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Amazing places to stay in Australia's Northern Territory
  • Located in Nitmiluk National Park and close to the spectacular Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, Cicada Lodge is a modern luxury retreat set in an ancient, otherworldly landscape. The lodge is run by the Jawoyn people, and Indigenous guides are happy to share their vast knowledge of this magical region on the lodge’s cruises and tours. Cicada features air conditioned rooms, fine dining and an outdoor pool, alongside a fascinating insight into the lives and legends of Nitmiluk’s original custodians.

  • This perfectly located resort offers elegant rooms, delightful native gardens and a restaurant showcasing fresh Australian produce with a hint of bush tucker flavour. But however comfortable the surroundings and delicious the food, the unquestionable star of this show is magnificent Uluru, the iconic rock at the heart of Australia’s deep red centre. In fact, Desert Gardens has the only rooms with views of Uluru in Ayers Rock Resort. The hotel is a perfect base for exploring the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, or for more sedate adventure you can enjoy a guided walk through the authentic native gardens that begin right outside your door. 
  • You may have enjoyed peaceful holidays before, but we doubt you will ever have experienced the deep tranquillity that comes with a stay at Wildman Wilderness Lodge in the Northern Territory’s Top End. Wildman lies on the fringe of Kakadu National Park, in the lush Mary River Wetlands area. You’ll spend your days exploring the unforgettable landscape and ancient aboriginal rock art, and evenings watching one of the most spectacular sunsets on Earth. The quiet, unassuming style of the lodge is a fitting accompaniment to the awe-inspiring surroundings.

  • The Oaks Elan Is an elegant hotel located right at the heart of Darwin’s central business district, within easy reach of this laid-back city’s cultural, dining and entertainment hub. Rooms and apartments offer panoramic views over the city, its harbour and scenic Frances Bay.  Darwin is a friendly, melting pot of a city slap bang in the middle of a spectacular wilderness, and the Oaks Elan makes a great base for visits to the nearby Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks, two of the region’s iconic outback locations.
  • It would be hard to think of a way to get closer to iconic Uluru than at Longitude 131, a wilderness camp that faces the ancient rock formation.  Nestled among ancient dunes, Longitude’s luxury tents blend into the landscape, offering serious indulgence and a profound sense of calm. The camp is the perfect base for exploring the rugged beauty of World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the fascinating culture of the local Aboriginal people. The nearby Red Ochre Spa adds another level of relaxation to your visit.
  • Alice Springs is a town at the very heart of the continent, and a desert destination with a surprisingly modern feel. Crowne Plaza Lasseters offers a refined stay in a unique location, close to local attractions like the towering MacDonnell Ranges and the (often dry) Todd River. You don’t have to travel far for insight into local culture and wildlife. The Alice Springs Desert Park, a ten-minute drive from the centre of town, is an enthralling celebration of the fiery Red Centre and its connections with the Arrernte people, the region’s original inhabitants.

  • Kings Canyon is considered Australia’s answer to the Grand Canyon, an immense natural scar in the landscapes and one of the Red Centre’s most spectacular locations. The best way to see the Canyon is via the 6km rim walk, which takes you to the Lost City domes and into the secret hidden oasis known as the Garden of Eden. Despite its remote location, all creature comforts are available at the Kings Canyon Resort, including a swimming pool, tennis court and a sunset viewing platform.

  • Bamurru Plains near Kakadu National Park is a haven for a profusion of wildlife, and the ten safari-style bungalows at the Bamurru Plains camp are designed to get you as close to the area’s flora and fauna as possible. With mesh walls on three sides, you almost become part of the wilderness. Wake to the calls of magpie geese and spot wallabies and enjoy a treetop sleep out in The Hide, where you can observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Cool off in the heat of the day in the property’s infinity pool, or watch wildlife grazing through the camp from lounging decks. Cruises, tours and safaris take you to the heart of the surrounding wilderness.

  • Kakadu National Park is one of the jewels of the Northern Territory’s Top End, the largest terrestrial national park in Australia and home to a huge variety of wildlife. The terrain is astonishing, and so is the aboriginal rock art, some of which dates back to the area’s earliest human inhabitants. Cooinda Lodge is the ultimate base for exploring Kakadu, offering village style accommodation, alfresco bistro dining and a shaded swimming pool. One feature you won’t find everywhere is the on-property airstrip, allowing guests to charter planes for a bird’s eye view of the remarkable Kakadu landscape.
  • Skycity offers tropical beachside gardens, a stretch of perfect (and private) white sand, and a luxury infinity edge swimming pool with spa, all just a few moments from the centre of Darwin. It’s not a wilderness retreat, of course, but it makes a perfect base for your stay in the Top End and trips out to the sublime landscapes of the Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks. The hotel is at the heart of a casino and entertainment complex, so there’s always something fun to do.

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