The Northern Territory has a way of making everything else feel a little smaller. Towering waterfalls, ancient landscapes, red deserts, tropical coastlines and wildlife that steals the spotlight. It's one of Australia's most diverse regions and every corner has its own character.
Whether you're spending just a few days checking out some activities in Darwin, Australia or heading further into the Outback, there's no shortage of things to do in the NT. Cruise through Kakadu National Park, spot crocodiles in the wild, watch the sun set over Darwin Harbour or cool off beneath waterfalls hidden amongst the rainforest. Every day looks a little different around here.
To help you make the most of your trip, we've rounded up six things to do in the NT worth adding to your itinerary. And for when the day winds down, Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel is right in the heart of Darwin, making it easy to get out and explore everything the Top End has to offer.
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1. Safari Tour
Forget the zoo. This is the real deal: a safari through the Northern Territory Outback puts you right where Aussie wildlife belongs. Just outside Darwin, Top End safari tours head into the wetlands around the Adelaide River, where saltwater crocodiles, buffalo and native birdlife are part of the scenery. It's one of the easiest ways to experience the Northern Territory's wild side without committing to a multi-day adventure.
Back in Darwin, swing by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, just a short drive from your Oaks Hotel. It's home to fascinating Indigenous art, exhibits on Cyclone Tracy and Sweetheart, one of Australia's most famous saltwater crocodiles. Safe to say, you'll appreciate meeting this one indoors.
2. Kakadu National Park Tour
Ask around and Kakadu will pop up on just about every list of things to see in the Northern Territory. It's one of Australia's largest national parks packed with ancient Aboriginal rock art, billabongs, sandstone escarpments and wildlife that has no interest in posing for photos (although it sometimes does anyway).
Join a guided tour to spot crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, watch magpie geese gather across the wetlands and learn about a culture that has called this place home for many years.
Before heading back, stop by the Bowali Visitor Centre. It's a worthwhile detour, with interactive displays that help bring Kakadu's landscapes, wildlife and Indigenous heritage to life. You'll probably leave understanding the park a whole lot better than when you arrived.
3. Darwin Harbour Sunset Cruise
Darwin sunsets have a bit of a reputation, and after one harbour cruise, you'll probably understand why. As the sky shifts from gold to orange, pink, and deep purple, you'll glide across one of Australia's most spectacular natural harbours with the city skyline on one side and the Top End stretching into the distance on the other. Keep your camera handy, although you'll probably spend more time looking at the scenery than taking photos.
Back on shore, the Darwin Waterfront Precinct is only a short drive from Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel. Grab dinner, wander the boardwalk or cool off in the Wave Lagoon before calling it a day. Not a bad way to wrap up an evening.
4. Katherine Gorge and Edith Falls Day Tour
If you're putting together a list of things to do in the NT, a day exploring Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge) and Leliyn (Edith Falls) deserves a spot near the top. Katherine Gorge is made up of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River over millions of years and seeing them from the water is hard to beat. Hop on a scenic cruise, stretch your legs on one of the walking trails or simply stop at a lookout and take it all in. No rush, this place has been around a while.
Not far away, Edith Falls is the perfect excuse to pack your swimmers. Cool off in the lower pool or tackle the walk to the upper pools when conditions allow. FYI: the views at the top are worth the extra steps. Before heading back to Darwin, drop into the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre to learn more about the Jawoyn people, browse authentic Aboriginal art and get a deeper understanding of the park.
5. Darwin Jet Boat Ride
If your idea of fun involves speed, spins and getting a little wet, the Darwin Jet Boat is right up your alley. Thirty minutes of sharp turns, power slides and plenty of laughs out on Darwin Harbour. The skipper knows exactly what they're doing. Probably.
Once you're back on dry land, the Darwin Wharf Precinct is right there, with places to eat, shops and the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels if you're up for a bit of local history.
6. Crocodile Zoo and Cage Swim
Crocosaurus Cove lets you come face to face with some of the biggest saltwater crocodiles in the country. Happy watching from the viewing platform? Fair call. Feeling a bit braver? Step into the famous Cage of Death for an up-close encounter that'll give your mates something to talk about for years.
If you'd rather finish the day at a slower pace, Leanyer Recreation Park is only a short drive away. Water slides, picnic spots, BBQs and open green spaces make it an easy choice for families. Nice balance after spending time with creatures that definitely aren't looking for a cuddle.
Ready to book your NT adventure?
You've got the ideas. Now it's just a matter of deciding which ones make the list of things to do in the NT.
From Kakadu National Park and Katherine Gorge to Darwin Harbour cruises and wildlife encounters, Experience Oz makes it easy to browse and book some of the Northern Territory's best tours and attractions in one place. Handy when the hardest decision is choosing what to do first.
A few tips before you go
Give yourself more time than you think
The Northern Territory is big. Really big. Distances between attractions can be longer than they look on the map, so it's worth leaving a little breathing room in your itinerary. Trust us, you'll enjoy each stop a lot more without racing to the next one.
Why Darwin makes a handy base
Many of the most popular activities in Darwin start right here, from harbour cruises and waterfront experiences to day tours heading into Kakadu and the Top End. Staying in the CBD means less time getting from A to B and more time making the most of your trip.
After a full day out, it's nice knowing that Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel is waiting with a comfortable room, city views and plenty of restaurants just a short stroll away.
See you in the NT
One trip to the Northern Territory is usually enough to understand why people keep coming back. Between ancient landscapes, unforgettable wildlife, waterfront sunsets and plenty of things to see and do in the NT, every day has a habit of turning into another story worth telling.
Whether you spend your time cruising through Kakadu, cooling off beneath waterfalls or discovering Darwin's laid-back side, there's always another reason to come back.
