Northern Territory Dining with Kids

Two words to describe the Northern Territory are remote and beautiful. Apart from Alice Springs, Uluru and Darwin there’s not much else. Having said that they don’t have the funky cafes and restaurants on every street corner like the big smoke. And why on earth would they anyway – it’s the desert!

Our little family did manage to find a few good eating places, listen they weren’t the best places l’ve ever dined in but you don’t track miles over the Australia desert for fine dining. You go there to immerse yourself in nature’s wonders. And they are truly wonderful. If you haven’t been to the Red Centre yet – put it on your bucket list and get up there!

Here is a snap shot of where we ate and what family friendly features they had for the kids. All the places we dined in were only too happy to accommodate the kids with small activities, menus, changing facilities and highchairs. Make Uluru your next family holiday.


Alice Springs

Hanuman Thai

Hanuman is a Thai and Indian restaurant rolled into one with good tasting meals at high to moderate prices (remember everything has to get flown in – they don’t have an Asian grocer on every street corner) **Bookings MOST Essential – a very popular spot with locals and visitors**

For the Kids: Highchairs – Changing Facilities – Kids Menu had mini chicken stir-fry, mini fish stir-fry and very mild beef Masaman curry all served with rice and vegies for $12.


Juicy Rump Bistro Bar

The Juicy Rump (what a name!!) is a basic bistro style restaurant. They have tellies on the wall and a full bar with very basic pub style food. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel here, so don’t expect too much. Choices include steak sandwich, Caesar Salad and of course the good old Aussie burger.

For the Kids: Highchairs – Changing Facilities – Kids Menu which had your bistro favourites like juicy chicken fillets, tempura fish fillets and a mini minute steak all served with chips and salad. Kid’s drinks start from $3 and of course the ice-cream is FREE.


Uluru – Ayers Rock

Tali Bar at Sails

Tali Bar is a basic bar cum small bistro with a relaxed friendly atmosphere serving quick and easy meals such as burgers, salads and pastas. Great little spot to dine at if the kids are a bit tired and grumpy. There is a front lawn which they can run around on while you wait for your food. We ate twice there because our two were just about at the end of their tether by day's end. It is a touch on the pricey side – but you are out in the desert!

For the kids - Highchair – Kids Menu – Activity Sheets with crayons – Change Table – front lawn to play on

Winkiku Restaurant

Winkiku serves a buffet breakfast in a brasserie-style setting. For dinner (seasonal), enjoy a tantalising seafood buffet, delicious array of salads, hot dishes and a carvery. We had breakfast here one morning and there was a variety of goodies such as fresh fruit, cereals and gourmet toppings for yogurts right down to pastries, muffins, eggs, bacon and other warm breakfast treats. Mr 2 always gets Coco Pops when we are on holidays and Mr 8 months enjoyed the fresh fruit and yogurts. Reservations essential

For the kids - Highchair – Kids Menu – Activity Sheets with crayons – Change Table

Arnguli Grill

Located at the Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel, Arnguli Grill features a table d'hôte menu of two and three set menu options, in relaxed surrounds. All tables come with white table cloths, water and wine glasses and service is swift and efficient. We were super organised this night and had Mr 8 months asleep when we arrived for dinner and the staff were also very helpful organising Mr 2's meal and ice-cream and timed it perfectly so we could enjoy our meals to. *Always get a child ice-cream served with your main meals – just takes the edge off and they are totally captivated with their dessert they won’t even bug you until every last drop is gone! Food good – although l should never have gone the vegetarian option – it was a BIG fail. Better luck next time.

For the kids - Highchair – Kids Menu – Activity Sheets with crayons – Change Table – before we went to dinner there is a lookout near by the Arnguli Grill and we watched the sun go down over the rock, kids love running around in the red dirt and looking at the animals tracks in the sand. Well my Mr 2 did anyway!