Best Short Break Stays in the NT | Australian Traveller

Check into luxury lodges and secret spots in the midst of the NT’s most spectacular landscapes.

Hale River Homestead, East MacDonnell Ranges

A cooling magnesium pool embedded in the hypnotic Red Centre landscape is one reason to head north-east of Alice Springs for 115 kilometres to Hale River Homestead at Old Ambalindum. And there are plenty more.

This peaceful station stay offers a taste of old country life in the Territory: pitch up at the campsite or check into The Old Homestead, The Cottage, The Bunkhouse quarters or the Gen Shed.

The Workshop serves meals, while bushwalks from the property take in the local scenery. The deserted gold rush town of Arltunga and Ruby Gap Nature Park are a short drive away.

Hale River Homestead, East MacDonnell Ranges. (Image: Celeste Mitchell)

Hideaway Litchfield, Litchfield National Park

Hole yourself up in bushland surrounds at this unique eco-friendly spot fashioned from repurposed shipping containers.

Choose between two secluded cabins – one at ground level and great for families, the other an architectural gem of two halves. Each has a queen-size bed, en suite, kitchen and living space plus ample deck space.

Wake in the morning to a breakfast of bacon and eggs and don’t feel the need to stray too far – Hideaway Litchfield is close to popular Wangi Falls and rockpools to swim and chill out in.

Stay at Hideaway Litchfield, in Litchfield National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)

Longitude 131˚, Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Stealing away for a few days at this show-stopping accommodation in the heart of the Red Centre might just make for the ultimate short break.

As well as a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and on-site spa, Longitude 131˚ features 16 luxury tents that gather on the red-rust landscape as if around a campfire. These abodes echo the environment in their design and showcase vibrant ceramics, paintings and weavings by artists in the nearby Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands.

Longitude 131˚, Uluru-Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

From bed, or luxe swag on the balcony, gaze out to Uluru or across the desert to Kata Tjuta; from the premium Dune Pavilion you can see both. As far as basecamps go for exploring the cultural and natural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, it’s hard to beat.

Longitude 131˚ is the show-stopping accommodation at the heart of the Red Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

Bamurru Plains, edge of Kakadu

Spend a long and languorous weekend on the floodplains of the Mary River at one of Australia’s most unique bush retreats, three hours’ drive from Darwin on the fringes of Kakadu National Park.

Part of the Luxury Lodges of Australia portfolio, Bamurru Plains immerses guests in the remarkable profusion of wildlife at its doorstep.

Watch the world go by from the sanctuary of your safari-style bungalow flanked on three sides by mesh walls or sip a sundowner on the deck of the main lodge as the water buffalo come in off the floodplains for the night.

Bamurru Plains, edge of Kakadu. (Image: Nicky Ryan)

Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B, Alice Springs

Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B offers a suitably quirky stay just outside Alice Springs, complete with sumptuous bed affording a stunning view of the Central Australian desert around you. Spend your evenings around the campfire for the quintessential outback experience.

Banubanu Beach Retreat, East Arnhem Land

This secluded East Arnhem Land eco retreat is located in the tropical surrounds of Bremer Island, a 15-minute flight from Gove Airport. Built in partnership with the local Yolngu people, it provides an opportunity to relax and absorb the natural wonders and rich culture here.

Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu National Park

A Kakadu classic on the edge of Yellow Water Billabong, where guests cruise among the birdlife and the crocodiles, Cooinda Lodge is a village-style property offering lodge rooms, safari-style tents and camping spots. There’s also a pool, bistro dining, and the absorbing Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre a few steps away.

Cooinda Lodge Swimming pool — Cooinda Lodge, Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)

Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park

Owned by the Jawoyn people, Cicada Lodge is a Top End sanctuary and ideal launchpad for exploring Nitmiluk National Park. Sink into the ritual of the lodge’s ‘Welcome to Nitmiluk’ sunset drinks and canapés each evening by the poolside.

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.

The best short break stays in the NT