The Northern Territory is just as good as everyone says – and these top national parks are here to prove it, writes Kate Gazzard.
Found throughout the Northern Territory are a handful of Australia’s most recognised sites and its most-visited national parks. You might be thinking that once you’ve seen one desert landscape and a powerful waterfall, you’ve seen ‘em all. But trust me when I say these 6 Northern Territory national parks are each worth a visit in their own right.
From the deep gorges and watering holes of Kakadu National Park to the prehistoric domes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, these one-off landscapes are turning up the heat in the best way possible.
1. Nitmiluk National Park, 23km northeast of Katherine
There are a whole heap of outstanding national parks in the Northern Territory (and many of them are on this list), but perhaps there’s none as photogenic as Nitmiluk National Park.
The Traditional Custodians of the land, the Jawoyn people, work with the Parks and Wildlife Commission in the management of the park. Spanning over 292,008 hectares within the Northern Territory, the region holds culturally significant sites, ancient sandstone formations and deep valleys you’ll want to spend the whole day exploring.
However, the main attraction is Nitmiluk Gorge. Expertly carved over time by the powerful current of the Katherine River, this gorge is well-suited to outdoor enthusiasts, with fishing, canoeing, swimming and sunset cruising among the most popular activities. If those don’t take your fancy, head into the gorge on a leader-led walking tour and see another side of the Land by listening to Creation stories.
2. Kakadu National Park, 171km southeast of Darwin
Kakadu National Park makes it easy to fall in love with nature over and over again. Looking like a natural wonderland, this World Heritage-listed national park is the perfect place to connect with both Country and Aboriginal history. With rock-art sites, weaving workshops and painting demonstrations, you’ll support local people and learn about a culture that’s been here for centuries.
Whether you feel like taking in the sunrise from a cruise through the wetlands, spotting crocs from the banks of billabongs, or going for a dip in one of the many waterholes, Kakadu National Park has a little something for everyone.
But if you think this park’s natural beauty stops there, think again. Home to five waterfalls, including Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls Gorge, this park more than delivers on water features.
3. Litchfield National Park, 100km southwest of Darwin
We all know the Top End is full of must-visit places, but Litchfield National Park might just take the cake. Boasting waterfalls, swimming holes and a rainforest full of native vegetation, Litchy (as it’s affectionately known) is a landscape you can really relish.
Often considered to be the Northern Territory’s best-kept secret, the park’s wildlife ranges from rainbow bee-eaters flitting between the trees to wallabies searching for food on the forest floor.
There’s even a wide open field filled with hundreds of 2-metre-high magnetic termite mounds found within the park. Not your average national park attraction.
4. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, 440km southwest of Alice Springs
Uluru might be the most recognised feature of Australia’s Red Centre, but looking at pictures of the culturally significant rock formation and taking it in for yourself, are two entirely different things.
For the Traditional Custodians, the Anangu people, this park represents so much more than just a travel destination. Embark on a locally led tour around the base to important cultural sites and discover why it holds sacred significance for First Nations people.
Read more: How to be a respectful traveller in Uluru
5. Tjoritja/West Macdonnell Ranges, 135km west of Alice Springs
Featuring several cold-watered swimming holes and hiking trails that range from easy to let-me-catch-my-breath, the Tjoritja/West Macdonnell Ranges offer a little something for everyone.
For avid hikers, the Larapinta Trail snakes its way through the park, coming to an impressive 223 kilometres in length. The full long-distance walk takes a numerous days, but guided overnight hikes with local Aboriginal guides ensure you’re getting an authentic take on the trek.
Also look out for the rare and endangered species, such as the long-tailed dunnart and black-footed rock wallaby, that call these ranges home on excursions to Ormiston Gorge.
6. Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, 216km north-east of Darwin
A bit different from the other parks on this list, Garig Gulag Barlu National Park a favourite with travellers wanting to experience several different environments in one.
Not short on swamps, dense seagrass meadows, mangrove patches, canopied rainforests and endless white beaches, exploring this national park is sure to be the highlight of your trip to Arnhem Land.
Get the most out of a Northern Territory adventure on an Intrepid trip led by local guides.
