Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Northern Territory, Australia

July 4, 2021 Kelli Reichel

The Northern Territory (abbreviated as NT) is a federal Australian territory in the central and central northern regions of Australia. It shares borders with Western Australia to the west (129th meridian east), South Australia to the south (26th parallel south), and Queensland to the east (138th meridian east). To the north, the territory is bordered by the Timor Sea, the Arafura Sea and the Gulf of Carpentaria. Despite its large area—over 1,349,129 square kilometres (520,902 sq mi), making it the third largest Australian federal division—it is sparsely populated. The Northern Territory's population of 244,000 (2016) makes it the least populous of Australia's eight major states and territories, having fewer than half as many people as Tasmania.
Restaurants in Northern Territory

1. Watarrka National Park

Via Luritja Road Or Via Larapinta Drive, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8956 7460 http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/find/watarrka#
Excellent
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5.0 based on 71 reviews

Watarrka National Park

This national park whose name, Watarrka, comes from the Aboriginal word for the umbrella bush, is best known for the spectacular sheer walls of Kings Canyon. This scenic landscape of rugged ranges, cliffs, rockholes and gorges and is a must see attraction of central Australia. Please note that in hot weather forcast to be 36 degrees celsius and above, there are access restrictions to some walks.

Reviewed By tumfave815 - Canton of Zurich, Switzerland

We decided for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, 6 km loop, ideal time was for 3 to 4 hours, moderate to difficult grade. We started at 7.03. This is the official description of the walk: The Rim Walk allows walkers to gain spectacular panoramic views of Kings Canyon, tranquil surroundings at the Garden of Eden. This walk begins with a steep climb to the top of the Canyon then generally follows the canyon plateau before descending to the carpark. It is advisable to wear a shady hat, wear sensible footwear and clothing, use sunblock, carry and drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity. There is a wifi at the entrance to our surprise. The park is well maintained with visible general signage and safety signage. It was not crowded. The first 20 minutes of the walk were the most challenging. It has a lot of stairs and boardwalks. Highlights were ancient sand dune which are now cross bedding in the beehive like domes on top of the range, The Garden of Eden which is a lush oasis, The Rock Domes which are beehive domes that make the plateau look like a lost city, they are the result of erosion of vertical cracks in the sandstone. The different sides of the Canyon showcases unique landscape, flora and fauna, each side very instagramable and simply master planned by nature. It was all worth it staying overnight at the lodge and walking up early for this one wildly beautiful walk. We ended the walk at 9.57 am. Social Media time at the entrance.

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary

33 Hartley Street Kilgariff, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 0871 Australia +61 8 8965 0038 [email protected] http://www.kangaroosanctuary.com
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5.0 based on 514 reviews

The Kangaroo Sanctuary

The Kangaroo Sanctuary is located on a 188-acre wildlife reserve just outside of Alice Springs. Owned by Chris 'Brolga' Barnes, it is fulfilling his life-long dream of a sanctuary that is home to orphaned kangaroos. Most of the rescued kangaroos have been rehabilitated to the wild, however some have learnt to love humans too much and remain permanently at the sanctuary. Take the sunset guided tour (Tuesday to Friday) throughout our reserve and meet the Kangaroo characters from Kangaroo Dundee (BBC/Nat Geo Series). Our motto is Animals Come First!

Reviewed By Wanderlustemily - Newcastle, Australia

If you are ever in Alice Springs make sure you make time to attend @thekangaroosanctuary the work Brolga has done and is doing for these beautiful animals is amazing.

3. Maguk Gorge

Barramundi Gorge, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory 0822 Australia +61 8 8938 1120 [email protected] https://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/do/waterfalls/maguk/
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5.0 based on 225 reviews

Maguk Gorge

A short monsoon rainforest walk delivers you to this stunning location where lush vegetation and beautiful wildlife is found. A pristine waterfall that flows into a crystal clear plunge pool surrounded by steep gorge walls. Located only an hours' drive south of Cooinda and is accessed off of a 14 kilometre 4WD track off Kakadu Highway.

Reviewed By LozArthur - Darwin, Australia

Maguk is a great place for all sorts of travellers. The swimming hole is absolutely beautiful and great for all ages to have a dip. Highly recommend bringing a noodle or floating device as it's deep throughout the main swimming hole. Water temperature is perfect! There is a track that leads up to the top of the falls but has been closed this dry season. Camping is a simple bush camp with drop toilets. The road in is recommended 4WD but we went slow with our Subaru Outback (AWD) and were fine. Lots of corrugations as the road isn't regularly graded.

4. Ormiston Gorge

Namatjira Drive, West MacDonnell National Park, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8956 7799 http://northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/see-and-do/ormiston-gorge
Excellent
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5.0 based on 481 reviews

Ormiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip in the natural pool surrounded by towering red cliffs of the gorge. Located within the West MacDonnell Ranges National Park the surrounding area offers an Ormiston Pound Walk, which is a 3-4 hour circuit where you can spot native flora and fauna.

Reviewed By sandrah691

Beautiful spot for a quick swim and spend a lazy few hours admiring the scenery for the bottom of the cliffs to the top of the cliffs

5. Nitmiluk National Park

Katherine, Northern Territory Australia (08) 8972 1253 http://nt.gov.au/leisure/parks-reserves/find-a-park-to-visit/nitmiluk-national-park
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4.5 based on 391 reviews

Nitmiluk National Park

Located on the lands of the Jawoyn people, Nitmiluk National Park draws travellers from all over the world to experience its majestic beauty and sheer size of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). Ancient rock art sites dot the park and the dreaming stories told by Jawoyn people bring the silent gorge walls to life.

Reviewed By N1817ZLlauried - Kanata, Canada

The Nitmiluk National park is an absolute gem, 9 different gorges to visit and paddle through (with some portaging depending on the water level), so beautiful! Not many places to kayak inland in the Top End, this is the spot, a few hours to a few days of back country camping and kayaking, Nitmiluk has it. Great swimming throughout too!

6. Alice Springs Desert Park

Larapinta Drive Desert Park Entrance Road, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 0870 Australia +61 8 8951 8788 [email protected] http://www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/
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4.5 based on 1,981 reviews

Alice Springs Desert Park

Alice Springs Desert Park is an inspiring portrayal of Australia’s central desert environment that effortlessly blends the plants, birds, animals and people of our arid regions within one, extraordinary tourism and conservation facility. Our ‘natural’ attraction is as distinctive as the Australian desert itself - a truly unique experience that continues to captivate and educate travellers from every corner of the globe. There’s much more to deserts than meets the eye and our visitors are astonished by the life and beauty they discover on their journey with us.

Reviewed By 725angelai - Canberra, Australia

This facility is part of the NT Conservation Commission. It offers the opportunity to learn a lot about the indigenous and arid habitats and animals at one location close to Alice Sprinsg. You willl find a selection of habitats, animals, aboriginal culture, lots of free presentations, lots of signposted information,the unforgettable and heart-stopping bird show, and the inspirational endangered species breeding program and Nocturnal Tour. If you get the general entry and the nocturnal tour, there is a saving - also you can do these on separate days. Allow at least half a day.

7. Alice Springs Reptile Centre

9 Stuart Tce, Alice Springs, Northern Territory 0870 Australia +61 8 8952 8900 [email protected] http://www.reptilecentre.com.au
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4.5 based on 969 reviews

Alice Springs Reptile Centre

The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is a privately owned park which displays an extensive range of reptiles from the Northern Territory of Australia including Terry the Saltwater crocodile and large Perentie Goannas. The talk and handling sessions are a must and are at 11am, 1pm Saturdays only. Due to COVID restrictions the Centre is only open on Saturdays until the 19th of December, and bookings are required.

Reviewed By mandyegg2k - Coxhoe, United Kingdom

What a fantastic place with knowledgeable staff and close ups of a crocodile, thorny devil etc. The guy doing the reptile tour is passionate and it shows. Entertaining and brilliant. Wish we had more time here.

8. Territory Wildlife Park

Cox Peninsula Road cox peninsula RD, Berry Springs, Northern Territory 0831 Australia +61 8 8988 7200 [email protected] http://www.territorywildlifepark.com.au/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 497 reviews

Territory Wildlife Park

Territory Wildlife Park is a 45-minute drive south of Darwin city. It occupies 625 hectares of native bush adjacent to the Berry Springs Nature Park. The Wildlife Park showcases animals and plants of the Top End in both natural settings and exhibits for ease of viewing, as well as the diversity of natural habitats of the Top End. The Park is spread out around a 4km loop road with free shuttle trains and natural walking paths linking the attractions. The Main Station Cafe, Nocturnal House and Aquarium are air conditioned.

Reviewed By 336wallyh - Perth, Australia

I have an interest in conserving our native wildlife and I think this place is amazing. A short drive south of Darwin and you can immerse urself for most of a day. There is a free “train” that runs around the park (on a road) every 30 mins so before you visit check out the web site for times of presentations snd talks. We did the Billabong Pelican Brekky (freshies, night herons, turtles, kites etc), the Flight Deck Nature Display (owls, emus, parrots, kites etc), the Oolloo Sandbar display (Barra, Freshwater Whiprays, Tarpons etc) and started the Salty talk when our train arrived. Full marks, more than 5 stars if I could, these guys are doing an amazing job educating us on our very own wildlife

9. Anbangbang Billabong

Anbangbang Billabong Track Jabiru, Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory 0886 Australia +61 8 8938 1120 [email protected] http://www.kakadu.com.au
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4.5 based on 144 reviews

Anbangbang Billabong

During the sry season only. A billabong, paperbark swamps, fringing woodlands and sandstone plateau scrub feature along the Anbangbang Billabong and Nawurlandja lookout walks.Follow the yellow-tipped posts around Anbangbang Billabong to see lilies, waterbirds and stunning views of Burrunggui (Nourlangie Rock).

Reviewed By mazzaintazza - London, United Kingdom

We parked at the Nawurlandja parking area which also gives you easy access to the glorious lookout. Sunscreen, water and insect spray recommended. The billabong is a tranquil spot, and an easy circular walk on grass takes you round the water. Lots of bird life, a few wallabies,some gorgeous views. Keep your eyes peeled - my wife almost stepped on a snake! This walk was one of our Kakadu highlights.

10. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

Arnhem Highway, Humpty Doo, Northern Territory Australia +61 8 8988 8009 http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/find/foggdam#recreational
Excellent
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4.5 based on 165 reviews

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve

Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is one of several parks in the lower Adelaide River catchment that provide havens for wildlife in Darwin's developing rural fringe. One of the few wetland systems accessible to visitors all year round. Enjoy the many walks and viewing areas. Fogg Dam is 70 kilometres east of Darwin. Camping, swimming and fishing are NOT permitted

Reviewed By mazzaintazza - London, United Kingdom

Well worth a trip to spend a few hours at this lovely spot. I got there around 5pm and parked just before the dam itself. From there I did the 1hr Woodlands to Waterlilies walk which takes you through a variety of habitats and onto a well built walkway above the water. Loads of birdlife, a few wallabies but not too many lilies at this time of year. Back to the car then drove across the dam to the main lookout over the wetlands for sunset - bring your binoculars to look for brolga, kites, geese, ducks etc. There’s a donation box there for the Friends of Fogg Dam who care so well for the Reserve. Then back across to the first car park and a 1hr night walk towards the water which starts near the toilet on the other side of the road. I took a torch and enjoyed a dark walk with bats aplenty. No snakes or rats on view, and sadly I spotted 3 healthy-looking Cane toads. Fogg Dam is a treat anytime for bird & animal spotting, easy walks and awesome night skies.

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