4.5 Darwin Aviation Museum (964 reviews)
- Don't let the size fool you, this is a must do
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • History Museums

A B-52 bomber (one of only two on display outside the U.S.) is exhibited here along with other military aircraft, engines and the wreckage of a Japanese Zero fighter shot down in the 1942 air raids on Darwin. See more..
4.5 Kings Canyon (931 reviews)
- Worth doing
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Canyons • Scenic Walking Areas

Located in Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon known for its 100meter-high sheer cliff walls. There are a variety of walks, the most popular is the Rim Walk which is a 3-4 hour walk with a steep start. Kings Creek Walk is a gentle walk at the base of the Canyon which takes about an hour. Please note that in hot weather where the forecast is to be 36 degrees celsius and above, there are access restrictions to some walks. See more..
4.5 Nourlangie Rock (872 reviews)
- Nourlangie - a truly spiritual experience
Geologic Formations

This is a special experience. The aboriginal art here tells a narrative of creation and family which should be seen and slowly savoured. The walk to see the main art site is quite short and has good shade coverage from the rock and trees. Longer walks are available. Seeing the rock from near by Nawurlandja Lookout at dusk and watching the colour changes was spectacular. This lookout walk is only short, about 20 minutes, and you can see the bird life over Anbangbang billabong from there also. The billabong is a nice stop for lunch and you can drive to picnic tables. Go to Nourlangie and see the lookout and billabong too. I recommend an afternoon as the best time, give it a good amount of time like a half day and respect this special place. See more..
4.5 Magnetic Termite Mounds (817 reviews)
- Very impressive
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

One of Litchfield National Park’s most impressive sights is the hundreds of Cathedral and Magnetic termite mounds, some stand as high as two metres. Up to 100 years old these structures are unique to northern parts of Australia and Litchfield National Park in particular. There is a dedicated viewing area with a short boardwalk within the national park. See more..
4.5 Edith Falls (776 reviews)
- Edith Falls a must
Waterfalls

Leliyn/ Edith Falls is located within the pristine Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). Enjoy swimming in the paperbark and pandanus fringed natural pool at the base of the falls most of the year, or check out the upper pools via a moderate uphill walk. The area is great for bushwalking with numerous trails surrounding. See more..
4.5 Valley of the Winds (698 reviews)
- This was our Uluru-Kata Tjuta high point
Valleys

The Valley of the Winds walk lets visitors immerse themselves among Kata Tjuta's domes. Featuring unparalleled views on the spectacular desert landscape, the walk takes approximately 3-4 hours and can be steep and rocky in some areas. See more..
4.5 Katherine Hot Springs (630 reviews)
- Refreshing swim
Spent 2-3 hours National Parks • Hot Springs & Geysers

These natural thermal springs are located just outside of Katherine Township and comprise of a series of clear pools framed by native vegetation. These bubbly springs have a constant temperature of approximately 25 - 30 degrees Celsius. See more..
4.5 Territory Wildlife Park (537 reviews)
- One of the best day trips in Darwin
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Territory Wildlife Park is a 45-minute drive south of Darwin city. It occupies 625 hectares of native bush adjacent to the Berry Springs Nature Park. The Wildlife Park showcases animals and plants of the Top End in both natural settings and exhibits for ease of viewing, as well as the diversity of natural habitats of the Top End. The Park is spread out around a 4km loop road with free shuttle trains and natural walking paths linking the attractions. The Main Station Cafe, Nocturnal House and Aquarium are air conditioned. See more..
4.5 Bitter Springs (481 reviews)
- Another hidden paradise
Hot Springs & Geysers

Bitter Springs is a series of naturally fed thermal pools, an ideal place to relax and unwind. Located within Elsey National Park, and only 2 kilometres from Mataranka town ship. See more..