The Northern Territory has overnight hiking terrain that doesn’t exist anywhere else in Australia. Ancient gorge country in the Red Centre, tropical escarpment in the Top End, waterfalls and wetlands near Darwin, and one of the world’s genuinely great long-distance trails. These five walks spread across the territory and give a solid picture of what’s on offer, from a two-day walk through Litchfield to a 17-day traverse of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Five overnight and multi-day hikes in the NT
The Larapinta Trail, West MacDonnell Ranges
223km | 15-17 days | Grade 5
The Larapinta Trail is regularly ranked among the top 20 treks in the world, and it earns that reputation. The 223-kilometre route follows the rocky spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder, passing through ancient gorges, permanent waterholes, and some of the most visually striking desert country on earth. The trail covers 12 sections, each accessible by road, so walkers can tackle individual sections or the full end-to-end over 15 to 17 days.
Highlights along the route include Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, and Glen Helen. Campsite facilities are provided at most trailheads, with water available at all of them. This is a remote, demanding trail requiring solid fitness, careful water planning, and a PLB or satellite phone. The best time to walk is May to August. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius and make the trail genuinely dangerous.
Standley Chasm to Hugh Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges
32km | 2 days | Grade 5
For walkers who want the best of the Larapinta Trail without the full end-to-end commitment, the Standley Chasm to Hugh Gorge Hike covers Sections 4 and 5, widely regarded as the most spectacular two sections on the entire trail. The 32-kilometre one-way route starts at Standley Chasm, known traditionally as Angkerle Atwatye, “Gap of Water,” and ends at Hugh Gorge, where orange oxide walls contrast with bleached, water-worn boulders.
Section 4 climbs to Brinkley Bluff with views that justify the Larapinta’s international reputation. Section 5 is one of the most physically demanding, with ridge walking, steep climbs, river crossings, and boulder scrambling through some of the tightest gorge country on the trail. Access to Hugh Gorge requires a high-clearance 4WD. This is a Grade 5 walk suited only to fit, experienced walkers who are self-sufficient in remote terrain.
Jawoyn Valley Circuit, Nitmiluk National Park
49km | 2-4 days | Grade 4
The Jawoyn Valley Circuit starts at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre, 30 kilometres northeast of Katherine, and follows the Yambi Walk and Gurumal Trail deep into the sandstone gorge country of Nitmiluk National Park. The 49-kilometre circuit takes in galleries of Jawoyn paintings, extensive rock outcrops, and the dramatic landscape around Eighth Gorge. It can be completed as a long overnight hike or extended to three or four days by camping at walk-in campgrounds along the route, with options to add Lily Pond Falls, Butterfly Gorge, Jeddas Rock, and Pat’s Lookout.
Temperatures on the escarpment can run 10 degrees hotter than near the river, so start early and carry plenty of water. Water tanks are available at Smitt Rock and the Eighth Gorge junction. The dry season from May to October is the recommended window, avoiding the extreme heat and heavy rainfall of the build-up and wet season.
Florence Falls to Greenant Creek, Litchfield National Park
26.5km | 2 days | Grade 4
The Florence Falls to Greenant Creek Hike is a 26.5-kilometre one-way route forming part of the Litchfield Tabletop Track in Litchfield National Park, about two hours south of Darwin. The walk starts at Florence Falls, one of the park’s most iconic waterfalls, and traverses monsoon forest, open eucalypt woodland, grassy plains, and rocky creek country before finishing at Greenant Creek and the picturesque Tjaetaba Falls.
A significant portion of the route has no natural water sources, so water planning is essential before you set out. Camping is only permitted in designated areas and must be booked in advance. The park is significant to the Koongurrukun, Mak Mak Marranunggu, Werat, and Warray Aboriginal peoples. Walk the dry season (May to October) and check park conditions before heading out, as the park can close without notice due to fire or flooding.
Motor Car and Kurrundie Creek Hike, Kakadu National Park
14km | 1-2 days | Grade 5
The Motor Car and Kurrundie Creek Walk is the most remote walk on this list. The 14-kilometre out-and-back route in the Yurmikmik area of Kakadu National Park starts at the Yurmikmik Carpark and follows the Motor Car Falls track before continuing along an old vehicle track to Kurrundie Creek. From the creek the route becomes unmarked, following the watercourse upstream to Kurrundie Falls through a landscape of sandstone ridges, monsoon forest, and open woodland.
This is a Grade 5 walk recommended as either a long day or an overnight with a camping permit. Navigation skills and a topographic map are essential once you leave the marked section. The return route follows Kurrundie Creek downstream toward the South Alligator River, which is confirmed saltwater crocodile habitat. Do not enter the water there. A PLB and park pass are both required. This is exactly the kind of remote, off-the-beaten-track Kakadu experience that most visitors never see.
