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Man fishing in gove

Outdoor leisure activities

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    The Northern Territory offers a thrilling mix of outdoor adventures and relaxing escapes. Whether you're hiking the dramatic gorges of the West MacDonnell Ranges, indulging in a glamping retreat or fishing the crystal waters off the Gove Peninsula, there's so much variety you will find plenty of places and activities to suit you.

    National parks galore

    There are more than 80 national parks and reserves, covering over 50,000 square kilometres of land in the Northern Territory, so when you live here, you will be spoilt for choice.

    World Heritage-listed parks

    In the NT, we are the only Australian jurisdiction with two national parks that are World Heritage-listed for both their cultural and natural value.

    Kakadu National Park is a vast expanse of exceptional natural beauty, unique biodiversity, and Aboriginal rock art sites. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to the iconic landmark Uluru and the 32 weathered rock domes known as Kata Tjuta. They’re at their most spectacular viewed at sunrise or sunset and have strong cultural and spiritual significance.

    West MacDonnell Ranges scene
    Lauren Jones, trail runner
    Big River Region
    Big Rivers Region Swimming

    Camping

    Camping is a cherished pastime for many Territorians as it is a great way to switch off from technology and immerse in the stunning natural landscapes the NT has to offer.  Locations like Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, Channel Point, Elsey National Park, Finke Gorge National Park and Curtin Springs are popular campsites. Many campgrounds also have public facilities available like toilets, BBQs and fire pits.

    Listed below are some camping location guides that can help you find the best spots, show you the facilities available there, direct you how to get there, confirm whether you need a permit and if any cost is involved.

    You can book a campsite to secure your spot in advance through park bookings.

    Older_couple_with_a_caravan_camping_near_Darwin

    Camping around Darwin

    Choose from isolated spots to more accessible sites with places to swim and fishing access.

    Woman with backpack sitting on rock at Maguk (Koolpin Gorge) in Kakadu, Northern Territory

    Camping around Kakadu

    The quintessential camping experience, just a few hours from the city.

    Couple_looking_at_the_sunset_together_while_camping_near_Butterfly_Gorge

    Camping around Katherine

    Experience Big River Country and spend your days surrounded by majestic waterfalls and thick woodlands.

    Couple_camping_at_Karlu_Karlu_Devils_Marbles

    Camping around Tennant Creek

    The remote bush camping in Australia’s outback offers incredible peace and solitude.

    Star_timelapse_over_a_camping_woman_around_Alice_Springs

    Camping around Alice Springs

    Discover picturesque waterholes and flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world.

    Milky_way_and_a_starry_sky_over_Uluru_at_night

    Camping around Uluru

    Watch the stunning colour changes of sunrise and sunset and explore the natural wonders of the Red Centre.

    Fishing

    Fishing culture in the Territory is a recognisable feature of the region’s identity, but not without good reason! With its vast networks of rivers, billabongs and coastal waters, the NT is a haven for anglers, offering an unparalleled variety of fishing experiences.

    What sets fishing in the Northern Territory apart from anywhere else is not just the abundance and variety of fish, but the unique environment and the adventure that comes with it, combined with a wealth of indigenous knowledge and community spirit. So, whether you’re fishing on a boat in the Arafura Sea, taking a remote fishing tour, or casting from the shore, the Territory offers world-class fishing for seasoned anglers and novices alike.

    The Territory’s best-known fish is the barramundi: an aggressive predatory fish noted for its strong runs and spectacular jumps. The NT Barramundi Classic, arguably Australia’s premier Barramundi fishing tournament, is held on the unspoiled Daly River, where teams from all over Australia and overseas come to the Top End to fish in this competition.

    The Top End is also home to a variety of other great sport and reef fish, including Giant Trevally, Queenfish, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Black Jewfish, Golden Snapper, Red Emperor and Coral Trout.

    Every year the NT also gives anglers the chance to reel in a million dollars with their Million Dollar Fish Competition.

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