National parks in the Northern Territory

Visit one of the NT’s two World Heritage-listed national parks, or over 50 other national parks, nature reserves, conservation areas and marine parks.

National parks in the NT cover a diverse range of habitats and are spectacular in every sense. They’re great places to view native plants, birds and animals, go for a bushwalk, swim under waterfalls, join an Aboriginal cultural tour and camp under the stars.

World Heritage-listed parks

The NT is the only Australian jurisdiction with two national parks World Heritage-listed for both their cultural and natural value.

Kakadu National Park is a vast expanse of exceptional natural beauty, unique biodiversity and Aboriginal rock art sites. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to the iconic landmark Uluru and the 32 weathered rock domes known as Kata Tjuta. They’re at their most spectacular viewed at sunrise or sunset and have strong cultural and spiritual significance.

Don’t-miss parks

The NT is also home to a further 24 national parks and 73 nature reserves, conservation areas, historical reserves and marine parks, each with their own unique points of interest.

Make sure you visit Nitmiluk National Park to cruise the network of 13 gorges carved out from the sandstone by the Katherine River.

Just 120km from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a great place to cool off in a number of permanent spring-fed waterfalls.

In Central Australia, the Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park encompasses a vast and spectacular section of the MacDonnell Ranges. Set out on foot to see chasms and gorges, waterholes, and ochre pits.

Judbarra / Gregory National Park, the NT’s second largest national park, encompasses spectacular ranges, sandstone escarpments, gorges and eucalypt woodlands, Boab trees, limestone landscapes, and the Victoria River. Be prepared if visiting this national park as it is a real 4WD adventure.

Popular reserves

Go underground in limestone caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites at the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park. Berry Springs Nature Park near Darwin is a popular area for picnics and is a great swimming spot. Wander around Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line.

Park rules

• Camp at designated sites and take your rubbish
• Leave your pets at home
• Obey the ‘no swimming’ signs
• Light fires only in fireplaces provided. Use gas BBQs during total fire bans
• Don’t use soap or detergent in or near waterways
• Look (don't touch) at cultural items and wildlife
• Don’t feed native animals

Park passes & permits

To visit national parks and reserves in the NT, you may require a park pass. Find out more about passes and permits in the NT.

Camping

Most national parks have dedicated camping areas that you can book online. A variety of facilities are provided and fees vary accordingly.

Phone reception

Large areas of outback Northern Territory are without phone network coverage, so if you’re heading into remote country and need to stay in touch, consider hiring or purchasing a satellite phone.

• Phone reception information