10 amazing places to reconnect with nature in the NT

With cabin fever the new shared experience, the Northern Territory’s sparsely peopled, wonderfully vast spaces are beckoning. Leave your four walls behind and embrace the freedom of the NT’s wide-open spaces at these 10 destinations.

1. Nitmiluk Gorge

Jaffa-coloured cliffs envelop you as you glide along a mirror-like Katherine River in Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge , one of the most remote – and magical – destinations you’ll find in the NT. Whether you join a cruise, hire a kayak or hike in to check out the rock art, Nitmiluk will satiate your wanderlust while allaying any social distancing concerns. The gorge is near the outback town of Katherine; the best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to September.

Boat cruise at Nitmiluk National Park. (Image: Tourism NT and Backyard Bandits) — The outback scenery of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT and Backyard Bandits)

2. Kakadu National Park

If you dream of visiting Kakadu, the months immediately after restrictions lift are a great time, as not only will local operators welcome tourism dollars but you’re likely to find the park emptier than usual.

That means you can soak up the beauty of the waterfalls by yourself. One of our favourites is Jim Jim Falls, which runs dry in winter allowing travellers to trek a 900-metre trail to a large amphitheatre and two cool plunge pools. The Ubirr rock art galleries and lookout are also a must-see.

Moon rising over Kakadu escarpment. (Image: Tourism NT and Emilie Ristevski) — The wild and untouched beauty of Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT and Emilie Ristevski)

3. The Larapinta Trail

One of the toughest and rewarding treks in Australia, the Larapinta is a top choice for those of us with a bad case of cabin fever. The 223-kilometre desert route leads through the West MacDonnell Ranges and takes around 14 days, making it one epic Red Centre adventure.

If you don’t have the time or fitness to take on the whole journey, the walk is broken up into 12 more manageable sections. Make the most of the experience by joining fellow hikers on World Expeditions’ six-day Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort tour with semi-permanent campsites.

Simpsons Gap is located 18 kilometres west from Alice Springs, on the Larapinta Trail. (Image: Tourism NT and Jarrad Seng)

4. Longitude 131°

The Northern Territory is home to some special accommodation and one of the standouts is Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta. The luxury camp features 16 tented pavilions with unobstructed views across a desert landscape to “the rock". There’s also a restaurant and bar in a central lodge, with all the creature comforts you could want.

Longitude 131's collection of pavilions provide jaw-dropping views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT and George Apostolidis) — Longitude 131’s collection of pavilions provide jaw-dropping views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT and George Apostolidis)

5. Kata Tjuta

Widely known as The Olgas, Kata Tjuta is a big group of domes about 40 kilometres west of Uluru (and actually taller than the monolith).

Seeing the 36 domes by chopper will impress, but if you’d prefer to get up close (or spend less) there are plenty of walks around the base. The Valley of the Winds walk is the pinnacle at 7.4 kilometres; it goes between the domes for a more secluded experience. You can also experience Kata Tjuta on a guided tour with AAT Kings, and there’s a dune-viewing area from which to catch sunrise and sunset.

Couple admiring Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT and Salty Aura) — Admire Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT and Salty Aura)

6. Bullo River Station

Experience life on a working cattle station at this stunning property, which spans half a million acres in the East Kimberley. Spend your days working the farm, swimming in waterholes, catching barramundi, admiring Aboriginal rock art, and getting up close to iconic wildlife, including crocodiles and jabiru. As dusk descends, retire to your cosy, contemporary room, watch sunset among the boabs, or enjoy billy tea with other travellers for a standout holiday.

Aerial shot of waterhole at Bullo River Station. (Image: Tourism NT) — Swim in the waterholes at Bullo River Station. (Image: Tourism NT)

7. Alice Springs

Alice Springs, in the heart of Australia, may be one of the NT’s top destinations but you can escape the tourist buses on a number of day trips. Hot-air ballooning is a surefire way to distance yourself while still seeing Alice and the MacDonnell Ranges with Outback Ballooning. You can also join an Alice Springs Mountain Bike Tour with Outback Cycling (all fitness levels are catered for) as well as a camel tour with Pyndan Camel Tracks.

Soar above the majestic MacDonnell Ranges on a hot-air balloon. (Image: Tourism NT and Plenty of Dust)

8. Karlu Karlu

Reconnect with nature at the otherworldly Karlu Karlu , also known as the Devils Marbles, in the Red Centre. The collection of huge granite boulders are part of Aboriginal Dreamtime (it’s believed they’re fossilised eggs of the Rainbow Serpent) and are a sight to see when sunset paints the landscape mauve. The boulders are up to six metres in height and can be found an hour’s drive south of Tennant Creek.

Karlu Karlu, also known as Devil’s Marbles is must-see on your journey. (Image: Tourism NT and Kate Flowers)

9. Kings Canyon

With sandstone walls soaring almost 300 metres skyward, Kings Canyon, in Watarrka National Park, is the kind of place you’ll want to, metaphorically, get lost in.

For serious post-ban fitness, tackle the six-kilometre Canyon Rim Walk (about three to four hours) that leads to the supernatural sandstone landscape known as the Lost City, as well as the Garden of Eden waterhole (for admiring, not swimming). It’s a tough walk so be sure to set out early to beat the heat.

Kings Canyon in Wattarka National Park has a nHelicopter tour over Kings Canyon. (Image: Tourism NT and Shaun Jeffers) — Kings Canyon in Wattarka National Park has a number of spectacular scenic flight options. (Image: Tourism NT and Shaun Jeffers)

10. Tiwi Islands Retreat

Our final recommendation for a socially distanced holiday is the Tiwi Islands and in particular the Tiwi Island Retreat. A true remote island experience with access to some of the best fishing and Aboriginal art the beachfront retreat is fast becoming a hero experience of the NT and Australia.

View from Tiwi Islands Resort. (Image: Tourism NT and Tiwi Island Retreat) — The view from the Tiwi Islands won’t leave you soon. (Image: Tourism NT and Tiwi Island Retreat)

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.