The NT has the smallest population in Australia and very few traditional Big Things — but the ones it does have are absolutely committed to the bit. Charlie the Buffalo (yes, the actual Crocodile Dundee buffalo) is taxidermied behind the bar at the Adelaide River Inn. The Big Boxing Crocodile at Humpty Doo is exactly what it sounds like. Quality over quantity, in true Territorian style.
Charlie the Buffalo — the actual buffalo from the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee — was taxidermied after his death in 2000 and now stands at the bar of the Adelaide River Inn, 112km south of Darwin. Not a sculpted Big Thing, but a genuine Hollywood-Australia legend.
A taxidermied film star, a boxing crocodile, and a jumping crocodile. The Territory's contribution to the Big Things genre is mercifully unique.
The actual water buffalo from the 1986 film Crocodile Dundee, preserved by taxidermy after his death in 2000. Now standing at the bar of the Adelaide River Inn, 112km south of Darwin on the Stuart Highway.
Read more8 metres of fibreglass saltwater crocodile in boxing gloves and shorts, outside the United Service Station at Humpty Doo. A Top End absurdity in the very best Big Things tradition.
Read moreTribute to the legendary Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruises, where wild saltwater crocs leap clear of the water for food. The Top End's most famous crocodile experience, in sculpture form.
Read moreThe Top End Big Things cluster around Darwin and along the Stuart Highway as far south as Adelaide River. The Red Centre has very few traditional Big Things — Uluru and Kata Tjuta are the main "big" attractions, but they're natural rather than built.
For an interactive version with all pins, see our full Big Things map.
A short list, befitting the Territory. Each card links to a full guide (where available) with visiting info, opening hours, photos, and what's nearby.
The NT is bigger than France, Spain and Germany combined, with a fraction of their road infrastructure. Plan for distance, fuel, and water.
3–5 days, easy. Darwin-based loop south to Adelaide River, west to Litchfield National Park, east to Kakadu. Charlie the Buffalo, Big Boxing Crocodile, Big Jumping Crocodile — plus genuine wildlife.
5–7 days, ambitious. The full Stuart Highway from Darwin to Alice Springs — 1,500km of highway with the Big Stubbie at Larrimah and the Big Mango at Mataranka along the way.
3 days, easy. Alice Springs day-trip loop — fewer traditional Big Things, but Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon make their case as natural Bigs in their own right.
Flights, accommodation, car hire — everything you need to plan a self-drive NT trip. Plan for distance and dry-season timing.
Darwin, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Katherine.
Trip Planner ↗Darwin city hotels, outback roadhouses, Yulara resort.
Trip Planner ↗4WD recommended for off-bitumen exploration.
Trip Planner ↗Darwin & Alice Springs airport pickups.
Airport Shuttle Services ↗The Northern Territory isn't on our flagship East Coast Big Things tour — but a Top End or Red Centre custom trip combines Big Things with Kakadu, Uluru, and the country's most extraordinary natural landscapes.
Plan a custom trip →The NT is just one of eight states and territories. Each has its own character — and its own roadside icons.