Looking for some of the best Northern Territory eco tours? From World Heritage-listed sites to vibrant Aboriginal cultures and untamed wildlife, the NT offers nature’s wonders in their most pristine form. Responsible travel practices are not just encouraged but are at the core of every one of these ethical adventures, ensuring that you can enjoy the Australia’s natural beauty while supporting local communities and preserving the environment.
Whether you’re learning about Aboriginal cultural traditions directly from First Nations people or trekking through majestic National Parks, these Northern Territory eco-tours offer educational, engaging, and fun experiences. By promoting a deeper connection to nature and the local community, these eco tours aim to inspire travellers to appreciate and protect the Northern Territory’s unique natural habitats, ensuring they remain untouched for future generations.
Want to know all about planning your trip to the NT? Scroll to the bottom of the post to see which site locals use to book hotels, where trusted travelers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.
Top Eco Tours in the NT
Alice Springs Dinner & Stars 2.5 hrs
📍Alice Springs, NT
⏰ 2.5 hours
Experience the magic of the night sky with a 2.5-hour tour featuring a gourmet barbecue dinner, a complimentary drink, and a guided astronomy session at Earth Sanctuary’s Space Observatory in Alice Springs.
Highlights:
- A complimentary drink on an ancient sand dune as the sun sets over the majestic East MacDonnell Ranges.
- Enjoy a fully guided astronomy experience, featuring laser pointers and deep sky telescope viewing.
- Experience spectacular night skies at Earth Sanctuary’s Space Observatory.
- Special celestial dining dates in 2024 for optimal viewing opportunities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Alice Springs Astronomy | Star Tour 1.5 hrs
📍Alice Springs, NT
⏰ 1.5 hours
Experience an award-winning astronomy program in one of the best stargazing locations in Australia (and the world). Here’s what you can expect:
Ages: All ages welcome.
Highlights:
- Entry into Earth Sanctuary’s Space Observatory
- Experienced astronomer with a laser pointer
- Deep sky telescope viewing
- Licensed bar available (card facilities only)
- Stargazing in the heart of the Australian outback
Nightscape Tour
📍Alice Springs, NT
⏰ 2.5 hours
Embark on an unforgettable evening with the Nightscape Tour, offered by Norther. Set just a short drive from town, this experience invites you to escape the light-pollution of the city and gaze into a spectacular night sky filled with stars, silence and natural wonder.
Duration: Arrival at sunset – Departure at 8am the following day
Highlights:
- Venture 10-30 minutes outside town into darker skies for optimal stargazing.
- Expert guided experience under a vast night sky, offering insight into constellations and astronomical phenomena.
- Relaxed, nature-focused outing with the tranquillity of the surroundings enhancing the mood.
- Ideal photo-opportunity: clear skies, minimal distractions, and the chance to capture memorable night-scape images.
- Small-group setting (or easily managed group) that focuses on comfort and atmosphere away from the hustle.
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Kakadu Day Tour
📍Alice Springs, NT
⏰ 2.5 hours
Discover the wonders of Kakadu National Park with a small group eco-tour that offers a rich blend of ancient rock art, stunning landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences.
Tour Duration: 12 Hours
Highlights:
- Magnificent Kakadu National Park in a small group setting
Tour Itinerary:
- Ubirr Rock:
- Guided tour of ancient rock art galleries
- Interpretation of some of the oldest rock art in the world
- Scenic view from Nadab lookout over Ubirr Rock and Nadab floodplains
- Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on East Alligator River:
- Interactive and informative cultural tour
- Insights from Traditional Owners about the area’s history and culture
- Opportunity to step into Arnhem Land and explore its unique terrain
We hope this guide inspires you to explore the incredible eco tours the Northern Territory has to offer.
Have you experienced any of these tours, or is there one that stands out for your next visit to the Northern Territory? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
If you love exploring National Parks, Norther has got you covered, get your daily fix of the Northern Territory’s beauty courtesy of Norther® by following @northerhq. You can also check out more Northern Territory content by following Norther on Facebook. Please sign up here to join our newsletter list to be the first to get hints and local recommendations for anything awesome in the Northern Territory.
*Cover photo by @lukeycarling
Heading to the NT? Here’s What You Need to Get Started
Travel Insurance
Whether you’re from Australia or across the globe, it’s a great idea to get insurance to cover unexpected accidents or medical emergencies. Cover More is our favourite travel insurance provider to give us the peace of mind while heading to the outback.
Flights
For the best deals on flights, we recommend using Trip.com. It’s super easy to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. I always find great options for my trips, and it saves me so much time and money!
Hotels
We always recommend using Booking.com for hotels. They have a variety of accommodation options and great filters to help you find the perfect place for your trip to the NT. With amazing deals, a great loyalty program, and the largest selection of hotels and rentals, it’s our favourite place to book rooms.
Tours
Tours, either multi-day, half-day, or private excursions, are a great way to experience the NT. Viator has a great selection of activities to help you travel the Territory and learn from locals.
Car Rental
If you're looking to rent a car to explore the Territory on your own, we suggest checking out Budget. It’s so easy to compare prices and find the best option from their huge selection of cars. Or try Rentalcars.com to see cars from all rental companies in the NT.
National Parks Pass
If you live outside the NT and plan on visiting national parks, you'll need a Parks pass. Choose from a day pass, a 2-week pass, 12-month pass, or family pass at NT.gov.au. If you're an NT resident be sure you bring your NT driver licence or proof of residency. Note: Park Passes are not accepted at Kakadu or Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Parks. Purchase those from Parks Australia.
Sim Card
If you're travelling and need a reliable connection, We'd recommend getting an eSIM from Airalo. Choose from data only or cellular connection. It’s super convenient and helps you stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards or paying exorbitant fees to your wireless provider.
