Top 10 Destinations in the NT: 3001 Things to See & Do Around Australia
Follow the footsteps of James Allen, author of 3001 Things to See & Do Around Australia, to discover his top 10 destinations in the NT.
Inspired by his own adventures during an Australia-wide project in 2021, James Allen decided to create this newly released guide — 3001 Things to See & Do Around Australia
This 410-page spiral-bound A4 book lists attractions by state and region, with plenty of maps to lead you there. Whether it’s unique sites, adventures or some history and culture, 3001 Things to See & Do Around Australia has it all.
All the destinations and activities are categorised under the following: Indigenous Culture, Natural Wonders and Man Made Landmarks.
But if you’re looking to narrow it down even further, James listed his top 10 destinations for every state.
Here are his favourites for exploring the Northern Territory, with a bit of a description of what you might find there, and why it made James’s list!
1. Ewaninga Rock Carvings, Napwerte
The Napwerte/Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve is one of the best rock art sites in Australia and has the highest concentration of rock carvings in the NT. The reserve itself is on the smaller side, spanning only six hectares, and is a 30-minute drive south from Alice Springs along the Stuart Highway.
Morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit the reserve. Stick to the marked trails and keep all phones and cameras packed away as photos are not allowed, nor is touching the engravings.
The age and meaning of the rock engravings are unknown to the general public, as this is kept between senior Arrernte men. The site lies within Arrernte land and is protected as a valuable link to the early activities of the Traditional Owners. James noted that the site is “rarely visited but it gives a powerful insight into historic Aboriginal desert life.”
In April 2023, entry fees for interstate and international visitors were introduced to 50 of the NT’s parks and reserves, and this is one of them. A park pass must be purchased online. There are picnic tables and a pit toilet available, however no bins, so take your rubbish with you. Camping on the reserve is not permitted.
2. The Lost Cities of Limmen National Park, Top End
“Want to find King Louie from The Jungle Book? Then come here. Take your time and explore the caves and canyons.”
James’s wise words are ones to live by. Located in Limmen National Park, which can be found between Katherine and Borroloola, the large sandstone formations that make up the two Lost Cities are a wonder to behold.
The Southern Lost City is fairly easy to get to and even has a convenient campground. Follow the walking trails and appreciate the towering pillars. Sunset is a particularly good time for a walk, offering excellent views of the landscape accompanied by nature’s beautiful end-of-day spectacle. The night sky isn’t too shabby either.
The Western Lost City is a bit more work, and you will have to borrow a key from the ranger’s office before tackling the 28km sandy track to the site. But rest assured, it’s worth the trip, with the rock structures sprawling out as far as you can see.
3. Mpulungkinya Walk, Finke Gorge National Park
Finke Gorge National Park is a unique spot located only a few hours west of Alice Springs. While the surrounding landscapes offer the quintessential ‘outback’ aesthetic, this park is the remnant of an ancient rainforest and home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. “The giant cabbage palms stand tall silhouetted against the red sandstone and blue sky. Both walks are great and give a different perspective of the gorge,” James said.
Mpulungkinya Walk is one of the two walks through the park and will take approximately two hours return (5km total), winding along Palm Creek through the valley and gorge, offering stunning panoramic views of the valley until it delivers you back at the car park.
If you’re after a shorter walk, Arankaia Walk is a one-hour/2km return.
4. Uluru/Ayers Rock
This destination needs little in the way of encouragement, and I’m sure it’s high on many bucket lists already. James said it wasn’t Uluru’s grandeur that pulled him, but its sheer presence. “There is a calmness, a stillness as you get closer — the same feeling I get when I enter a holy place of worship, because that’s exactly what it is. The stories that are written in the geological features of the rock resonate across our entire country. Take time to listen to the local guides and read the signs,” James advises.
But for those who need extra info, here are some highlights:
Uluru is one of the largest monoliths in the world, measuring at 348m high, and is approximately 500 million years old. It is also one of Australia’s most recognised landmarks. A favourite personal experience I had was spotting Uluru proudly displayed on a bus shelter in France, demonstrating that it is as much of an iconic Aussie drawcard for Europeans as visiting the Eiffel Tower is for us!
As of October 2019, climbing Uluru is no longer an option, but there are many ways to experience it, whether it’s a bike or camel ride or hike around the base. A park pass is required to visit the site, which can be found here.
5. Gregory National Park, Calcite Flows
Judbarra/Gregory National Park can be found south-west of Katherine (approximately a 2hr 20min drive) along Victoria Highway, and is the second-largest park in the NT. A park pass is required for interstate and international visitors — even if you’re visiting with locals.
With everything from gorges, escarpments, sandstone formations and rainforests, Judbarra/Gregory National Park is not one to miss. But the attraction that put it on James’s list was Calcite Flows. Follow the easy 600m Calcite Flow Walk to appreciate the landscape, stromatolites, Bullita Cave — one of the longest cave systems in the world — and of course, Calcite Flow itself. “The white river of calcite is striking against the dry land. I would love to know what the local Aboriginal people thought about this feature.”
6. Binns Track
While some of these other destinations might be a day trip, depending on where you’re based, Binns Track can definitely not be appreciated with such haste. At 2230km long, the 4WD track starts at the SA/NT border at Mount Dare, continues through Alice Springs, before finishing in Timber Creek.
The track was named after Bill Binns, a NT Parks and Wildlife ranger who worked for NT Parks for 32 years and continually sought to encourage visitors to explore more of Central Australia’s beauty.
“This track has it all. Diverse desert parks, big empty areas, natural monuments and abandoned homesteads. This single track stitches together the heart of Australia,” James commented.
This epic 4WD adventure can be done in around 10 days, but as it is a self-guided tour, take as long as you please to explore each of the towns and attractions along the track, just as Bill Binns wanted us to!
7. Mataranka Thermal Pool and Bitter Springs
Mataranka Thermal Pool and Bitter Springs are located in Elsey National Park, 120km south-east of Katherine along the Stuart Highway. The two thermal pools located in the park offer a unique opportunity to relax surrounded by nature. “Diving under the water to watch two turtles swimming past felt as though I was in a movie set! Crystal-clear warm water meandering through lush tropical forests. Really, can it get any better than this!”
Access to the Mataranka Thermal Pool is via an easy 500m walk and is pram and wheelchair accessible from the car park, and there are stairs and handrails into the park. The crystal-clear waters are warm year-round, and you can relax in the sandy-bottomed spring surrounded by the towering trees.
Bitter Springs are found around 2km from Mataranka and share similar access qualities. Warm spring waters rise from underground, producing 30.5 million litres per day.
Please note, the loop walks and swimming accessibility can vary throughout the year depending on weather conditions. A park pass is required to enter the park.
8. Yellow Water/Ngurrungurrudjba
Yellow Water Cruises (Image Tourism NT, James Fisher)
Found at the heart of Kakadu National Park, Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) offers stunning scenery, beautiful boardwalks around the floodplain and billabong waters, wildlife spotting, and if you’re looking for something a little closer to the water, fishing and boating. If you have your own boat, bring it along, or organise a cruise (Yellow Water Cruises is a must-do experience).
If you’re angling for some barramundi, February to April is a perfect time to visit, both in terms of plenty of barramundi as the floodplains empty out to sea and you’ll beat the crowds.
The wet season runs from November to April, and while this is still a great time to visit (stunning storms and thundering waterfalls), be aware that the wet weather can impact road access and be sure to check for updates online first before setting out on trips. Also don’t forget to organise your park pass.
And of course, watch out for the crocs!
9. Keep River National Park
One of the Northern Territory’s hidden gems, Keep River National Park offers a bounty of unique and bucket list-worthy attractions. Beautiful striped sandstone structures can be found throughout the park and have been compared to the Bungle Bungles in Western Australia. To best appreciate them, strap on your walking shoes for the 7km Jarnem Walk.
Don’t miss out on seeing the unique rock art at Langgerrbi (Nigli Gap) that is characteristic to the area, while other rock art locations at Ginger’s Hill, Jarnem and at the end of Jenemoom Walk are definitely worth exploring.
“Visit this place at dawn to see the cliffs in all their glory. It’s small but packs a big punch. Easy-to-walk trails with loads of information on the local plants, animals and history. One of my favourite National Parks in Australia,” says James.
There are a couple of different campground options to set up your home-base and explore the park properly. Goorrandalng campground is always popular, and the Goorrandalng Walk departs from this site — a well-marked path that winds you through the large, striped sandstone structures to truly appreciate their grandeur. Or try the Jarnem campground, ideally located near the Jarnem Lookout Walk (4.6km), which is a tougher trek but offers breathtaking views of the Keep River and Jarnem escarpment. Bookings for camping must be made online before you go.
All the waterways throughout the park are home to crocodiles, so don’t go swimming and stay safe.
10. Mount Borradaile
Located in north-west Arnhem Land, Mount Borradaile is a sacred Aboriginal site, and one not to miss on any journey into the Northern Territory. The large area is filled with beautiful billabongs teeming with wildlife, stunning wilderness and a rich abundance of cultural history which is maintained by its Traditional Owners.
Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge exclusively leases the 700sq km area that abuts the Arnhemland escarpment and offers plenty of experiences and cultural insight to the area. Whether it’s a cruise of the billabongs or a 4WD adventure, the team at the Safari Lodge will ensure you come away enriched by the history of this region that has been occupied by its Traditional Owners for more than 50,000 years.
Mount Borradaile offers “the highest density of outstanding Aboriginal-painted rock art of anywhere in Australia. The giant rainbow serpent painting is a must see. Ask the ex-buffalo hunter Greg and his team from Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge to show you around the art and wetlands,” James recommends.
Whether you’re travelling solo, have the family onboard for a Big Lap or are a grey nomad looking for your next adventure, the NT and James’s top 10 favourites in 3001 Things have you covered.
But always keep in mind that the NT is ruled by its waterways, and check road and weather conditions before travelling, particularly during the wet season from November to April.
Along with hundreds of inspiring images, 3001 Things to See & Do Around Australia will be a worthwhile companion on your travels. Available at good booksellers and through Hema Maps for $64.95.
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