A family holiday to the Northern Territory is not just another holiday. Not only is the NT a place like nowhere else, but there’s a whole range of amazing experiences at the Top End you can enjoy that cost absolutely nothing. Here are 10 of our favourite free or cheap activities for the whole family.
01 Berry Springs, Nature Park, Darwin
Nature is always as it should be: free as a bird. So, after a hot day, take a refreshing dip in Berry Springs. The Monsoon Forest and Woodlands Walk is the perfect way to enjoy the native bird life and scented flora.
The NT has a fabulous selection of pools. Picture: Supplied.
02 Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park
Plunge into the cascading pools of Buley Rockhole, one of many popular swimming spots in the magnificent Litchfield National Park. Stay overnight to take in the spectacular display of stars.
03 Cultural ranger-guided activities, Kakadu National Park
Experience a captivating Kakadu with daily art talks at Ubirr and Nourlangie, and bush tucker experiences with experienced rangers, all for free. You can even learn about the history and behaviour of the ‘kinga’ saltwater crocodile.
Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve. Picture: Supplied.
04 Mataranka Thermal Pool, Elsey National Park
Soothe all your aches and pains in the warm waters of the natural Mataranka thermal pool, set in a paperbark tree forest. The thermal pool’s warm springs are around 30 degrees Celsius and pump out 30.5 megalitres of water each day.
05 Bush Yarns, Garden Walks & Theatre Performances, Ayers Rock Resort
Join a bush yarn, with a local Aboriginal storyteller, or one of free cultural performances operated daily. Visit Wintjiri Arts + Museum to see local Anangu products.
06 Window on the Wetlands
Found on one of the highest points of the Adelaide River floodplain, you’ll find interactive displays and learn about the area’s history and local flora and fauna.
Head to the top floor of the centre for 270-degree views of the wetlands below. During the wet season, lightning can be seen lighting up the sky.
Swimming at Bitter Springs, Mataranka. Picture: Supplied.
07 Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles, Tennant Creek
This remarkable site is a sacred place to Aboriginal traditional owners. The precarious piles of huge granite boulders make Karlu Karlu an unforgettable place to visit, or camp the night. Enjoy from afar, as these boulders are not meant to be climbed.
Adelaide River is one of Australia’s oldest towns. Picture: Supplied.
08 Leanyer Recreational Park, Darwin
Entertain your kids with free, safe and clean fun with playgrounds, swimming pools, water slides, skate park and basketball court. These 14-metre tall and 100-metre long waterslides are perfect for hot days.
A great place for learning via interaction. Picture: Supplied.
09 Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
The museum’s Discovery Centre is perfect for interactive hands-on learning. It is also the home of the significant annual Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.
10 Katherine Hot Springs
Situated on the banks of the Katherine River, these natural, thermal pools are fantastic relaxation spots, with picnic grounds and scenic walking tracks too.
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