Best Northern Territory accommodation for a taste of the outback

If your eye is on the top prize, be sure to book a night at the state’s number one hotel, Beagle Motor Inn. Located in the riverside town of Katherine, just 500 metres from the town centre, Beagle Motor Inn offers 39 units suited to singles, couples, and families.

From start to finish, Donna and her team work to cater to guests’ needs, offering clean accommodation and a tasty cooked breakfast in the morning! Room types include budget and deluxe twin, deluxe double and family rooms, all of which include air-conditioning, a refrigerator, Wi-Fi, and TV.

The top state can get a little hot, so if you’re looking to cool down, freshen up in the sparkling swimming pool. As night approaches and the desert cool descends, why not swap places and relax in the spa? For those hoping to experience the Australian landscape up close and personal, Beagle Motor Inn is in easy reach of notable attractions including Edith Falls, Katherine Hot Springs, and Katherine Gorge.

The facilities of a hotel can be fun, but so can the independence of a serviced apartment! Quest Parap plays on the drawcard of offering quality, independent accommodation, and it is this which has earned it place number two in the NT’s top ten hotel list.

Trisha and Richard offer 84 serviced apartments which come in either studio, one, two, or three-bedroom options, all of which include flat-screen TVs and internet access. In the slightly larger apartments, guests can enjoy a full kitchen, lounge, and a relaxing balcony from which to watch some impressive sunsets.

Located only a five-minute drive from the Darwin CBD, and 2.7 kilometres from Mindil Beach, Quest Parap is within easy reach of restaurants and attractions. For those who have brought the wagon along for a true NT adventure, free parking facilities are also available on site. So whether you’re the corporate traveller or the leisure-seeking adventurer, Quest Parap is certain to make your stay in Darwin all the more enjoyable.

A trip to the red centre inevitably means a night in Alice Springs, so why not make the most of your outback escape with a stay at Quest Alice Springs. Opened in 2008, the upscale apartments aesthetically blend contemporary design amidst the arid, Australian bushland.

The air-conditioned rooms come in either studio, one, two, or three bedroom types, and all boast Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. Take solace in the on-site swimming pool or settle in for some evening tucker and make use of the free BBQ facilities. Onsite parking is also available as well as 24-hour reception for late arrivers.

Uluru (Ayers Rock) is one of the nation’s most cherished sites, so for a quality visit to the red centre, be sure to stay at nearby Longitude 131. For those seeking to blend an outdoor experience with a touch of pampered luxury, this sumptuous resort may be your ideal solution. Located amidst the sun-drenched landscape of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and only 19 kilometres from Uluru, Longitude 131 offers 15 tented pavilions which boast spectacular panoramic views of the enchanting Australian landscape.

Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury king-sized beds, an iPad, Wi-Fi, and an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, ideal for a cool down after a day in the desert heat. The common areas are adorned with colourful Aboriginal art as well as an intriguing mix of historical artefacts that unveil aspects of the country’s rich past. For an authentic dining experience, sample a fusion of modern and indigenous tastes at Longitude 131’s in-house restaurant, Dune. If you want to celebrate your visit to the red centre with more personalised service, guests can benefit from the resort’s private touring program.

When travelling on holiday, it’s obviously exciting to be in the thick of it all, and at Argus Apartments, you can do just that. Located in the vibrant heart of Darwin’s CBD, these multi-award-winning apartments are in close proximity to the city’s mix of restaurants, shopping facilities, and the iconic Mindil Beach sunset markets. Apartment types vary, but if you’re travelling in numbers and you’re seeking a touch of extravagance, why not opt for the double-storey penthouse and make the most of your time in Darwin.

Each of the 58 apartments features full-sized kitchens, large balconies, and Wi-Fi access, and all are adorned in colourful artwork by Merrepen Arts. Room views vary, but if you’re lucky, you might secure yourself a harbour view. If you’re hoping to make room for a touch of in-house exercise, head to the fitness centre and swimming pool and break that sweat in quality surrounds.

The secret is out, Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn is the city’s hottest hostel! Coming in sixth place in the NT’s top ten list, this hostel offers ideal collective accommodation options for solo travellers, group voyagers, and everyone in between.

Small in size, yet big in impact, Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn provides air-conditioned dormitories, as well as twin and double rooms for those wanting a touch of privacy. If you’re looking for a unique sleeping experience, book one of the hostel’s themed rooms, such as the Betty Boo Bus queen room: a reconverted American-style bus with LED lighting, whoa!

While the town centre is a short five kilometres away, guests can feel equally satisfied in the hostel’s common areas which provide a large communal kitchen, a refreshing swimming pool, and an outdoor BBQ, all of which make for perfect mingling with hostel comrades! Thanks to the small size of Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn, host Seb is guaranteed to give you a tailored and personalised stay in Alice Springs.

For a slightly more unique stay in Darwin, why not regress to the glamour and style of the 1920s art-deco period at Darwin Central Hotel? Located in the heart of Darwin’s CBD, and only 2.6 kilometres from Mindel beach, this hotel provides guests with a leisurely and comfortable stay in the top state.

Darwin Central Hotel successfully couples a boutique feel with contemporary facilities, offering guests a range of different room types including the twin queen and king double. All rooms come with LCD flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, complimentary toiletries, and tea and coffee making facilities so you may never want to leave!

Beyond the room, each floor is embellished with eccentric artwork and diverse furnishings, creating an aesthetically pleasing open gallery for guests. Looking for some tucker? Head downstairs to Waterhole restaurant. While this doesn’t quite reflect the true Australian waterhole, it’s a great place to start the day thanks to its full international breakfast buffet of continental and hot food options.

Darwin is well recognised for its warm and sunny climate so that obviously means regular trips to the beach! Fortunately, H Darwin is within minutes of Darwin’s scenic esplanade, meaning the idea of a beach-oriented sojourn in the city is all the more possible. At Hotel H, choose from one of the 186 standard, deluxe, or suite-style rooms, which boast panoramic views of either scenic Cullen Bay or Darwin’s vibrant cityscape.

Whether you are a business traveller or a leisure-seeking holiday-goer, the clean, comfortable, and quality facilities offered at H Hotel are certain to please. Head downstairs to D Bar and Restaurant and frolic over a carefully concocted cocktail or appreciate one of the many dishes from the modern- Australian menu. If you’d rather have some quiet time with your beau or belle, make use of the in-room dining service. Upstairs, visit the fitness centre and burn some carbs, or alternatively lounge beside the idyllic outdoor swimming pool and find your inner-Zen.

If you’re the no-frills, form-follows-function kind of traveller, The Mediterranean All Suite might be your ideal kind of venue. All of the 70 suites are both clean and comfortable and are suited to any type of traveller. Rooms are appointed with a fully-equipped kitchen, air-conditioning, and spa or shower, and all feature a dining area for in-house cooking. If you’re lucky enough you might even secure a room with a balcony from which you can appreciate Darwin’s scenery with a beverage of choice!

Situated in Darwin’s downtown centre, many of the city’s amenities are within easy reach, however, if you’d rather stay in, why not take a splash in the hotel’s outdoor pool and take solace from Darwin’s heat in secluded style.

As the name would suggest, Adina Apartment Darwin Waterfront is conveniently situated on the waterfront, giving guests a serene and scenic experience. The 121 rooms come in either studio, one, or two bedroom types, with the potential maximum occupancy of five per room for those wanting a party getaway up north.

Each of the air-conditioned rooms is appointed with flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and a generous kitchen offering a refrigerator, microwave, and minibar access. Bathrooms come with a soaking tub and complimentary toiletries for weary travellers, or if you’d rather have the full experience, make use of the outdoor pool or spa service facilities. If you’re looking for the ideal initiation to your night on the Darwin town, stop by the in-house sumptuous bar and lounge, and sip on a freshly prepared cocktail skillfully prepared by one of the barmen.