The Best Road Trips in the Northern Territory, Australia

Looking for a road trip that takes in all the quintessential Aussie experiences? Look no further than the Northern Territory for your next adventure! Trailfinders has two perfect NT road trips, Red Centre Rocks and Tropical Top End, where you will encounter iconic landmarks, ancient Outback landscapes, unique Australian wildlife and much more. Read our guide on where to go, where to stay and what not to miss to make the most of your next antipodean adventure.

Alice Springs for 2 nights - Red Centre Rocks

Where to stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Unmissable experience: Float above the vast expanse of the Australian outback as the dawn breaks on a hot air balloon flight.

Unmissable experience: Visit the burnt orange, maroon and purple hues of the West MacDonnell Ranges, boasting beautiful swimming holes and breathtaking hiking trails.

Hot Air Ballooning, Balloon over Alice Springs, Australia

Uluru for 3 nights - Red Centre Rocks

Where to stay: Ayers Rock Resort

Unmissable experience: Witness the amazing spectacle of sunrise at Kata Tjuta whilst you drink tea, before enjoying a one hour walk through the magical domes of this sacred place.

Unmissable experience: ‘Wintjiri Wiru’ - the new light and sound show that tells an Aboriginal cultural story with drones, lighting up the night sky above the majestic Uluru.

Kings Canyon for 2 nights - Red Centre Rocks

Where to stay: Discovery Kings Canyon

Unmissable experience: The spectacular Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a 6km circuit, will take you to the Garden of Eden, a sacred rockhole surrounded by rare indigenous plants, and ascends to 360 degree panoramic views over the red desert.

Unmissable experience: ‘Light-Towers at Discovery Kings Canyon’ - immersive sound and light installation will awaken your senses as the light towers change colour in response to an entrancing soundscape by composer Orlando Gough.

Light Towers in Kings Canyon, Northern Territory, Australia

Darwin for 2 nights - Tropical Top End

Where to stay: Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Unmissable experience: Head out on glistening waters of Darwin Harbour for a relaxing evening aboard a dinner cruise and simply enjoy the view as you dine on a sumptuous Territory-style banquet.

Unmissable experience: Head to Mindil Beach Sunset Market, on either a Thursday or Sunday evening during the dry season, and choose from one of 60 delicious food and drinks stalls to eat whilst watching a fiery orange sunset.

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Northern Territory, Australia

Mary River National Park for 2 nights - Tropical Top End

Where to stay: Bamurru Plains

Unmissable experience: Cruise on the waters of Mary River Wetlands in an air boat and look out for saltwater crocodiles – home to the largest concentration of these in the world.

Unmissable experience: Enjoy a game drive in an open-top vehicle looking out for 23 species of birdlife that teem the destination.

Couple on Air Boat Tour at Bamurru Plains, Australia

Kakadu National Park for 2 nights - Tropical Top End

Where to stay: Cooinda Lodge Kakadu

Unmissable experience: Witness the jaw-dropping sunset and admire authentic rock art at Ubirr.

Unmissable experience: Enjoy a cruise around the Yellow Water Billabong, keeping your eye out for crocodiles, wallabies, wild horses and water buffalo and countless birds.

Nitmiluk National Park for 2 nights - Tropical Top End

Where to stay: Cicada Lodge

Unmissable experience: Witness the beauty of Nitmiluk Gorge as you cruise through the dramatic sandstone gorges.

Unmissable experience: Learn about the cultural importance of Nitmiluk National Park to the Aboriginals on a scenic hike along the Jatbula Trail, starting at Nitmiluk Gorge and ending in Edith Falls.

Katherine Gorge weaving escarpment, Nitmiluk National Park, Australia

For more inspiration take a look at our Northern Territory Holidays pages.

Written by Emily Hatchett

Emily is the Assistant Manager of our Content Team, based in our Kensington head office. Emily has worked at Trailfinders since 2018 and has travelled to 31 countries. Her favourite destinations include Vietnam, Italy and the Maldives.

@trailfindersofficial