What’s new in the Northern Territory?

Take a long-awaited holiday and reconnect with yourself and loved ones in the Northern Territory. Discover new glamping experiences in Kakadu or go off-road on an ATV tour in the Top End. Jump on an adrenaline-filled mountain biking tour in the Red Centre or settle into the newly renovated accommodation in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Check out these new experiences and start planning your trip to the NT.

Go off-road around Charles Darwin National Park

The brainchild of one of Australia’s most exciting Jet Ski tours, 00Seven Adventures has swapped Darwin Harbour for the tropical terrain of Charles Darwin National Park, located within 15 minutes of the city. Off-Road Adventures is a heart racing tour that allows you to drive your own ATV or jump in with a friend – navigating past termite mounds and visiting a trail of historic sites from WWII.

Book a stay at a luxury lodge in the Top End

Outback luxury takes it further at Finniss River Lodge with its upcoming dry season opening an exciting addition to the Top End of the NT. Book an all-inclusive stay on a cattle station, 90-minutes outside of Darwin. Home to six luxury suites surrounded by floodplains, a wet-edge pool with spectacular views, farm to table dining and activities to explore the area including air boating, fishing and Aboriginal cultural tours. Bookings are open now.

Stay overnight at Lake Bennett

Whether you’re making your way in or out of Darwin along the Stuart Highway, the newly reopened De Lago Resort is a tropical oasis perched over a manmade lake that’s a haven for wildlife and for those seeking peace and quiet. Fill your day with early morning kayaking, take a walk around the lake spotting birds or cool off poolside with a cocktail in hand.

Watch the sunset from Baruwei Lookout at Nitmiluk Gorge

While discovering the walking trails, kayaking experiences and boat cruises in Nitmiluk National Park – make sure to visit the newly reopened Baruwei Lookout to witness spectacular views over Nitmiluk Gorge. Local tip: head straight to the top before sunset to watch the gorge change colours at the end of the day. Baruwei Lookout Walk is approximately 1.8km return and categorised as moderate in difficulty.

Try a dot painting workshop at Standley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye

Standley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye, a 40-minute drive outside of Alice Springs, is regarded as a place of cultural significance and is sacred to women’s dreaming of the Arrernte people. The site has reopened with new offerings from its award winning cultural tours sharing the flora, fauna and history of the area. Remember to book ahead to get a spot.

Hire an e-bike to explore Alice Springs

If you like the sound of a two-wheel adventure, Outback Cycling has reopened in Alice Springs offering daily hire of E-bikes, mountain bikes or the fun option to book a guided tour along the town’s local trails and the option to visit Alice Springs Brewery! Tours depart from Outback Cycling located at Red Centre Adventures, 1/2 Ghan Road in Alice Springs.

Heli mountain biking adventure in the Red Centre

For the mountain biking thrill seekers, Alice Springs Helicopters run an epic tour that picks you up with your bike in tow and drops you directly onto a trail of your choice on the east side or west side of town. A detailed map of the mountain biking trails in the region can be found on the Trailforks app or website which provides information about grade, elevation, and directions, including offline maps.

Glen Helen

Glen Helen – Discovery Parks, home to the only cabin accommodation in the West MacDonnell Ranges, is reopening in April after major renovations to the rooms, restaurant and outside dining area. The resort is the perfect place to kick back poolside after a big day exploring the waterholes dotted along the 'West Macs’. Bookings are available now.

East Arnhem Land camping sites & tours

East Arnhem Land is a part of Australia that should be on everyone’s bucket list. For those with their own vehicle, new camping sites have opened to the public in Dhalinybuy homeland – two hours’ drive outside of Nhulunbuy. Campsites include a firepit and access to a compostable toilet. Liya Wanhurr welcomes guests to book a tour and learn about Yolŋu life, culture and history. Highlights include experiencing a buŋgul (Yolŋu dance and ceremony), learning new skills such as weaving and spear making, exploring the food and medicine resources on Country and visiting sites off the beaten track. A campsite is included in each tour booking.

Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts has reopened after a period of closure, like many other art centres in the Northern Territory, due to the impacts of COVID-19 in communities. Travellers are encouraged to support local businesses and art centres in East Arnhem Land when they are visiting.

Marrawuddi Gallery and Café in Jabiru

Marrawuddi Gallery and Café has found a new working space for its local artists where the Kakadu Bakery once called home. Visitors are welcomed inside the newly renovated building to watch art being created – from painting and weaving to carving and screen printing. Marrawuddi is owned and run by the Mirarr Traditional Owners and is a proud member of the Indigenous Art Code. They also serve Campos coffee – a must-stop in the Kakadu region.

Booking campsites & multi-day walks in the NT

Locals and visitors to any national park in the NT are required to book their campsite or multi-day walk via the recently launched online booking system. Visitors can view openings of parks, available dates and have greater planning options in real time. The booking system applies to camping, walking trails and park passes.

Wildman Fishing Tours

Wild about fishing? No matter what type of fisher you classify yourself as, Wildman Fishing Tours has you covered with the recent launch of their one-day fishing experiences at Shady Camp on the Mary River. Book with an expert guide for a day trip or pair the adventure overnight at Wildman’s Outback luxury accommodation. Matt Moran, one of Australia’s best-known celebrity chefs, recently visited Wildman Wilderness Lodge where he sampled some of the local delicacies, including wild-caught barramundi.

Glamping in Kakadu National Park

And lucky last, Cooinda Lodge in Kakadu hits the mark with its fully air-conditioned Outback Retreat glamping tents, comfortably fitted out with a locally inspired décor.

For more travel inspiration, start planning with these itinerary ideas or skip straight to the Local’s Tips.