The Northern Territory offers some of Australia’s most distinctive hiking landscapes, from the desert ranges of Central Australia to the escarpments, waterfalls and river systems of the Top End. Walking here is as much about place as it is about distance, with trails that pass through ancient landforms, culturally significant sites and environments shaped by heat, water and time. From short interpretive walks to major multi-day treks, the Territory provides a very different hiking experience to anywhere else in the country.
Footprints in the Red Center
Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon are among the Northern Territory’s most recognisable walking destinations. These landscapes are best experienced on foot, where trails bring you close to rock formations, gorges, waterholes and places of deep cultural significance. The 2km Mala Walk offers insight into the connection between Uluru and the Mala people, while the 11-kilometre Uluru Base Walk circles the monolith and reveals its changing faces, textures and cultural context from ground level.
A world of waterfalls
In the Top End, Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks offer a very different walking experience, shaped by sandstone escarpments, river valleys, floodplains and seasonal waterfalls. Kakadu contains a wide variety of walks, from short lookouts such as Boucaut Lookout Walk to more demanding routes including the walk to Twin Falls Plateau. These tracks highlight the scale of the Arnhem Land escarpment and the diversity of the surrounding country.
Nitmiluk National Park centres on the dramatic sandstone gorge system of Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge). The Jatbula Trail is one of the Territory’s classic multi-day walks, following a five-day route past waterfalls, rock pools, escarpments and Aboriginal rock art sites. It is a walk that combines strong landscape character with real cultural depth.
Exploring Litchfield National Park
Litchfield National Park is one of the Northern Territory’s most accessible hiking destinations and provides a striking contrast to the Red Centre. Rainforest pockets, spring-fed creeks, waterfalls and extensive savanna landscapes make it a rewarding place to walk, particularly for those seeking shorter adventures or a multi-day circuit with regular access to water. The Litchfield Tabletop Track is a 39 kilometre circuit that links woodlands, creeks and waterfalls while showcasing the park’s variety. Along the way, features such as Florence Falls, Wangi Falls and the giant termite mounds add further interest to the landscape.
Treks for the determined
For experienced hikers, The Larapinta Trail is the Territory’s defining long-distance walk. Stretching 223km through the West MacDonnell Ranges, it traverses ridgelines, gorges, rocky plateaus and remote desert country west of Alice Springs. Walkers can complete selected sections over a few days or undertake the full through-hike using the designated campsites along the route. It is a demanding trail, but one that reveals the scale, colour and complexity of the central Australian landscape better than almost any other.
Beyond the icons
The Northern Territory’s walking opportunities extend well beyond its best known landmarks. Near Alice Springs, Emily and Jessie Gaps provide accessible walks through sandstone country with rock art and strong cultural significance. The Yeperenye Trail links these sites in an 8km route through the East MacDonnell Ranges, offering a rewarding half-day hike close to town.
Further afield, southern Kakadu’s Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) provides a much more remote, permit-only experience through sandstone country, fern-filled grottos and secluded pools. It is one of several walks in the Territory where remoteness, access conditions and cultural sensitivity are part of the experience and need to be treated with care.
Cultural connections
Walking in the Northern Territory also means moving through landscapes of immense Aboriginal cultural significance. Many trails pass rock art sites, story places and areas that remain central to the traditions of the land’s Traditional Owners. Guided walks led by Aboriginal rangers can add important context, helping walkers understand bush foods, seasonal knowledge, land management practices and the long relationship between people and place.
Trails for everyone
While the Northern Territory is known for its major desert and gorge walks, it also caters to a wide range of abilities. Shorter tracks in many national parks provide access to lookouts, waterholes and cultural sites without requiring a major commitment. The 5km Baruwei Loop Walk in Nitmiluk National Park is a good example, climbing gradually to views over the Katherine River and the western end of the gorge.
For walkers seeking something more remote, Arnhem Land and other less-visited parts of the Top End offer opportunities to experience country that sees far fewer visitors. Access often requires permits and careful planning, but these areas can provide a deeper sense of isolation, intact landscapes and strong cultural presence.
Preparing for your hike
In the Northern Territory, good preparation is essential. Before heading out, research the route carefully, including distance, difficulty, permit requirements and seasonal access. Check weather conditions, understand the terrain and always let someone know your plans.
A good pair of hiking boots, plenty of water, high-energy food, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and a first-aid kit are basic requirements. Navigation tools such as a map and compass, along with the skills to use them, are important on more remote walks. A PLB is strongly recommended for longer or more isolated routes.
The Northern Territory’s landscapes are both fragile and culturally significant. Stay on designated tracks where required, leave no trace, pack out all rubbish and respect cultural protocols wherever you walk.
On the trail in the Northern Territory
Hiking in the Northern Territory brings you into close contact with landscapes that feel both ancient and alive. Along the trail you may see wedge-tailed eagles overhead, wallabies moving across rocky slopes, dragonflies over waterholes or desert wildflowers emerging after rain. At night, the skies can be as memorable as the terrain itself, particularly in remote areas far from artificial light.
From the Red Centre to the Top End, the Northern Territory offers walking experiences defined by scale, geological age, cultural depth and strong seasonal character. Whether you are exploring a short gorge walk, cooling off beside a waterfall or committing to a major desert trail, walking here is one of the best ways to understand the country.
Find the best hikes and walks in the Northern Territory here.
What’s your favourite hike in the NT?