If you are planning a Northern Territory trip, start by choosing the region where you will spend most of your time. The Northern Territory Government divides the Territory into six administrative and tourism regions: Darwin, Palmerston & Litchfield; Top End; Big Rivers; East Arnhem; Barkly; and Central Australia. Each region covers a large area and includes several distinct destinations, so driving distances and travel times should shape the itinerary.
Darwin and Litchfield are in the north. Kakadu is in the Top End, while Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park are in Big Rivers. Alice Springs, Uluru and Watarrka National Park are in Central Australia. East Arnhem occupies the far north-east and includes East Arnhem Land, Groote Eylandt, Bickerton Island and Elcho Island, as shown on the Northern Territory regional map.
Distances between regions are substantial. A holiday based in one region requires a different transport plan from a road trip across the Territory.
Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield
The Northern Territory’s regional information defines Greater Darwin as including Darwin and Palmerston, as well as Litchfield Shire, East Arm and Robertson Barracks. South-west of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is the region’s main nature destination. Together, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole attract more than 250,000 visitors a year, according to reporting on the park’s proposed expansion (Great Walks).
Litchfield is well suited to a day trip from Darwin. Visitors can combine waterfalls and swimming holes with walks through monsoon forest, sandstone escarpments and open woodland. NT Parks alerts list current road, track and swimming-area access. Weather and site conditions affect access.
The Northern Territory Government has announced the acquisition of Silkwood, a 30,000-hectare property intended to expand Litchfield National Park by more than 20 per cent. Silkwood is a planned addition and is not listed as parkland open to visitors.
Top End and Kakadu
The Top End runs from Wadeye in the west to Maningrida in the east. It includes the Tiwi Islands, the Daly region and West Arnhem Land. Kakadu National Park lies about 150 km east of Darwin, or roughly a three-hour drive. The park covers a large area, so allow extra travel time between sites.
Kakadu is a World Heritage-listed cultural and natural landscape, jointly managed by Aboriginal traditional owners and Parks Australia. Its rock art and archaeological sites reflect the enduring connection of Bininj/Mungguy people to Country. The UNESCO World Heritage listing describes the park’s cultural and natural values.
Ubirr and Burrungkuy, also called Nourlangie, are major rock-art sites. Jim Jim Falls and Maguk are known for waterfalls and escarpment scenery, although road and weather conditions determine access. Near Jabiru, Bowali Visitor Centre provides park information and trip-planning advice.
May to October is the dry season, when many roads and walking tracks are easier to access. Wet-season rain restricts or closes some roads, tracks and visitor sites. Kakadu Park closures and alerts give current access information. A Kakadu park pass is required; confirm current dates and prices before travelling.
Big Rivers and Katherine
The Big Rivers region stretches from the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf in the west towards the Gulf of Carpentaria in the east. Katherine is the main base for exploring the region, with Mataranka to the south and Judbarra/Gregory National Park further west.
About 30 km north-east of Katherine, Nitmiluk National Park contains 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River. Visitors explore the gorge country on walking tracks, by canoe or boat, or on scenic helicopter flights. Nitmiluk Gorge and Leliyn (Edith Falls) lie in separate parts of the park, about 90 km apart by road, so allow time for the drive. The NT Government’s Nitmiluk National Park information covers current access conditions, closures and visitor advice.
The 62 km Jatbula Trail runs from the Nitmiluk Gorge Visitor Information Centre to Leliyn. This five-day walk follows a Jawoyn songline, a route connected to Jawoyn culture, law and Country. Walkers must book and hold a permit. Visitors from outside the Northern Territory also need an NT Parks Pass to enter Nitmiluk Gorge. This pass is separate from passes for Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta national parks. Confirm current requirements through Nitmiluk visitor information.
Near Mataranka, about 120 km south of Katherine, Elsey National Park is known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool. Mataranka also has a literary connection to Jeannie Gunn’s novel We of the Never Never, which drew on her time at nearby Elsey Station.
Further west, Judbarra/Gregory National Park is the Northern Territory’s second-largest national park. Long distances, limited services and remote roads require more planning than a short trip from Katherine. The Northern Territory’s destination listings outline regional stops and travel options.