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Five incredible national parks across the Northern Territory that can’t be missed

From camping and fishing to crocodile spotting, these national parks are an adventurer's oasis.

The Top End is practically brimming with incredible natural landscapes and wonders from Uluru to the Nitmiluk Gorge. With more than 80 national parks and reserves, covering over 50,000 square kilometres of land in the Northern Territory, which ones are the best?

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While you won’t have time to explore them all, here are five national parks in the Northern Territory that can’t be missed.

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01

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is 20,000 square kilometres of diverse ecosystems, adventure and awe-inspiring landscapes. It is one of the best-known national parks in the Northern Territory. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed site has wetlands, ancient rock art, and an abundance of crocodiles and rare birds that’ll make this a thrilling adventure no matter what you do.

Up in the Northern Territory, it’s hot all year round, luckily, the park also has a range of picture-worthy waterfalls and swimming holes to take a dip in.

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02

Litchfield National Park

The best spots are the ones loved by locals. This is just one of many things that make this next national park so special. A short drive from Darwin is Litchfield National Park. This part is famous for its magnetic termite mounds, waterfalls and monsoon forest. For the trekkers, the park has a number of walking trails which are suitable for all different types of hikers.

If you bring a capable car, the national park is also a great spot for 4W driving. There are a heap of different tracks to tackle. You can easily day trip this national park from Darwin. However, with so much to do and see, you might want to consider camping. The park has dozens of campgrounds to get the full immersive experience.

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03

Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park, also known as Katherine Gorge, is a series of 13 gorges carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River. You can explore the gorges by foot, canoe, or even helicopter. Starting at just $100 for a half hour, the helicopter offers one of the best scenic views money can buy.

Besides the gorges, the park has everything to suit all different adventurer’s desires from kayaking, swimming, and hiking. For the ultra-adventurous, you can tackle the Jatbula Trail. This multi-day hike meanders through some of the most stunning and remote parts of the park.

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(Credit: Alamy, Felix Baker/NT Tourism)

04

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park

No visit to the Northern Territory is complete without a trip to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta National Park. Though it’s home to Uluṟu, this national park is more than just an excellent photo opportunity. Brimming with Aboriginal history and natural wonders like the domes of Kata Tjuta and walking trails like the Valley of the Winds, this national park is not to be missed.

While in the area, you should visit the iconic Field of Light installation by famed Australian-British artist Bruce Munro. The award-winning art installation has undergone a revamp and has been extended until at least April 2027. It is made up of 50,000 solar-powered lights which cover an area of more than seven football fields.

Symbolising the desert blooming after a rainstorm, the artwork’s official name is ‘Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakunytjaku’ which translates to ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in the local Pitjantjatjara language.

To make your visit extra special, you can book in the signature four-and-a-half-hour “A Night at Field of Light” dining experience. During this, you can avail of telescopes for stargazing and canapés and three-course buffet menus for grazing.

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05

Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park

Stretching for over 160 kilometres west of Alice Springs is the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. Home to the Aranda people, the park features heavily in their dreamtime creation stories. It is said to have been created by giant caterpillars (Yeperenye). From Simpsons Gap to Ochre Pits and Ellery Creek Water Hole, this national park is a true journey into central Australia and the outback.

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