Top 5 things to do in the Northern Territory
Wild, ancient, absolutely worth it
What are the top 5 must-do experiences in the Northern Territory?
From first-time visitors to seasoned explorers, the Northern Territory offers a deeper, wilder, and 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 experts 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 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.
In 2027, the journey expands from three days to four, adding stops in the Flinders Ranges and a famous South Australian wine region. Each off-train experience showcases the history, culture, and beauty of the regions along the way.
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 genuine 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.
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
- The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit. Warm days, clear skies, and no wet season road closures.
- Allow at least 7 to 10 days if you want 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 peak season (June to September).
- 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.
FAQs about the Northern Territory
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 makes this one genuinely special. It runs year-round and is suitable for all ages.
Connect with an Australia specialist
Suzanne Andrews
House of Travel Palmerston North: The Square
I've travelled extensively all over the world and I now want to make your travel dreams come true!
I've worked in the travel industry for many years and I now want to share my experience and passion for travelling with you.
Suzanne
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
Chris Fifield
House of Travel Christchurch City
Chris has travelled the globe several times over... with his 30 plus years' experience in the industry he is unquestionably efficient and knowledgeable when it comes to organising any form of travel!
Chris' passion for his career is evident in all holidays he organises. His personal travel experiences compliment his leisure travel background, as he can think outside the box logistically and ensure that all your travel needs are met, and you are guided throughout your journey.
"Whether your travel dreams are exploring the rugged West Coast of New Zealand to a luxury break in Fiji, I am 100% committed to ensuring you have the best experience planning and fulfilling your dream holiday."
Outside of work, you will find Chris in the great outdoors having fished his way throughout New Zealand, hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, skied the Canadian Rockies, just to name a few.
Work, save, travel, repeat.
Why I love travel:
There is so many different cultures to experience and history that goes way beyond New Zealand's few hundred years of course - stunning natural beauty can be enjoyed all over the world.
My travel tips:
- If you are there - do it. Travel is all about experiences that create wonderful memories, so don't regret not doing something because you were concerned about the price - the bank won't mind and you will talk about it for years to come.
- Pack light as you can always find a laundromat - though I do need to take me own advice!
- Find the most comfortable walking shoes you can find and break them in before you go. You will probably do lots of walking in some countries .... old European cobbled streets can take a toll.
- Be prepared to and learn how to tip so you don't get thought of as a bad tourist - most of the world tips for service and yet it's so foreign to us, but very important to do so.
My top 5 favourite destinations:
- Pacific Islands - a close tropical beach escape. The rest of the world dreams of these exotic locations and they are just there for us.
- Canada - amazing wilderness experiences on a grand scale.
- Italy - organised chaos! I just love the expressive personalities of the people, as well the fabulous food and drink and amazing history.
- Vietnam - a bit of everything from great beaches to amazing food and stunning rural scenery and different minority cultures.
- Mediterranean Cruise - why not take your hotel with you - wake up each day with a new culture and experience to be had - this is the place to cruise!
What's in my suitcase:
- Too much - I must do better!
- One universal adaptor and a 4 plug New Zealand multi box
Chris
Emma Chappell
House of Travel Timaru
Planning and organizing are my forte, and combined with a love for exploring being a travel consultant is the perfect fit! I love sharing my customers excitement and making their holiday dreams come true!
Emma
Want the inside word on all things travel?
Never miss a deal again. Sign up for our emails and get exclusive flight offers, travel tips, and be the first to know about special promotions.
By signing up, you have read or have an opportunity to read the Privacy Policy, and you agree to the provisions of the Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up, we’ll be in touch soon!
Hold on a sec, adventurer! We didn't quite catch your email. Sign up again to unlock your travel dreams!
Best. Holidays. Ever!
Start here
