Nothing says “outback adventure” like a holiday in the Northern Territory.

Soak up the Indigenous culture and then sink into soothing hot springs. Marvel at crocs and rocks and magnetic termite mounds, then retreat to the cool and the pool at a Discovery Parks oasis, close to all the best attractions in the NT.

Here’s our Top 13 things to do in the Northern Territory.

1. Alice Springs

Alice Springs is an excellent base to explore the beauty of the Red Centre. In town, make sure to visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre to see lizards, snakes and crocodiles up close. The Alice Springs Desert Park showcases the desert's flora and fauna, while for a cultural experience, head to the Mbantua Fine Art Gallery with its high-quality Aboriginal artwork. Step back in time and stretch your legs at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, which played a crucial role in Australia's communication history. And if you're visiting in April 2025, don't miss the spectacular Parrtjima Light Festival, where light installations illuminate the MacDonnell Ranges. Discovery Parks – Alice Springs lives up to its excellent reputation for families, with a choice of pools, a bouncing pillow and stargazing through the park’s telescope. Cabins sleep up to six, while the Safari Tent sleeps four.

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2. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park    

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a massive sandstone monolith that rises 348 metres above the surrounding desert. It has been a sacred site for the Anangu people for over 30,000 years. The rock's many caves and crevices are adorned with ancient rock art, telling stories of the Dreamtime. Guided walks led by Anangu rangers provide insight into the cultural importance of Uluru and the surrounding landscape. Witnessing the changing colors of Uluru at sunrise or sunset is an unforgettable experience. The change in sunlight transforms the rock from a from a fiery red to a glowing amber, casting long shadows across the desert. There are designated viewing areas to enjoy this spectacular sight.

3. Field of Light at Uluru

As darkness falls at Uluru, the Field of Light art brings the nighttime desert to life in a stunning way. This star-studded art installation features more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres that gently illuminate the arid landscape. You’ll experience a sense of tranquility and amazement as you wander through the rolling field, taking time to capture a treasure chest of photographic memories. It’s an ethereal experience that you will never forget.

4. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas, is a collection of 36 massive domes located 25km west of Uluru. The tallest dome, Mount Olga, stands 546 metres high. You will feel incredibly close to the living landscape as you hike the winding trails through the valleys and gorges. The Valley of the Winds walk is a challenging but rewarding trek that showcases the unique geology of the area.

5. Explore Darwin

Darwin’s vibrant culture and nature are a must-see! The Top End capital city is a melting pot of cultures, sights and things to do. If you’re into laid-back fun, you’ll find this in abundance at Discovery Parks - Darwin. Or head straight to the Darwin Waterfront, which includes sublime swimming areas, a wave lagoon, picnic areas and plenty of cafes and restaurants. Or join locals and tourists alike to enjoy the majestic sunset at Mindil Beach Sunset Market from May to October, another location where you can indulge in delicious local cuisine and shop for unique crafts. Families will have Crocasaurus Cove near the top of their list. It’s loads of fun in the heart of the city and lets you get up close to saltwater crocs. How close, you ask? Brave visitors can enter the Cage of Death, a clear acrylic cylinder that is lowered into the crocodile enclosure.

Further out, the Darwin Military Museum and the Defense of Darwin Experience are also well worth the effort. Explore the lush George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens and get the kids looking out for bush chooks, giant spider webs, butterflies in the sensory garden and snap a pic of them next to the 9 metre crocodile sculpture.

Finally, Darwin's proximity to Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks makes it an ideal base for exploring the Northern Territory's natural wonders.

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6. Kakadu National Park

About 150 kilometres from both Darwin and Katherine, Kakadu's diverse landscapes are a sight to behold, from the lush wetlands to the rugged escarpments. The park is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna, including over 2,000 plant species and a third of Australia's bird species. That’s why it’s on so many tourism bucket lists. Your family can explore the park's many hiking trails, take a scenic flight or cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong to spot crocodiles and other wildlife. Kids, keep your hands in the boat! Kakadu is also renowned for its Aboriginal rock art sites, with some dating back 20,000 years.

Guided tours led by Indigenous rangers provide insight into the cultural significance of these ancient paintings. Trust us when we promise that it’s an adventure the whole family will love.

7. Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is a Northern Territory tourism attraction favourite because of its close proximity to Darwin. Imagine breathtaking waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes and amazing rock formations and you’ll understand why it’s so popular. Some of the most popular waterfalls are Florence Falls and Wangi Falls, while Buley Rockhole is a series of tiered pools connected by small cascades. A cool-off dip has never been so magical. Walker Creek is another popular spot, with its deep pool and sandy beach surrounded by towering paperback trees.

8. Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

Number eight on our list – and perfect for a family holiday in the NT – is Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a series of 13 gorges carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River. Guided boat tours provide insight into the area's geology, flora and fauna, as well as the Aboriginal cultural significance. Many tours include a stop at a sandy beach for a refreshing swim. You can also rent a canoe and paddle along at your own pace. So go ahead, stay at Discovery Parks - Katherine and gorge yourself on the Gorge!

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9. Katherine Hot Springs

Soaking in the Katherine Hot Springs is simply sublime. Feel your cares slip away as you step into natural thermal pools that maintain water temperatures between 25-30°C year-round. Safe to swim in and surrounded bynative vegetation, you can soak in the mineral-rich waters while the kids splash about.

Of course, those same youngsters will be incredibly tired at the end of the day, so a new Deluxe 2 Bedroom cabin at Discovery Parks - Katherine lets you stay up and enjoy the elevated balcony and air-conditioned comfort while they sleep in their own room. 

10. Magnetic termite mounds

Your kids will be fascinated by the magnetic termite mounds in Litchfield National Park. These incredible structures, built by the little critters, are aligned north-south to minimise exposure to the sun and regulate the temperature inside the mounds. And you’ll know them when you see them because they reach heights of up to two metres.

11. Kings Canyon Rim Walk

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a rewarding six-kilometre hike offering breathtaking views of a 300-million-year-old landscape. The walk begins with a steep climb of 500 steps to the top of the canyon, followed by a scenic journey along the rim. Along the way, you'll encounter the Garden of Eden, a lush oasis nestled within the canyon. This permanent waterhole, surrounded by towering red rock walls, provides a refreshing respite from the heat. Take a dip in the cool waters before continuing your hike and returning to Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon for a well-earned sundowner.

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12. Light Towers at Discovery Resorts

After a day of exploring, head back to Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon and enjoy a meal at the Bar and Grill, Carmichael's Restaurant experience something special at Under a Desert Moon. The resort features the Light Towers, an immersive sound and light installation that illuminates the surrounding desert landscape. Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon is the closest accommodation to Watarrka National Park, home to the iconic Kings Canyon. The modern rooms, featuring ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, private balconies, allow guests to fully enjoy this magnificent setting in style.

13. Festivals

There are several festivals that are well worth planning ahead for.

The Darwin Festival is a vibrant celebration of arts, culture and music that takes place each August. Local and international artists bring to life plays, immersive installations and creative exhibitions. The international theme continues with the festival's food stalls and pop-up restaurants showcasing cuisines from around the world.  Book it into your calendar for August each year. And while you’re at it, book into Discovery Parks – Darwin so you also have somewhere brilliant to stay.

Desert Mob is series of events that draws together hundreds of artists to celebrate desert culture in and around Alice Springs. The Exhibition features art from over 30 Aboriginal art centres across the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia. There’s also a Symposium, and a Marketplace where you can buy artworks direct from the artists. Stay as the sun goes down and enjoy the food, art, music and curator talks of Desert Mob After Dark. It runs annually from September to October and what better place to stay than the perfectly located Discovery Parks - Alice Springs, with its pool, range of cabins and sites, as well as laid-back safari tents.