Top 7 Spots to Catch an Epic Northern Territory Sunset

The best Northern Territory sunset spots are worthy to put on your Australia bucket list. From the striking reds and oranges of a desert sunset to the serene beauty of a tropical sunrise, the Northern Territory’s vast landscapes are sure to take your breath away. Whether looking for a romantic spot to watch the sun go down or you’re looking for that perfect photography shot, there are plenty of stunning locations in the Northern Territory where you can witness Mother Nature put on a show.

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 travellers book tours, and how to find the best flight deals. Or Click Here to be taken there now.

Best Darwin Sunset Spots

A Darwin sunset is truly a remarkable sight and is frequently called the best sunset in the world. Watching the sky light up over the water is a breathtaking experience, and one you won’t forget anytime soon. If you find yourself in Darwin, here are two spots you cannot miss to experience stunning Northern Territory Sunsets.

Mindil Beach

The iconic sunset at Mindil Beach is one of those experiences that everyone should have. Grab a spot in the sand and prepare to ooh and ahh as reds, pinks, and oranges light up the sky in spectacular fashion. It features the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market, the heart of Darwin’s cultural melting pot.

The market has over 200 unique stalls, offering incredible local crafts and international cuisine. With its stunning sunset backdrops and vibrant atmosphere, Mindil Beach Sunset Market provides an unforgettable experience that genuinely encapsulates Darwin’s multicultural nature.

Want to see the sunset from your room? Check out our review of the Mindil Beach Casino Resort.

Sunset from pool at Mindil Beach Casino
Photo by @irishontherun
jemma lusted 1
Sunset at Wagait Beach by @jemma_lusted

Wagait Beach 

Wagait Beach is a great place to relax and escape the city. Just 20 minutes by ferry from Darwin City, or a 90-minute drive, Wagait Beach and nearby Mandorah offer fishing, camping, and incredible sunsets. With a brilliant view back to the Darwin CBD, Wagait Beach is perfect for a romantic getaway.

Head to the Cox Country Club for a refreshing drink, then take a short walk to one of the nearby beaches for your sunset party. You won’t be disappointed!

See our list of accommodation options in Wagait to experience more of the laid-back vibe.

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Top Spots for a Northern Territory Sunset

Now that you’ve seen our top 2 options for sunsets in Darwin, let’s move onto our list of the best Northern Territory Sunsets.

Uluru

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Australia. It’s home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, and the sunsets are simply unbeatable.

There are several viewing areas around Uluru where the rock changes colours as the sun goes down. Or, if you prefer, you can take a guided tour. Motorcycle tours, day tours with drinks and nibbles, or sunset BBQ tours are available, all offering unforgettable views of Northern Territory Sunsets.

Kata-Tjuta is also an excellent spot for sunset viewing. The large rock domes look otherworldly in the dimming light. You can take a motorcycle tour through Walpa Gorge or a half-day tour and end with some reflective time in the last light of the day, surrounded by the beauty of Northern Territory Sunsets.

Uluru Rock Blast
20min Plane Flight
From AUD $145
Uluru in the Northern Territory with striking orange landscapes
Photo of Uluru by @freebird_stories
Watarrka National Park with sunset in backdrop
Watarrka National Park by @etiennerodriguez_

Kings Canyon – Watarrka National Park

The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a must-do for anyone visiting the area. It’s an incredible experience to watch either the sunrise or sunset over the canyon while hiking.

The walk starts with a 500-step climb, but it’s well worth it when you reach the top and see the 360-degree views. The cooler morning temperatures make it more enjoyable, and the light is perfect for photos. The hike’s highlight is reaching the top and seeing the valley below in all its glory. It’s a fantastic hike that should be on everyone’s bucket list. 

Explore everything Watarrka has to offer, sunsets and beyond, with our guide to the park.

Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park is a beautiful national park in Australia that offers plenty of activities for visitors. Spend the day exploring the gorge, admiring rock art, and checking out the local wildlife.

For an active view of the sunset, try the Baruwei Loop trail and look out. See our guide to the top hikes in Nitmiluk for other great trail options. 

For a more relaxed viewing experience, try a Katherine River cruise. With so many tour options, you’ll find the perfect one to end the day in Nitmiluk.

Or even better, take a scenic flight near dusk for an unforgettable experience. Try this trip from Katherine that also includes a drink and cheese board to make it even more magical. 

Katherine River Safari
For all ages! • 3 Days • 40-55 km of Wildlife Rich River!
From AUD $1128.36
Hikes in Nitmiluk National Park
Nitmiluk National Park by @uncharted_touring
sunset at West MacDonnell National Park in Northern Territory
Photo of West MacDonnell National Park by @infiniteloopphotos

West MacDonnell National Park

There’s something special about watching the sunset at West MacDonnell Park. You can see the colours bring nature to life. It’s an incredible experience!

The sun’s colours dance on the tips of the mountains, and everything starts to come alive. The experience of watching the sun set over the rocks and plants is simply marvellous.

The gorges all light up, and the plant life also starts to perk up. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, you can also come for sunrise to see some of the most beautiful birds around. It’s a pleasant way to start your day in nature. The Mt Sonder Lookout near Redbank Gorge is the best place to watch this unfold and enjoy Northern Territory Sunsets.

If you’re interested in experiencing these gorgeous sunsets night after night, consider tackling one of the greatest multi-day treks in the world on the Larapinta Trail

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a world-famous heritage site in the Northern Territory of Australia. The Park offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

For those who want to experience the best sunset views in Kakadu, Ubirr is a must-visit destination. Located an hour’s walk from the car park, Ubirr offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Try this small group tour to see the best sunsets at Ubirr with a guide so you don’t miss a thing. 

Nawurlandja lookout is another excellent spot for sunset viewing, offering panoramic views of Anbangbang Billabong and Nourlangie. The walk to the lookout is shorter but equally challenging as Ubirr.

Curious about what else to do at Kakadu? We’ve got you with our Top 10 Things To Do.

Ubirr Sunset Tour, The Best in Kakadu
Ubirr Sunset Tour, The Best in Kakadu

The Northern Territory is filled with epic destinations that are perfect to watch one of the region’s famous sunsets, from popular Darwin sunset spots to National Park landscapes that compliment Mother Nature’s show. Where is your favourite Northern Territory sunset spot? Tell us in the comments below!

*Cover photo by @travellingazz

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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.

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Norther

NORTHER ® provides encouragement for travellers to value, enjoy and explore the NT in a one-of-kind way so they can honour and respect culture through care and integrity.

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