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National parks in the Northern Territory

Kakadu National Park
Things to do

Visit one of the NT’s two World Heritage-listed national parks, or over 50 other national parks, nature reserves, conservation areas and marine parks.

NT national parks are accessible, remote, and spectacular. They’re great places to view native plants, birds and animals, go for a bushwalk, swim under waterfalls, join an Aboriginal cultural tour and camp under the stars.

Visit the NT’s 24 national parks and 73 nature reserves, conservation areas, historical reserves and marine parks to see the important heritage and natural environments and native plants and animals they protect.

World Heritage-listed parks

The NT is the only Australian jurisdiction with two World Heritage-listed national parks. Kakadu National Park is a vast expanse of exceptional natural beauty, unique biodiversity and Aboriginal rock art sites, and is recognised for both its cultural and its natural values.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to the iconic landmark Uluru and the 32 weathered rock domes known as Kata Tjuta. They’re at their most spectacular viewed at sunrise or sunset and have strong cultural and spiritual significance.

National parks & reserves in the NT

Don’t-miss parks

Make sure you visit Nitmiluk National Park to cruise the network of 13 gorges carved out by the sandstone of the Katherine River.

Just 120km from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a great place to cool off in a permanent spring-fed waterfall.

The Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park encompasses a vast and spectacular section of the MacDonnell Ranges. Set out on foot to see chasms and gorges, waterholes, and ochre pits.

Judbarra / Gregory National Park, the NT’s second largest national park, encompasses spectacular ranges, sandstone escarpments, gorges and eucalypt woodlands, Boab trees, limestone landscapes, and the Victoria River.

Popular reserves

Go underground in limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites at the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park. Berry Springs Nature Park near Darwin is a popular area for picnics and is a great swimming spot. Wander around Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line.

Explore national parks & reserves by region

Park rules

  • Camp at designated sites and take your rubbish
  • Leave your pets at home
  • Obey the ‘no swimming’ signs
  • Light fires only in fireplaces provided. Use gas BBQs during total fire bans
  • Don’t use soap or detergent in or near waterways
  • Look (don't touch) at cultural items and wildlife
  • Don’t feed native animals

Don’t forget your permit

Before visiting or driving through Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory, you must have a permit. So make sure applying for a permit is part of your itinerary planning.

Phone reception

Large areas of outback Northern Territory are without phone network coverage, so if you’re heading into remote country and need to stay in touch, consider hiring or purchasing a satellite phone.

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