8 landscapes you’ll only ever find in the Northern Territory

Fiery monoliths, gin-clear water holes and croc-filled billabongs; few destinations can match the mesmerising vistas of the Northern Territory.

It’s ironic, really, that in a territory known for one of our biggest tourist draw cards, there could be so many unique experiences and hidden gems – from remote water holes to secluded hiking trails – that are largely spoken about in whispers.

Keen to discover the most unique of Northern Territory landscapes? Forget all the hush-hush; the following spots aren’t only safe to visit, and most can be accessed easily.

1. Yellow Water, Kakadu National Park

It’s the sheer number of crocodiles you notice first; hundreds of pairs of yellow eyes peering at you from sunbaked banks – or better yet, as they get in a few laps beside your boat before sundown. Captivating? Certainly, but as the vessel slides along the glassy, landlocked billabong, the other (frightfully loud) residents of Yellow Water (Ngurrungurrudjba) are keen to put on a show of their own.

Always in pairs, Brolgas swoop the boat and perform dances of love, families of brumbies and buffalo frolic by the water and magpie geese step cautiously around their sunbaking mates in the hunt for food.

All in all, if you close your eyes, the magic of the wildlife symphony can be deafening, but with views like this, you’d be crazy to even blink. While easily accessible by viewing platform when the waters recede, the best way to make the most of the experience is with Yellow River Cruises.

2. Sandy Creek Falls, Litchfield National Park

Towering cliffs millions of years in the making, a powerful waterfall and a sun-dappled pool; the beauty of Sandy Creek Falls (Tjaynera Falls) is well-known, but do you really want to be sharing your swim with hordes of other visitors?

During the dry season, strap on your walking shoes for a 3.4 kilometre return trail through open valleys of paperbarks, past hillsides of cycad palms and yes, a little scrambling over time-smoothed stone and sand.

Besides the hike, being 4WD only means many opt for other water holes in the area, but persevere. Not only is the walk spectacular but there’s little that compares to stripping off and taking a dip in a serene plunge pool surrounded by lush ferns and native shrubs.

3. Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu), Warumungu

There’s never a bad time to see the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu). Still, it’s difficult to outshine a sunrise or sunset viewing when the changing light transforms these giant granite boulders, balanced precariously on top of one another, into a vibrant display of colour.

Millions of years old and located some 95 kilometres south of Tennant Creek, the geological marvel can be explored through a series of short self-guided walking trails with signage outlining the site’s cultural significance for its Traditional Owners, the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarr and Warlpiri people.

Better yet, why not set up camp and settle in to watch the whole valley turn a fiery red every time the sun sets?

4. Bitter Springs, Elsey National Park

Cool dips not your thing? Follow the short, 500-metre walk through tropical woodland to Bitter Springs, where warm water (set naturally at a toasty 34 degrees) bubbles up from the ground at a rate of 30.5 million litres per day, ready to soothe those aching bones.

One of two thermal springs in Elsey National Park, located just two kilometres from Mataranka in the Katherine region, Bitter Springs with its lush palm and pandanus forest surrounds, and gentle downstream current, is the perfect place for a lazy (and oh-so-scenic) float.

Bring a pool noodle and let yourself marvel at the vivid blues and greens of the springs and how it contrasts with the rich red ochre of the earth around you.

5. N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park

Art galleries don’t come any more impressive than N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park, situated some 90 kilometres east of Alice Springs in the East McDonnell Ranges.  Framed by weathered sandstone, eye-catching boulders (not to mention some surprisingly lush vegetation) the Park is home to over 6,000 individual rock carvings across 438 engaged sites around the main gorge, and 240 engraved sites in the side gorge, each work telling the story of the Arrernte people, the Park’s Traditional Owners. Historians estimate the works to be across two time periods: the first around 10,000 years ago, and the second about 3000 years ago.

The best way to get a sense of the Park’s cultural significance (not to mention the Park’s variety of rare plants)? Take the 1.5-kilometre signposted walking track through the gorge and prepare to be amazed.

6. Ranku Water hole, Tiwi Islands

Dense, emerald rainforest, white-sand beaches, clay-like cliffs and azure rock pools miles from the footsteps of any others; there’s only one way to get a handle on the diversity of the landscape surrounding Tiwi Islands’ super-secret (and equally remote) Ranku Water hole: by scenic helicopter flight.

Surrounded by lush vegetation, the sun-warmed oasis has all the elements you could ever need for a romantic day out: a waterfall, complete privacy as you soak or swim, and should you opt for a Helicopter Scenic Flight & Ranu Swimming Hole tour (organised by Tiwi Island Retreat), a gourmet picnic basket for two.

The Tiwi Islands are located 90 kilometres north of Darwin and accessible by ferry or flight.

7. Kata Tjuta National Park

Kata Tjuta – meaning ‘many heads’ in the Anangu language – are two words which give a pretty solid heads up in terms of descriptors. Characterised by a group of ancient, domed monoliths rising dramatically from the arid crimson earth, Kata Tjuta – sacred to the Anangu people – is located just 35 kilometres west of Uluru and are almost seemingly designed to be viewed at sunrise or sunset when they glow their brightest.

Make the most of the experience with the celebrated Valley Of The Winds Walk, a 7.4-kilometre circuit which takes you between the domes and through creek beds. Or check out the shorter Walpa Gorge Walk, a desert refuge for plants and wildlife.

8. Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, East MacDonnell Ranges

We could talk about Yeperenye/Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park’s striking ochre rock formations, vibrant desert flora and rich diversity of wildlife. But as eye-catching as they are, they’re no match for the fact that these ranges are part of the Caterpillar Dreaming story, depicted in large-scale rock art around the Park.

There are many ways to absorb the story of how Mparntwe/Alice Springs was formed. Cycle its trails (Yeperenye trail is one of the best to walk or ride between the two gaps), explore its dramatic cliffs and deep gorges, or keep a lens trained on the many colourful species of birds which inhabit the area.

The Park is a quick 10-kilometre drive from Alice Springs.

For further information about the unique landscapes of the Northern Territory, visit northernterritory.com.

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