Glamping in Rakula

The Northern Territory does glamping on a big scale: safari camps by waterfalls, luxury tents facing Uluru, and remote island retreats. We list 13 stays, and they fall into four areas.

Where to go glamping in the Northern Territory

Darwin and the Top End has the widest range. Litchfield Safari Camp is just outside the western entrance to Litchfield National Park, about 5 kilometres from Wangi Falls. Top End Safari Camp and Bamurru Plains are wilder, more remote options. For islands, Banubanu Beach Retreat is on Bremer Island, and Tiwi Island Retreat is a 30-minute charter flight from Darwin.

Kakadu has Cooinda Lodge, beside Yellow Water Billabong, and Anbinik Kakadu Resort at Jabiru.

Katherine and Nitmiluk is the gorge country. Gorge View Bush Retreat offers bell tents close to Nitmiluk National Park, and Cicada Lodge is a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned lodge inside the park.

The Red Centre is the bucket-list end. Longitude 131 has sixteen tented pavilions with views of Uluru. Near Kings Canyon, look at Kings Creek Station or Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon. Near Alice Springs, Squeakywindmill sits on the edge of the Western MacDonnell Ranges.

Best time to go glamping in the Northern Territory

In the Top End, the dry season (roughly May to October) is the sweet spot. The wet season, from roughly November to April, is hot and humid, with storms, and some roads and parks can close. In the Red Centre, the cooler months are far more comfortable, as summer is very hot. Check with your host about road and park conditions before you travel. Our best time of year guide has the national picture.

What does glamping in the Northern Territory cost?

The range is huge. Bell-tent camps near the parks are the most affordable, while remote lodges and Uluru’s luxury camp sit at the top end of any budget, and often include meals and activities. Check each operator’s site for current rates and inclusions.

Common questions

Is it safe to swim? Only where signs say it’s safe. Crocodiles live in many Territory waterways, so follow park signage and ask your host.

Can I do the Top End and the Red Centre in one trip? They’re a long way apart, so most people treat them as two trips or fly between them.

Where should I start? Litchfield or Katherine, if you want a first taste of the Territory close to Darwin.

Browse the full list of Northern Territory stays below, or see our state-by-state guide.