There’s something special about hitting the trail together, and the Northern Territory is one of the best places in Australia to do just that. From the lush Top End to the rugged Red Centre, this region is packed with spectacular landscapes, family-friendly adventures, and some of the best hiking trails in the Northern Territory. Whether you’re setting out on a short scenic walk or planning a multi-day journey, these mum and daughter hikes offer the perfect mix of connection, challenge, and unforgettable views.
Along the way, you’ll discover hidden swimming holes, quiet places to camp under the stars, and opportunities to climb ancient escarpments and rocky outcrops. These hikes aren’t just about the destination—they’re about shared moments, laughter on the trail, and creating memories in some of Australia’s most iconic wilderness areas.
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Larapinta Trail – West MacDonnell Ranges
🚶♀️ Distance: Up to 223 km (full trail)
⏱️ Time: 1–2 weeks for the full trail (or shorter sections as day hikes)
🏕️ Good to know: Best tackled in sections—plan water, permits, and campsites in advance
The Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges is one of Australia’s most iconic long-distance hikes, stretching across a dramatic outback landscape of ridgelines, gorges, and desert plains.
While the full 223 km trail is a true multi-day adventure, many sections can be enjoyed as shorter walks, making it flexible for different fitness levels and timeframes. Expect spectacular views, especially from high points like Counts Point and Mount Sonder.
If you’d prefer to skip the logistics, joining a guided Larapinta Trail tour can make the experience far more relaxed and enjoyable.
Jatbula Trail – Nitmiluk National Park
🚶♀️ Distance: ~62 km one-way
⏱️ Time: 5–6 days
💧 Good to know: Walk runs June–September and requires advance booking for limited permits
The Jatbula Trail in Nitmiluk National Park is a truly special multi-day hike, following a traditional Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). The 62km trail winds through sandstone country, monsoon forests, and open woodlands, with each day ending at a different campsite—many beside beautiful, spring-fed swimming holes.
Expect warm days, cool evenings, and plenty of opportunities to swim, relax, and soak up the surrounding landscape along the way.
Permits are limited and released ahead of the dry season each year, so it’s essential to book early to secure your spot. For an easier experience, you can also join a guided Jatbula Trail tour and let someone else handle the planning.
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Kings Canyon Rim Walk – Watarrka National Park
🚶♀️ Distance: ~6 km loop
⏱️ Time: 3–4 hours
🌄 Good to know: Start early—heat restrictions apply and the initial climb is steep
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park is one of the most spectacular day hikes in the Red Centre. This 6 km loop takes you up a steep initial climb—often called “Heart Attack Hill”—before rewarding you with sweeping views across towering sandstone cliffs and deep into the canyon below. Along the rim, you’ll pass iconic features like the Garden of Eden, a lush waterhole surrounded by cycads.
This is a more challenging option for a mum and daughter hike, but well worth the effort for those with a moderate fitness level. The trail is well-marked, with plenty of places to pause, take photos, and soak in the dramatic scenery. Sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and sun protection are essential, especially given the exposed sections along the rim.
For a more relaxed experience, consider joining a guided tour of Kings Canyon so you can focus on the views while someone else handles the logistics.
Standley Chasm – West MacDonnell National Park
🚶♀️ Distance: ~2.4 km return
⏱️ Time: 1–1.5 hours
🌄 Good to know: Entry fee applies and the chasm is best visited around midday for dramatic lighting
The Standley Chasm Walk in the West MacDonnell Ranges is a short but striking hike that leads you through a narrow, rugged gorge to one of Central Australia’s most impressive natural formations. The well-maintained path follows a gentle creek bed, surrounded by native bushland and rocky outcrops, before opening into the towering chasm itself.
The highlight is reaching the chasm at the right time of day—when the sun sits overhead, the walls glow a deep red, creating a truly memorable experience.
For a smoother day out, you can also join a guided tour that includes Standley Chasm and nearby highlights.
Florence Falls Walk – Litchfield National Park
🚶♀️ Distance: ~2.5 km return
⏱️ Time: 1–1.5 hours
💦 Good to know: Swimming is allowed in the plunge pool—bring a towel and water shoes
The Florence Falls Walk in Litchfield National Park is a beautiful, family-friendly hike through lush monsoon forest that ends at a spectacular double-tiered waterfall.
The well-maintained trail includes stairs and gentle paths, making it accessible for most fitness levels, while the plunge pool at the base offers a refreshing spot to cool off in the Top End heat.
Florence Falls is one of the park’s most photographed natural wonders. For another nearby swimming spot, Wangi Falls is just a short drive away and perfect for a longer day of exploring.
For ease, consider a day trip from Darwin to see all of the highlights from Litchy.
Gorge Walk at Katherine Gorge – Nitmiluk National Park
🚶♀️ Distance: ~2.6 km return
⏱️ Time: 1–1.5 hours
💧 Good to know: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; swimming is not permitted in this section
The Gorge Walk at Katherine Gorge at Nitmiluk National Park is a stunning short hike that follows the edge of the gorge, offering spectacular views of the Katherine River and the surrounding sandstone cliffs. The well-maintained trail winds through open woodlands and pockets of monsoon forest, giving hikers a mix of shade and panoramic lookout points.
Perfect for a mum and daughter outing, the walk is accessible to most fitness levels while still showcasing the dramatic scenery and natural beauty of the Top End.
For an even more relaxed day, guided tours are available and provide local knowledge while letting you enjoy the views.
Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock Art Walk – Kakadu National Park
🚶♀️ Distance: ~1.5 km loop
⏱️ Time: 45–60 minutes
☀️ Good to know: Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and visit early or late to avoid the heat
The Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock Art Walk in Kakadu National Park is one of the most rewarding and accessible hikes in the park. Encounter some of the oldest and most significant Aboriginal rock art in Australia, with interpretive signage helping bring the stories and history to life.
Ideal for a relaxed mum and daughter hike, the trail is suitable for most fitness levels, though sturdy shoes, water, and sun protection are recommended—especially in the warmer months.
For more to do in Kakadu, see our complete guide.
From lush waterfalls in the Top End to the rugged beauty of the Red Centre, these iconic trails showcase some of the Northern Territory’s most unforgettable natural wonders. Whether you’re ticking off bucket-list adventures or simply enjoying slower moments together, these hikes with mom offer something truly special at every turn.
No matter your experience level, these top NT hikes are all about connection—sharing the journey, embracing the landscape, and creating memories that will last long after the trail ends.
*Cover Image by @rm.photography.au
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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. AllClear and Cover More are our favourite travel insurance providers 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.
