The Best Cheap And Zero-Spend Things To Do In The Northern Territory
If your idea of a budget holiday is sacrificing the good times for savings, please allow us to convince you otherwise.
Visiting the Northern Territory is proof that you don’t need an overflowing bank account or five-star accommodation to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime trip. In fact, all you need is a sense of adventure and an open mind.
We’ve teamed up with our mates at Tourism and Events NT to round up the best, most affordable things to do across the Northern Territory, designed to inspire every kind of traveller out there.
Cue red desert sunsets, crystal-clear swimming holes that look like actual paintings, deep cultural connections to Country, and the kind of stories you’ll be telling for the rest of your life.
Consider this your cheat sheet for doing the NT properly, without blowing your budget.
Catch A Sunrise That’s Worth The 5am Alarm
You can’t go to the NT and not catch a sunrise. So set your alarm and head to the Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park at first light.
The six-kilometre loop begins with a series of steep steps, but the effort quickly pays off with dramatic panoramas, ancient rock formations and expansive views that feel otherworldly. Plus, as the sun rises, the canyon is bathed in shades of gold and ochre that really steal the show.
Go early to beat the heat, pack lots of water, and wear good hiking shoes for the climb. We promise, you won’t remember the early start because the views are worth it.
Swap The Spa For These Naturally Warm Springs
Did you know that the Katherine region is a literal hot spot for naturally warm thermal pools? Forget man-made spas, float your way through the palm-fringed oasis of Mataranka Thermal Pool, let the gentle current carry you at Bitter Springs, or go for an easy-access dip at Katherine Hot Springs, just minutes from town.
These naturally occurring bodies of warm water are not only good for the soul but also set in the most picturesque locations you could imagine, framed by lush greenery.
Eat Your Way Through Darwin’s Best Food Markets
Darwin’s buzzing foodie scene is not to be missed. Start at the iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets (open Thursdays and Sundays, 4pm–9pm, from late April to late October), where sizzling street eats come with a front-row seat to the kind of sunset that’ll definitely be a lifelong core memory.
On your food crawl, you have to join the locals at the Parap Village Market on a Saturday between 8am to 2pm for its famous laksa and breakfast feeds. Still hungry? Check out our edit of the best restaurants in Darwin for more local flavour trips, covering everything from breezy waterfront dinners to next-level Asian fusion feasts.
Be Blown Away By Uluru (Without Blowing Your Budget)
Seeing Uluru is a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list moment. While many people view it as a big-ticket item, you don’t need to drop serious coin to experience the magic. Once you’ve sorted your park pass, there are loads of fun experiences to enjoy at a refreshingly low cost (or even completely free).
Start with sunrise or sunset at one of the designated viewing areas; golden hour here is next-level and costs exactly $0 extra. Then lace up your sneakers for the base walk, where you can take in the sheer scale of the rock at your own pace.
For something a little more guided, minus the price tag, jump on the ranger-led Mala Walk. It dives into Aṉangu culture, Tjukurpa stories and the natural features of the area, adding a whole new layer of meaning to what you’re seeing.
Pack snacks, bring plenty of water, and plan your schedule around the cooler parts of the day to make the most of your time in the heart of Oz.
Discover Otherworldly Desert Beaches
Did you know that desert beaches are an actual thing, and they’re every bit as beautiful as they sound? Situated in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges, you’ll find a string of ochre-hued gorges and waterholes that feel like the Red Centre’s answer to a coastal dip.
Ellery Creek Big Hole is a must, with its seriously stunning, deep waterhole framed by towering red cliffs and a stretch of sandy shoreline that gives major inland-beach energy, minus the crowds.
Then there’s Ormiston Gorge, where a short walk rewards you with a soft sand, clear water and a dramatic red rock backdrop. It's a lush, swim-worthy oasis and one of the best spots for a refreshing dip.
Don’t skip Simpsons Gap, either. It’s a striking natural break in the ranges with a permanent waterhole that’s especially magical at golden hour.
Picnic With A Side Of Waterfall, Anyone?
A picnic in the NT is the equivalent of dinner and a show in the big smoke, thanks to the natural displays right in front of you. Set up camp at Litchfield National Park, where you’ll quite literally chase waterfalls and be surrounded by monsoonal vine forests for some shady respite. TLC would very much approve.
At Wangi Falls, twin waterfalls cascade into a huge, swimmable plunge pool, with grassy picnic spots and barbecues made for long, lazy arvos. Florence Falls is just as stunning with its dramatic waterfalls and a crystal-clear swimming hole at the base. Definitely pack your cossie and don’t be surprised if you accidentally spend the whole day here.
A friendly heads up, remember to stay Crocwise. Only swim where it's permitted and always follow the safety signage in place.
Step Inside One Of The World’s Oldest Open-Air Galleries
The Top End is rich in incredible history, and the ancient rock art sites within Kakadu National Park in Bininj/Mungguy Country are among the oldest continuous art galleries on Earth, offering a window into First Nations culture.
Start at Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), where a gentle 1.5km loop takes you through a network of shelters, artefacts and rock art spanning more than 20,000 years. In the main rock art gallery, Anbangbang, you'll learn about powerful creation ancestors, including Namondjok and Namarrkon (the Lightning Man).
Then check out Ubirr, where layered X-ray style paintings of animals, spirits, and years of history sit beneath towering escarpments (plus, the sunset views across the floodplains are elite). It’s absolutely awe-inspiring, and easily one of the most unforgettable experiences to add to your NT to-do list.
Swap Screen Time For Stargazing In The Outback
Star-gazing in the outback hits different. As the sun sets, the sky feels endless, inky and impossibly clear, better than any cinematic experience you could imagine.
With barely any light pollution, the stars appear brighter and feel almost within reach, with the Milky Way spilling across the sky in vivid detail. There's over 1.3 million square kilometres of wide-open space out there, so you can always find a quiet spot to pull up and take it all in.
Across campgrounds in the Northern Territory, it’s easy to step outside after dark and be met with a sky full of stars, no telescope needed. Discovery Parks–King Canyon is a winner. Set in a peaceful, sprawling bush escape, stargazing begins the moment you step outside.
And then there’s Gorge View Bush Retreat in Katherine; clean, green and perfectly placed to look up into the night sky for some shooting star spotting. Or, join an Astro Tour at Uluru for ranger-led night sky talks, which add an extra layer of wonder and bring the constellations to life.
Want more travel inspo in the Northern Territory? Check out Tourism and Events NT guides here.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Tourism and Events NT and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Tourism & Events NT / Salty Aura / @domandjesso