Northern Territory hotels

This most rural of Australia’s states might be sparsely populated, but the Northern Territory is gifted with a rich diversity of wildlife, cultures, and landscapes. Stretching from the lush jungles at its northern tip to the red-rust deserts at the heart of the continent, “NT” is where you can come face to face with Australia’s real Outback. Here you can share bush-tucker with an Aboriginal guide, spot giant saltwater crocodiles, or even ride through the desert on the back of a camel.

Hotels in Northern Territory

There are several quality beach hotels in the Northern Territory, including some of the highest-rated luxury establishments in the country. Here you can unwind in 5-star elegance, enjoying seaside resorts complete with lavish pool complexes and full-service spas. Alternatively, more reasonable Northern Territory hotel rates await you in family-friendly aparthotels lining the coastal strip. Head inland or along the coast to the Outback and you’ll discover more characterful rural lodgings under wide open skies. You can find low-impact, eco-tourist accommodation in the Northern Territory’s hinterland too. Some such hotels are equipped with solar panels, designed to have as little impact as possible on this sensitive and sacred landscape.

Things to see in Northern Territory

It’s the spectacular landscapes and unique opportunities for cultural tourism of the Northern Territory that bring visitors to this remote Australian state. Perhaps the most far-flung is Uluru, a glowering mass of red sandstone once known as Ayers Rock. Lying in the far south of the state, this 2-mile long sacred rock is at its most beautiful at sunset and sunrise. The northern half of the state has its wonders too. In the Nitmiluk National Park, you can explore the spectacular waterfalls and pools of Katherine Gorge, taking a guided cruise, or even kayaking down its waterways. Further south is the vast Kakadu National Park, home to salt-water crocodiles, kangaroos, and dingoes, with some astonishing Aboriginal art to be found among its rock shelters. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin is a great place to explore NT’s cultural legacy—both Aboriginal and of the more recent arrivals—further.

Where to stay in Northern Territory

The state capital Darwin may be small, but it’s the epicentre for accommodation in the Northern Territory. An excellent place for families and first-time visitors to stay, it has great water parks and fascinating local attractions, such as museums, bushwalking tours, and crocodile parks. It also makes a great base for exploring the stunning scenery of the “Top End”. Katherine is a small city 200 miles to the south ideal for those more adventurous travellers keen to explore the Nitmiluk National Park. Lastly, far-flung Alice Springs, 900 miles from Darwin in Australia’s Red Centre, offers a chance to be immersed in sacred landscapes and traditional Aboriginal culture.

How to get to Northern Territory

Although remote from the rest of Australia, the capital Darwin is closer to many Asian destinations than the country’s other big cities. That means flight times to Darwin International Airport are often considerably shorter. From Darwin Airport, you can catch domestic flights to both Alice Springs and Uluru, as well as cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, or Cairns. If you have the time, and want to absorb the full impact of the Australia’s vast outback, the Ghan train from Adelaide to Darwin (via Alice Springs and Katherine) makes for a dramatic way to travel to the NT.