How to Travel the NT Solo: A Comprehensive Guide

There’s no better place to contemplate life than against the stunning blue skies and spirited red dunes of the Northern Territory. But is it safe to travel through Australia’s outback on your own? We think so. Here’s how it’s done.

Owing to some straight-up facts, the Northern Territory can appear intimidating for solo travellers. For starters, it has a whopping footprint of 1.4 million square-kilometres and only about 250,000 residents, making its total population smaller than that of Wollongong in NSW. What’s more, key destinations here are far-flung: both Darwin and Alice Springs are a minimum three-hour drive away from some of the Territory’s more iconic townships and national parks.

But while the NT is indeed massive and sparsely populated, these traits provide equally compelling reasons to visit – especially for solo travellers (of all ages) with a passion for rugged landscapes, cultural depth, and outback-style affability.

Darwin-harbour — Aerial view over Darwin Harbour.

Is Darwin safe for solo female travellers?

Yes indeed. Designed around outdoor living, Darwin is a piece of cake for solo travellers, with a couple of small exceptions. Due to its size – it boasts a population of about 120,000 – the city lacks the public transport infrastructure available in major metropolitan areas, so you might find car hire useful here. That said, the bus network is easy to navigate and covers most the city.

Darwin nightlife for solo female travellers

The other factor to consider is that the CBD – especially around Mitchell Street – can prove a little raucous after 9pm. Stick to more low-key areas at this time. For those staying in the city, the Darwin Waterfront precinct is especially safe and tranquil, as is the nearby Deckchair Cinema where open-air movies play amid towering palm trees.

Up for bars and clubs? Try Melbourne-style offerings Lola’s Pergola in Cullen Bay, Babylon in Austin Lane and The Trader Winnellie Road in Winnellie. For a breezy, more rustic atmosphere, head down to the Darwin Ski Club near Mindil Beach. Two of the more pumping nightclubs are Discovery and the LGBTQI+-friendly Throb, both in the CBD. With the exception of Discovery, which targets the under-35 crowd, these clubs and bars will suit everyone over the age of 18.

Probably the best outdoor cinema in Australia, the Deckchair Cinema on Darwin Waterfront.

Darwin accommodation for solo female travellers

Meet other travellers by staying at a hostel such as Darwin YHA or Chillis Backpackers . When I first moved to Darwin, I stayed at a hostel for almost a month, and made life-long friends here – as well as a couple of travel buddies, including an 80-year-old woman who gave me excellent tips for things to do in the city. Hostels really do put you face to face with some of the most interesting fellow explorers.

If meeting people isn’t high on the agenda, head to hotels and apartments based in the CBD and Waterfront area, such as the Vibe Hotel and Darwin Waterfront Luxury Suites. Other excellent accommodation options for solo travellers include the H on Smith Hotel, Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel and – if you want to spoil yourself – Mindil Beach Casino Resort, where you can swim up to your room and order Pimm’s and lemonade from a swim-up bar (replete with underwater stools).

Set on Mindil beach, probably the most glamorous accommodation in Darwin, Mindil Beach Casino Resort.

Things to do in Darwin for solo female travellers

For stellar Darwin day-time activities, head to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, take a sunset harbour cruise, visit Fannie Bay Gaol, and – a Darwin must – wander through Mindil Beach Sunset Market , Parap Markets, or Nightcliff Markets for a local laksa (Malaysian-style soup), paired with a tropical fruit smoothie.

Mindil Beach Market — Enjoy the night markets at Mindil Beach.

Things to do around Darwin for solo female travellers

A visit to the Top End is incomplete without venturing past Darwin to its surrounding national parks and nature reserves. For solo travellers, natural swimming holes at Berry Springs Nature Reserve and Litchfield National Park are an easy day-trip away – best explored independently with a car. Make sure to stop in at local mango farm Crazy Acres for a tropical-flavoured ice-cream, and at Territory Wildlife Park for a beautiful, bushy encounter with Top End fauna.

As it’s further away and the distances between sites are ample, Kakadu is better discovered on a tour. Excellent solo travel tour operators include Lord’s and Davidson’s Safaris, as well as World Expeditions.

Wangi Falls Litchfield — Visit Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park.

Is Alice Springs safe for female solo travellers?

Another yes. Toting, arguably, the prettiest name of all Australian townships, Alice is a small town with a big personality.

Eating and drinking as a solo traveller in Alice Springs

Alice Springs is full to the brim with fantastic cafes where you can disappear behind a book, a plate of smashed avo, and an excellent coffee. Think: Page 27, Bean Tree Cafe at Olive Pink Botanical Gardens, The Coffee Horse and The Goods.

Page 27 Cafe — Page 27 is loved by locals for its all day brekky and pumpin’ tunes.

Alice Springs also has a grungy, gritty edge, and this is a boon if you’re into music and performance. Epilogue Lounge, for instance, hosts rotating events (such as ‘Afro Calypso Tropical Disco’, hip-hop night, and music fan meet-ups) on Friday and Saturday nights. Similarly, for a bar experience you’ll never forget – and in a sense, one that can only take place in a destination as quirky as the NT – head to Monte’s Lounge, a circus-themed pizza restaurant-cum-bar in the town centre.

Alice Springs accommodation for solo travellers

Again, hostels are a great way to meet people. I met the love of my life at Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn, for instance. Other great hostels include Alice Lodge Backpackers and Alice Springs YHA. For a more upmarket option, book in at Vatu Sanctuary , a small collective of art-filled villas. This enclave shares a common pool and backyard area.

Things to do in Alice Springs for solo female travellers

When away from your stay, venture to Alice Springs Desert Park – the sister park to the Territory Wildlife Park – and hire a bike to explore the bushland area surrounding Alice Telegraph Station. After a bit more adventure still? Take a serene, Red Centre balloon flight with Outback Ballooning, or a camel tour with Pyndan Camel Tracks. If you’ve got a sensitive or bony bum, wear padded pants for the latter.

Soar above the majestic MacDonnell Ranges on a hot-air balloon.

Alice Springs at night safe for female solo travellers

Again, for solo travellers, the only factor to be alert to is that Alice Springs is a funnel destination for various nearby communities and, at night-time, the resulting motley mix can express itself through rowdiness. This occurs mostly close to Todd Street Mall and around the Todd River banks. What this means for you: it’s best to be vigilant after dark, and where possible, travel in pairs.

Things to do around Alice Springs for solo female travellers

The majestic, purple-hued MacDonnell Ranges lies west of Alice Springs. Hire a car and explore Standley’s Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge, or travel out here with an Indigenous guide from RT Tours Australia (another solo travel-friendly tour operator). Travel deeper into the Red Centre on a SEIT Tour that explores Uluru. And, if you have extra time, wander over to Watarrka National Park to witness the fascinating ecology and dramatic cliffs and rock formations at King’s Canyon. Base yourself at King’s Canyon Resort here and choose from guided or unguided activities such as the Rim Walk and scenic flights.

For more information visit Tourism Northern Territory .

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.

Your guide to solo travel in the NT