Perhaps the most remote of Australia's regions, the Northern Territory is a fascinating, magical land of vast wetland plains, a craggy coastline and dazzling red desert. Undoubtedly most famous as the site of Uluru, the Northern Territory is rich in Aboriginal heritage and culture, and you’ll find opportunities aplenty to delve into this unique identity. Although less-visited than many parts of Australia, the Northern Territory boasts some excellent accommodation options — many clustered around Darwin and Alice Springs. Our list of the best places to stay in the Northern Territory includes intimate B&Bs, remote homesteads and resorts alike, ensuring that there really is something for everyone in the ‘Top End’.

Coastal Darwin is a lively state capital, with fantastic food and craft markets at Parap and Mindil Beach, and an exuberant arts scene. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory is a real highlight, whilst the Waterfront Precinct’s buzzy cafes and eateries are well worth a wander. Take sea and river cruises, spot rare flora in the Botanical Gardens, and admire birds and reptiles aplenty in the Charles Darwin National Park and the expansive wetlands of the Kakadu National Park.

A short flight or scenic train ride to the south, Alice Springs is the gateway to the red deserts of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This little outback city has a cool, creative vibe, with some brilliant galleries showcasing Aboriginal artwork, as well as heritage buildings and guided cultural tours. Venture to the National Parks and into the outback for hiking, mountain biking, camel riding, wildlife safaris and star-gazing. Set in a remote wilderness sure to delight keen adventurers of all ages, the best places to stay in the Northern Territory await.

The Best Places to Stay in the Northern Territory

For a Nature-Focused Hideaway

• Ooraminna Station Homestead was once a film set. This 600-acre slice of the outback promises rustic cabins, glamping tents and a campsite. Gather at the restaurant-bar for mouth-watering Australian classics and regular live music nights. Spend your days hiking, bird watching, fishing and cycing before cosying up by the campfire.
• Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B has just three eco tents on the edge of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Expect beds topped with patterned quilts, private decks facing the mountains and simple en-suite bathrooms. Evening BBQs are a real treat, as are the bird watching opportunities. Book all three tents for a private retreat with friends.
• Cicada Lodge offers 18 modern guest rooms just moments from the Katherine River and the magnificent Katherine Gorge. Expect original artwork by Australian artists, a swimming pool and great food. Stand-out acitivites include canoeing up to the gorge, private tours with knowledgeable indigenous guides, and bird-watching walks with naturalists in the vast wilderness of the Nitmiluk National Park. A nature-focused hideaway.
• Groote Eylandt Lodge, on remote Groote Eylandt, has traditional bungalows with garden and ocean-facing decks. Pick this place for its fantastic fishing charters, adventurous island tours and the sense of being miles from the beaten track. An unusual north-east Australian escape.

FOR a Resort

• Mindil Beach Casino Resort, on the northern side of Darwin, promises an extensive resort complex with multiple bars and restaurants, as well as late-night entertainment aplenty. Swish resort rooms and suites with big bathtubs overlook a refreshing lagoon pool, and guests can stroll down to the beach, follow coastal walking paths or catch the sunset over the Arafura Sea. Beachfront luxury.
• Sails in the Desert is part of the larger Ayers Rock Resort. Featuring an impressive collection of Aboriginal artwork, the resort offers an intriguing gallery, as well as a spa, tennis court, swimming pool and two restaurants. Guided walks to Uluru, bird watching, cycling and more await.
• Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters borders the Todd River on the edge of Alice Springs. The largest of the 229 modern rooms and suites have space for additional beds, and frame views of the stunning MacDonnell Ranges. A casino, swimming pool, events spaces and multiple restaurants complete the picture.

FOR FAMILIES OR GROUPS

• Rydges Darwin Central is a smart city hotel just a couple of hundred metres from Darwin's lively esplanade. Spacious rooms offer flexible options for families and groups, with extra beds in rooms decorated in white, grey and turquoise. Splash around in the plunge pool and feast on Italian fare at Salvatore's Café.
• Vatu Sanctuary, set in Alice Springs, is made up of three apartments and a studio, all facing a refreshing swimming pool. Comfortable, multi-bedroom apartments with sitting rooms and kitchens are great for families or groups on holiday together. Book more than one space for a larger group trip.
• Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel is, as the name suggests, shaped like a crocodile. Spacious rooms have multiple beds for families or groups of friends, and the refreshing swimming pool is ideal for splashing around after hiking and cycling in the Kakadu National Park. Expect modern Australian cuisine at the Manjmukmuk Restaurant. Very reasonably priced.
• Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront offers chic, white-on-white guest rooms with pale wooden furnishings, light blue accents and harbour views. The Waterfront Precinct brims with bars and restaurants, perfect for buzzy evenings out. The pool and relaxed café will be popular with families, who can also add roll-away beds to bigger bedrooms.
• Waterfront Luxury Suites are a sleek and stylish collection of multi-bedroom contemporary apartments overlooking Darwin's Waterfront Precinct. Well-equipped units have kitchens, sitting rooms, dining spaces and shaded balconies. A lovely luxury choice for those dreaming of more independence on their city break. Cook up a storm for the whole family with produce from the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.

For a Romantic Luxury Escape

• Bamurru Plains is a spectacular escape in the Mary River wetlands. Nine spacious tented bungalows promise uninterrupted views, with inviting beds, private decks and a real sense of seclusion. Gather at the restaurant for fabulous food, or sink into the infinity pool after days of bird watching and 4WD or river safaris. Remote, pared-back luxury.
• Longitude 131°, tantalisingly close to Uluru, is amongst Australia's most indulgent tented camps. The 15 tents and pavilions feel more like sumptuous suites, with panoramic views, a serene spa, small group excursions to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and gourmet dining under the stars. An exceptional honeymoon haven.
• Bullo River Station is a sensational luxury escape, with 12 retro guest rooms on an enormous 400,000-acre cattle station. Interiors feature handwoven textiles, wrought iron beds, wood-panelled walls and a real sense of understated exclusivity. Experience the magic of the outback in a striking setting, complete with fabulous farm-to-table fare. Outdoorsy activities and cultural tours abound.

FOR GREAT VALUE

• Argus Hotel is a modern property in central Darwin, with compact, affordable rooms. Simple spaces are clean, modern and functional, and guests share access to a refreshing swimming pool. A great base for exploring the city as a couple or with friends and family.
• H on Smith Hotel, on Darwin's lively Smith Street, is a trendy contemporary spot with crisp white linens, smart bathrooms — the best of which have sink-tub bathtubs — and big picture windows. The relaxed poolside restaurant specialises in modern Asian cuisine, and the best of the city is right on your doorstep. Also very reasonably priced.
• Quest Alice Springs offers 68 serviced apartments near the Todd River. Modern spaces are done in white and dark wood, offering one, two or three bedrooms, well-equipped kitchens and sitting rooms. There's a swimming pool, meeting rooms and BBQ area for all guests to share. Great value for long stays and those keen to self-cater.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Cabin

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Darwin International Airport or to Alice Springs Airport, or travel across the region on the iconic Ghan train — reputedly one of the world's best railway journeys, this railway line crosses the country to connect Darwin and Alice Springs to Adelaide. If you're staying somewhere truly remote, you might consider a charter flight or helicopter ride — speak to the team at the lodge in question about the options for this.
• The Northern Territory is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Summers (December to February) are very hot, with temperatures hovering at around 33°C and more rainfall. Visit between June and August for cooler temperatures, dry weather and more possibilities of exploring the outback.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Darwin.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Australia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.