The Northern Territory is home to some of Australia’s most rugged and remote multi-day hikes. From deep gorges to stunning escarpments, these trails offer an unforgettable outdoor adventure for experienced hikers.

 

The Northern Territory is known for its big landscapes, big wildlife, and big, long walking trails. Although nature territory doesn’t have as many multi-day hikes as some of the more populated states, every single one deserves a place high on your bucket list. From Alice Springs in the Red Centre, all the way to Darwin in the Top End, these trekking experiences will give you a deeper connection to the land and the people who’ve called it home for millennia.

Let’s jump into some of the most popular trails the Northern Territory has to offer.

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Best Overnight & Multi-Day Hikes in the Northern Territory

1. The Larapinta Trail

Distance: 223km
Duration: 12-18 days
Location: Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, Red Centre
Skill level: Advanced
Nearest town: Mparntwe/Alice Springs

One of Australia’s premier long-distance hikes, the Larapinta Trail winds through Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, offering dramatic ridgelines, gorges, and breathtaking outback scenery.

Some of the 12 sections are accessible by road, and with over 35 campgrounds to pick from, you can ‘choose your own adventure’ over a few days or tackle the whole trail over a few weeks.

 

 

It’s recommended that you undertake the Larapinta Trail in the cooler months between April and October in around 12-18 days. If you want to be comfy, aim for the later half of the year and plan to hike around 15km per day. If you go earlier, it’s much, much hotter.

The Larapinta Trail can be walked in either direction, however it’s recommended to start at the Telegraph Station in Mpartwe/Alice Springs and finish with a triumphant sunrise summit of Mt Sonder.

You’ll be rewarded with incredible views from over 1,000m altitude, refreshing swimming spots, gorges to explore, and an amazing insight into Central Australia’s unique geology, ecology, and history.

Read more: Larapinta Trail – Self-Guided Hiking Central Australia’s 2 Week Desert Walk

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@jaydenoneiill

2. The Jatbula Trail

Distance: 62km
Duration: 5-6 days
Location: Nitmiluk National Park, Top End
Skill level: Intermediate
Nearest town: Katherine

The Jatbula Trail is a five-day, Grade 4 hike through everchanging ecosystems in Nitmiluk National Park. Starting at Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge and ending at Leliyn/Edith Falls, the one-way trail follows an ancient songline of the Jawoyn people. Expect waterfalls, swimming holes, and incredible rock art.

 

 

With a limited amount of hikers allowed at once, you get to deeply immerse yourself in the Australian Outback and ancient landscapes as you trek this traditional Aboriginal songline.

The track is well-marked and the daily distances aren’t too significant, but the heat can have a great impact on those not used to it. You should have a reasonable level of fitness for this hike.

If you’ve done a fair bit of hiking it makes a great candidate for your first multi-day hike, especially if you rally a group of mates to come along with you.

Although the Jatbula Trail is heavily monitored for Saltwater crocodiles, it’s important to note that they can be present in any Top End waterway.

Read more: Jatbula Trail – 5 Days of Trekking Through Nitmiluk National Park

@amy.eloise

@amy.eloise

3. Tabletop Track

Distance: 39km
Duration: 2-5 days
Location: Litchfield National Park, Top End
Skill level: Intermediate
Nearest town: Batchelor or Berry Springs, depending on starting point

Located in Litchfield National Park, less than two hours from Darwin, this circuit trail loops around the park’s sandstone plateau, passing waterfalls, monsoon forests, and scenic campsites. It’s best tackled during the dry season (May–September).

Tabletop Track – Hike a Perfect 3-5 Day Circuit in NT’s Litchfield National Park, Leah Sjerp, florence falls, people swimming

Shot by Leah Sjerp

 

The Tabletop Track is made up of multiple walking trails and is a build-your-own-adventure kind of hike. It can be completed in anywhere from 2-5 days, covering at least 39km and featuring side trips to some of Litchfield’s most impressive waterfalls – Florence and Wangi Falls.

Litchfield National Park is filled with a fantastic array of native wildlife. Twitchers come prepared – the park boasts over 169 recorded species of native birds.

If Spangled Drongos don’t tickle your fancy, closer to the ground you might spot rock wallabies, water monitors, pythons, and hear the howl of dingoes at dusk.

Typically completed between June and August, hiking late in the season (i.e. September) should only be undertaken with a healthy sense of adventure and the ability to walk in temps above 30ºC (but you’ll be rewarded with a largely empty trail and secluded waterfalls entirely to yourself).

Read more: Tabletop Track – Hike a Perfect Multi-day Circuit in NT’s Litchfield National Park

Shot by Leah Sjerp

Shot by Leah Sjerp

4. Mount Giles Walk

Distance: 30km
Duration: 2-3 days
Location: Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, Red Centre
Skill level: Advanced
Nearest town: Mparntwe/Alice Springs

Mount Giles is a remote and challenging trek in the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges that requires off-track navigation. The walk summits Mount Giles, one of the NT’s highest peaks, with panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.

Read more: 10 Tips For Your First Off-Track Hike

 

 

At 1,389m high, Mount Giles is the third-highest mountain in the Northern Territory. From the top, you can see as far as Mount Sonder and even Mount Zeil. However, since this summit isn’t part of the Larapinta Trail, not many people come up here.

It’s a shame because as far as hiking trails in the Northern Territory are concerned, this one is a beaut. Note that this is not an easy walk! It’s remote and challenging and best suited to experienced trekkers only.

It takes about two to three days to get to the summit and back and you have to be fully self-sufficient to tackle it.

The recommended route to Mount Giles starts at Ormiston Gorge. For the majority of the around 16km long track to the summit, there’s no formed track.

Read more: What it’s Like to Hike to Mount Giles

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@922_jojo_adventure

5. Nitmiluk Gorge Southern Walks

Distance: Varies depending on the trails chosen
Duration: 2-5 days
Location: Nitmiluk National Park, Top End
Skill level: Advanced
Nearest town: Katherine

This network of walking trails explores the southern part of Nitmiluk National Park, with routes leading to secluded waterfalls, rock pools, and high escarpments overlooking Nitmiluk Gorge.

A leisurely cruise is the most popular way to see the Nitmiluk Gorge for tourists, however a more immersive experience of the landscape can be found by following the Southern Walks. These walking trails extend much further along the vast gorge system to remote campgrounds, offering private stretches of river to swim in.

 

Nitmiluk Gorge Southern Walks – Secluded 4 Day Solo Hike, David Liu, Smitt Rock, river, cliff, gorge, rocks

Shot by David Liu

 

The great thing about this track is that you can choose different walking trails of varying difficulties to suit your skill level. The most popular campgrounds are Smitt Rock and Eight Gorge, both offering hikers the chance to swim in more secluded sections of the gorge.

The greatest challenge is likely to be managing daytime heat and most hikers choose to set off early to avoid the worst of it.

Read more: Nitmiluk Gorge Southern Walks – Secluded 4 Day Solo Hike

Shot by David Liu

Shot by David Liu

New Multi-day Hikes Coming to the NT

Kings Canyon

The Northern Territory Government has announced plans to construct a new multi-day outback hike in Watarrka National Park on Matutjara Country.

The hike will traverse through some of Central Australia’s most stunning scenery, including the dramatic Kings Canyon, which already gets over 250,000 visitors every year!

‘Watarrka is a culturally significant ancient wonderland and that’s why our Government is making it even better and providing more reasons to visit’, said (former) Minister for Parks and Rangers, Nicole Manison.

The Australian Walking Company has won the bid to construct the track, as well as the $5.6 million in co-funding from the Territory Government for the project.

Keep reading: The Northern Territory is Getting a New Multi Day Hike in the Outback!

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@amy.eloise

Kata Tjuta to Uluru

For the first time ever, visitors will soon be able to stay overnight inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park whilst on a brand new, five day, 54km guided hike between the park’s two iconic rock formations.

The Northern Territory is getting a new multi-day hike in the heart of the desert, created in consultation with Anangu Traditional Owners and to be exclusively guided by the Tasmanian Walking Company.

Read more: A New 54km Multi-Day Hike at Uluru May Come With a Big Price Tag

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@pelusey_life

Safety Considerations For the Top End and Red Centre

Be Croc Wise

Crocodiles are no joke. They’re an apex predator and we humans look pretty tasty to them. Keep you limbs in tact by reading up on our guide to staying safe in croc country before you head out.

 

Protect Your Skin

Maybe it’s the red dirt but the Northern Territory sun feels hotter than the rest of the country. Make sure you’re kitted out with a hat, long sleeves, sunscreen, and the knowledge of how to hike in hot weather so you don’t end up matching the ground.

 

Know How to Navigate

The maps app on your phone is great – until it’s out of battery, signal, or lost at the bottom of a gorge. Brush up on your navigation skills before you head out, and always have a compass and paper map just in case.

 

Take A First Aid Kit

From snake bites to heatstroke to a humble blister, there’s a lot that can go wrong out there and a first aid kit (including snake kit!) is your MVP in almost all situations. Make sure yours is stocked with the essentials by checking out our first aid kit packing list.

 

How To Survive A Snake Bite, first aid kit, bandage, medical,

Stay Safe Around Waterfalls & Swimming Holes

No matter how inviting the water looks, if it’s not clear then rocks, a strong current, a sneaky croc, or slippery edges could be waiting for you precisely where you’re planning to dive in. Make sure you know how to stay safe around water with our guide to swimming hole safety.

 

Leave No Trace

Leave no trace principles are pretty simple – whatever you take in should be carried out with you. Don’t feed animals, don’t take souvenirs, and whatever you do, make sure fires are extinguished and are cool to touch before you leave. Not sure what we’re harping on about? That’s ok, check out our guide to leaving no trace in the outdoors.

FAQs Northern Territory Walking Trails

What are the best Northern Territory multi-day hikes?

The Northern Territory is a hiker’s dream, with rugged landscapes, remote wilderness, and unforgettable experiences. Some of the best multiday hikes here include the Larapinta Trail, Tabletop Track, and the Jatbula Trail in Nitmiluk National Park (a 62km journey through Jawoyn Country passing ancient rock art and stunning waterfalls). Explorer Stu hiked all three and shared the ups and downs along the way.

Where’s Seventeen Mile Valley?

Seventeen Mile Valley is only accessible as part of Nitmiluk National Park’s Jatbula Trail. One of the campgrounds is at 17 Mile Falls, within this stunning valley.

What’s the best hike in the East MacDonnell Ranges?

Our favourite hike in the East MacDonnell Ranges is the stunning Trephina Gorge Walks (2-9km loops), featuring dramatic cliffs and Ghost gum trees.

What hikes are in the West MacDonnell National Park?

The Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park offers incredible hikes, from short walking trails like Simpsons Gap (1.3km) and Standley Chasm (2.4km) to longer trails like the Ormiston Pound Walk (8.5km loop).

For multi-day Explorers, the Larapinta Trail (223km) spans the entire range, with shorter sections like Mount Sonder (15.8km return) offering spectacular views at sunrise.

What’s the best hike in Litchfield National Park?

Litchfield National Park is known for its stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming holes, but the Tabletop Track is the best hike there.

The 39km loop takes you through the heart of Litchfield, past scenic rock formations, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and across open savannah woodlands. It’s an ideal hike for anyone who loves to take a dip as much as they love to trek. Don’t forget your camera!

What’s the best hike in Nitmiluk National Park?

The Jatbula Trail is the star of Nitmiluk National Park. The 62km hike takes you through ancient Aboriginal lands, past magnificent waterfalls like the mighty Leliyn/Edith Falls, and over the scenic Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge. Perfect for experienced hikers, the Jatbula offers a combination of rugged terrain, historical significance, and the opportunity to swim in pristine natural pools.

The overnight walk highlights on the Jatbula Trail are next level – from the stunning sunsets to the blanket of a million stars overhead – you won’t want to close your eyes.

Where is the Larapinta Trail?

The Larapinta Trail stretches across the spine of the Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, located in the heart of Central Australia. Starting near Mpartwe/Alice Springs and ending at the beautiful Mount Sonder, this 223km trail takes you through some of the most dramatic and remote walking trails in Australia.

Expect endless red desert views, rugged mountains, and an immersive experience of the Australian Outback.

Read More About Hiking the Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory

 

Header image by @rubyclaireee

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.