10 hidden gems you haven’t experienced in the Northern Territory
From the iconic monolith that is Uluru to the sculpted cliffs of Kings Canyon, the Northern Territory truly provides some of the most awe-inspiring travel experiences in Australia. But if you’ve made the trip to the Top End already, you’ve most likely ticked off the famous sites: Uluru, Kakadu, Kings Canyon and Katherine Gorge. Please don’t stop there though. There’s so much to see and do in the NT beyond the popular destinations. Just ask your fellow Over60 travellers, who have shared their favourite unique experiences in the NT. Although these places don’t get as much attention as other parts of the Northern Territory, these 10 spots are well worth adding to your travel wish-list. Better yet, use this list as inspiration to start planning your much-deserved holiday to the Red Centre now.
Darwin and surrounds
In February 1942 Darwin became the only Australian capital city to ever come under attack from a foreign power when 242 Japanese airplanes bombed the town. A visit to Darwin Military Museum is a chance to discover and honour Australia’s war history. The moving account of the tragedy through live footage and real life interview with WWII veterans will make view the war in a way you’ve never seen before. There’s also an interesting collection of artefacts including uniforms, weapons, and artillery pieces.
2. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets
Many Over60 travellers recommended this gem of a market as a must-do if visiting Darwin. At sunset, Mindil Beach is transformed into a bustling hub with food and drink stalls, live music, fire-breathers, whip crackers and much more. Located on the iconic strip overlooking the beach, there’s plenty to see and do here. The best part? Do it all while admiring the beautiful sunset over the beach.
Another popular recommendation from the Over60 community and with good reason, Berry Springs Nature Park is an easy day trip from Darwin and one of the most beautiful places to cool off from the heat. There are several pools of crystal clear spring water to dip in or you can go bushwalking, birdwatching or visit the historical ruins. Over60 community member, Kris Southan, says, “Berry Springs has a beautiful swimming hole. Stand under the small falls for the best neck and back massage you've ever had!” While you’re in the area, visit Territory Wildlife Park to get up close and person with an amazing showcase of Aussie wildlife.
It’s not as well-known as Kakadu National Park, but Litchfield is just as worthy as it’s more famous sister. Many locals rate it even higher than Kakadu. Home to several stunning waterfalls and lush waterholes, a favourite pastime for tourists and locals alike is to take a refreshing dip under the mesmerising waterfalls cascading from the Tabletop Range. Remember to pack your camera, as Litchfield is full of photogenic landscapes that you’ll want to capture for your travel album.
Alice Springs and surrounds
A 10-minute drive from town, Alice Springs Desert Park is located at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges and has three recreated desert habitats (Desert Rivers, Sand Country and the Woodland) to explore. You’ll get to see, smell and hear hundreds of species of plants and animals found across Central Australia. Spend a day here visiting the bilbies in the Nocturnal House, watching the swopping wedge tailed eagles (we highly recommend the bird show) and learning about desert survival and indigenous tradition. We also recommend getting an early start, or, visit in the evening to avoid the searing heat of day.
6. Palm Valley
Located within Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley is the last vestige of Central Australia’s tropical past. It’s the only place in the Northern Territory where Red Cabbage Palms grow (to put that in context, the nearest specimens are located 850km way in Queensland). A popular destination on many Over60 travellers list, the amazing outback oasis of desert palm trees, cycads, small spring-fed pools, and red gorges is a starling sight to behold. You really must see it with your own eyes! The track to Palm Valley is only accessible with a four-wheel drive vehicle, but it’s well worth the adventure of travelling along the oldest river in the world.
7. National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame
Over60 community member Jill Anderson highly recommends a stop at the Women's Hall of Fame for an excellent display on pioneering women’s special contributions to Australia’s heritage. Founded in 1993, the museum – one of two women's museums in Australia – is dedicated to preserving women’s place in history. It tells their remarkable stories through exhibitions, including photographs, artefacts, audio, video and other memorabilia. The museum is based in the Alice Springs Historic Gaol, and visitors can also explore the old gaol cells and learn about the gaol's history.
8. Gemtree
120 kilometres north east of Alice Spring is Gemtree, a caravan park located in a tiny section of arid land on the Plenty Highway. It’s also known as one the best places for finding gemstones in Australia. Thousands of people head out into the red wilderness each year to try their luck fossicking for rare gems. If you’ve never done it before, tag along on a tour where the guide’s local knowledge and experience will help you find some gems. You never know what treasures you’ll discover under the dusty surface!
Katherine and surrounds
9. Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park
Located 27km south of Katherine, Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park covers 1499 hectares of limestone landscape. The pièce de résistance is the spectacular Cutta Cutta Caves, a magnificent limestone formation of stalactites and stalagmites formed millions of years ago. Cutta Cutta Caves is the only publicly accessible tropical limestone cave in the Northern Territory and home to rare bats, birds and other unique wildlife. Take one of the guided daily tours to learn more about the ecosystem inside and outside the cave.
Arnhem Land
10. Arnhem Land
Covering almost 100,000 square kilometres in the northeast corner of the Northern Territory, Arnhem Land is a vast, spiritual, and unspoilt wilderness that truly is one of the country’s hidden gems. Provided you are fully self-sufficient, the largely undiscovered Arnhem Land offers you the chance to explore the place all to yourself. Rich in indigenous culture, learn about rock art and discover unique indigenous experiences at Arnhem Land. It’s also one of the best places for fishing in the country, as there’s essentially no crowd to compete for the perfect catch. The untouched wilderness is also home to wildlife that you won’t see anywhere else in the country. Over60 travellers Bob and Margaret Baker summed it up perfectly, “Visiting Arnhem Land is truly a one in a kind experience.”
So what are you waiting for? Start planning the trip of a lifetime to the Northern Territory now. Check out Wotif.com and grab yourself a bargain.
THIS IS SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUCTION WITH TOURISM NT.