Top 5 Things To Do in the Northern Territory
Wild, ancient, absolutely worth it.
What are the 5 top must-do experiences in the Northern Territory?
From first-time visitors to seasoned explorers, the Northern Territory offers a deeper, wilder and more meaningful way to experience Australia. Think landscapes that stretch your sense of scale, stories that run tens of thousands of years deep and journeys where the road itself is part of the adventure.
Our House of Travel Australia specialists have picked their top five must-do experiences in the Northern Territory, from iconic rail journeys and luxury desert lodges to sacred cultural experiences under the stars.
1. The Ghan Expedition
For a slower, more luxurious way to see the Northern Territory, there's nothing more iconic than a journey on The Ghan, one of the world's great rail experiences.
Travelling between Darwin and Adelaide (or vice versa), The Ghan delivers breathtaking scenery, exceptional service, fine dining and unforgettable off-train excursions into the remote outposts of the Red Centre. The Ghan Expedition runs southbound from Darwin to Adelaide over three nights, with full-day stops at Katherine Gorge and Alice Springs, places where the landscape truly unfolds around you.
Each off-train experience showcases the history, culture and beauty of the regions along the way - and by 2027, the journey is set to expand from three days to four, adding stops in the Flinders Ranges and a famous South Australian wine region.
Depending on which direction you travel, consider tagging on a few extra days in Darwin to soak up the Top End. If you want to see outback Australia without lifting anything heavier than a wine glass -The Ghan is just the ticket.
2. Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise
Watch the sky ignite in brilliant shades of orange and pink as you glide across calm tropical waters. This is one of Darwin's most relaxed and unforgettable experiences.
You'll board Sundancer, a 50ft luxury catamaran with 100sqm of deck space and a fully air-conditioned saloon for when you need a break from the heat. Feel the wind and savour the silence as the motors cut and the sails unfurl for a sensational three-hour dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour.
Sip unlimited Australian sparkling wine, and graze on tapas and a barbecue dinner as the sky transforms around you. It's a jaw-dropping way to see the sunset, and a sailing experience that captures the magic of the Top End from the water. Not a bad way to spend an evening.
3. Cruising Through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
Glide between towering sandstone cliffs by boat or paddle your way through this ancient landscape for one of the Northern Territory's most awe-inspiring natural experiences.
Nitmiluk is a series of thirteen gorges carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River. Whether you choose a guided cruise, a canoe adventure, or a combination of both, the sheer scale of the rust-coloured cliffs rising above the still water is something you have to see to believe. Photos don't do it justice.
This is Jawoyn country, and the gorge system holds deep cultural significance. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles, wallabies and a rich variety of birdlife as you explore. It's one of those rare places where nature, culture and adventure all come together in harmony.
4. Stay at Longitude 131°
Wake to Uluṟu at your window. This is one of Australia's most extraordinary luxury lodge experiences.
Sixteen tented pavilions sit lightly on red desert sand in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park, with views of Uluṟu that will stop you in your tracks. Longitude 131° is where luxury meets the outback: gourmet dining, sweeping desert vistas and a contemporary style that feels completely at home in this vast landscape.
Toast the outback at sunset with champagne and canapes, then dine under a blanket of stars surrounded by the hush of the desert. It's the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave. You'll take approximately 400 photos of the same rock and not regret a single one.
5. Uluṟu After Dark: Wintjiri Wiru
As night falls over the Red Centre, experience a powerful light and sound spectacle that shares the Mala story through music, lasers and drones.
Available year-round at Ayers Rock Resort, the Wintjiri Wiru drone show is a breathtaking fusion of technology and tradition. Hundreds of glowing drones paint the night sky, telling the sacred stories of the Anangu people in a stunning display of cultural storytelling.
It's dazzling, it's moving and it's one of the most unique things you can do anywhere in Australia.
Planning tips for your Northern Territory trip?
- May to October is the dry season and the best time to visit. Expect warm days, clear skies and no wet season road closures.
- Allow 7 to 10 days to cover Darwin, Katherine Gorge and Uluṟu without rushing.
- Book Longitude 131° and The Ghan, well in advance. Both have limited capacity and sell out during June to September - peak season.
- Fly into Darwin and out of Alice Springs, or vice versa, to avoid backtracking.
- Allow at least two nights at Uluṟu. One day isn't enough for the base walk, Kata Tjuta and Wintjiri Wiru.
- Don't underestimate the distances. Darwin to Alice Springs is roughly 1,500 km by road. That's why The Ghan exists.
Northern Territory FAQs
What is the best time to visit the Northern Territory?
The dry season, from May to October, offers the most comfortable conditions, with warm days, cool evenings and clear skies. The wet season, November to April, brings dramatic storms and lush landscapes - but some roads and parks may be inaccessible.
How many days do you need in the Northern Territory?
A week to ten days covers the main highlights comfortably. If you're including The Ghan (three to four days), allow additional time for Darwin and Uluṟu on either end.
Can you visit Uluṟu and Darwin in one trip?
Absolutely. Many travellers fly into Darwin, explore the Top End, then travel south to Uluṟu via The Ghan or a connecting flight to Alice Springs. It's a well-worn route that covers the best of both regions.
What is the best way to get from Darwin to Uluṟu?
The Ghan is the most iconic option, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide via Alice Springs. Alternatively, fly from Darwin to Alice Springs (about two hours), then drive or transfer to Uluṟu, roughly four and a half hours by road.
Is the Wintjiri Wiru drone show worth seeing?
Yes. Even if you've seen drone shows before, the combination of the setting, the sacred storytelling and the scale of it, makes this a special experience. It runs year-round and is suitable for all ages.
Ready to book your Aussie adventure?
Check out our latest Australia deals or speak to one of our House of Travel Aussie specialists to start planning your holiday.
Connect with an Australia specialist
Melissa Topp
House of Travel Christchurch City
Travel really is my passion and I perhaps love organising it just as much as the actual travelling. Being able to open up options for people they had no idea they could accomplish is truly exciting. I love the scope of what we can accomplish as a travel agent; our systems, knowledge and relationships with the right people all add up to being able to organise a truly memorable trip. I’ve done it all from tours, safaris, ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, self-drives, rail journeys, family travel specialising in all things Disney and I love to share my knowledge to help you achieve the trip of your lifetime.
Outside of the office I like to spend my time skiing, horse riding, tramping, scuba diving, getting outside on our lifestyle block with my two little girls or enjoying a glass of pinot with a side order of chocolate mousse.
Years in the Industry: over 20
No. of countries visited: 50+
Favourite place to visit: Niue, no wait Cuba, hmm no
maybe it’s Egypt….. Or Italy….
Next place on the list to visit: Disneyworld
· “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo
Why I love travel?
Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.
My travel tips:
- Pack your patient pants; Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Your trip is
much too short to stress. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be
another one.. ATM out of
money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and
explore. I know it can be hard sometimes, but just
take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.
- Focus on value over
deals. It’s so easy to not look past the initial $ signs when organising
your trip but how much extra will there be in added costs once you are at
your destination, lost time or enjoyment is that initial saving really
going to cost you once you are there.
- Wake Up Early To Avoid Crowds. Rise before sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding large tourist crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to the softer light and often providing great opportunities to interact with locals getting ready for their day. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; scammers and criminals sleep in…
My top 5 favourite destinations:
- Rio
De Janeiro – Such an incredibly vibrant city. Imagine, having dinner in a
local favela, no other tourists in sight and locals from ages 1-99 all
together, laughing, dancing to the live music, everyone talking to
everyone. A local group of young people came down the street performing
the traditional capoeira martial art/dance and everyone heads outside to
watch and cheer them on. It is always the people that make the place and
Brazil’s people are very bit as colourful as this amazing city.
- Europe
River cruise – A true holiday. Pull up each day in a different location,
right in the heart of things, wander off the boat and go for it. Return
when you feel like it to every luxury you could want, top class food and
drink and every room has a front row view. No crowds, most ships have
under 200 passengers and a great option for both first time travellers and
more experienced as you tend to visit many of the smaller and often less
visited towns.
- Rocky
Mountaineer train journey – Starting in Banff, which really feels like the
Queenstown of Canada and ending in Vancouver, a stunning city just a few
minutes’ drive and from the beautiful redwood forests this train journey
is must do travel experience. Seeing the spectacular scenery of the
Rockies from the comfort of your warmed up spacious leather seat, the
mountains are not just to either side but also above you through the glass
roof of the train.
- Borneo
– Here you can combine stunningly beautiful beach resorts with a visit to
the jungle; see the Proboscis monkeys, baby turtles being released into
the ocean and one of the only places in the world to see Orangutans in
their native habitat. One of the least explored areas on the planet with
many adventures to be had but you don’t need to skimp on luxury.
- East Africa Safari – It is a strangely exciting experience to be told not to wander too far from your tent at night because wild animals are really all around you. From elephants wandering through our camp one evening, to hearing bison grazing in the grass around us while sleeping, Africa really is as wild as you hope it will be. So many travel experiences these days are replicas – shows put together for your enjoyment. Africa definitely is not; it could not get much more real. Seeing orphaned baby elephants playing football with each other, wandering over to you reaching out their trunk so smell you as you stand behind only a rope fence watching their antics is just one of the incredible experiences on offer in this amazing location.
What’s in my suitcase?
- A
dog bed. I kid you not. These days I’m travelling with two little ones in
tow and as strange as this sounds it’s a life saver on long haul
flights-pair it with one of those big inflatable pillows that go where
your legs usually do and you have a comfortable bed for the little ones to
curl up in.
- A
dirty laundry bag. One easy spot to place all the worn things and easy to
take to the laundry with you while travelling or dump in the machine when
home.
- Earplugs. I need a good nights sleep be ready to do everything I have planned for the next day on my holiday and you just never know what noises you might want to shut out while travelling.
Melissa
Caprice Whiteman
House of Travel Whanganui
After three years in the travel industry, my passion for travel continues to grow - from cultural experiences and unforgettable food to exciting adventures and relaxing escapes. What I enjoy most is helping turn my clients travel dreams into reality.
Travel has been part of my life since I was three years old, and those early experiences sparked a passion that has continued to grow over the years. In 2021, I completed my Level 4 Certificate in Tourism, Airline and Flight Attending, which opened the door to my career in travel.
I'm excited to discover new destinations and help others do the same!
Caprice
Chloe McKellar
House of Travel Wellington City
Chloe
Megan Stirling
House of Travel Ashburton
I'm so excited to be back
working in travel and would love the chance to talk travel with you!
Travel to me is about saying 'yes!' to all new experiences, immersing yourself
in the culture and creating memories.
With experience in multiple areas of the industry, a secret plane nerd and a
love of organising and planning I can help you turn your ideas into a reality
with matched enthusiasm and excitement!
Megan
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