Top 5 things to do in the Northern Territory

From first-time visitors to seasoned explorers, the Northern Territory offers a deeper, wilder and more meaningful way to experience Australia. Think landscapes that stretch your sense of scale, stories that run tens of thousands of years deep and journeys where the road itself is part of the adventure. 

Our House of Travel Australia specialists have picked their top five must-do experiences in the Northern Territory, from iconic rail journeys and luxury desert lodges to sacred cultural experiences under the stars.

For a slower, more luxurious way to see the Northern Territory, there's nothing more iconic than a journey on The Ghan, one of the world's great rail experiences.

Travelling between Darwin and Adelaide (or vice versa), The Ghan delivers breathtaking scenery, exceptional service, fine dining and unforgettable off-train excursions into the remote outposts of the Red Centre. The Ghan Expedition runs southbound from Darwin to Adelaide over three nights, with full-day stops at Katherine Gorge and Alice Springs, places where the landscape truly unfolds around you.

Each off-train experience showcases the history, culture and beauty of the regions along the way - and by 2027, the journey is set to expand from three days to four, adding stops in the Flinders Ranges and a famous South Australian wine region. 

Depending on which direction you travel, consider tagging on a few extra days in Darwin to soak up the Top End. If you want to see outback Australia without lifting anything heavier than a wine glass -The Ghan is just the ticket.

Watch the sky ignite in brilliant shades of orange and pink as you glide across calm tropical waters. This is one of Darwin's most relaxed and unforgettable experiences.

You'll board Sundancer, a 50ft luxury catamaran with 100sqm of deck space and a fully air-conditioned saloon for when you need a break from the heat. Feel the wind and savour the silence as the motors cut and the sails unfurl for a sensational three-hour dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour.

Sip unlimited Australian sparkling wine, and graze on tapas and a barbecue dinner as the sky transforms around you. It's a jaw-dropping way to see the sunset, and a sailing experience that captures the magic of the Top End from the water. Not a bad way to spend an evening.

Glide between towering sandstone cliffs by boat or paddle your way through this ancient landscape for one of the Northern Territory's most awe-inspiring natural experiences.

Nitmiluk is a series of thirteen gorges carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River. Whether you choose a guided cruise, a canoe adventure, or a combination of both, the sheer scale of the rust-coloured cliffs rising above the still water is something you have to see to believe. Photos don't do it justice.

This is Jawoyn country, and the gorge system holds deep cultural significance. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles, wallabies and a rich variety of birdlife as you explore. It's one of those rare places where nature, culture and adventure all come together in harmony. 

Wake to Uluṟu at your window. This is one of Australia's most extraordinary luxury lodge experiences.

Sixteen tented pavilions sit lightly on red desert sand in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park, with views of Uluṟu that will stop you in your tracks. Longitude 131° is where luxury meets the outback: gourmet dining, sweeping desert vistas and a contemporary style that feels completely at home in this vast landscape.

Toast the outback at sunset with champagne and canapes, then dine under a blanket of stars surrounded by the hush of the desert. It's the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave. You'll take approximately 400 photos of the same rock and not regret a single one.

As night falls over the Red Centre, experience a powerful light and sound spectacle that shares the Mala story through music, lasers and drones.

Available year-round at Ayers Rock Resort, the Wintjiri Wiru drone show is a breathtaking fusion of technology and tradition. Hundreds of glowing drones paint the night sky, telling the sacred stories of the Anangu people in a stunning display of cultural storytelling.

It's dazzling, it's moving and it's one of the most unique things you can do anywhere in Australia.

• May to October is the dry season and the best time to visit. Expect warm days, clear skies and no wet season road closures. 
• Allow 7 to 10 days to cover Darwin, Katherine Gorge and Uluṟu without rushing.
• Book Longitude 131° and The Ghan, well in advance. Both have limited capacity and sell out during June to September - peak season.
• Fly into Darwin and out of Alice Springs, or vice versa, to avoid backtracking.
• Allow at least two nights at Uluṟu. One day isn't enough for the base walk, Kata Tjuta and Wintjiri Wiru.
• Don't underestimate the distances. Darwin to Alice Springs is roughly 1,500 km by road. That's why The Ghan exists.

What is the best time to visit the Northern Territory?

The dry season, from May to October, offers the most comfortable conditions, with warm days, cool evenings and clear skies. The wet season, November to April, brings dramatic storms and lush landscapes - but some roads and parks may be inaccessible.

How many days do you need in the Northern Territory?

A week to ten days covers the main highlights comfortably. If you're including The Ghan (three to four days), allow additional time for Darwin and Uluṟu on either end.

Can you visit Uluṟu and Darwin in one trip?

Absolutely. Many travellers fly into Darwin, explore the Top End, then travel south to Uluṟu via The Ghan or a connecting flight to Alice Springs. It's a well-worn route that covers the best of both regions.

What is the best way to get from Darwin to Uluṟu?

The Ghan is the most iconic option, travelling from Darwin to Adelaide via Alice Springs. Alternatively, fly from Darwin to Alice Springs (about two hours), then drive or transfer to Uluṟu, roughly four and a half hours by road.

Is the Wintjiri Wiru drone show worth seeing?

Yes. Even if you've seen drone shows before, the combination of the setting, the sacred storytelling and the scale of it, makes this a special experience. It runs year-round and is suitable for all ages.