14 Ways To Experience An Early Summer In The NT

Ready for summer? It’s already arrived in the Northern Territory and there’s plenty to do in the Top End.

In the Northern Territory, the arrival of spring in September is when things get spicy, sweet and sensational. From slurping laksa with chilli at the festival to carving up baskets of sugary mangoes, northern Australia in spring and summer is delicious and lush – with sarong weather guaranteed.

If it’s a little chilly where you are, then pack the bathers and boots, a big appetite and some summer reading and head north. Here are 14 reasons why you need to plan a trip to the Northern Territory this spring/summer.

1. Dive into Ormiston Gorge

A huge inviting pool surrounded by sandy verges, Ormiston Gorge is the ultimate year-round swimming spot, just 135 km west of Alice Springs. Whether you’re diving in on a summer scorcher or taking a cool dip in the milder months, the water is always refreshingly swimmable. To earn your splash, tackle the 8km Ormiston Pound Walk – a scenic loop that kicks off from the car park and winds its way up to a ridge-top lookout. Up here, you’ll gaze over Ormiston Pound, a striking ring of peaks that pops out against the otherwise endless flat lines of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Ready for that dip now?

a natural pool at Ormiston Gorge — Take a cool dip by the sandy verges at Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers)

2. Fly high at the Darwin Kite Festival

Held annually in late September, this high-flying extravaganza turns Darwin into a kaleidoscope of kites, with everything from quirky shapes to majestic, giant creations dancing in the breeze. Whether you’re a kite enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the festival’s lively atmosphere, cool music and family-friendly activities make it a blast for everyone. Pack a picnic, grab your camera, and join the kite-flying frenzy—there’s no better way to spend a day soaking up the sun and watching these fantastical airborne artworks take flight.

3. Take a tour to the Tiwi Islands

Carvings, fabrics, paintings, murals, football, fishing, friendly people… if you love any of these things you should take a ferry ride across the azure waters from Darwin for a window into Tiwi Aboriginal culture and friendliness. One of the best tours on offer, Tiwi By Design , operates until the end of November and it’s even better without the dry season crowds. The tour includes a trip to Bathurst Island (one of the two main islands), where you will meet a local guide and explore the Tiwi Design Art Centre . On the walking tour, pull out the iPhone for a selfie at the gorgeous wooden Catholic Church featured in the ‘Top End Wedding’ movie and wrap yourself in some local Tiwi Islands screen printed fabric to recreate the wedding dress worn by Miranda Tapsell.

people browsing through the Tiwi Islands annual art sale — Seek one-of-a-kind Aboriginal art at the annual sale. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

4. Eat at the Darwin International Laksa festival

For laksa lovers, October is the stuff of dreams. An entire month is dedicated to eating this sour and spicy noodle broth traditionally topped with meat or seafood. In Darwin, every weekend, locals head to Parap, Rapid Creek and Nightcliff markets to line up for their favourite dish. But in October, this laksa obsession kicks into another gear. An enormous shrine to laksa is placed in the city’s mall and nearly every restaurant, eatery and stallholder participates in the laksa-making competition. Noodle broth lovers can embark on the laksa trail, eating and voting for their favourite bowl until it culminates in a full day of celebrations and the winning dish is crowned.

Darwin Laksa Festival — Slurp on mouthwatering laksa. (Image: Darwin International Laksa Festival)

5. Heat up at the Territory Bar-BQ Festival

The Territory Bar-BQ Festival in October is where the Top End’s love for smoky grills and big flavours sizzles into full swing. Picture this: massive slabs of ribs, juicy briskets, and snags of every size getting that perfect char while the air fills with the mouth-watering aroma of slow-cooked goodness. But it’s not just about the food – there is live music to keep the party vibes rolling and plenty of ice-cold bevvies to wash it all down.

6. Admire Litchfield National Park

One perk of the wet season is that Litchfield National Park‘s waterfalls look fantastic. Here, red rocks set off white plunging water and deep emerald, green pools, making this Top End spot – just a one-hour drive south from Darwin – worth the road trip. Make a beeline for Wangi Falls, a 50m high fall that is the jewel in the crown of Litchfield – and accessible all year round. The more it rains, the better it looks. Take the hiking books as there’s a three-kilometre loop trail that takes you up and over the top of the waterfall, giving you a fabulous view.

an aerial view of Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park — Wangi Falls is the jewel in the crown of Litchfield.

7. Explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT)

MAGNT is a treasure trove of wonder and it’s about to get even more dazzling. The much-anticipated reopening of the Cyclone Tracy exhibition in early December marks an exciting new chapter for this cultural gem. After a major facelift, this revamped exhibition promises to captivate visitors with an immersive journey through one of Darwin’s most defining moments. Expect to be wowed by cutting-edge displays and interactive features that bring the story of Cyclone Tracy to life like never before.

8. Meander through the Darwin Botanic Gardens

Bursting with colourful blooms and lush greenery, the gardens are totally dazzling during the rainy season. Kick things off at the chill lily pond, then dive into the orchid house, marvel at the waterfall, and get your nature fix in the mangrove area. When you’re ready to escape the downpour, make a beeline for Eva’s Botanic Gardens Cafe in the cool, heritage Wesleyan Church for Darwin’s top-notch coffee and breakfast vibes.

a fountain at George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens — Go for a walk along the Darwin Botanic Gardens. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

9. Warm the toes at sunset at Mindil Beach

Mindil Beach in spring and summer is a local’s favourite – witness the giant orange sun setting over the ocean while your toes feel cosy and warm in the sand. Take the Larrakia Coastal Walk for a stroll that kicks off at Mindil Beach, winds its way over a boardwalk through a mangrove forest and ends with dreamy views at Bullocky Point. In the wet season, keep your eyes peeled for crabs scuttling around.

10. Catch a millon dollar barra

From October to December, the Top End is prime territory for fishing enthusiasts, with the build-up months delivering some of the best barra action of the year. As the clouds gather and rainfall increases, saltwater estuaries and lower tidal rivers become hotspots for these elusive fish. When the monsoon rains arrive from January to mid-March, catching barra can be a bit more challenging, but they’re still active in the mangrove creeks and estuaries around Darwin Harbour. Fishing during the wet season not only promises thrilling catches but also a shot at fame and fortune, thanks to the Northern Territory Government’s Million Dollar Fish competition.

11. Eat mangoes at Darwin’s markets

Even though it’s summer, the markets are still buzzing with excitement. Swing by Rapid Creek Markets on the weekend to savour tropical fruits and sip on freshly squeezed juice. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, Parap Village Markets offers Mary’s legendary laksa soups.

Over at Nightcliff Markets, locals are hooked on warm Nutella crepes and fresh rice paper rolls. And come late October, mangoes are in full swing—just a heads-up, those mango smoothies and mango sticky rice might become your new obsession.

fresh fruits at Parap Markets — The stalls at Parap Markets overflow with tropical fruits such as mangoes. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

12. Cool down in the WW2 Tunnels Darwin

Dive into a cool piece of history by exploring the WWII oil storage tunnels, an epic adventure when the rain’s pouring down. These underground passages near Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct were a hidden gem until 1992, when one of them was unveiled to mark 50 years since the Darwin bombings. Today, the tunnels still have a bit of a leak from the underground water supply, adding an extra splash of excitement to your visit.

13. Stay at Nitmiluk National Park

A world-class national park, Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine boasts sandstone cliffs and gorges, Aboriginal rock art, the swanky Cicada Lodge and boat and helicopter rides and cultural tours. The traditional homeland of the Jawoyn people, in the wetter seasons visitors to this spectacular park can witness impressive electrical storms, sun showers and waterfalls in full flow. Helicopter flights over Nitmiluk Gorge are offered all year round, and if you visit over spring and summer, you can see the park at its most vibrant.

sunset at Baruwei Lookout — Baruwei Lookout offers spectacular vistas of Nitmiluk Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

14. Fly over Kakadu National Park

During the wet season, Kakadu National Park transforms into a stunning spectacle of cascading waterfalls and lush, vibrant landscapes. As the heavy rains sweep in, the falls come alive, reaching their most dramatic and awe-inspiring heights, especially from November onwards.

the majestic Jim Jim falls at Kakadu National Park — Admire the majestic Jim Jim Falls. (Image: Tourism NT/@helloemilie)

For an unforgettable view of this natural marvel, hop on a scenic flight. From the sky, you’ll get an epic perspective of the roaring waterfalls and the lush, sprawling wilderness that defines Kakadu’s wet-season glory.

a scenic flight over a waterfall at Kakadu National Park — Marvel at cascading waterfalls over Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

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Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

14 ways to experience an early summer in the Northern Territory