6 Top Natural Highlights of the Northern Territory

Expect endless vistas of burnt orange, mobs of kangaroos hopping in every direction, and ever-changing landscapes…Welcome to the true outback.

When it comes to the outback Northern Territory, nature has no limits. Australia’s northernmost state is home to some of the most extreme forms of nature in the country. It’s beautiful and dramatic. As the least built-upon state in Australia, the Territory is rich with Aboriginal culture – the landscape is largely untouched.

It has the lowest population density in all of Australia, meaning the expanses of the outback are vast and dramatic.

The capital of the Northern Territory is Darwin, and at the centre is Alice Springs. It’s home to the iconic sacred monolith Uluru.

The Northern Territory is renowned for its laid-back lifestyle that has adapted to extreme climates.

The Scenery of the Northern Territory

According to locals and travellers alike, the outback is less of a desert and more of a ‘feeling.’ Expect a flat desert floor that rolls out for miles. The outback changes appearance as you travel through it. From rocky canyons, to wetlands, open eucalypt forests, marshes and waterfalls. Often, travellers won’t see another person in the vicinity for miles around. So if it’s company you’re craving while exploring the outback Northern Territory, we recommend a package tour!

Visiting the Northern Territory? Here are our 7 Top Highlights of the Northern Territory, a whistlestop guide to Australia’s northernmost state!

1. Uluru

Credit: Tourism Northern Territory/Ray Reyes

Of course, we can’t showcase the highlights of the Northern Territory without mentioning Uluru! The red rock of Australia has attracted millions of tourists for many years.

This fascinating ancient monolith stands mysteriously out of the ground, against a barren and sparse landscape. Those who visit Uluru can take part in the Base Walk, which is a guided walk around the base of the rock. Go at sunrise to start your day unlike any other. Or, catch the red rock changing colour as the sun sets. Soak up the richness of Uluru’s Indigenous history, and listen to the Aboriginal retelling of Dreamtime origins.

2. Kata Tjuta

Credit: Tourism Northern Territory

Not far from Uluru, you’ll find Kata Tjuta. Walking through the domes of the Olgas is a must-do when it comes to highlights of the Northern Territory. In the language of the Anangu people, Kata Tjuta translates to ‘many heads.’ Kata Tjuta is a compilation of uniquely shaped, dome-like rocks that are conjoined next to one another.

3. Jim Jim Falls

Possibly one of the most beautiful and iconic waterfalls in Australia, the Jim Jim Falls are a gem of the Kakadu National Park. A waterfall that gushes from 200 meters high, the Jim Jim Falls are an impressive cascade of water that attracts tourists to Kakadu every year! If you’re visiting Kakadu, don’t miss this one…

4. Tjoritja (West Macdonell Ranges)

An impressive mountain range that sits towards the south of the state, Tjoritja is an impressive set of rolling mountains that are set across over 3 million hectares of land. It’s a pretty huge mountain range! Home to numerous gorges, canyons and rivers, there’s heaps of exploring to do in this national park!

5. Tiwi Islands

Head over to the Tiwi Islands for a slice of paradise. Just 45 minutes away from Darwin by ferry, the Tiwis are a short distance away, offering a peaceful island experience that can be done in one day. Visits require a permit, as the islands are privately owned. Learn about the culture of the islands. Admire the fascinating Tiwi art, and learn about traditional island ceremonies. The Tiwi Islanders love football. If you’re lucky, you might catch a game!

6. Mataranka Thermal Pools

These thermal pools are a unique day out, and you can easily get there from Katherine!

Take the easy walk around the perimeter of the pools before heading in for a dip. The Mataranka Thermal Pools are the perfect attraction for those wanting a peaceful, relaxing spot in Kakadu National Park.

Visit Northern Territory for the trip of a lifetime…

To experience nature that is unlike anywhere else on Earth, and to see plenty of native Aussie wildlife in its natural habitat… come join us on a trip to the Northern Territory!

We’ve got heaps of package tours in the Territory. Check out our package tours!

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.