Outdoor activities, Northern Territory, Australia

Short walks

Print this page

Olive botanical gardens, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia

To appreciate the best of the Northern Territory's stunning landscapes you don't have spend weeks out in the wilderness. There are plenty of fantastic walks that'll have you back at camp the same day, or even within a few hours. Choose from a range of options for families and more challenging routes for experienced bushwalkers.

The Red Centre

As one of Australia's most iconic sights, the World Heritage-listed Uluru is undoubtedly one of the must-see places in the Northern Territory. Most visitors opt not to climb the rock out of respect to the indigenous Anangu people, and instead take the walking trail that extends 9.4km around its base. Encounter springs, caves and Aboriginal rock art along the way and team up with an Anangu guide to learn about Uluru's cultural significance to indigenous Australians.
A great alternative to climbing Uluru is the nearby Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas), which is another world-famous soft-red rock formation. This 7.4km walk provides several lookout points with fantastic 360-degree panoramic red desert views.

Top End

Kakadu National Park has an extensive network of trails that are perfect for short walks. Most are easy to moderate nature trails, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. More challenging day hikes involving rock climbing and river crossings are also available. 

Set out on the Barrk Sandstone Walk, a 12km trail that takes you through sandstone country and on to lookout points across Arnhem Land. If you're fortunate you'll encounter native black wallaroos along the way. Another option is the shorter 6.5km circular walk in the East Alligator region that takes you through varied scenery of billabongs, sandstone country and floodplains.

The Litchfield, Nitmiluk and Watarrka national parks also boast a wide range of day walks taking in billabongs and waterfalls, towering cliffs and rocky escarpments.
