Ancient Lands, Living Culture & Outback Majesty
The Northern Territory is home to some of Australia's most iconic and spiritually significant landscapes. From the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park with its ancient rock art galleries, to the sacred monolith of Uluru rising from the red desert, to the dramatic gorges of Nitmiluk carved over millions of years - the NT offers profound connections to the world's oldest living culture.
With over 65,000 years of continuous Aboriginal occupation, the Northern Territory's national parks are not just natural wonders - they are living cultural landscapes where traditional owners continue to care for Country and share their stories.
Discover the NT's majestic parks with Cooee Tours and experience authentic Aboriginal-led cultural experiences that bring ancient landscapes to life.
Many NT parks are Aboriginal-owned and jointly managed with Parks Australia. When visiting, please respect sacred sites, follow photography restrictions, seek permission before taking photos of Aboriginal people, and consider joining Aboriginal-guided tours to learn directly from traditional owners and support Indigenous tourism.
📍 3 hours east of Darwin
World Heritage Ancient Rock ArtAustralia's largest national park covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres. Kakadu contains one of the world's greatest concentrations of Aboriginal rock art sites (over 5,000), some dating back 20,000 years. A biodiversity hotspot where dramatic escarpments meet vast wetlands.
Highlights: Ubirr and Nourlangie rock art, Yellow Water Billabong, Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls, saltwater crocodiles, Wet Season waterfalls
📍 450km southwest of Alice Springs
World Heritage Sacred SiteHome to Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia's most iconic natural landmark and one of the world's most recognizable monoliths. The park also includes Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a sacred formation of 36 domed rock formations. Jointly managed by Anangu traditional owners.
Highlights: Uluru sunrise/sunset, Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds, Mala Walk, Aboriginal cultural centre, Field of Light installation, stargazing
📍 30km from Katherine
Katherine Gorge Ancient WaterwaysFeatures the spectacular Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), a series of 13 gorges carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River over millions of years. Owned by the Jawoyn people and leased to Parks Australia, showcasing successful Indigenous land management.
Highlights: Gorge cruises, canoeing, Edith Falls, helicopter flights, Aboriginal rock art, freshwater swimming, bushwalking trails
📍 90 minutes south of Darwin
Waterfalls Swimming HolesThe Territory's most accessible Top End park featuring spectacular waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes, massive magnetic termite mounds, and monsoon rainforest pockets. Popular for day trips from Darwin with excellent facilities.
Highlights: Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, magnetic termite mounds, monsoon forest walks, crocodile-free swimming
📍 320km southwest of Alice Springs
Kings Canyon Desert OasisHome to the magnificent Kings Canyon, featuring 100-metre high sandstone walls, the lush Garden of Eden waterhole, and the ancient Lost City rock formations. An oasis in the desert showcasing Central Australian landscapes at their finest.
Highlights: Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Garden of Eden, Lost City, sunset views, ancient cycads, endemic plants, red rock formations
📍 West of Alice Springs
Desert Ranges Ancient GorgesThe West MacDonnell Ranges stretch 161km west of Alice Springs, featuring a series of stunning gorges, waterholes, and gaps carved through ancient rock. Some of Australia's oldest landscapes, dating back 350 million years.
Highlights: Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, Larapinta Trail, ghost gums
📍 140km west of Alice Springs
Palm Valley Ancient PalmsHome to the iconic Palm Valley, where ancient red cabbage palms (Livistona mariae) have survived in an oasis for thousands of years - a remnant of when Central Australia was much wetter. Accessible only by 4WD.
Highlights: Palm Valley, Finke River (one of world's oldest rivers), red cabbage palms, ancient rock formations, 4WD adventure, Aboriginal cultural sites
📍 Remote Gulf region
Lost City Remote WildernessOne of the NT's newest and most remote parks, featuring the spectacular Lost City sandstone formations, the crystal-clear Nathan River, pristine rivers, and vast savanna woodlands teeming with wildlife.
Highlights: Lost City rock formations, Nathan River, Butterfly Falls, Cape Crawford, 4WD touring, barramundi fishing, remote camping
The Dry (May-October): Best time to visit. Warm sunny days (25-33°C), cool nights, minimal rain, lower humidity. Parks fully accessible, waterfalls may be reduced. Peak tourism season.
The Wet (November-April): Hot, humid, monsoonal. Dramatic lightning storms, spectacular waterfalls, lush landscapes. Some areas inaccessible, but unique experiences available. Fewer crowds, lower prices.
The Build-Up (October-November): Increasing heat and humidity before rains arrive. Can be challenging but offers dramatic skies.
Top End (Darwin region): Tropical climate, wetlands, waterfalls, crocodiles, monsoonal forests. Parks: Kakadu, Litchfield, Nitmiluk.
Red Centre (Alice Springs region): Desert climate, ancient ranges, gorges, iconic rock formations, dramatic sunrises/sunsets. Parks: Uluru-Kata Tjuta, West MacDonnell, Watarrka.
The Northern Territory offers Australia's most authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences. Many parks offer tours led by traditional owners who share creation stories, demonstrate bush tucker and medicine, explain rock art, and provide deep insights into living culture. These experiences directly support Aboriginal communities and offer respectful cultural exchange.
Getting there: Fly to Darwin (Top End) or Alice Springs (Red Centre). Car rental essential for most parks. Some remote areas require 4WD. Tours available from both cities.
What to bring: Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), insect repellent, plenty of water (4L+ per person per day in Red Centre), sturdy shoes, light long-sleeved clothing, swimwear, camera
Safety essentials: Never swim where crocodiles may be present (Top End), carry extra water in remote areas, inform someone of your plans, check road conditions before 4WD travel
Best for first-timers: Litchfield (day trip from Darwin), Uluru-Kata Tjuta (iconic experience), Nitmiluk Gorge (accessible adventure)
Best for adventurers: Multi-day Kakadu exploration, Larapinta Trail, remote 4WD touring to Limmen or Finke Gorge
Discover the Northern Territory's ancient landscapes and living culture with Cooee Tours. Our expert guides - including Aboriginal cultural guides - provide deep insights into these extraordinary places. From Kakadu's rock art to Uluru's spiritual significance, we create authentic, respectful, and unforgettable experiences.
Our NT tours include: Aboriginal cultural experiences, park entry fees, expert interpretation, small group touring, quality equipment, and comfortable transport through remote areas.
Book Your NT National Parks TourParks Pass required for most NT parks. Available as single-entry, multi-park, or annual passes. Some parks (like Uluru-Kata Tjuta) have separate entry fees. Purchase online or at park entry stations. Annual passes offer excellent value for extended trips.