You’ve booked your tickets and planned your itinerary, but still have no clue where to stay in the Northern Territory? Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re staying in Darwin, Katherine or Alice Springs, you’ll find all the best places to stay in the Northern Territory that are perfect for both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers. From hotels to apartments and resorts in the Northern Territory, there’s something for every budget.
So, let’s get started! From staying at Sails in the desert near the Uluru – the world’s largest single rock monolith or chilling in the tropical capital city of Darwin, here are the best resorts in the Northern Territory. Make sure you bookmark or pin this guide for future reference so you can get back to it while planning!
Where to stay in Darwin
Edith Falls
Darwin is the gateway city to the Top End and the perfect location to join a top-rated tour, like this full-day Katherine tour which includes a Katherine Gorge cruise and a swim in the heavenly Edith Falls. Explore Kakadu National Park on this tour which includes ancient rock art of Ubirr Rock and views from the Nadab lookout, or for something even more memorable, book a scenic flight over Kakadu.
Luxury: Argus Apartments Darwin
Argus Apartments Darwin offers guests beautifully designed self-contained apartments with a full-size kitchen, balcony and separate laundry, right in the heart of Darwin city centre. On-site facilities include a swimming pool, spa pool and fitness centre. There is also a barbecue next to the covered outdoor pool. Just a 10-minute walk away is The Esplanade and Darwin Harbour.
Check availability and book your stay here
Mid-range and Family: Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin
Elegantly furnished, Ramada Suites by Wyndham Zen Quarter Darwin offers guests a choice between apartments and rooms, both of which include pool and sea views. There is an excellent on-site fitness centre, restaurant and free parking all just an 8-minute walk from the beach.
Check availability and book your stay here
Budget: Argus Hotel Darwin
A second and more affordable offering by Argus is the Argus Hotel Darwin. There is an onsite restaurant and swimming pool and each room is air-conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. A continental breakfast is served in the dining room with a good choice of options. From the hotel, it’s an easy walk to Cavanagh Street and the city centre.
Check availability and book your stay here
Where to stay in Katherine
Known as the town where “the outback meets the tropics”, Katherine is just a 20-minute drive to the spectacular Katherine Gorge. Carved out by the Katherine River, you’ll find 13 impressive sandstone gorges that carry the river from Arnhem Land to the Timor Sea. During the Dry season, you can take a dip in its tranquil waters or marvel at the dividing rapids during the Wet season as powerful torrents churn through the gorge.
Mid-range to Luxury: BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Katherine
​​Located just outside the town centre BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Katherine is top-rated accommodation offering generously sized chalets and double and single rooms. Relax in the lovely bush surroundings and enjoy the on-site restaurant serving tasty food.
Check availability and book your stay here
Mid-range and Family: Discovery Parks
Discovery Parks is an aparthotel with self-contained cabins that provide guests with a patio, garden views, satellite flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge. Sleeping up to 4 guests, you can choose from single or double-room villas. Check availability and book your stay here
Budget: Pine Tree Motel
Pine Tree Motel is set among tropical gardens with an outdoor pool. All rooms are air-conditioned and have tea and coffee making facilities, a barbecue, a patio with garden views, and access to a shared terrace. Choose from single or family studios and deluxe studios which interconnect. ​​
Check availability and book your stay here
Where to stay in Alice Springs
Simpsons Gap in the MacDonnell Ranges near Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a gateway to central Australia. While Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is still a four-hour drive away, that’s still pretty close by Outback standard. Much closer is the rugged MacDonnell Ranges, a beautiful stretch of ochre-red gorges and white gum trees that reach east to west.
There are many different aboriginal communities that call Alice Springs home, making it a great place to learn about Aboriginal Australia, including its complicated past to its present-day challenges.
Luxury: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, an IHG Hotel
Wash off the day and recharge at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, an IHG Hotel which offers its guests a heated pool, sauna, wellness centre, spa bath, and 24-hour health and fitness centre and laundry services. There are 4 on-site bars and 3 restaurants serving modern Australian cuisine with outback influences. Rooms have either a balcony or patio.
Check availability and book your stay here
Mid-range and Family: Desert Palms Alice Springs
Desert Palms Alice Springs is a fantastic choice whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or family. With a range of individual villa options available, you’ll be surrounded by tropical gardens set around a crystal clear swimming pool with an island and waterfall. There is a small kiosk and on-site shop, where food items and liquor can be purchased, a guest laundry, a BBQ area and secure off-street parking directly outside each villa.
Check availability and book your stay here.
Budget: Alice Lodge Backpackers
Just a stone’s throw from Alice Springs town centre and supermarket, Alice Lodge Backpackers is a top-rated hostel with an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped shared kitchen, barbecue area, TV lounge room and shared laundry. Choose from dormitory or private rooms which all include air conditioning and a refrigerator. Check availability and book your stay here.
Where to Stay in Uluru
Luxury: Sails in the Desert
Luxury: Located just under 7 kilometres (4.4 miles) from the world’s largest single monolith, Uluru (Ayers Rock) really is at your doorstep. Whatsmore, Sails in the Desert is just a 5-minute walk from the Uluru lookout, an ideal spot to appreciate this ancient and sacred site either at sunrise or sunset.
The celebrity treatment doesn’t end there. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court and a relaxing day spa. All rooms are air-conditioned and feature a minibar and tea and coffee-making facilities, a private bathroom with bathrobes, a hairdryer and free toiletries. There is also an option to choose a room with your own private balcony. When you’re ready to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, it’s just a 20-minute drive away.
Inspired by Aboriginal culture, Sails in the Desert features original Aboriginal artworks throughout the public areas and in the guest rooms. There is also Mulgara Gallery, an on-site gallery which showcases an extensive range of Indigenous art.
Check availability and book your stay here.
Planning a trip and need travel insurance? Get a free quote from World Nomads here.
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