Top Northern Territory Outdoor Activities

Experience the thrill of seeing saltwater crocodiles on a jumping crocodile cruise down the Adelaide River about an hour southeast of Darwin. A great way to come face to face with these magnificent creatures, this cruise also offers visitors the chance to learn about the ecology of the river and its incredible inhabitants. Great for wildlife lovers, this Indigenous-owned tour company focuses on sustainable interactions and has been endorsed by the NT Parks & Wildlife for its animal ethics policies.

Explore Litchfield National Park on this guided walking tour. Cool off in the spring-fed waterfalls, take a hike in the tropical monsoon vine forests, get a lesson in ancient Indigenous bush food and medicine. Enjoy lunch at Tolmer Falls where you’ll have the chance to head to the lookout or walk through an ancient cycad forest. Then, choose to visit the Batchelor Butterfly Farm (additional fee) to learn about Australian butterflies.

Experience the magnetic allure of Uluru (Ayers rock) on this half-day tour from Ayers Rock resort. Get up close to the UNESCO-listed landmark with a drive around the base and follow the Kuniya Walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Discover Uluru’s spiritual significance as you admire ancient Aboriginal rock art and visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Then, sip a glass of wine and munch on canapés as you witness the dazzling sunset over Uluru. Finish your day with a hearty Aussie-style BBQ (if option selected) beneath the desert stars.

Take in Darwin Harbour during a 2sunset cruise aboard the 'Charles Darwin,' a deluxe 3-level catamaran that was built for service on the Gold Coast Broadwater. Travel past Stokes Hill Wharf, the Esplanade, Larrakeyah Naval barracks, Cullen Bay, and Fannie Bay, while seated in air-conditioned comfort or outside on the Sun Deck (top deck). Hear live commentary on Darwin’s history and landmarks, and have the option to include a buffet dinner, or purchase snacks and drinks at the onboard bar.

Travel from Alice Springs to World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Considered the spiritual of the Red Centre, these two sacred sites feature stunning scenery and significant cultural importance. Discover the highlights with your guides, who take you to Mutitjulu Waterhole, Mala Walk and the Cultural Centre. Learn about local Aboriginal history and traditions during this all-inclusive tour. Includes lunch, snacks, and an Aussie barbecue during the sunset at Uluru. Note: from April 1, 2024 lunch and a visit to Kata Tjuṯa will no longer be included

Explore Kakadu National Park and learn about Australia’s Aboriginal heritage on a full-day tour from Darwin. You'll see the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park, including ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout. Then take a Guluyambi cultural cruise along the East Alligator River, traveling with an indigenous guide who stops along the way to show you the dramatic landscapes of Arnhem Land. Note: March and April visit the Burrungkuy and Nourlangie Rock galleries and ride the Billabong cruise.

Experience the natural wonders and ancient cultural heritage of Kakadu — Australia’s largest national park. On this full-day tour from Darwin, cruise along the Yellow Water billabong while spotting crocs basking on the banks. Admire ancient Aboriginal art at the ‘desert museum’ of Nourlangie Rock, and delve deeper into indigenous history at the Warradjan Aboriginal Centre.

Sit back and enjoy the scenery of Australia’s rugged Red Centre with this one-way transfer from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach through the mystical desert of the Northern Territory while your driver-guide points out passing attractions and shares Aboriginal history. Stretch your legs at stops throughout the journey, including the Outback Camel Farm, where you can enjoy an optional camel ride (own expense).

Take a full-day detour from Darwin to explore the beautiful natural playground of Katherine Gorge. Cruise between ancient sandstone cliffs for an up-close perspective of Aboriginal rock art and crocodiles lounging on the riverbanks. Take a dip in a natural swimming hole at the base of Edith Falls (conditions permitting), and recharge with a delicious lunch.

Discover the best of Litchfield National Park on a full-day tour from Darwin. Head to the Adelaide River for a private Jumping Crocodile cruise that gives you great views of the crocs. Continue into Litchfield National Park to cool off in swimming holes such as Florence Falls, Wangi Falls or Buley Rockhole, see the sculptural termite mounds and have a picnic lunch. Back in Darwin, watch the sunset at Mindil Beach while sipping a glass of champagne and nibbling prawn appetizers before returning to your hotel.

Leave the driving to a professional while you soak up the legendary sights of Central Australia with this one-way shuttle service from Uluru (Ayres Rock) to Alice Springs. Travel aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach for the approximately 6-hour journey, while your driver provides commentary on Outback history and natural attractions. Stretch your legs with stops along the way to photograph ancient rock formations and admire Aboriginal art at a roadhouse.

Ensure you get the best sunset vista by heading out onto the water on this cruise across Darwin Harbour. Aboard a large, ocean-going catamaran with plenty of deck space, sit under the sails or in the air-conditioned salon and toast the setting sun with a glass of sparkling wine before enjoying a tapas/barbecue dinner while soaking up the views—if you wish, you can bring your own drinks and keep them chilled in the on board coolers.

Enjoy a rare chance to visit the Tiwi Islands and witness an Aboriginal community that holds on tightly to its traditions. Located off the coast of Darwin, the Tiwi Islands experience is led by an indigenous guide who shares local history and traditions. Partake in a traditional morning tea with Tiwi Islanders before visiting the Tiwi Museum and joining Aboriginal artists for an art-making workshop. You can also shop for Tiwi paintings, fabric, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices (own expense).

Go sightseeing in Darwin with a hop-on hop-off pass that is valid for 24 or 48 hours. Cruise to top spots including Crocosaurus Cove, the waterfront precinct, and Darwin Military Museum. Enjoy unobstructed views from the open-top double-decker bus and informative onboard commentary. Simply hop on board to travel from sight to sight, and explore in depth on your own by hopping off at any of the convenient stops. Opt for two different tour lengths to suit your sightseeing schedule.

Set out from Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin for a fabulous sunset cruise accompanied by a meal of fish and chips, and a complimentary drink. Relax and enjoy watching a colorful Top End sunset over Fannie Bay from the best spot in Darwin Harbour. Your captain stops at Cullen Bay Beach to pick up your meal, which is made with fresh wild–caught Northern Territory fish. Eat a classic Australian dish, snap photos and enjoy the beauty of Darwin during this memorable sunset cruise.

Explore the World War II sites of Darwin on this city sightseeing and cruise tour. Visit the Darwin war memorial and East Point Military Precinct, and explore Darwin Military Museum to chart the city’s wartime experience. Midway through, enjoy a small-boat cruise around Darwin Harbour, passing the modern naval base and the remnants and wreck sites of Japan’s devastating February 1942 air raids. Hotel pickup, entrance fees, and live onboard commentary included.

Enjoy an authentic desert adventure right in the heart of Australia, as you ride a camel close to Alice Springs. Mount up for a thrilling circuit along red sand tracks and forest trails; and spot wild kangaroos and wallabies from your unique vantage point. Finally, stop for a memorable photo against a dramatic backdrop of the Western MacDonell Ranges.

Ride into the sunset and enjoy tropical breezes during this Darwin dinner cruise aboard a traditional fishing ketch. Enjoy freshly shucked Coffin Bay oysters or sink your teeth into succulent Northern Territory Banana prawns followed by your choice of fresh-caught fish or Scotch fillet steak in a 4-course meal provided by the onboard chef. Drinks are available for purchase at the bar, or bring your own.

Experience the sunrise over Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Australia's Red Centre. Before dawn, travel into UNESCO-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and admire the colors of the sunrise over the desert landscape and Kata Tjuta rock formations. Enjoy an outback picnic breakfast followed by a walking tour of stunning Walpa Gorge. This small-group tour is limited to 11 participants, which allows for a more personalized experience.

Enjoy an absolutely iconic experience when visiting Australia’s Red Centre—a full trek around the base of Uluru. As you start your sunrise walk around the 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) base trail of Uluru, embrace the culture, geology, and environment that is the essence of this amazing monolith. Stop along the trail for a picnic breakfast with an amazing close up view. Your guide tells the cultural stories (Tjukurpa) of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (woma python) as well as many other Aboriginal creation stories associated with this amazing natural landmark. Witness the sunrise, visit waterholes, see rock art sites of the ancients, and immerse yourself in the nature and culture of this very special place. 

On this guided afternoon tour from Darwin, head to the Adelaide River, which is home to over 1,600 crocodiles including the famous 'jumping' crocodiles. There, you'll cruise the river and see these creatures launch themselves out of the water. Following that, visit the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre to take in views of the Marrakai Plains. Also, stop at the Fogg Dam Nature Reserve to see a wetland ecosystem.

Discover the gorgeous interior of the Katherine Gorge during a scenic and informative boat cruise in Nitmiluk National Park. Choose from a 2 hour cruise that takes you deep into the network of waterways that flow through the Katharine Gorge, which consists of 13 separate gorges. Short walks between the gorges allow you to see more of the landscape. Hear from your informative guide about the wildlife and Aboriginal people of this land, the Jawoyn. Choose the dawn tour to see the gorge at first light — an exceptional experience.

Go sightseeing in Darwin on a 5-hour morning tour that takes you to top sites including Parliament House, Palmerston Town, the Darwin Botanical Gardens and the vibrant waterfront. Learn about the Darwin’s World War II history at the Defence of Darwin Experience, with admission to this military heritage site included in your tour. Have time to explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, and stop by the Fannie Bay Gaol and Darwin Aviation Heritage Centre among other sites on this comprehensive introduction to Darwin.