Getting active doesn’t have to mean long hikes, steep climbs or remote trails. Across the Northern Territory, there are plenty of easy walking paths near residential areas that are close to home and suitable for everyday movement. This guide focuses on accessible walking trails and parks. These are places where people already go for a casual stroll, a catch-up with friends, or a gentle way to stay active.
They are not big hiking routes or multi-day trails, but well-known, easy walks that help people feel confident getting outside and moving at their own pace within the Territory.
Whether you’re walking on your own, with family, or as part of your local community, these locations offer simple ways to enjoy fresh air, support your health, and stay connected to the places around you.
Darwin & Northern Suburbs
Easy
Short, mostly flat walks suitable for everyday movement.
Darwin Waterfront Precinct: Flat, paved walking paths around the waterfront with harbour views, cafés and shaded areas.
Bicentennial Park: An easy foreshore walk with open lawns, memorials and cooling sea breezes.
Cullen Bay Marina & Foreshore: Boardwalks and paths around the marina offering a relaxed, accessible walk close to the city.
George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens: Shaded garden paths through tropical plant collections, ideal for walking in warmer weather.
Mindil Beach Foreshore: Wide, open walking areas along the beach, popular for sunset walks.
Vesteys Beach & Vesteys Lagoon: Easy coastal and lagoon-side walking with open views and birdlife.
Bayview Marina & Foreshore: Flat paths around the marina, often used for casual walking and exercise.
Nightcliff Foreshore: A long, paved foreshore path popular with locals for walking and jogging, especially in the evenings.
Jingili Water Gardens: Short, shady walking paths through landscaped gardens.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve / Casuarina Beach: Easy walking along coastal paths and beach access points.
Tiwi Park: Open parkland with short, easy walking paths.
Wanguri Park: Local suburban park commonly used for casual walking.
Lakeside Drive Park: Short, flat walking paths through a residential park, commonly used for casual walks close to home.
Gurambai Cultural Walking Trail: A cultural walking trail along Garramilla Boulevard featuring public art and interpretive signage.
Moderate
Walks that may include uneven surfaces, gentle climbs or longer distances.
East Point Reserve & Lake Alexander: A mix of sealed paths and bush tracks offering longer walking options with coastal views.
Charles Darwin National Park: Bush tracks with gentle undulations and lookout points, close to the city.
Lee Point Beach: Coastal walking with longer distances and fewer facilities than central foreshore areas.
Knuckey Lagoons Conservation Reserve: Bushland and wetland walking with uneven surfaces in places.
Holmes Jungle Nature Park: Bush tracks through monsoon forest with a more natural feel than suburban parks.
Muirhead Bushland / Conservation Area: Bushland paths with uneven ground offering a moderate local walking option.
Palmerston & Howard Springs
Easy
Short, mostly flat walks suitable for everyday movement.
Marlow Lagoon: Flat walking circuits around the lagoon, popular with local residents.
Durack Lakes: Lakeside paths that allow flexible loop walks of varying lengths.
Sanctuary Lakes Park: Easy walking paths around lakes and open green space.
Tracy Park: Local park with easy walking paths suitable for short strolls.
Zuccoli Community Precinct / Quidditch Pitch area: Open paths and green space commonly used for casual walking.
Howard Springs Nature Park: Shaded walking paths through bushland and spring-fed areas, suitable for most walkers.
Berry Springs Nature Park: Short, easy walking paths near swimming areas, popular for relaxed outings.
Territory Wildlife Park: Well-formed walking paths through natural habitats, suitable for all ages.
Moderate
Walks that may include uneven surfaces, gentle climbs or longer distances.
Mitchell Creek Greenbelt: A longer greenbelt corridor offering bush-style walking near Palmerston suburbs.
Bellamack Bushland / Greenbelt: Uneven bushland paths providing a moderate local walking option.
Fred’s Pass Rural Area: Open rural walking areas that are less formal and more variable underfoot.
McMinns Lagoon: Natural bushland surrounds with informal walking options.
Girraween Lagoon: Quiet bushland walking area with uneven ground in places.
Katherine
Easy
Short, mostly flat walks suitable for everyday movement.
Katherine Hot Springs: A short, mostly flat riverside walk leading to a popular swimming area.
Katherine Rail Trail: A mostly flat shared-use trail following the old railway corridor, commonly used for walking and running.
Katherine River & Low Level area: Informal riverside walking close to town with flexible distances.
Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve: Easy terrain with short walking options and good birdlife near town.
Moderate
Walks that may include uneven surfaces, gentle climbs or longer distances.
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park: Short maintained walking paths through woodland near the cave system.
Nitmiluk Gorge, visitor area walks: Short walks near the main visitor area offering views of the gorge.
Edith Falls (Leliyn): Clearly defined access walks leading to the plunge pool. Longer hikes are optional.
Alice Springs
Easy
Short, mostly flat walks suitable for everyday movement.
Todd River Walking Track: Flat, flexible walking along the Todd River through town with multiple access points.
Olive Pink Botanic Garden: Easy walking paths through native Central Australian plants in a peaceful setting.
Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve: A popular walking hub with several easy paths through historic grounds and along the river corridor.
Simpsons Gap (Rungutjirpa): A short, well-defined walk into a dramatic gorge, often visited early morning or late afternoon.
Ellery Creek Big Hole: Short, easy access walks around the gorge and waterhole.
Moderate
Walks that may include uneven surfaces, gentle climbs or longer distances.
Anzac Hill: A short but steep walk to a lookout with panoramic views over Alice Springs.
Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye): A formed walking path into a narrow chasm with uneven surfaces in places.
Ormiston Gorge: Clearly marked short walks from the main car park. Longer circuit options are available for experienced walkers.
Many walking areas across the Northern Territory offer flexible routes rather than fixed trail distances, allowing people to choose how far and how long they walk. Always consider weather conditions, carry water, and follow local advice when exploring outdoor areas.
