What to do and see in Northern Territory, Australia: The Best Things to do

February 4, 2022 Joeann Galban

The Northern Territory (abbreviated as NT) is a federal Australian territory in the central and central northern regions of Australia. It shares borders with Western Australia to the west (129th meridian east), South Australia to the south (26th parallel south), and Queensland to the east (138th meridian east). To the north, the territory is bordered by the Timor Sea, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Despite its large area—over 1,349,129 square kilometres (520,902 sq mi), making it the third largest Australian federal division—it is sparsely populated. The Northern Territory's population of 244,000 (2016) makes it the least populous of Australia's eight major states and territories, having fewer than half as many people as Tasmania.
Restaurants in Northern Territory

1. Ubirr

Oenpelli Road, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8938 1120 [email protected] http://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/do/rock-art/ubirr/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
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Terrible
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5.0 based on 887 reviews

Ubirr

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.

Reviewed By L7839VIjohnp - Beaconsfield, Australia

Great place to view ancient artwork and to climb the top of the rock to view the open country side.Can easily spend a few hours here taking in the scenery and the history.

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary

33 Hartley Street Kilgariff, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 0871 Australia +61 8 8965 0038 [email protected] http://www.kangaroosanctuary.com
Excellent
95%
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4%
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5.0 based on 514 reviews

The Kangaroo Sanctuary

The Kangaroo Sanctuary is located on a 188-acre wildlife reserve just outside of Alice Springs. Owned by Chris 'Brolga' Barnes, it is fulfilling his life-long dream of a sanctuary that is home to orphaned kangaroos. Most of the rescued kangaroos have been rehabilitated to the wild, however some have learnt to love humans too much and remain permanently at the sanctuary. Take the sunset guided tour (Tuesday to Friday) throughout our reserve and meet the Kangaroo characters from Kangaroo Dundee (BBC/Nat Geo Series). Our motto is Animals Come First!

Reviewed By Wanderlustemily - Newcastle, Australia

If you are ever in Alice Springs make sure you make time to attend @thekangaroosanctuary the work Brolga has done and is doing for these beautiful animals is amazing.

3. RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility

45 Stokes Hill Road Stokes Hill Wharf, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 Australia +61 8 8983 5700 [email protected] http://rfdsdarwin.com.au/
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 995 reviews

RFDS Darwin Tourist Facility

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.

Reviewed By Mighty-yt-au

Well worth a Visit great insight into the history of this iconic Australian institution it is also part of the WWII Bombing of Darwin museum

4. Uluru

Uluru Rd, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory 0872 Australia 08-8956-1128 [email protected] http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 4,382 reviews

Uluru

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.

Reviewed By X1938DOchrisl - Brisbane, Australia

We decided to tick this off our bucket list when we heard they were closing the climb. We had an excellent holiday doing the climb, nearby sunset camel ride with Ayers Rock view, we did the 11km base walk around Ayers Rock, the 7.4km hike through the Valley of the Winds and 2.4km return Walpa Gorge walk at the Olgas (Kata Tjuta). The climb itself was definitely the highlight of the trip and made it worthwhile. We did think it was reckless of parents to take children under 15 on the climb and that 50+ adults were allowed to climb it, as it was a huge challenge for a couple of fit 30 year olds. We'd hiked up mountains before, but this was the biggest challenge with a combination of climbing and hiking, requiring a lot of cardio fitness. We helped out others (by giving them some water) who stupidly decided to climb with kids without sufficient water, and a group of guys in their 20's who stupidly decided to climb with no water. They should keep the climb open but restrict it to reasonably fit (not significantly overweight) 15-50 year olds with ID and make it mandatory that they have at least 3L of water per person. With the climb closed, I can't recommend going there unless you're already driving around Australia. Also probably skip the Field of Lights, as though it is nice, it's not worth the money they're charging.

5. Alice Springs Desert Park

Larapinta Drive Desert Park Entrance Road, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 0870 Australia +61 8 8951 8788 [email protected] http://www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/
Excellent
68%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 1,981 reviews

Alice Springs Desert Park

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.

Reviewed By 725angelai - Canberra, Australia

This facility is part of the NT Conservation Commission. It offers the opportunity to learn a lot about the indigenous and arid habitats and animals at one location close to Alice Sprinsg. You willl find a selection of habitats, animals, aboriginal culture, lots of free presentations, lots of signposted information,the unforgettable and heart-stopping bird show, and the inspirational endangered species breeding program and Nocturnal Tour. If you get the general entry and the nocturnal tour, there is a saving - also you can do these on separate days. Allow at least half a day.

19 Conacher St Bullocky Point, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801 Australia +61 8 8999 8264 [email protected] http://www.magnt.net.au
Excellent
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4.5 based on 3,402 reviews

Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

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

Reviewed By 341ceceliac

What a lovely gem of a place. Beautifully laid out with some amazing pieces. The area allocated to Cyclone Tracy was incredible - all Australians should experience the exhibit particularly the sound booth which recreates the sound of the cyclone. And Sweetheart is here too - poor Sweetheart - finally left in peace. Such an extraordinary creature. The bird exhibition is also amazing. Don’t miss any of it.

7. Mindil Beach

The Gardens, Darwin, Northern Territory 0820 Australia http://www.darwin.nt.gov.au/explore/out-and-about/find-a-facility/mindil-beach
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 3,839 reviews

Mindil Beach

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.

Reviewed By Billatraveller - Perth, Australia

Have visited Darwin many times over the last 30 years and a visit to Mindil Markets and to view the Sunset is always a must do on every visit, The variety of food stalls is amazing and they really highlight the diversity of Darwins population. Market stalls are always worth a browse and the sunset has never let e down. Go see for yourself.

8. Berry Springs Nature Park

Cox Peninsula Road, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8988 6310 http://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park/find-a-park-to-visit/berry-springs-nature-park
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 1,054 reviews

Berry Springs Nature Park

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.

Reviewed By RobbieTain

Don't get me wrong, Litchfield is certainly a special place and one worth visiting, but Berry Springs has all of what Litchfield has with none of the frenetic tourist hustle and bustle. As soon as you dip below the surface of the crystal clear spring waters you are met with sense of warmth and peace. The spring keeps the water at a constant temperature year round. It's like being in a perfect bath, only with minature waterfall and tropical rainforest surrounding you. There are bbq facilities and ample space to share a picnic lunch and as soon as you have spent enough time in the sun drying off it's a perfect time to grab a floating noodle and head back in.

9. Defence of Darwin Experience

5434 Alec Fong Lim Drive East Point, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801 Australia +61 8 8981 9702 [email protected] http://www.defenceofdarwin.nt.gov.au/
Excellent
63%
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4.5 based on 2,036 reviews

Defence of Darwin Experience

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.

Reviewed By trio10

Well worth the visit , short indoor movie to watch with individual peoples wartime experience inter woven with it through displays in and around the theatre. Also lots of outdoor display areas and war time gun emplacements to see.

10. Crocosaurus Cove

Corner of Mitchell & Peel Streets, Darwin, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8981 7522 [email protected] http://www.crocosauruscove.com/
Excellent
49%
Good
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Satisfactory
11%
Poor
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Terrible
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4.0 based on 2,987 reviews

Crocosaurus Cove

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.

Reviewed By Kris026aus

It was amazing, the staff were so helpful with how scared I was and after a couple of minutes I started to really enjoy myself and then within 5 just loved it.. one of the best experiences of my life, will recommend to everyone.. the staff, facilities and crocs were fabulous and don’t forget to hold the baby croc, their adorable ????

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