Finding Peace and Quiet in The Lost City, Northern Territory
In a world that never stops, finding a place to truly disconnect can feel impossible. But fortunately, The Lost City in the Northern Territory is one of those rare spots where you can do just that. It’s quiet, remote, and completely untouched, giving you a real chance to escape into nature and experience the Australian outback in a truly peaceful way. The Lost City is a group of sandstone formations located near Cape Crawford in the Gulf Region. The sandstone structures look just like the ruins of a lost city, which is probably where the name comes from. Most people haven’t heard of it, which makes it one of the Northern Territory’s best-kept secrets, but everyone who visits comes away so glad they did. There are no roads, no signs, and no crowds, just a quiet plateau surrounded by bushland, rock formations, and seasonal creeks and waterfalls.
The only way to get there is by helicopter, which adds a real sense of adventure and gives you a bird’s-eye view of the vast Northern Territory outback. The flight itself is a highlight, with sweeping views of bush stretching for miles and, in the wet season, waterfalls flowing through the landscape. It’s a very different experience from your typical national park visit, as it gives you a true sense of how remote and untouched this part of Australia really is. For those who prefer a more hands-on experience, an optional walking tour is available. Guided walks take you through the sandstone formations and bush at a relaxed, unhurried pace. Depending on the season, you may see wallabies, lizards, birds, and native wildflowers. You’ll enjoy the trip as Nick and Leslie make the walk informative but easy to follow, sharing stories about the plants, animals, and history of the area. It’s truly a very intimate, slow-paced tour with plenty of time to stop, look around, take photos, and simply enjoy being there. What makes The Lost City helicopter trip so special is the personal touch Nick and Leslie give to the experience. Often, your group, which is usually a family, couples, or friends, will be the only visitors on the plateau for the entire tour. It’s indeed a quiet escape. There is no traffic, no crowds, and usually no phone signal, making it the perfect spot to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with nature without any distractions. Many people say they leave feeling calmer, refreshed, and more connected to the landscape. Another unique detail of The Lost City is how the scenery changes throughout the day. Morning light makes the sandstone columns glow in soft golden tones, while midday brings out the rich greens of the bush. In the afternoon, shadows stretch across the rock formations, giving the landscape a completely different look. Add in the gentle breeze, the scent of the bush, and the sounds of birds and insects, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a completely different world, which is what most of us need these days in this very busy world.
If you’re planning a trip to Kakadu waterfalls, or the wider Northern Territory, The Lost City is a hidden gem for anyone looking for remote outback travel, peaceful helicopter tours, or unique guided walks. It’s a short, exclusive escape where you can enjoy untouched landscapes, take amazing photos, and experience the Australian bush in a way most travellers never do.