1.Darwin

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is home to incredible natural attractions like Kakadu and Litchfield National Park. You can travel along the Arnhem Highway towards Kakadu or visit the Territory Wildlife Park closer to the city. The weekly markets are a perfect position for sunsets on the beach and attract many locals and tourists. There are fantastic cycle paths along the coastal road into the city of Darwin, which has become a vibrant and laid-back holiday destination.

2. Kakadu National Park

There is no place like Kakadu. With an abundance of wildlife, including crocodiles of course, and birds, you’ll need a week to enjoy everything this region has to offer. Located to the east of Darwin, the stunning wetlands, Aboriginal art sites and magnificent scenery will keep you enthralled, and there are fantastic and safe campsites throughout the area. Yellow Water is popular for crocodile spotting, as well as the impressive Jim Jim and Twin Falls. This is an Australian highlight you won’t want to miss.

3. Catherine

Katherine is an ideal base for the majestic nearby attractions, and is the largest city between Darwin and Alice Springs. Katherine Gorge has swimming holes, hiking trails, and waterfalls. The rafting is safe as there are no crocodiles and is one of the best ways to see the gorge at its best. The Mataranka Thermal Pools, located 100 km south of Katherine, are a welcome place to relax and unwind in the hot springs. There is also some amazing scenery in Keep River National Park. Truly an oasis in the desert.

4.Alice Springs

Known as Alice, this isolated town in central Australia is a stone’s throw from the impressive East and West MacDonnell Ranges and many natural attractions. Often used as a base to explore the rugged horizons, there is still plenty to see within its borders. Alice Springs Desert Park is a must-see, as is the Frontier Camel Farm. Also known for the Henlen-on-Todd Regatta, which is a boat race without water, it is a unique city that will keep you enthralled.

5. East MacDonnell Ranges

Not far from Alice Springs, you’ll find the East MacDonnell Ranges. There is so much to see in this beautiful region and there are plenty of hiking trails that will take you to some amazing lookouts. Trephina Gorge Nature Park has a number of walks and amazing scenery, and you can camp here if you wish. Further along is the Ross River Homestead where you can rest comfortably and have the option of horseback riding or camel riding for a little more adrenaline rush. This is the most accessible of the ranges and a “must do”, especially if you are already in Alice Springs.

6. West MacDonnell Ranges

West of Alice Springs are the incredible Western MacDonnell Ranges. You could spend weeks here and still not see everything. The Desert Wildlife Park is one of the first attractions you’ll come across, followed by Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm, which are worth visiting if you can. The Wallace Rockhole is a great place to see Aboriginal rock followed by Finke Gorge National Park. The rest of this region is spectacular, but you need to rent a 4×4.

7. Finke’s Gorge National Park

Located about a two-hour drive west of Alice Springs, this oasis can be visited as a day trip, but it’s best to stay for a few days with Palm Valley Campground as a base. Palm Valley is best known for its many palm trees and lush greenery. The Gosse Bluff Reserve is also worth a visit as it is the site of the crater and is well known internationally. There is also a fantastic trail that leads to the Karalanga Lookout Point, and the Mpaara Walk gives you a fascinating look at Aboriginal culture, which is ever present in this region.

8. Simpson’s Desert

Although vast, remote and mostly inaccessible, the limits of the mighty Simpson can still be reached from the Alice in a day trip. There is some spectacular scenery including Rainbow Valley in the James Ranges, and Chambers Pillar known for its Aboriginal carvings. For the adventurous, tours are available further into the desert to visit desert communities. There are bush walks and camel treks as well as 4×4 treks available. This is one of the most pristine and isolated places in the world, and a real hot spot.

9. Tennant Creek

A few hours north of Alice Springs is the friendly town of Tennant Creek. An old gold mining town, there is plenty of history and opportunities to do a bit of fossicking. There are many attractions outside of the city as well. The famous Devil’s Marbles are about 100 km south of Tennant Creek. The Barkley Tablelands also surround the town, with cattle stations dominating the landscape and plenty of beautiful scenery in every direction.

10. Barkley Plateau

If you’re looking for big skies and distant horizons, you’ll find them here. Located east of Tennant Creek towards the Queensland border, Barkley Tableland does not have many tourist facilities. Almost all of them are cattle stations and long stretches of uninhabited land, but the remoteness of this area still attracts many travelers to experience its remoteness, sunsets and rugged beauty. The only major tourist stop is Barley Homestead, which also offers camping facilities and is a great place to meet the locals.