The Northern Territory is hiking at its wildest. Ancient landscapes, towering sandstone cliffs, desert plains, hidden waterholes, and remote wilderness trails make every walk feel like a true adventure. From iconic landmarks like Uluru and Kings Canyon to lesser-known trails through the West MacDonnell Ranges, the NT offers some of Australia’s most unique hiking experiences.

For the final edition of Trail Tuesdays, we’re rounding up some of the best hikes to add to your Northern Territory bucket list.

Single day Hikes

Kings Canyon Rim Walk

One of Australia’s most iconic hikes, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk takes you above towering sandstone cliffs, through ancient landscapes, and across some of the Red Centre’s most spectacular scenery.

The climb to the rim is steep, but the views across Watarrka National Park are well worth the effort. Don’t miss the Garden of Eden — a hidden oasis surrounded by dramatic canyon walls. This is a moderate to hard trail, spanning across 6km, and will take roughly 3-4 hours to complete.

Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/northern-territory/kings-canyon-rim-and-creek-walks-via-cotterills-lookout

https://australianhiker.com.au/trails/kings-canyon-rim-walk-nt-6km/

Ormiston Pound Walk

Located in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Ormiston Pound Walk showcases the best of Central Australia’s rugged beauty. The trail is a 9km loop, and winds through red-rock gorges, open desert landscapes, and peaceful waterholes, creating an incredible contrast between the harsh environment and the life it supports.

Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/northern-territory/ormiston-gorge-via-pound-walk-loop

https://www.discovercentralaustralia.com/articles/ormiston-pound-and-gorge-walk

https://australianhiker.com.au/trails/ormiston-pound-walk-nt-9km/

Edith Falls Upper Pools Walk

Combining rocky landscapes, waterfall views, and refreshing swimming spots, the Edith Falls Upper Pools Walk is a must-do during the NT’s dry season. Spanning 8.6km, the trail climbs above the falls before rewarding hikers with views across the surrounding landscape and access to some of the region’s famous waterholes.

Sources: https://northernterritory.com/katherine-and-surrounds/see-and-do/leliyn-edith-falls

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/northern-territory/edith-falls-plunge-pools-via-leliyn-trail

Uluru Base Walk

There’s no better way to experience the scale and significance of Uluru than on foot.

Spanning across 10.6km and taking roughly 3-4 hours to complete, the full base walk takes you around the entire rock, revealing changing landscapes, cultural sites, and incredible details that are easy to miss from a distance. It’s a slower-paced walk that offers a completely different perspective of this iconic Australian landmark.

Sources: https://australianhiker.com.au/trails/uluru-base-walk-nt-10-6km/

https://uluru.gov.au/things-do/activities/walks/uluru-walks/uluru-base-walk/

Multi-day Hikes

Jatbula Trail

The Jatbula Trail is a Northern Territory favourite, connecting Nitmiluk Gorge with Leliyn (Edith Falls) through sandstone country, tropical landscapes, and some of the best swimming holes in the region.

Each campsite offers something different, from waterfalls and rock pools to sweeping views across the Arnhem Land escarpment. You’ll take on a trail of 62km across 5-6 days. Permits are limited and highly sought after during the dry season.

Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/northern-territory/jatbula-trail

https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/nitmiluk-national-park/nitmiluk-national-park-jatbula-trail

Tabletop Track

For those looking to explore beyond the popular swimming spots of Litchfield, the Tabletop Track offers a more remote way to experience the park. Taking place over 39km and taking roughly 3-5 days, this circuit passes waterfalls, monsoon forests, open woodland, and peaceful bush camps, making it a great multi-day adventure during the cooler dry season months.

Sources: https://weareexplorers.co/tabletop-track-hike-northern-territory/

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/northern-territory/tabletop-track

Giles Track

Remote, rugged, and often quieter than the NT’s better-known trails, the Giles Track showcases the raw beauty of the Red Centre.

Connecting Kings Canyon and Kathleen Springs across 22km, this trail delivers sweeping desert views, rocky ridgelines, and a true backcountry experience.

Sources: https://nt.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/watarrka-national-park/giles-track

https://www.discovercentralaustralia.com/kings-canyon/the-giles-track

The Northern Territory delivers some of the most unique hiking experiences in the country, the kind that stay with you long after the boots come off. Pack your gear, prepare for adventure, and get ready to explore somewhere unforgettable.