Northern Territory

An Australian adventure without a visit to the 'Top End' is a missed opportunity. This is where you'll find the magical red desert of Uluru and the wondrous wetlands of Kadadu National Park. And the best places to stay in the Northern Territory rank among the most relaxing in all of Australia.

Crocodile Dundee, with his broad accent, brown leathery skin, cowboy outfit and big knife is most people's first encounter with the Northern Territory and Hollywood hasn't strayed too far from the truth. The Northern Territory is a bit like the wild west in a stunning, but often unforgiving outback setting, with the added danger of some seriously deadly critters. People are eaten by crocodiles here at a rate of one every few years - unfortunately it's often tourists who don't take the warnings seriously enough and are too tempted by the beauty of the billabongs. Unfortunately you can't swim off many of the beaches, despite their beauty, because of the fear of box jellyfish but there are plenty that are safe.

Our Northern Territory Collections

• The Best Places to Stay in Darwin
• The Best Places to Stay in Kadadu National Park
• AThe Best Places to Stay in Alice Springs

What Not To Miss

This was the last bit of Australia to be colonised by Europeans and is probably the best place to learn about the Aboriginal culture. Of course it's where you'll find some of Australia's most stunning landscapes, from the biologically diverse flood plains of Kakadu to the hazy escarpments and mangrove swamps in the north to the rugged, sun scorched bush of the Kimberly ranges to the red desert around Alice Springs.

For around 50,000 years Alice Springs has been home to several groups of indigenous Australians and there's still a strong population with a thriving local culture. Despite being the closest town to the world's most famous rock, Alice Springs is still a four-hour drive away from the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where you'll find Uluru, and the less famous, but no less dramatic Kata Tjuta (or the Olgas).

The southern edge of the Northern Territory is also where you'll find the Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent King's Canyon with sheer 300m cliffs offering death defying views.

State capital, Darwin sprawls in its tropical humidity, an extremely laid-back city. Darwin's pace of life abhors unnecessary exertions and you'll soon find yourself falling into step, or stepping inside into the air conditioning. Darwin provides plenty of space for relaxation in the pavement cafes and bars, the fantastically diverse covered markets and in the lush shady, bougainvillea and frangipani scented parks.
Despite being a long way from anywhere, Darwin is a cosmopolitan city, called home by people from around 50 different countries. This adds energy to the feel of the place and Darwin has some fantastic little museums and a surprisingly exuberant arts scene.

The Hotel Guru's pick of the best places to stay in the Northern Territory includes everything from luxurious hotels to the ultimate glamping experience with stunning views over Uluru.

For Luxury

• Skycity Darwin has its own beach, infinity pool and a lagoon pool, so it definitely qualifies as a resort. Luxurious rooms look out over a calm bay or the lush hotel gardens and there's a relaxed, tropical vibe in tune with the location.
• The Wildman Wilderness Lodge is a collection of fifteen safari tents and ten stand alone cabins in the wildlife haven of the Mary River wetlands. Luxury and fine dining await you after your animal encounters, it's all great value - but very remote. Definitely one of the best places to stay in the Northern Territory if you want off the beaten track.
• In the heart of the Kakadu National Park you'll find Jabiru, the town in the park and in the heart of town you'll find the Kakadu Crocodile Hotel - a crocodile shaped hotel. Spacious, clean and cool, this hotel will keep you as comfortable as possible while exploring the park.
• For the ultimate in Top End luxury there's Bamurru Plains, a 'wild bush camp' with just nine stand alone bungalows and all the luxury you can imagine. You're right by the coast and the Mary River wetlands. There is an excellent chance you'll see crocodiles, wild boar, water buffalo and wallabies - and of course an amazing array of birdlife.
• The luxurious Cicada Lodge offers spacious rooms with amazing views over the Katherine Gorge. It's perfect for those wanting to explore Australia's fauna, with indigenous guides on site for wildlife tours.

The Red Centre

• Longitude 131° allows you to stay right by Uluru in what is probably the world's most luxurious tented camp experience. The fifteen tents are tents only so far as they're covered with white sails of tarpaulin, but they're permanent structures with plumbing and cooling systems. As well as catering for your every need, a stay here allows you the optimum amount of time to just gaze on the wonder of this rock rising grandly out of the desert.

For an Apartment

• If you'd prefer your own space, don't hesitate to visit our online partner Booking.com for a variety of properties across the region.

Travel Information

• Fly to Darwin International Airport, with a range of both domestic and international connections.
• Catch the Ghan train which travels from the South to the North of the region
• If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Northern Territory, for prices we recommend our online partner Rentalcars
• Best time to visit - the dry season from May to October is one of the most popular times to visit the area.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search to the best places to stay in Kadadu National Park,
• or the best places to stsy in Alice Springs?
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Northern Territory