21 things to do in the Northern Territory in 2021
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Australia’s borders are still closed to all but a select few. But hopefully this will change later in 2021. If so, it might be time to properly explore the enormous Northern Territory. As part of the Australia in 2021 series, Australia Travel Questions has picked out 21 things to do in the Northern Territory in 2021 should you choose to do so…
Three things to do in Darwin
Mindil Beach Market: Watch the sun set, listen to street musicians and browse the craft stalls at the.Northern Territory’s best market.
The Cage of Death: Get inside a see-through box, then get lowered into a giant saltwater crocodile’s enclosure at Crocosaurus Cove.
World War II Oil Storage Tunnels: Wander through the once-secret World War II Oil Storage Tunnels beneath Darwin, looking at wartime photographs. It’s one of Australia Travel Questions’ 21 museums in Australia to visit in 2021.
Eight things to do in the Top End
Giant termite mounds: The Litchfield National Park is famed for its waterfalls, but the enormous termite mounds are pretty darned special too.
Corroboree Billabong: Cruises of the Corroboree Billabong focus on the crocodiles, but there’s admirable insight into how the Top End ecosystem fits together.
Yellow Water Cruise: See birdlife, giant lilypads and paperbark trees on a cruise of the Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park. Oh yes, and you’ll probably see more than a few crocodiles, too…
Anbangbang rock art gallery: See some of the most important Aboriginal rock art in Australia. The paintings at Anbangbang date back thousands of years, and provide a historical record.
Mamukala Wetlands: The best birdwatching spot in Kakadu National Park plays host to dozens of species. But the signposting helps you get an idea of the Aboriginal seasons, too.
Climb Ubirr: Arguably the single best place to visit in Kakadu, Ubirr offers rock art and wallabies at the bottom, plus majestic views out over the East Alligator River floodplain at the top.
Garig Gunak Barlu National Park: Brave your way in a 4WD to the Cobourg Peninsula, for world class fishing, boat trips and wildlife viewing. It’s one of Australia Travel Questions’ 21 Australian national parks to visit in 2021.
The Jatbula Trail: There’s more to the Nitmiluk National Park than just Katherine Gorge. The five day Jatbula Trail across the park proves it, for those bold enough to camp out on the way.
Two things to do in the central Northern Territory
Wycliffe Well: The Wycliffe Well roadhouse is festooned in alien paraphernalia. Will the little green men drop by while you’re in the self-declared UFO capital of Australia?
The Devils Marbles: On the long outback drive from Alice Springs to Katherine, the Devils Marbles add a sense of mystery. Get there at sunrise to admire the giant boulders, stacked on top of each other, awash with colour.
Three things to do near Alice Springs
Alice Springs Telegraph Station: Learn about how Australia was connected to the rest of the world at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The changes that came about afterwards make this one of Australia’s most important historic sites.
Walk Standley Chasm: Hire a car in Alice Springs, then explore the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges. Standley Chasm – a dramatic sandstone gorge – is the highlight.
Trek the Larapinta Trail: A twelve day walk, taking in many of the Red Centre’s most striking attractions, is not for the feint-hearted. But the rewards for those prepared to camp on the way are rich.
Five things to do in the Red Centre
Mount Conner: Take a private tour to be one of the few people who has made it to Fake Uluru.
Kings Canyon scenic flight: See the rumpled George Gill range from above. The helicopter flights focus on Watarrka National Park’s star attraction – Kings Canyon. But the panoramas of the whole range are staggering.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk: While you’re at Kings Canyon, you might as well see it the traditional way. Be warned, however, Heart Attack Hill at the start of the Kings Canyon Rim Walk is an absolute brute…
Uluru camel rides: Ride a camel through the Red Centre desert. With, of course the Australia’s most famous big red rock looming in the near distance.
Uluru base walk: You can’t climb Uluru any more. But never fear – the half day base walk around it is constantly surprising and mesmerising.