1.Darwin

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is the base for incredible natural attractions such as 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 beach sunsets 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 relaxed 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 all 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 watching, as are the stunning 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 attractions nearby, and is the largest town between Darwin and Alice Springs. Katherine Gorge has swimming holes, walking trails, and waterfalls. Boating is safe as there are no crocodiles and it is one of the best ways to see the gorge at its best. Mataranka Thermal Pools, located 100 km south of Katherine, is a welcome place to relax and unwind in the hot springs. There is also some amazing scenery at Keep River National Park. Truly an oasis in the desert.

4.Alice Springs

Known as Alice, this isolated town in central Australia is just 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 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 captivated.

5. Eastern MacDonnell Ranges

Not far from Alice Springs you will find the East MacDonnell Ranges. There is much to see in this beautiful region and there are many hiking trails that will take you to some amazing viewpoints. Trephina Gorge Nature Park has a number of walks and amazing scenery, and you can camp here if you wish. Further on is Ross River Homestead, where you can rest comfortably and have the option of horseback or camel riding for a little more adrenaline. 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 amazing 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, both worth visiting if you can. The Wallace Rockhole is a great place to see aboriginal rocks followed by Finke Gorge National Park. The rest of this region is spectacular, but you need to rent a 4×4.

7. Finke 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 Camp as your base. Palm Valley is best known for its many palm trees and lush vegetation. 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 walking path that leads to the Karalanga Lookout, and the Mpaara Walk gives you a fascinating look at the Aboriginal culture, which is ever present in this region.

8. Simpson Desert

Though vast, remote and mostly inaccessible, the mighty Simpson’s fringes can still be reached from the Alice in a day trip. There is 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 unspoilt 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 are looking for big skies and far horizons, you will find them here. Located east of Tennant Creek towards the Queensland border, Barkley Tableland does not have many tourist facilities. Almost all are cattle stations and long stretches of uninhabited land, but the remoteness of this area still draws many travelers to experience its remoteness, sunsets, and rugged beauty. The only main tourist stop is Barley Homestead, which also offers camping facilities and is a great place to meet the locals.