Whether you’re gearing up for a multi-day hike, a traverse into the bush or a short walk across the outback, the Northern Territory is abundant with natural wonders to explore by foot. From gorges, waterfalls and waterholes to mountain ranges and chasms, no matter where you set off for a walk in the Top End, you’re bound to see some amazing sights. If you’re after adventure inspiration, here are six of the best walking trails across Northern Territory.
01
Larapinta Trail
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s greatest long-distance treks and one of the best walking trails Northern Territory. Dubbed one of the best bushwalking trails in the Top End, this walk spans an impressive 223 km through the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges. It’ll take around 14-16 days to complete in its entirety, but along the way you’ll be greeted with views of rugged mountains, gorges, and uninterrupted sights outback across the plains. If you’re not looking to tackle the entire trail, there’s a tonne of shorter day walks that you can take on instead.
02
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Difficulty: Moderate
Looking for a slightly challenging day walk? The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the Northern Territory’s most iconic hikes to tackle. The walk starts with a steep climb known as “Heart Attack Hill,” but don’t let that put you off because once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the canyon below and the surrounding desert. The six kilometre loop takes around three hours to complete and will lead you around the rim of the canyon where you’ll pass rock formations, ancient cycads and the Garden of Eden. You can also cool off in the waterhole hidden within the canyon.
03
Uluru Base Walk
Difficulty: Easy
No trip to the Northern Territory is complete without a visit to Uluru. But why just look at Uluru when you can walk around it? The Uluru base walk is an easy, flat trek that takes you around the entire base of Uluru giving you the chance to experience the iconic monolith up close. The walk takes about 2.5-3 hours to complete in its entirety. It’s also best done in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun projects onto Uluru.
04
Katherine Gorge – Nitmiluk National Park
Difficulty: Easy to Challenging
Nitmiluk National Park is home to the iconic Katherine Gorge, but it also offers a range of walking trails that cater to all levels of fitness. Whether you want a short hour walk or you want to tackle the full 58 kilometre Jatbula Trail, this is a haven for bushwalking. For a shorter walk, the Baruwei Lookout is just a 1.8 kilometre return trip and will give you an excellent view over the gorge.
05
Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
The Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk is a beautiful loop trail that’ll give you a small taste of the 223 kilometre Larapinta Trail. Among the West MacDonnell Ranges, this 8 kilometre loop walk will take you through a wide, flat valley known as the Ormiston Pound where you’ll then trek up to a lookout. The walk then takes you down into the gorge itself where you can escape the intense heat with a dip in the waterhole. This trail is best done in the cooler times of day like sunset and sunrise where the red cliffs turn a brilliant shade of orange under the sun.
06
Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges – Standley Chasm Walk
Difficulty: Easy
Looking for a short, easy walk to get the blood pumping? The Standley Chasm, or Angkerle Atwatye, is a gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. It’s also one of the most photographed spots in the Northern Territory. This walk takes 20 minutes one way at a leisurely place and 40 minutes for a round trip. Taking place on mostly flat terrain, this is a great walk for families and beginner walkers.
