Featured image: There are many stunning National Parks to visit in Australia’s Northern Territory | Photo provided by Northern Territory 142078-35

Australia’s Northern Territory is home to two UNESCO National Parks 

by Claudia Laroye

When it comes to wide open spaces occupied by exotic animals like kangaroos and crocodiles, where Indigenous history and extreme beauty blend seamlessly into the landscape, few places can compete with Australia’s incomparable Northern Territory. Home to more than 80 national parks and reserves, the Northern Territory is the only Australian jurisdiction with two national parks that are also UNESCO World Heritage-listed for both their cultural and natural value – Kakadu National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

The “NT”, as it’s affectionately called by locals and those who have come to love its challenging, rugged splendour, offering women a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in spectacular nature, authentic Indigenous culture, and landscapes that are unique even within Australia.

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Five breathtaking national park experiences in Australia’s Northern Territory

These five National Parks offer a glimpse into the top drawer natural, cultural and Indigenous experiences open for exploration by curious women who are ready to be drawn into the wonder of the Northern Territory.

1. Judbarra/Gregory National Park

Get ready for a real 4WD adventure in Northern Territory’s second-largest national park. Judbarra/Gregory National Park is home to spectacular mountain ranges, gorges, woodlands of eucalypt gum and Boab trees, sandstone escarpments and the meandering Victoria River.

Explore the diverse landscapes of this unique park, which showcase the transition zone between the NT’s tropical (Top End) and semi-arid regions. Lace up hiking boots to access the park’s walking trails, including the easy Escarpment Walk with its spectacular views of the Victoria River and the escarpment, complete with informative signs marking the stories of the Nungali and Wardaman people along the route. Up for a challenge? Head for the Nawulbinbin (Joe Creek) Loop Walk, passing Aboriginal paintings and winding up a steep rocky slope to the base of the escarpment wall.

The park is a 4WD vehicle paradise, with six rugged tracks to navigate, including the 6 km Limestone Gorge track through limestone formations and Boab trees. Keep a keen eye out for Gregory’s Tree, a giant old boab on which explorer Augustus Gregory carved the dates of his party’s expedition in July 1856. You’ll need that 4WD vehicle to reach Bullita Homestead. The cabin, still in its original condition, tells the story of the challenges faced by the first European settlers in transforming the outback into productive farm and grazing land.

2. Kakadu National Park

World Heritage-listed Kakadu Park is a vast expanse of 20,000 km2 of iconic natural beauty, unique biodiversity and Aboriginal rock art sites.

Kakadu is renowned for both its cultural and natural values, including the Nourlangie Rock art site, once used by Aboriginal people as a storm shelter. The art on these walls offers glimpses into the rich spiritual tradition of the Indigenous people. Visiting in the dry season? Don’t miss the free activities conducted daily at the site.

Cruise along the Yellow Water Billabong (small lake) at sunset and be on the lookout for blooming water lilies and wetland wildlife like crocodiles, wild horses and heaps of birdlife. Or join a cultural cruise on the east Alligator River and learn stories of creation time and bush tukker or tukka (food) from Aboriginal guides.

Experience a late afternoon guided walk at Ubirr, one of the park’s most popular sites. Guides explain the meanings of the ancient Aboriginal rock art and finish in time to view the stunning sunset across the floodplains.

Raise a glass of Aussie red or Tassie sparkling wine in your suite or campsite at Cooinda Lodge, well-situated in Murumburr Country in southern Kakadu.

3. Litchfield National Park

As one of the closest national parks to the territorial capital of Darwin, Litchfield National Park remains one of the NT’s best-kept secrets. Despite its proximity to town, just 60 minutes’ drive south on the Stuart Highway, you can find yourself in parts of Litchfield without worrying about another soul wandering into your nature reverie.

This is a land of contrasts, offering everything from viewing gorgeous Wangi Falls, one of eight park waterfalls, the chance to dip into quiet rockholes or bubbling creeks to cool off on a hot Top End day, or stopping to admire the architectural formations of magnetic termite mounds found throughout the park.

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Enjoy a quiet picnic lunch overlooking the wetlands of Tabletop Swamp, with only the sounds of birdsong and rustling gum trees. Stop in Adelaide River for a wander through its War Cemetery for a sobering and perhaps surprising reminder of the impact WWII had on this part of Australia.

For a unique stay near Litchfield, head to Finniss River Lodge for a boutique luxury stay on a working cattle station. Home to 4,500 head of Brahmin cattle, the Lodge offers unforgettable experiences like airboat and nature tours, sunrise breakfasts and cows and canapés sundowners on its 50,000 acres of family-owned ranch property.

4. Nitmiluk National Park

The spectacular sandstone country of Nitmiluk National Park projects a compelling rose-coloured landscape of Indigenous culture, natural beauty and ever-changing light. Located just 30 kilometres northeast of Katherine (two hours south of Darwin), Nitmiluk (the Jawoyn name of Katherine Gorge) covers a vast area, one that includes 13 impressive gorges carved from the ancient (1.5 billion year old) sandstone country which stretches on a limitless horizon.

Rise early to catch the sunrise over Katherine Gorge, with its spectacular cliffs and the sound of the awakening jungle forest and native white cockatoos. Explore the impressive gorge by boat and learn of the Indigenous Jawoyn people’s creation story of how Nabilil, a dragon-like serpent whose demise came at the hands of Walarrk the cave bat, resulting in the unleashing of the Katherine River.

The Nitmiluk Visitors Center sits on the site of a former trading village. Local Jawoyn people, like Suzie Andrews, host Cultural Appreciation sessions that highlight ‘men’s and women’s business,’ such as playing the didgeridoo or weaving dilly (water) bags from native pandanus plants.

Board an NT Heli Ops doors-off helicopter for a thrilling 30-minute flight to see and interpret Indigenous cliff paintings and the chance to bathe in a remote, sweetwater pool, underneath a double waterfall.

Stop at Top Didj Aboriginal Art Gallery to peruse the impressively curated collection of local and Australian Indigenous artworks. Local accommodation is available within the National Park, from camping, to chalets to the comfortable Cicada Lodge.

5. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

With 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is considered the spiritual heart of Australia. The arid Red Centre of the Northern Territory is a World Heritage-listed natural wonder of iconic wildlife, Indigenous culture and the iconic red dirt of the Australian Outback.

The Uluru monolith is one of the world’s largest, at 348 m high and is estimated at 550 million years old. The Kata Tjuta are 36 weathered rock formations that appear most impressive at sunrise and sunset.

To truly get a sense of the monolith, take a walk around Uluru along one of six trails (most of which are wheelchair-accessible). A full base walk is a 10.6 km loop. Or walk the 36 steep domes of Kata Tjuta on the Valley of the Winds Walk, a full 7.4 km circuit.

As night falls, experience Wintjiri Wiru in an open-air desert theatre. In the local Pitjantjatjara language, the name means “beautiful view out to the horizon.” This spectacular light and multimedia show brings the ancient Mala story of the Anangu people to life, as choreographed drones, lasers and projections light up the night sky.

Early risers will want to tackle the 3.5-hour rim walk of impressive Kings Canyon. The 150 m-tall sandstone bluff is in Watarrka National Park, a three-hour drive from Uluru. It’s a challenging 500-step climb, but the summit views over waterholes and lush forests will be worth the effort, even before descending into the green ‘Garden of Eden’ in the belly of the canyon.

Don’t depart without visiting Wintjiri Arts and Museum, an Aboriginal art gallery at Ayers Rock Resort that exhibits works of its artists in residence from the Pitjantjatjara and Ngaanyatjarra lands.

Accommodations range from camping in the national park at Ayers Rock Campground to staying at the mid-range Desert Gardens Hotel or choosing a high-end stay in the luxury tents of Longitude 131.

Australia’s Northern Territory travel tips

How to get to there

Frequent flights to Australia are offered from major hubs in Canada, the United States and Europe. Depending on your location, connections in Dubai, Singapore or other hubs may be required to reach the continent. Upon arrival in Brisbane or Sydney, fly north to Darwin for approximately four hours to reach the Northern Territory.

Australia requires entry visas for all travellers. You must apply for your Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before departure, using the Australian ETA App on your smartphone.

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How to Get Around

Ethical Adventures, based in Darwin, offers excellent, eco-conscious guided small group and private tours across the Top End, focusing on immersive cultural and experiential experiences respecting the Northern Territory’s incredible scenery, natural habitats and local cultures.

If you want to rent a car, reserve before departure and pick up the vehicle at Darwin International Airport. Remember that you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road. No additional licences or permits are required. Find a car rental here.

What to Pack

Darwin and the Top End are part of Australia’s tropical climate zone. The weather can be hot and humid (30+C and 100+F) but turns more pleasant during the dry season, between May and October. This is a prime time to visit as the days are warm and nights are a bit cooler.

Plan to pack layers, sandals, good walking or hiking shoes and hats. The heat is like a physical presence and should not be underestimated. It’s vital to stay hydrated and sun-protected, so don’t forget your water bottle. Australia has fantastic, ocean-safe sunscreen brands like people4ocean and Little Urchin, so purchase them in Darwin on arrival.

Disclosure: The writer was hosted by Tourism Australia.

Like Canada, Australia is working on a long-term process of reconciliation with Indigenous and Aboriginal people who were the original stewards of the land. Australia’s National Reconciliation Week takes place in late May, and provides locals and travellers a chance to learn of shared histories and cultures. Visiting a National Park is one of the best ways to explore the living history of Aboriginal culture in the Northern Territory and Australia.

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