Located in the north of Australia, the Northern Territory covers more than 1,300,000 km². This state, also called the Top End because of its location, is the Australian Bush in its purest form. The real Outback!

The conditions here are extreme and this is what makes this region so unique in the world. Therefore, it’s also one of the least populated states. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing to see! From Darwin to Alice Springs, the NT has many must-see places. Among them, national parks, hot springs and Aboriginal cultural wonders.

Do you know what are the most famous landmarks in Northern Territory? 

Here is the list of 16 of the best landmarks you can find in the NT!

 

The Full List of the 16 Most Famous Landmarks of Northern Territory

We can say there are 2 kinds of landmarks in Northern Territory Australia: the natural landmarks and the man made landmarks.

But as said before, the NT is quite empty, that’s why you’ll find much more natural landmarks than man made ones. Here is the full list 👇

Natural Landmarks: 

  1. Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park
  2. Kakadu National Park
  3. Litchfield National Park
  4. Kings Canyon
  5. Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park
  6. Bitter Springs
  7. Arnhem Land
  8. West MacDonnells Ranges
  9. Finke Gorge National Park
  10. Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu)
  11. Tiwi Islands

Man made Landmarks: 

  1. Darwin
  2. Crocosaurus Cove 
  3. Territory Wildlife Park
  4. Alice Springs
  5. The Ghan Train

So, here are 16 of the best landmarks of Northern Territory! If you want to learn more about each of these places, keep reading!

 

Natural Landmarks in Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is full of natural gems you’ll never found elsewhere in the world. Indeed, most of the NT remained untouched, in its natural state: both fauna and flora are unique here. 

Let’s see 11 of the most famous natural landmarks in Northern Territory! 

 

1. Uluru & Kata Tjuta National Park

Symbol of the Outback and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, Uluru is one of the most famous gem of the Red Centre. Visiting Uluru is a magical, spiritual, and highly interesting discovery.

 

uluru is one of the most famous places in northern territory

 

While its Aboriginal name is Uluru, Westerners call it Ayers Rock. Located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the rock formation impresses first of all by its unusual features. Indeed, its dimensions are impressive: 348 meters high, 2.5 km long and a base circumference of 9.4 km. 

Go admire the sunset on the rock, you’ll see a unique vibrant color palette you’ve never seen before! If you have time, you should also try hiking in the Olgas, an equally impressive rock formation not far from Uluru, in the same park. 

 

2. Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is the largest national park in Australia. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural landscapes. Located at 3 hours drive from Darwin, you should dedicate at least 2 days to discover this park if you want to make a full visit.

 

kakadu is in the top natural landmarks in northern territory australia

 

There, you’ll discover impressive landscapes, aboriginal paintings, hundreds of wild animals including marine crocodiles… Ubirr and Nourlangie are the most famous aboriginal sites of the park, paintings dates back thousands of years.

Visits during the wet season are limited as several sites are closed because of heavy rains.

 

3. Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is one of the greatest landmark in Northern Territory. Although located only 2 hours drive from Kakadu, this park is quite different and takes you on an adventure that can be done in one day. 

 

litchfield national park is in the top places to visit in northern territory

 

On the road and at the entrance, you’ll see the famous Termite Mounds welcoming you. But Litchfield National Park is mostly known as a natural water theme park: you’ll find many incredible swimming spots such as Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls.

Little bonus: you can have swimming companions: freshwater crocodiles! But don’t worry, they are completely harmless to humans!

 

4. Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon is one of the most famous and mythical places in Australia, just like Uluru, the Sydney Opera House or the Great Barrier Reef. The park covers 71,000 hectares and has been home to the Aboriginal people for over 20,000 years.

 

kings canyon

 

Located in the Watarrka National Park, it is a formation of gigantic red rocks. A thousand year old sandstone canyon that rises above forests at the western end of the George Gill Ranges.

When going to Kings Canyon, you shouldn’t miss the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, the must-do hike: it’s a 6km-loop along steep cliffs offering breathtaking views. 

 

5. Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park

Small town lost in the desert between Darwin and Alice Springs, Katherine isn’t a city you must-see, but its region is really worth a visit! 

 

katherine gorge is a great landmark in northern territory

 

You’ll be amazed by Mataranka Hot Springs. The water is transparent and turquoise blue, almost unreal, and the temperature of the water is constantly at 33°C. So don’t miss to swim there if you have the chance to! 

The other major point of interest in the region is Nitmiluk National Park, where Katherine Gorge is the main attraction. There are many ways to explore the gorge, but the best is to hike so you can enjoy both the various swimming spots and viewpoints.

 

6. Bitter Springs

Located at Mataranka in the Elsey National Park, Bitter Springs is a real oasis in the heart of the Australian desert. It’s a long turquoise lagoon of about 120 meters. 

 

There, you’ll be able to swim in a natural crystal clear river, surrounded by lush vegetation and lulled by the sound of the surrounding wildlife. 

To enjoy better the place, try going early in the morning or at the end of the day to avoid the crowds! Also, avoid going there after heavy rains as the water tends to be muddy.

 

7. Arnhem Land

Located north of NT in the Top End, Arnhem Land is adjacent to Kakadu National Park. Mysterious and intriguing, it’s one of the wildest and most isolated territories of the country with very few tourists.

 

arnham land

 

Between virgin landscapes and aboriginal culture, it’s a unique place with a very rich flora and fauna, still well preserved from human passage. It’s home to marine crocodiles, dugongs, turtles and migratory birds. Among the unmissable places: Macassan Beach and Nhulunbuy. 

As it belongs to the Aboriginal people, you’ll need a permission to visit. It helps protects the privacy of the Aboriginal communities as well as their culture and natural environment.

 

8. West MacDonnell National Park 

West MacDonnell National Park is a desert mountain range that stretches for 200km west of Alice Springs. 

 

While it’s often ignored by tourists who limit themselves to a few days around Uluru and sometimes Kings Canyon, this park is an amazing area with lots of waterholes that are so big that you can swim in them! One of the most famous are the deep gorges of Simpsons Gap. 

There are also many amazing walking trails in West MacDonnell National Park, including the 223km Larapinta trail.   

 

9. Finke Gorge National Park 

Located near West Macdonnell National Park at 140km from Alice Springs, Finke Gorge National Park covers 46,000 hectares.

 

The park includes the impressive Palm Valley, an oasis which is home to a variety of species unique to this area, such as red cabbage palm. It’s this unique vegetation that makes the park so well known.

You can visit the park with an all-terrain vehicle or with an organized tour. 

 

10. Devil’s Marbles (Karlu Karlu)

The Devils Marbles Reserve is located 410km North of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway, close to Tennant Creek. They are one of Australia’s greatest geological curiosities, and guess what? Entrance is free 🔥

 

devils marbles

 

What characterizes the park are these huge rounded granite rocks scattered all over the desert and balancing on top of each other. It’s quite incredible because these rocks seem to come out of nowhere.

The best time to discover this place is at sunset or sunrise, when the rocks take on a flaming red color. The second advantage is that it is much less hot than during the day!

 

11. Tiwi Islands 

Tiwi Islands is the 2nd largest island behind Tasmania, and it’s located 100km from Darwin. You can reach the island from Darwin by plane in 30min or by ferry in 2.5 hours. 

 

The archipelago is composed of 11 islands: Bathurst and Melville, the 2 main islands, and 9 more that remain inhabited. As most people living in Tiwi Islands are Aboriginal, it’s the ideal trip if you want to meet them and learn more about their traditions and culture. 

Because of the heavy rains and their isolated  location, fauna and flora in Tiwi Islands is unique in the world. No doubt you’ll be amazed when discovering them! 

 

Man Made Landmarks in Northern Territory

Despite these difficult natural conditions, we can still find marks of civilization and man made landmarks, which makes NT a very complete destination for holidays. 

Discover 5 of man made landmarks in Northern Territory below!

 

12. Darwin 

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and is located in the very north of the country, on the Timor sea. It’s a city on a human scale with many cultural sites and an idyllic natural setting.

 

From the boats in the harbor to the restaurant terraces, from the historic museums to the Aboriginal art galleries, Darwin has no shortage of attractions for tourists.

Relax at the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, take a stroll through the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets to try some exotic food. If you’re looking for a thrill, head to Crocosaurus Cove to get close with the Top End’s iconic animal, the crocodiles!

Read more: Best Landmarks in Darwin

 

13. Crocosaurus Cove

According to all travel guide, Crocosaurus Cove is THE BEST attraction in Darwin that you don’t want to miss!

 

Situated in the heart of Darwin, this park is dedicated to reptiles, especially crocodiles, the city and Top End’s emblematic animal. 

The park is mainly known for the Cage of Death: visitors can slide in a transparent box that is immersed in the water to observe and dive with a massive saltwater crocodile of 5-meter long. The faint-hearted should abstain! 

 

14. Territory Wildlife Park

Located at 40min drive from Darwin in Berry Springs, Territory Wildlife park is a natural park dedicated to the animals of the region. It’s one one of the best places to visit in Northern Territory if you want to get a closer look to local animals. 

 

territory wildlife park

 

Animals are kept in their natural habitat with a lot of space and the separation with the visitors is minimal for a guaranteed immersion in the wildlife. You’ll even find some wild animals running free all over the place.

You’ll be able to interact with the animals, and feed them. The park is mainly famous for its impressive raptors!

 

15. Alice Springs 

Alice Springs is a desert town in the middle of the country, and an excellent starting point to visit the Outback. It’s the main town of the Red Centre.

 

alice springs is a top man made landmarks in northern territory

 

Nestled between huge rocks, this small town is charming and unique. It’s peaceful and has a western movie atmosphere that is very cool.

You can stroll down Todd Street, a pleasant shopping street with many Aboriginal art galleries, or enjoy a panoramic view from the top of Anzac Hill. You can also discover the local flora and fauna at Olive Pink Botanic Garden.

 

16. The Ghan Train

Like the Orient-Express or the Trans-Siberian Railway, The Ghan is one of the longest rail journeys in the world, covering 2979 km in 54 hours (4 days and 3 nights).

 

From Darwin to Adelaide though Alice Springs and Katherine, it crosses the largest spaces of the Australian Outback and Northern Territory, from north to south (or the reverse). It’s a journey in itself: life on board, landscapes, meetings and discoveries of incredible places… 

Prices are quite expensive as the conditions in the train are luxurious, but it’s a unique experience in the world to do at least once in a lifetime! 

 

Map of the Northern Territory Landmarks

Here is a map of Australia with all the Northern Territory landmarks listed in this post. To get it, click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.

 

map of the northern territory landmarks

 

So here are 16 of the most famous places in Northern Territory, Australia!
 

More Landmarks in Australia

Want to discover more famous Australia landmarks? Well, I have other posts that you might like!

Here is the main guide of all famous Australia landmarks 👉 The Very Best Landmarks in Australia.

Find the best landmarks in Australia by state:

Find the best landmarks in Australia by city:

I hope you could’ve made your list of the must-see places in Australia thanks to these guides. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback!

 

If you loved this post, share it with your friends by using the buttons below, I’m sure they’ll love it! 😊