9 bucket-list worthy glamping sites in the Northern Territory

The Northern Territory’s night sky is made for sleeping under. Glamping gets you close to nature without compromising on comfort…

The Northern Territory is renowned for its beauty and vibrant culture. In fact, two of its National Parks (Kakadu and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa) are dual-listed UNESCO World Heritage sites for their exquisite natural and cultural landscapes.

With its balmy temperatures and dazzling stars, the NT is the perfect place to bed down in a breezy glamping tent. Not only do you get to witness all that nature has to offer, but you can do so in complete comfort. From glamping in Kakadu to Alice Springs, here are the best places to glamp in the NT.

Glamping around Darwin

1. Matt Wright’s Top End Safari Camp

Matt Wright’s Top End Safari Camp offers an immersive outback and glamping experience just 1.5 hrs from Darwin. Kick back in a lotus bell tent that epitomises eco-luxury, and soak in nature as you scrub up in your open-air shower.

There are only 10 glamping tents onsite, and each one is secluded with its own private deck so that visitors can enjoy an intimate experience to commune with nature’s majesty.

See a croc within the outback grounds of Top End Safari Camp. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

The overnight stay is part of a tour, which takes in some of the best activities that the Top End has to offer (think crocodile encounters and scenic helicopter trips over the floodplains). Created by National Geographic wrangler Matt Wright, guests are certainly in for a wild taste of the outback.

Go on a scenic helicopter tour around Top End Safari Camp. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

Glamping in Alice Springs

2. Squeaky Windmill

Roughly 15 kilometres west of Alice Springs, on the edge of the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges, lies the Squeaky Windmill. Each luxury eco-tent here is fully self-contained with an ensuite and kitchenette, barbecue and deck, but it’s the added luxuries that make the difference – think air conditioning, plush robes, a flat-screen TV and a coffee maker.

Retreat to the luxe eco-tent at Squeaky Windmill for the night. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Once you’ve unpacked your suitcase, the only hard work you’ll be doing is kicking back on the deck with a cold drink and a platter of nibbles or cooking up a storm with a barbecue hamper lovingly prepared by your host, Michelle.

Squeaky Windmill offers premium and modern comforts for campers. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Glamping in Kakadu National Park

3. Cooinda Lodge

If you’re looking for glamping in the heart of Kakadu, look no further than Cooinda Lodge. Cooinda is one of the most popular accommodation options in Kakadu, and for good reason. Ideally located in the middle of Kakadu National Park, Cooinda Outback Retreat glamping tents have all the creature comforts to keep you cool after a day of exploring ancient rock art sites and waterfalls.

Cooinda Outback Retreat glamping tents are nestled at the heart of Kakadu National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

The fully air-conditioned glamping tents are fitted out with a local inspired decor. You’ll have a breezy open space to yourself, a short stroll from the Lodge’s top-notch bistro, Mimi’s restaurant.

Settle into Cooinda Outback Retreat glamping tents for the night. (Image: Tourism NT/Kakadu Tourism)

Six times a year, Cooinda Lodge plays host to Kakadu Full Moon Feast, where visitors can experience an elaborate dinner created with native, foraged ingredients.

If you’re looking for more things to fill your bucket list, we’ve written a guide on things to do in Kakadu as well as the best Kakadu tours.

Have a hearty breakfast by the pool at Cooinda Lodge. (Image: Tourism NT/Lisa Smith)

4. Bamurru Plains Lodge

Bamurru Plains Lodge offers luxury glamping on the edge of Kakadu National Park. Built amongst the floodplains and savannah woodland of the Mary River, you wouldn’t be caught dead unrolling a mere sleeping bag (or lifting a finger) here. Each safari bungalow is built on stilts overlooking the floodplains and the animals and birdlife that frequent here.

Explore Bamurru Plains and all of its wilderness. (Image: Peter Eve)

Inside, the bungalows are kitted out with a spacious ensuite bathroom and plush bed facing Bamurru’s trademark floor-to-ceiling mesh walls that bring the outside in. You won’t find a television or mobile reception at Bamurru Plains; instead the call of magpie geese just outside are nature’s alarm clock, and the croak of frogs and meandering of marsupials is your night-time entertainment.

Spend a romantic glamping getaway at Bamurru Plains. (Image: Tourism NT)

Glamping in Uluru

5. Longitude 131

Probably the most famous places for glamping in the Northern Territory, all 15 of Longitude 131 luxury tents have striking views of Uluru, while the new two-bedroom Dune Pavillion comes with its own plunge pool.

Relax in your own plunge pool at Longitude 131. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

Longitude 131 is the show-stopping accommodation at the heart of the Red Centre. The central Dune House has a lounge, bar and restaurant. All guests have private touring options to make the most of their stay.

Admire striking views of Uluru from your luxury tent. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

Glamping elsewhere in the Northern Territory

6. Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon

Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, situated just shy of Kings Canyon between Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park and Alice Springs, boasts a new glamping offering that sees six permanent tents clustered around a wiltja – meaning ‘shelter’ in the local Anangu language. Three of the tents are for couples, with the rest holding enough space for families and including a king bed and two single beds.

Step into a glamping haven at Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

Each tent has its own ensuite and verandah set with gorgeous swing chairs or hammocks. Don’t miss the dinner, Under a Desert Moon, which is a dreamy way to unwind after hiking to the top of Kings Canyon on the spell-binding Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park.

Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon is a relaxing oasis in Watarrka National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

7. Cobourg Coastal Camp

Hidden away on the northernmost tip of the Northern Territory mainland, Cobourg Coastal Camp is heralded as one of the best fishing destinations in Australia.

Offering a unique glamping and wilderness experience, the camp comprises eight safari tents set upon raised decking. Here, you’ll spend your days eating fresh sashimi and oysters and sipping a gin and tonic, while recounting stories from your latest fishing safari.

8. Banubanu Beach Retreat

Situated a 15-minute flight away from Gove in the pristine waters of East Arnhem Land, Banubanu at Bremer Island is a one-of-a-kind Northern Territory glamping destination and a true escape from the daily grind. There’s a handful of safari tents to choose from, so you can embrace the traditional elements of camping without compromising on comfort.

Sleep in a luxe tent next to the beach at Banubanu Beach Retreat. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Spend your days hiking bush trails, bird watching, beachcombing, swimming, fishing and learning about the customs and traditions of the local Yolŋu community. When the day is over, relax and unwind by the tranquil ocean and breathe in the sweet, fresh air provided by Mother Nature, while sipping a glass of wine or cold beer.

Sink into a blissful stay at Banubanu Beach Retreat. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

9. Kings Creek Station

Expect to sleep like a baby in the secluded, luxury glamping tents all positioned along an escarpment at Kings Creek Station. Elevated to catch the afternoon breeze and offer the best views on the property, each beautifully appointed tent comes with king-size or twin beds made with quality linens, a private bathroom, air conditioning and even a coffee machine.

De-stress at Kings Creek Station. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

So idyllic is this working cattle and camel station that 30-odd documentaries have been filmed in the area, and the station hosted Australian Geographic’s fourth expedition.

The Drovers Dream at Kings Creek Station features 10 perfectly positioned tents. (Image: Tourism NT/Kings Creek Station)

There’s a lot to see and do here, too, such as quad bike tours, helicopter tours, the nearby Kings Canyon rim walk and Catherine Springs walk, and Aboriginal cultural tours.

Explore the entire rugged landscape surrounding Kings Creek Station on a quad bike tour. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo)

Written by Leah McLennan with updates by Elizabeth Whitehead.