aussieloc.com – Looking for reliable pediatric physiotherapy in Northern Territory can feel a bit overwhelmingespecially if you’re a parent or carer trying to navigate services across remote areas like Katherine or Alice Springs, or within urban Darwin.
Whether you’re after developmental assessments, play-based physio, or NDIS-approved mobile services, the NT has some solid local options.
From public health programs run by NT Health to private mobile therapists bringing support to your doorstep, this guide covers trusted providers offering paediatric physiotherapy near me across the Territory.
These services help kids with mobility, growth delays, neurological conditions, and more.
Disclaimer: The information below reflects publicly available data from provider websites and service directories. Availability, clinic hours, or contact details may change we recommend contacting each provider directly for the latest updates.
Due to privacy policy and regulations, we cannot put phone numbers here anymore.
1. Darwin Children’s Development Team – Free public paediatric physiotherapy
Public health support is often the first choice for many local families, and this team delivers exactly that.
The Darwin Children’s Development Team (CDT), run by NT Health, offers free allied health services including physiotherapy for children up to 18 years old.
Their support includes developmental screening, home programs, and coordination with schools or early childhood educators.
Referrals can come from families, GPs, or community health workers and they’re especially suited for children showing early signs of delay or functional difficulties.
Contact & Location
- Darwin Children’s Development Team, Ground Floor, Casuarina Plaza, 258 Trower Road, Casuarina, NT 0810 (near Casuarina Shopping Square)
- Email: CDTtopend.health@nt.gov.au
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
- Self-service features:
- Referral needed: Yes (self, GP, or educator)
- Cost: Free (public service)
Parents often ask whether this service is only for urban Darwin while it’s based in Casuarina, there are referral pathways for children from surrounding remote regions via community clinics.
Why Families Trust CDT Darwin
The team works closely with schools, clinics, and families, creating a collaborative circle of care.
It’s a great local option for those in Casuarina or northern Darwin suburbs who prefer free, government-backed therapy tailored to child development.
2. Outreach Physiotherapy – Private & mobile paediatric physiotherapy in Darwin and remote NT
Outreach Physiotherapy blends clinical excellence with convenience.
Based in Darwin but servicing even the most remote NT communities, they provide mobile physiotherapy for children in homes, schools, and childcare centres.
They also offer standardised assessments including Movement ABC‑3, TGMD‑3, Bayley Scales, plus aquatic physiotherapy and equipment prescription all tailored for kids and young people.
Contact & Location
- Outreach Physiotherapy, 2/33 Nebo Road, East Arm, NT 0822 (servicing greater Darwin & beyond)
- Email: reception@outreachphysiotherapy.com
- Outreach Physiotherapy’s service page
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | By appointment |
| Sunday | Closed |
- Self-service features:
- Mobile visits: Yes
- NDIS registered: Yes
- Hydrotherapy available: Yes
Parents often wonder if they need a referral this clinic accepts direct parent enquiries and bookings, which makes it easier for families to get started without waiting for a GP appointment.
What Makes Outreach Stand Out
With flexible service delivery and NDIS-registered therapists, Outreach is ideal for families who need therapy brought to them.
They’re especially helpful for those in Palmerston, East Arm, or rural surrounds looking for paediatric physio near home or school.
Their play-based approach and focus on meaningful progress make them a trusted name among Darwin locals.
3. Little Leap Physio – Mobile paediatric physiotherapy around Katherine & remote NT
For families in and around Katherine, Little Leap Physio offers hands-on therapy right where it’s needed in homes, schools, playgrounds, or community settings.
They provide expert support for developmental delays, neurodiverse kids, plagiocephaly, and more.
Led by experienced physiotherapists Sarah and Tara Whitchelo, Little Leap is deeply embedded in the Katherine community, with a strong understanding of rural and First Nations family needs.
Contact & Location
- Little Leap Physio, Mobile service based in Katherine NT 0850 (visiting surrounding rural & remote areas)
- Email: hello@littleleapphysio.com.au
- Little Leap Physio website
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
- Key service features:
- Home visits: Yes
- Telehealth: Available
- Aquatic therapy: Yes
- Dynamic Movement Intervention (DMI): Yes
- NDIS funded clients welcome
A common question is whether the service includes First Nations communities based on their outreach model, they often collaborate with Aboriginal health services and understand the cultural dynamics of delivering care in NT’s rural settings.
A Top Choice for Katherine Families
Little Leap delivers high-touch, mobile physio with deep local understanding.
Their flexibility and connection to community make them a preferred choice for rural families across the Katherine region, especially for parents seeking consistent, family-centred care in familiar environments.
4. Carpentaria Therapy Services – Allied‑health hub including physiotherapy for children & teens
Carpentaria Therapy Services is a community‑based, not‑for‑profit provider offering comprehensive allied health services for children, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychology.
They support children from birth to 18 years, tailoring programs to each individual’s developmental goals.
Their approach is holistic integrating physical therapy with communication and cognitive development support and they work closely with parents, educators, and medical professionals to build outcomes-based plans.
Contact & Location
- Carpentaria Therapy Services, Harry’s Place, 1 Willeroo Street, Tiwi, NT 0810 (opposite Royal Darwin Hospital)
- Email: therapy@carpentaria.org.au
- Carpentaria Therapy Services – Children & Adolescents
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
- Key service features:
- Multidisciplinary therapy teams
- NDIS planning & support coordination available
- Onsite therapy rooms + outreach sessions
- Family referrals accepted (no GP referral required)
One of the most asked questions is whether children need a diagnosis to access care here the answer is no. Carpentaria welcomes families early, often during developmental monitoring, to start proactive therapy.
Why Families Value This All-in-One Service
With a team approach under one roof, Carpentaria is ideal for families in Tiwi, northern suburbs of Darwin, or Alice Springs who prefer coordinated therapy.
Their onsite facilities and professional staff offer comprehensive, child-centred care that adapts as kids grow. It’s a solid pick for parents wanting physiotherapy integrated into a broader developmental program.
5. Royal Darwin Hospital Outpatient Clinics – Specialist paediatric physiotherapy services
As the NT’s primary tertiary care hospital, Royal Darwin Hospital provides paediatric physiotherapy as part of its outpatient service suite.
These services support children with complex physical health needs including respiratory, orthopaedic, neurological, and congenital conditions.
Appointments here are usually specialist-referred, and the clinic serves children from both Darwin and more remote regions who need access to higher-level care.
Contact & Location
- Royal Darwin Hospital, Rocklands Drive, Tiwi, NT 0810 (next to Casuarina Coastal Reserve)
- Royal Darwin Hospital service details
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
- Key service features:
- Hospital-based paediatric therapy team
- Outpatient clinic and inpatient ward support
- Specialist referral required
- Tertiary level diagnostic support
A common question from families: Can you access this service directly? The answer is no children typically need to be referred via their GP, paediatrician, or specialist, especially for complex conditions or post-surgical rehab.
When Specialist Care is Needed
Royal Darwin Hospital offers access to advanced paediatric physiotherapy that smaller clinics can’t provide.
It’s an essential referral point for complex developmental or medical conditions, and a go-to for families in the greater Darwin region needing hospital-grade care under close supervision.
Need help choosing?
If you’re unsure which provider fits best, start by considering:
- Public vs private: Free public clinics offer great foundational support, but private clinics often have shorter wait times and more flexibility.
- Mobile vs onsite: Outreach services like Little Leap and Outreach Physio are ideal for rural or remote settings.
- Multi-service needs: For broader developmental support beyond physio alone, Carpentaria’s multidisciplinary approach may be the way to go.
You can also check provider reviews like this one on Outreach Physiotherapy or social mentions of Little Leap Physio to hear from real families in the NT.