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.
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.
Camping around Darwin
Choose from isolated spots to more accessible sites with places to swim and fishing access.
Camping around Kakadu
The quintessential camping experience, just a few hours from the city.
Camping around Katherine
Experience Big River Country and spend your days surrounded by majestic waterfalls and thick woodlands.
Camping around Tennant Creek
The remote bush camping in Australia’s outback offers incredible peace and solitude.
Camping around Alice Springs
Discover picturesque waterholes and flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world.
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.
Road Trips
Living in the NT means you have national parks and natural beauty right on your doorstep. Whether it’s a long weekend or school holidays, there is a road trip for everyone in the Territory.
Red Centre Way
Start in Alice Springs and make your way through the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and take in the beauty of the unmissable Uluru. This trip will take you through the iconic Northern Territory red dirt and natural beauty, while being close to a major town.
Nature’s Way
If you’re living in the Top End, the Nature’s Way trip is a must-do. This trip will take you through Kakadu, with beautiful walks and views of wildlife throughout the national park. Then make your way down to Katherine to have a dip in the hot springs or Edith Falls. On your way back to Darwin, check out the waterfalls and swimming spots at Litchfield National Park.
Savannah Way
The Northern Territory is home to countless parks and natural beauty, so why not drive through it on a longer trip? The Savannah Way is a road trip from Cairns to Broome, passing through Limmen National Park, Katherine, Timber Creek and the Keep River National Park. You can do the full trip over a couple of weeks or shorten it to stay in within NT borders. Either way, this road trip will have something for everyone.
Arnhem Way
This road trip is perfect for Territorians looking to explore the regions. Arnhem Way takes you from Katherine out to Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land, with beautiful beaches and fishing spots.
Explorer’s Way
If you decide to take a road trip for your move to the Top End, why not make sure you’re seeing the beauty along the way? Explorer’s Way is the trip from Adelaide to Darwin, stopping and detouring wherever you wish to explore. Pass through Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine, with the options to stop in at Uluru, Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles or Nitmiluk National Park. Start exploring the NT before you make it to your new home!
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