australian northern territory road trip in gt cars

• Entertainment

Top Gear: Series 22, Episode 2

• Star in a Reasonably Priced Car: Kiefer Sutherland.

Episode Guide

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May embark on a grand road trip across Australia’s Northern Territory.

Tasked with picking a fast, luxurious GT for the trip, Clarkson chooses a BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Hammond a Bentley Continental GT V8 and May a Nissan GT-R, as the trio set out on an adventure that takes in crocodile-infested rivers, a race around a vast open-cast mine, an encounter with the world’s longest lorries and the majestic scenery of one of the world’s least-inhabited landscapes. Their dusty endeavor concludes with an unusual challenge involving a farm, their cars and 4,000 cows.

Some say…

“It isn’t The Stig… but it is The Stig’s Australian Cousin.”

Star in a Reasonably Priced Car

Kiefer Sutherland 1:49.20 (wet)

Australian Road Trip, Pt. 1: 02:11 – 02:35 – Tyler Bates & Joel Richard – Just A Dog 02:35 – 03:25 – Tyler Bates & Joel Richard – New Dog 03:49 – 04:00 – Brian Tyler – Dust Unsettled 04:03 – 04:11 – Lorne Balfe – The Sweeney 04:29 – 04:35 – Johan Skugge & Jukka Rintamäki – Battlefield 3 Main Theme 04:52 – 05:03 – Jeff Cardoni – Apache Action 06:30 – 08:42 – Clinic – The Witch (Instrumental) 08:42 – 09:51 – Archie Bronson Outfit – Two Doves On A Lake (Instrumental) 09:51 – 10:04 – Body/Head – Abstract 10:04 – 10:47 – Adam Peters – Cartel Theme 11:32 – 11:42 – Adam Peters – Cartel Theme 11:42 – 11:58 – Tyler Bates & Joel Richard – Assassins 12:00 – 12:07 – Tyler Bates & Joel Richard – Assassins 13:07 – 14:32 – Ryan Amon – Zero Injuries Sustained 14:33 – 15:10 – Steve Hulse – Nomads 15:25 – 15:44 – Peter Best – Opening Titles

Australian Road Trip, Pt. 2: 28:29 – 28:41 – Brian Tyler – Army of Two: The Devil’s Cartel 29:04 – 29:13 – Jeff Tymoschuk – The Tailwalk 29:40 – 29:51 – Jeff Tymoschuk – The Tailwalk 30:29 – 30:50 – Jeff Tymoschuk – The Tailwalk 31:27 – 32:53 – Kasabian – Stevie (Instrumental) 32:52 – 33:05 – Adam Peters – Cartel Theme 33:05 – 33:39 – Dylan Eiland – Surveillance 33:28 – 33:32 – Henry Jackman – The Causeway 34:03 – 34:15 – AC/DC – Back in Black 34:19 – 34:33 – Brian Tyler – Fearless Crew 34:40 – 35:19 – Midnight Oil – Beds Are Burning 35:20 – 35:29 – Peter Best – Opening Titles 36:07 – 36:16 – Nick Cave & Warren Ellis – Road to Banyon 36:18 – 36:45 – Death From Above 1979 – Always On (Instrumental) 36:51 – 37:17 – Death From Above 1979 – Always On (Instrumental) 37:17 – 37:28 – Nick Cave & Warren Ellis – Road to Banyon 37:34 – 38:30 – Ryan Amon – The Armory 38:44 – 38:55 – Tyler Bates & Joel Richard – Dock Shootout 38:57 – 39:46 – Brian Tyler – Into Combat 40:51 – 41:34 – Beady Eye – Flick of the Finger (Instrumental) 41:32 – 42:01 – Nick Cave & Warren Ellis – Road to Banyon 43:17 – 43:54 – Jeff Cardoni – The Real Story 44:06 – 44:14 – Adam Peters – Cartel Theme 44:28 – 45:04 – Ryan Amon – Kruger Suits Up 45:31 – 45:51 – Christian Szczesniak – Dingos Breakfast 45:51 – 46:07 – Jeff Cardoni – Backstory 48:27 – 49:18 – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – AKA…What A Life! (U.N.K.L.E Rework Instrumental) 49:18 – 49:53 – Brian Tyler – Look Alive 50:33 – 51:15 – David Arnold & Michael Price – Major Sholto 51:34 – 51:49 – John Swihart – On Your Knees 51:51 – 52:02 – John Swihart – On Your Knees 52:02 – 52:37 – Jack White – High Ball Stepper 52:42 – 52:56 – Brian Tyler – Too Much Faith 52:56 – 54:03 – Brian Tyler – Look Alive 54:34 – 54:39 – John Swihart – On Your Knees 54:53 – 55:32 – Ryan Amon – Kruger Suits Up 55:34 – 56:23 – Ryan Amon – Fire Up the Shuttle 56:23 – 57:49 – Ryan Amon – Heading to Elysium

Screenshots

#BigStig spotted near Westerham

Trailer for series 22 episode 3, related posts, top gear: series 22, episode 8, top gear: series 22, episode 7, top gear: series 22, episode 6, top gear: series 22, episode 5, top gear: series 22, episode 4, top gear: series 22, episode 3, 59 comments.

where to find the next episode?

Amazon? Are u kidding me? Try to get money everywhere?…BYE BYE Top Gear… Dissappointed greetings from germany.

Aah Well. All good things come to an end. Shouldn’t be tough on TGB, you did the right thing

how can i was the next episode ?

Wait for it to be broadcast. Ep 3 is not out yet. It’s being broadcast 8/2/15 20:00 GMT BBC 2

I don’t what to be ”That Guy” But what up with all the swearing? The FCC would be having a field day.

Now we have to pay to watch? LOL. The true purpose has emerged.

Uh? Why are all episodes on Amazon now?

This is going to drive away people who don’t want to make an Amazon account (like me). Or can’t make one since it wants some form of payment method regardless of the free trial (also like me, since I only just recently got my first cash card). Now I just go to streetfire and look there or on iplayer.

As you said there are plenty of places where you can still steal Top Gear episodes for free, but we’ve made the decision to no longer be a part of it.

I do really disapprove this decision, i always liked your way of approach,to make TG available where its not being shown in TV for free,and without paying blatant amounts of money for episodes Brit’s enjoy in FreeTV.

Yes but unfortunately it is illegal to do so. British residents pay a yearly license fee of £145.50 (USD$220) in order to legally watch TV channels such as BBC2. That’s per TV as well.

Oh well Thank you TopGearBox for keeping this wonderful site free for a long time! I understand your situation. Thanks for everything, it is a bit sad that we have to pay $3 per episode. Oh well must watch Top Gear lol. It will be tight but I’ll manage.

It’s a shame. It was a good run, though. I just regret that I couldn’t find this webside sooner.

Well, I’m sure not paying Amazon for this one, so I guess its back to searching free streaming. Still, I’ll come back from time to time to see if you ever set the episodes to be watched for free again.

I’m only coming here for the news updates, because the official TG site has a lot of junk that is of no concern to me whereas here we get the relevant stuff.

If you set up a VPN link to make it look like you live in the UK, you can use the BBC iPlayer to watch them for free (for a limited period after transmission). That said, some of the revenue you pay to Amazon should hopefully make its way back into Autie Beeb’s pocket to help fund another series…

“but ultimately content creators deserve to be paid for their efforts so they can continue producing quality content into the future.”

I bet that’s not the actual reason. Amazon probably made you an offer of some sort if you link their videos. I don’t have anything against it because everyone does it in one way or another (like ads). *no intended sarcasm* Otherwise you wouldn’t have posted free episodes for so long. Oh well, R.I.P TGB

Not at all. I ran this website by the book (no streams) for the first 4 or 5 years and only added them a year ago due to their widespread availability – and I no longer want that hanging over my head. The situation has changed recently too, with good streams for Series 22 being pretty much impossible to find – meaning I was having to encode and upload the videos myself. My aim for TGB was to essentially be a Top Gear encyclopaedia, not a place where people come and harass me each week to upload the episode.

Probably the kind of agreement that says ‘Ok Amazon, we’ll link to your video instead & you won’t prosecute’…

Simply not true.

No, £145.50 per household – have as many TVs as you like…

I can understand that you want start using a service wich isn’t free, but why use a service wich isn’t work outside US. The whole Europe for example!

Does such a service exist?

I don’t know, maybe you need for example one for europe and one for US. Simply a couple of links.

Right now, It’s honestly isn’t looking good that you can’t serve the U.K episodes of the Top Gear U.K.

Why is everything on bloody amazon?

I wonder what happened to the free streaming…

do you have to use amazon?

Do i have to sign up with amazon to watch it?

Yes, otherwise just revert back to street fire. Viewer rates are gonna plummet on this site.

To be honest when they announced a GT car challenge I was expecting Jeremy in a Maserati Granturismo or DB9, James in the continental and Hammond in a Ferrari FF or a Jag XKR. Good cars though :). Thanks for the upload as always !

The adds are fckn annoying!!!!!!

I agree, May should have been in the bentley, Clarkson in the GTR and Hammond in the BMW. It just matches up better that way!

These daily motion adverts are a joke!

The race in the mine was beautiful!

My favorite episode ever! Great country, great cars, and Jack Bauer!

when will we have the p1 vs porche?

Probably towards then end of the series, because everyone is looking forward to that part. I’m dying to see the ambulance challenge.

Being set on fire and then shot with several thousand 50cal bullets>LaFerrari

McLaren F1 (and all of it’s variations) > Any car that has been made and will ever be made

i can’t watch it whyyyyyyyyyy

First half is no up – second half will follow soon.

Its not working from me, btw im from the U.S

guys i found a link to the stream…dont know if im allowed to post it here…can you help?

interesting episode… i can’t help but be slightly disappointed in it. I think they should have still done the news to shorten the Australia film a bit. I’d give it an 8/10

The BMW M6 was best!

First half is UP. Second half will follow shortly.

That quarry rally stage looked like too much fun

Great Show Loved it best road trip ever

thanks top gear box for posting these top gear episodes so people not from the uk can watch them

When it is available we will. No need to be pushy.

hahahahaha, i would like to thank the box for their reply. yall said it with more class than i would have showed. thank you for what you do, keep on what ya doing and have yourselves a nice day

will it be able by later today

First half is UP.

I don’t understand Richard Hammond, if he is a guy of simple humble tastes why not like the Nissan GTR? I mean it is the common man’s hero? The Robin Hood of Super cars? I’m surprised James took the GTR and not the Continental. I thought it’d be Jezza with GTR, Hammond with the Bemmer and James with the Bentley.

may needs the gtr’s computers since he cant drive, hammond we know loves the bentley but clarkson should have brought a car with some power

Mate we are talking about the man, the myth, the legend. Captain Slow has driven a car at 263 MPH, No body except the Bugatti Test Driver has gone faster than that. But yeah I’m so happy that they brought the old GTR back. I mean Top Gear severely underrates Japanese cars. I mean when was the last time they actually brought a Japanese car to a challenge? I mean at Monza against the 458, I’d love to seen Hammond with the GTR, He could have crushed Clarkson, and May. I don’t understand him, Jeremy, May, Chris Harris, Tiff Needel have always praised the GTR, yet Hammond calls it a Datsun

Hammond Crashed at 300MPH so he has gone faster than Mr. Slowly.

Yes, but the vampire was just a massive rocket on wheels (much like the bloodhound). Modern top speed machines use cheap tactics to get there.

I.e. in the case of the Veyron you have 4 massive turbos, 16 cylinders, 9 liters and an abundance of tech.

The last true top speed machine was the McLaren F1

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• Top Gear Driving Mix

Motoring magazine. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May embark on a grand road trip across Australia's Northern Territory, each driving a fast and luxurious GT.

Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May embark on a grand road trip across Australia's Northern Territory.

Tasked with picking a fast, luxurious GT for the trip, Clarkson chooses a BMW M6 Gran Coupe, Hammond a Bentley Continental GT V8 and May a Nissan GT-R, as the trio set out on an adventure that takes in crocodile-infested rivers, a race around a vast open-cast mine, an encounter with the world's longest lorries and the majestic scenery of one of the world's least-inhabited landscapes. Their dusty endeavour concludes with an unusual challenge involving a farm, their cars and 4,000 cows.

Also in this episode, Hollywood legend Kiefer Sutherland is the star in the Reasonably Priced Car.

9 months left to watch

More episodes

Episode 1 — series 22, episode 3 — series 22.

See all episodes from Top Gear

Trail: Top Gear Series 22, Episode 2

Duration: 00:25

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

Tyler Bates

Just A Dog  (feat. Joel J. Richard )

New Dog  (feat. Joel J. Richard )

Brian Tyler

Dust Unsettled 

Lorne Balfe

The Sweeney 

Johan Skugge & Jukka Rintamäki 

Battlefield 3 Main Theme 

Battlefield 3 Dark Theme 

Jeff Cardoni

Apache Action 

Archie Bronson Outfit

Two Doves On A Lake 

Adam Peters

Cartel Theme 

Assassins  (feat. Joel J. Richard )

Zero Injuries Sustained 

Crocodile Dundee: Opening Titles 

Marco Beltrami

Woman in Black soundtrack

Army Of Two - Devil's Cartel 

Jeff Tymoschuk 

The Tailwalk 

Michael Wandmacher 

Dylan eiland .

John Wick: Surveillance 

Henry Jackman

The Causeway 

Back In Black 

Fearless Crew 

Midnight Oil

Beds Are Burning 

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis

Road To Banyon 

Death From Above 1979

The Armory 3 

Dock Shootout  (feat. Joel J. Richard )

Into Combat 

Flick Of The Finger 

The Real Story 

From the Savages soundtrack

Kruger Suits Up 

Christian Szczesniak 

Dingos Breakfast 

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds

AKA... What A Life!

Look Alive 

David Arnold & Michael Price

Major Sholto 

John Swihart

On Your Knees 

High Ball Stepper 

Too Much Faith 

Fire Up The Shuttle 

Heading To Elysium 

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• Factual > Cars & Motors
• Magazines & Reviews

• Feb 1, 2015

Summary More than just a show to review new cars, Top Gear is essential viewing. Not just for petrol heads, it also has a huge following amongst people with little or no interest in cars - both male and female. This is due to the show's irreverent approach to motoring, the humour and the priceless chemistry between the show's presenters. A globa ... Read More

Directed By : Phil Churchward, Kit Lynch Robinson

Where to Watch

Season episodes.

Jeremy Clarkson

Self - presenter, self, self - interviewee.

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Self - presenter, self - host, self.

Self - Presenter, Self

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Classic MOTOR: Supercar road trip in the unrestricted outback

A throwback to when a fleet of exotics explored the unrestricted outback.

“Martin, it’s Jesse. I met this guy on an internet chat site, and he’s invited us away to the Rock for a weekend. He told me he had a Ferrari… Oh, and when I say us, I mean you.”

Relayed to you by a mate this would normally ring alarm bells, but when Jesse informed me it was all above board and part of the inaugural ‘F-chat’ ( www.ferrarichat.com ) ‘Exotics in the Outback’ run, well, muggins here couldn’t resist a look.

Turns out it wasn’t just one bloke and a single Ferrari, but rather over two million bucks' worth of precious Euro metal and a bunch of guys ready and willing to take their hard-hitting exotics to the limit, again and again, that stamped this meet as the most significant supercar gathering in Australia.

Waiting by the roadside in Alice Springs it became obvious that photographer Bowden and I weren’t the only strangers in this group. In fact ,with hearty welcomes and tightly clenched handshakes these blokes were making their first physical acquaintance.

That’s right, although they shipped their cars halfway across the country not one of these guys had ever met the other, only swapped car photos on internet threads bound their common interest, driving some of the world's fastest cars flat to the boards.

As the cars rolled out of the specialised transporters (one ex-Melbourne, the other ex-Brisbane) their mega-dollar payloads had me salivating. Our Monaro - thanks Jesse - was looking well out of its depth.

First up was a brand spankers 360 Challenge Stradale. Complete with optional racing stripe it was in stark contrast to its stable mate, a GT2, which Stradale owner Roger kindly brought along for his brother to try out. Oh yeah, he, by the way, just so happens to own a 360 Spider.

Track-focussed V8 Ferrari comparison

Not to be outdone the mob from Adelaide and Sydney offered up an E-gear Gallardo and a late model Boxster S. Completing the field was a ‘driven to Alice from Adelaide’ Honda NSX, and the big daddy of the open road, Neville King’s hard-hitting Murcielago which resides in Alice, proudly displaying its ominous 330-KPH plates.

48 Hours in a Lamborghini Gallardo

“This is not, I repeat not, a race” a point Ash Simmonds, the organiser of this thrash-fest, made very clear. “Remember guys, we are here to experience our cars at speed, not to race anybody, or do anything stupid.” Everyone agreed, nervously scratching at the ground with faux-race shoes, adjusting their sunglasses or fidgeting their hands.

LEG ONE – GLEN HELEN

Heading west from Alice Springs, Neville makes sure to keep the tightly-packed group at the sign-posted 50-70km/h speed limits. He wants to keep us safe, just like the guy in the silver BA GT-P who pulled over while the supercar pack fuelled in central Alice: “Don’t do anything stupid and ruin it for the lot of us”. The Cannonball Run tragedy, when two Japanese racers and two officials died, still burns brightly in the minds of the locals.

You wouldn’t expect Alice Springs to have such an interesting landscape. And roads. Forget about cliché images of red dust and desert, the track out west is instead full of ridges, rocky outcrops, and a road that links long de-restricted straights to bends with the sinewy curves of a dreamtime python.

Neville steps up the pace and a clear pecking order establishes out front. The Murcie leads the way, followed by the Stradale and Spyder, but it’s the GT2 that stamps its authority with raw overtaking firepower, coming past the Monaro at a rapid clip, all while we were accelerating full tilt in fourth.

LEG TWO – ALICE TO THE CANNONBALL RUN MEMORIAL

In rough terms it’s about a 120km jaunt from Alice Springs to the large rock monument on the Sturt Highway. It’s quite possible to knock this section off in just over half an hour, depending on the road conditions.

This would be the chance for everyone to test their top speeds on some dead straight, and pretty flat, roads. About the only concern are the huge road trains (some of which measure nearly 60m in length), but you can see them coming a long way off and have plenty of time to stop.

Roger is the first to break the seal, crackling over the radio that he’d touched the Ferrari’s rev limiter in top gear, his Challenge Stradale indicating 310km/h. Backing this up is the Gallardo, rowing along quietly in the pack, but still indicating a best of 298km/h, which put it a nose in front of the 360 Spyder, which amazingly enough hit 290km/h with the roof down.

Peak speed in the Monaro, using the digital dash readout, came in at 257km/h, with the shorter 3.7 rear end gearing of the VZ ‘nostril car’ forcing you to hold it on the limiter in fifth gear to get this number. A good show from the Holden, and one that was able to keep us well clear of the marauding, roofless Boxster.

LEG THREE – CANNONBALL TO THE LASSETER TURN OFF

Such was Neville’s raw pace in the Murcielago that after another 80km of driving he is able to pull over for his passenger to take a nature break, and it still takes us a while to catch him. “I like these roads and know them pretty well,” Neville laughs.

Refuelling the thirsty mob at the Mobil takes nearly half an hour, as each car waits in line for the Premium pump. This is where Neville leaves us, returning to Alice for business, but giving us fair warning that from Lasseter to Uluru the road is speed limited, and quite literally covered in wandering wildlife… something we very nearly find out the hard way.

LEG FOUR – LASSETER TO ULURU

Idle chat over the radios, and a few fly-bys passes from the nicknamed ‘Bogan Taxi’ (not a nice way to talk about the Monaro , guys) keeps everybody laughing, but it nearly turns to tears not long after I swap seats to give the photo ‘Guy’ a steer.

“Hey mate, you see that?” he squints looking around 400m down the road “Nope" I counter, "what?” “It was something really bi…” And then, like a thunderbolt, a pack of unkempt woolly cattle come charging from the bushy verge straight at the side of the Monaro. Using some stored driving talent which photographers often talk about yet rarely display, Bowden swerves and misses them by centimetres.

Eyes turn to the mirrors. The Stradale, next in line, musters all its carbon-braked, F1-inspired technology, bouncing hard against the ABS as the bovine boofheads pause their charge to check out the nose of the Prancing Horse.

Luckily a chain collision is avoided as these wildly over-braked cars all hunker down and claw into the blacktop. Thankfully we were leading the pack at this stage, as although the PBR Performance stoppers on the Monaro are good, they don’t make the cut in this field.

LEG FIVE – YULARA TO KATA TJUTA

The aboriginal owners of the Rock and its surrounds ask that you respect their ‘special place’, and we do so by adhering to the signposted speed limits on the perfect 40km run from the park entrance to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

Porsche 918 Spyder in the NT

There are still opportunities for fun though, as the wide, perfect sweepers switch back and forth with ever increasing fervour. I get a chance to rie shotgun in the Stradale here, and as you would imagine, its limber chassis and bags of mechanical and aero grip endow it with transcendental cornering power.

With the photography out of the way all discussion turns to the trip back to Alice, and the top speed test for the GT2 which hasn’t really stretched its legs in anger. When it does, how does 332km/h indicated sound?

LEG 6 – THE RETURN

We leave the ‘f-chat’ pleasure train here, turning off onto the Sturt Highway as they make their way back towards Alice Springs and some more 300-plus running.

Aussie Muscle car showdown

Our trip back to Adelaide is uneventful and relatively slow. In 48 hours of ‘running with the bulls’ we had slurped down nearly 300 litres of fuel, and held full throttle for as long as the Monaro’s underpinnings, and our sensibility meters, could cope with the pace. It’s the best speed therapy we’ve had in ages.

THE GLENDAMBO LAMBO

Across the 48 hours of flat-out driving the performance of the Monaro started to carve a niche of respect by being able to stick with the flat-out runners, all without giving a murmur of a reliability problem. In fact, surprisingly, the much maligned Gen III LS1 was one of the few engines not to use any oil over the weekend.

Then there was the frugal use of fuel. While the exotics were all pulling big rpm at high speeds, the tall sixth gear of the Monaro meant that even at 230km/h the tacho needle was sitting somewhere around 3500rpm. This open-road ratio gifted the Holden with fuel economy that matched the super efficient NSX down to the very last litre at every single fuel stop. Who would have ever picked that?

About the only shortcoming of the package was the lack of damper control in the suspension when running absolutely flat to the boards. Floodways and big corrugations unsettled the chassis and gave a few ‘quease inspiring moments, but never did it feel dangerous.

It also lacked the aero package that kept the Euros sucked to the road in 200km/h-plus sweepers, requiring a partial lift and some left foot braking to settle the chassis on turn in. And the brakes? Great for normal freeway speeds, but out of their depth washing off speed from 200km/h.

Running with the world’s best, and holding its head high was a fitting farewell for the iconic Holden coupe, one that earned it both our respect, and the nickname of ‘The Glendambo Lambo’. See you on the other side, mate.

An Unforgettable Northern Territory Road Trip: See the Best of the Top End!

Looking for the perfect Northern Territory road trip itinerary? This guide to the Top End has you covered.

Planning a journey through the Northern Territory’s Top End might sound a bit intimidating at first. But it’s one of the best – and easiest – Australian road trips to plan.

From the stunning wildlife and culture of Kakadu National Park to the refreshing swimming holes of Katherine and Litchfield, I’ve navigated these rugged roads myself and have come up with what I think is the perfect itinerary to see this part of Australia in a short amount of time.

This trip hits Australia’s most interesting capital city plus three amazing national parks.

As part of my recent half-lap of Australia, I took this exact road trip – although I have adapted it for those who may not have as much time as we did. Here’s everything you need to know about road tripping Australia’s Top End, including the useful travel tips I gathered along the way. 

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

How many days for a Northern Territory road trip?

You can do this Top End road trip in a week but I recommend at least 10 days to really enjoy the experience.  

Northern Territory road trip itinerary

One of the best road trips in Australia, here’s what this itinerary looks like over 10 days:

Days 1-2: Darwin

• Days 3-5: Kakadu National Park
• Days 6-7: Katherine
• Days 8-9: Litchfield National Park

Day 10: Back to Darwin

Northern territory map.

How to do this NT trip

Should you take a tour of the Top End or self-drive? Obviously I think driving the route yourself is the best way. You’ll be able to stop where you want and plan your schedule around the time you have available.

I know it can seem daunting to road trip the NT, but it’s really easy to do.

Rent a car in Darwin , if you don’t have your own wheels. You don’t need a 4WD – a 2WD is fine as all the main roads are sealed. However, if you want to get off the beaten path in some of the national parks, a 4WD will allow that.

I recommend renting a campervan or motorhome so you have your accommodation on wheels! This is the most fun way to see this part of the NT. Motorhome Republic has a huge range of campers as well as cars with rooftop tents.

For accommodation along the way, you can book hotels or cabins or campsites. I’ve suggested accommodation options for all types of travel for each of the stops outlined.

Darwin is one of the most interesting capital cities in Australia. It’s quite unlike anywhere else in Australia and worth a few days of your time.

Arrive in Darwin and pick up your rental car or campervan .

I have a full guide to the best things to do in Darwin , and a must-do is the city’s famous markets. If you can, time your arrival in Darwin with one of them.

The Mindil Beach Market is the most popular Darwin market. Held Thursday and Sunday evenings during the dry season, the market has everything from food, clothing, jewellery, art and more. The food here is a mix of Asian cuisines – Darwin is closer to Bali than Sydney – as well as deep-fried crocodile and delicious desserts. Make sure you head over to the beach to take in the stunning sunset.

The other markets I recommend are the Parap Market (Saturday) for even more amazing food, and the Rapid Creek Market (Saturday and Sunday), which is where many Darwin locals come to buy their fresh produce.

Take a stroll through the Darwin waterfront area, where you can find shops, restaurants and bars. Cool off in the Wave Lagoon , a swimming spot that’s safe from the crocs and stingers.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, climb into the Cage of Death at Crocosaurus Cove to get up close and personal with crocodiles.

I highly recommend a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory to learn about the region’s history and culture, and take a look at the body of Sweetheart, a 5-metre-long crocodile. Bonus: it’s free.

Sunsets in Darwin are absolutely stunning, so make sure to find a good spot to watch the sky light up in vibrant colours. I love the Nightcliff Beach area, where you can finish sunset with a bite from one of the food trucks. Or splurge on a sunset cruise in Darwin Harbour .

Before you continue on this Northern Territory road trip, stock up on food and water as your next stop is Kakadu National Park. You’ll also want to buy your drinks in Darwin, as you can’t buy takeaway alcohol in Kakadu.

Where to stay in Darwin

The  DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Esplanade  has harbour views and an enormous pool. It’s only a short drive to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market. Check rates and availability on  Expedia  and  Booking.com

Also in the Waterfront precinct, the  Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront  has modern rooms, many with water views. Check rates and availability on  Expedia  and  Booking.com

For caravanners and campers, the  Discovery Parks Darwin is the closest caravan park to the city centre. It has two pools and caravan sites and cabins. This is where we stayed and it was a great spot.

The  Darwin FreeSpirit Resort  is a bit further out from the city but gets a big thumbs-up for its resort-style pool and more modern cabins.

Days 3-5: Darwin to Kakadu

Head south from Darwin to Kakadu National Park, Australia’s second-largest national park. It’s an easy 151km drive (1 hour and 45 mins) on the sealed Arnhem Highway.

Kakadu National Park is usually top of many Australia bucket list experiences , with cultural sites, wildlife, flora, fauna and scenery unlike anywhere else in Australia – or even on Earth.

This park is HUGE – a third of the size of Tasmania! – so you need at least 3 days to see it properly, although you could easily spend a week here.

There are many things to do in Kakadu National Park that it can be overwhelming, so here’s how I recommend spending a few days.

You’ll need a Kakadu National Park Pass to enter the park. You can buy it online or from the visitor centre. A 7-day pass costs $40 for adults and $20 for kids, although they are cheaper in the wet season. Note that your NT Parks Pass won’t get you access to Kakadu, so you’ll need to buy both for this Top End road trip.

Kakadu day 1

When you arrive in Kakadu, stop by the Bowali Visitor Centre to pick up a Kakadu Visitor Guide and chat with the rangers. They’ll be able to tell you if any parts of the park are closed or other up-to-date info.

If you haven’t bought your Kakadu National Park Pass online already, you can pick it up here.

Then, head to Cahills Crossing for a chance to spot crocodiles. This crossing is also a great place to fish – although keep an eye on the crocs who won’t mind stealing your catch!

In the evening, catch the sunset at Ubirr . At the top of this rock formation, from the Nadab Lookout, you’ll find incredible views stretching out over the vast Kakadu floodplains all the way to Arnhem Land.

Before you get to the top of Ubirr, however, stop in to see the Aboriginal rock art sites along the trail. The oldest paintings here date back thousands of years.

Where to stay

If you’re not camping, book a room at the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel or Aurora Kakadu Lodge .

For campers and caravanners, book a site at Aurora Kakadu Lodge or Malabanjbanjdju or Burdulba campgrounds. While Merl campground is the closest to Ubirr, it’s known for having a LOT of mosquitos that won’t make for a pleasant stay.

Kakadu day 2

Visit Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) to see ancient rock art and learn about the Indigenous history of this region. Here, you’ll see paintings of people, kangaroos and fish, as well as Namarrkon, the famous Lightning Man. He’s depicted as a grasshopper-like creature who makes the powerful lightning and thunderstorms every summer.

The Nanguluwurr art gallery has even more incredible rock art, including the painting of a masted sailing ship – a representation of early contact between Aboriginal people and Europeans.

There are also handprints and the typical animals in x-ray style, all painted in ochre.

Head up the Nawurlandja Lookout for stunning views or take a stroll around Anbangbang Billabong . The billabong walk is 2.8km easy loop around the billabong, passing through paperbark forest and savanna woodlands.

Take a sunset cruise on Yellow Water Billabong to see the diverse birdlife – and spot plenty of salties!.

Cooinda Lodge has a range of accommodation options, from camping to hotel rooms.

Mardukal campground is a lovely spot with many shady sites, toilets and showers.

Kakadu day 3

Start your morning with a visit to the Warradjan Cultural Centre to learn about the local Indigenous culture and history. There are informative exhibits on the moiety system, Creation stories, the six different seasons of Kakadu and the wildlife of Kakadu. There are also displays about the arrival of the Balanda (Europeans) and the impact of mining on the park and local people.

End your trip to Kakadu at one of the following swimming holes for a refreshing swim: Maguk , Gunlom (currently closed) or Motor Car Falls .

You’ll have to backtrack to Cooinda Lodge for the night if you’re not camping.

For campers, I recommend the Maguk Campground . Accessible by 4WD (although we did see some 2WD cars), sites are shaded by pandanus and palm trees. 

Got more days in Kakadu? Check out my full guide to Kakadu National Park , which includes a 5-day itinerary.

Days 6-7: Kakadu to Katherine

Head further south, about 215km (1.5 hours), to one of my favourite towns in the NT: Katherine .

Right in town, you’ll find Katherine Hot Springs , natural thermal pools that are perfect for a soak and a picnic.

About an hour out of Katherine, in the town of Mataranka, are Bitter Springs and Mataranka Springs , two more beautiful swimming spots.

But the highlight of Katherine is nearby Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). This stunning area features a series of 13 sandstone gorges, which you can explore by boat , canoe or on foot – and it’s only 30km from Katherine.

No visitor should miss the short, 1.8km return trail to the Baruwei Lookout. This is where you’ll get the best views over Nitmiluk Gorge.

But if you’ve got a bit more time and energy, try one of the longer Southern Walks. We did the 11.8km Butterfly Gorge trail, which leads to the second gorge. There’s a “beach” at the end of the trail and from here you can jump in for a swim – if you dare!

The second section of Nitmiluk is Leliyn (Edith Falls), about 60km from Katherine. There’s a lot of competition, but I think it’s the most beautiful spot in the NT. This stunning waterfall cascades over multiple tiers into a crystal-clear swimming hole surrounded by lush greenery. Swimming here is one of my favourite things to do in the Northern Territory .

Where to stay in Katherine

We stayed at the  Riverview Tourist Village in our camper trailer. We loved it so much that we ended up staying there for more than a week over two different visits! It’s right by the hot springs, so you can be first in when the gates open in the morning. There are cabins and caravan sites.  Check rates online .

Other great accommodation options in Katherine are:

• The  Contour Hotel , set on four acres of tropical gardens. There are tennis courts, a swimming pool, restaurants, barbecue facilities and a bar. Check rates and availability on  Booking.com  or  Expedia
• Knotts Crossing Resort – Close to the Katherine River, this resort has a range of accommodation options, from cabins to motel-style rooms. It also has a restaurant and swimming pool. Check rates and availability on Booking.com

Don’t want to stay in Katherine? Then you can actually stay right in Nitmiluk National Park. The famous  Cicada Lodge  is operated by the Jawoyn people and has hotel rooms, cabins and a campground. Check rates and availability on  Booking.com  or  Expedia .

There are also several park-managed campsites  in the national park.

Days 8-9: Katherine to Litchfield National Park

Time to hit the road again, this time returning north to the stunning Litchfield National Park, famous for its swimming holes and waterfalls.

From Katherine, it’s an easy 255km (2.5 hours) up the Stuart Highway.

Litchfield is the highlight of many travellers’ trips to the NT. It’s smaller than Kakadu, but it packs a punch with its natural beauty and refreshing swimming spots.

There’s a lot to see and do in Litchfield National Park , so I recommend spending two days here.

As you enter the park, stop by the Magnetic Termite Mounds , unique structures created by tiny termites that can be as tall as 4 metres.

Next, head to Florence Falls and take the short walk to view the spectacular double waterfall. If it’s busy, leave your car in the same car park and make the short walk to Buley Rockhole to take a dip in the tiered pools.

After a refreshing swim, continue on to Tolmer Falls for more stunning views.

One of the most popular spots in Litchfield National Park is Wangi Falls . The waters here are deliciously refreshing, and you can swim across the swimming hole to the two waterfalls. It feels like you’re in a movie set. There’s also a huge, grassy area by the natural pool that’s perfect for a picnic.

Where to stay in Litchfield National Park

There are several camping areas right within Litchfield National Park. Popular spots include Florence Falls Campground and Wangi Falls Campground – you’ll need to  book online in advance  to get a spot.

For glamping, Litchfield Safari Camp  is in a great location on the western side of the park, about a 10-minute drive from Wangi Falls – so you can be up early to get there before everyone else! Hideaway Litchfield  has luxury cabins built from shipping containers, each named after a place in Litchfield.

There are also several caravan parks. We stayed at  Litchfield Tourist Park , which has cabins and caravan/campsites. The caravan sites are generously sized and shaded. There are also cabins and even a 3-bedroom homestead for those travelling in a group. There’s a pool and cafe on site. It’s about a 45-minute drive to Wangi Falls from here.  Check rates and availability online . 

The drive from Litchfield to Darwin is a short 106km (1 hour 15 mins), so feel free to sleep in and take a leisurely drive back. Or get up early to beat the crowds for a final swim in your favourite Litchfield swimming hole.

On your way back to Darwin, join one of the jumping crocodile cruises on the Adelaide River . It’s a unique experience to see these ancient creatures in their natural habitat, and the tour guides are always full of interesting facts and stories. Just remember to keep your arms and legs inside the boat at all times, eek!

Once you’re back in Darwin, head to the airport for your flight home.

Best time to do this NT road trip

The best time to do this road trip is during the dry season , which runs from May to October. This is when the weather is most pleasant and there is less chance of roads being flooded or closed due to rain.

However, if you don’t mind a bit of heat and humidity, the wet season (November-April) can also offer some unique experiences, such as watching the stunning storms and thundering waterfalls and seeing the lush green landscapes come to life. Check road conditions before setting off on your journey – roads are frequently cut off by flooding.

How to get to Darwin

Flying is the best way to get to Darwin to do this trip. Darwin is connected by air to all the Australian capital cities (except Canberra and Hobart), with daily flights from most of those cities.

CHECK FLIGHTS ONLINE

You can then rent a car at Darwin International Airport when you arrive.

One of the best ways to reach Darwin – in my opinion – is via the Stuart Highway. The Adelaide to Darwin drive is one of the best road trips in Australia and something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime!

Or you could road trip to Darwin from Broome or from Cairns.

Greyhound buses travel to Darwin from Alice Springs (21.5 hours), Broome (1 day), Katherine (4.5 hours) and Kununurra (11 hours). When you arrive in Darwin, you can rent a car to do this Northern Territory road trip.

For an epic Australian bucket list experience, take The Ghan all the way from Adelaide to Darwin. This luxury train traverses the Australian Outback for 3 days before arriving in Darwin. Once you arrive, rent a car and hit the road for this NT road trip.

Northern Territory road trip tips

Here are some handy travel tips I picked up along the way while doing this NT road trip.

Get roadside assistance . It’s always a good idea to have roadside assistance in case of any emergencies. This can give you peace of mind when driving long distances and through remote areas.

Stock up on supplies. This road trip includes a lot of time in national parks. You’ll want to stock up on food, water and other supplies in Darwin and Katherine.

Fill up at every opportunity. Fuel stops can be few and far between, especially when you get into the national parks, so fill up whenever you can.

Use an app to check fuel prices. We paid some pretty high prices for diesel in the NT. To save money, we used the PetrolSpy app to compare prices and find the cheapest fuel.

There’s little phone coverage. I was quite surprised at how limited mobile phone coverage was on both the main highways and in the national parks. Telstra is generally better than other networks. However, we rarely had service when inside the national parks.

Get a paper map . It’s hard to get lost on this road trip, but I do always like to have a physical map like this Hema map – especially when the mobile phone coverage is so patchy.

Don’t drive at night. Wildlife is abundant around this area – kangaroos, buffalo and birds. Driving at night greatly increases your chances of hitting an animal. Stick to driving during daylight hours.

Got more time?

If you’ve got more time than 10 days and want to explore the NT further, then go further south. After Katherine, you can continue on to a few different places.

Devils Marbles

A unique and otherworldly landscape of giant granite boulders, the Devils Marbles are a must-see stop on your road trip. Take a walk around these ancient rock formations and marvel at their natural beauty.

Alice Springs

Known as the gateway to the Red Centre, Alice Springs is a vibrant outback town with plenty to see and do. Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the area, or learn about Indigenous art at the Araluen Arts Precinct.

MacDonnell Ranges

The MacDonnell Ranges are a stunning mountain range that stretches for over 600km across the Red Centre of Australia . Take a scenic drive through the ranges and marvel at the spectacular landscapes, or go for a hike through the gorges and waterholes.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

No trip to the NT is complete without a visit to Uluru , one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. Watch the sunset over this sacred monolith, learn about its cultural significance to the traditional owners, and take a guided tour around its base. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Watarrka National Park/Kings Canyon

Just a short drive from Uluru, you’ll find Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon. Take a hike through the canyon to see stunning views of the red rock walls and lush oasis below. You can also take a helicopter tour for a bird’s eye view of this breathtaking landscape.

Final thoughts: Top End road trip

I hope this guide has given you a taste of what it’s like to drive through the Top End of the Northern Territory. There’s so much to see and do, and each day will bring rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife and captivating culture. Take your time, stay safe on the roads and enjoy exploring this beautiful part of Australia.

Did you find this article helpful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Are you planning a Northern Territory road trip?

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these Australia travel articles:

• How to plan an epic Adelaide to Darwin road trip itinerary
• The best things to do in Darwin
• The best things to do in Katherine, NT
• The best things to do in Nitmiluk National Park
• The ultimate guide to Litchfield National Park
• How to spend a few days in Kakadu National Park
• 19 spectacular things to do at Uluru
• How to spend a few days in Alice Springs
• The ultimate Australia bucket list

AUSTRALIA TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Book your flight to Australia online with Skyscanner . I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
• Find a great hotel in Australia. Check prices on Booking.com   and Expedia online.
• Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Australia on GetYourGuide or Viator . There’s something for everyone.
• A copy of the  Lonely Planet guide to Australia will be handy.
• One thing I always purchase is  travel insurance ! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
• Pack sunscreen (look for SPF50 or higher), a hat and sunglasses because the sun is hot!

PIN IT FOR LATER: NORTHERN TERRITORY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Save this NT road trip to Pinterest so you can plan your epic trip later!

About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

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01 January 2023

Hit the road: a guide to exploring the northern territory by car.

Whether you’re in a campervan, a car or a 4WD, the options for adventure are endless. Here in the Territory, the roads spool out to the horizon, the wildlife is prolific and the landscapes are incredible

THE NATURES WAY

Katherine (Tourism NT/Let's Escape Together)

This unforgettable journey can take up to eight days and offers a journey around the highlights of the Top End, with an itinerary that goes big on adventure. Covering almost 900km, it takes in culture, wildlife, adrenaline and some truly astonishing natural attractions. For a heady dose of the cinematic scenery that the Northern Territory is famed for, look no further.

Where to go

Jim Jim Falls in Kakadu National Park (Tourism NT/@helloemilie)

Begin your trip in Darwin, the Territory’s friendly, buzzy capital city. With its palm-tree vibe and manageable size, it makes for the perfect introduction to the region. A location on the Timor Sea gives it a tangible Asian influence, in everything from its climate to its food scene – sample the latter at the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Other highlights include the bars and restaurants of Mitchell Street, the excellent Museum & Art Gallery of the NT, and the modern boardwalks of Darwin Waterfront. The city also has a fascinating history to explore, taking in everything from freak cyclones to WWII air raids.     

Kakadu National Park

The name alone is enough to stir the hearts of travellers. Kakadu is a rarity – a national park UNESCO-listed for both its natural and cultural treasures. There are multitudes of both. The park covers more than 20,000 sq km, incorporating rolling floodplains, mighty escarpments, gushing waterfalls, crocodile-filled billabongs and birdlife-rich woodlands. At the same time, it also plays home to an Indigenous culture dating back tens of thousands of years, with ancient rock art to explore and guided Aboriginal experiences to enjoy. It’s a glorious place to spend time, with plenty of campsites, and if you’re in a 4WD there’s even greater flexibility.      

Heading down the Kakadu Highway, as you begin edging from the tropics into the Outback, you’ll reach the town of Katherine. It’s well stocked with touring campsites and has its own hot springs – just the thing for unwinding after the drive. A little way to the south lies the tiny town of Mataranka, which has glorious thermal waters of its own. Just as enticingly, Katherine is also the gateway to the blockbuster spectacle of Nitmiluk Gorge, a 2km chasm of towering cliffs and rugged rapids. The gorge itself gives the potential for serious adventure, with cruising, bush walking and canoeing all options.

Litchfield National Park

Returning back up the legendary Stuart Highway to Darwin, make a short detour to lovely Litchfield National Park. Still seen as something of a local secret, it’s a lush spread of classic Aussie bushland, with giant termite mounds, a series of natural swimming holes and some excellent bushwalking trails. It’s well set up for touring vehicles, so take the chance to park up, grab your swimming costume and wallow under postcard-pretty cascades. Highlights include the Buley Rock Holes, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls. You’re now only around 100km from Darwin, so it’s the perfect place to linger before your return to the city.

Where to eat

Tuck into fresh food (Tourism NT)

A family-run café daubed with colourful artworks, this Katherine favourite is where to head for watermelon smoothies, lunch quesadillas, fresh muffins, artisan coffee and much more besides. The lemonade is made from lemons that grow in its backyard.

Escarpment Restaurant at the Mercure Crocodile Hotel

This Jabiru restaurant is a great place to refuel after a day of adventure. Choose from gourmet dishes like duck confit to local Aussie favourites such as crocodile.

Barra Bar & Bistro, Cooinda Lodge

This brilliant bistro near Yellow Water Billabong offers alfresco dining in Kakadu National Park. Don’t miss the tasting plate with smoked and marinated crocodile, barramundi, chargrilled buffalo sausages and kangaroo fillet.

Where to stay

Nitmiluk Gorge (Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Cicada Lodge

Close to Nitmiluk Gorge, and offering 18 rooms decorated with artwork from local indigenous artists, this luxurious and well located resort also has its own bar/restaurant and a swimming pool.

Cooinda Lodge

Situated beside the Yellow Water Billabong, Cooinda Lodge is a village-style property offering a relaxing stay that combines luxuries such as a swimming pool and bistro-style dining with nearby wildlife including crocodiles and birds.

Oaks Elan Darwin

For a stylish stay in the heart of Darwin, look no further than Oaks Elan Darwin which offers comfortable rooms spread over 27 floors and a rooftop pool.

THE RED CENTRE WAY

Kings Canyon (Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

As you move down the Stuart Highway, the great expanse of Central Australia begins to open up to the south. This up to six-day adventure, which can stretch for more than 1,000km, takes in some of the most iconic sights in Australia and gives you a full taste of what makes the Red Centre such a fabled road trip destination.

UlUru (Tourism NT/Kate Flowers)

Alice Springs

You’ll begin your journey in the unique desert town of Alice Springs, located in almost the exact centre of the Australian mainland and playing home to some 25,000 people. It’s ideally situated for a road trip into the Outback proper but has some serious attractions of its own, including a long pioneering history and some excellent Indigenous art galleries. It also sits a short way from the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges, which can easily be factored into your road trip. If you’re in a 4WD, there’s even the option to drive the Mereenie Loop, from the mountains down to Kings Canyon.   

Kings Canyon

Around three and a half hours of scenic driving from Alice Springs brings you to this gigantic geological wonder. Part of the majestic George Gill Range in Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon is a vast natural chasm of toppling cliffs and verdant greenery. It’s best enjoyed by making the famous Rim Walk, which leads up and around its perimeter and serves up never-ending views across the desert. The hike itself covers 6km and takes between three and four hours. It makes sense to arrive the night before, make the most of the facilities at the resort at the canyon’s base, then rise early to enjoy the walk in the cool of the morning.

Looming silently over the Outback like a sandstone colossus, Uluru has a stature, size and presence that is hard to describe. When you arrive by road, having spent hours surrounded by dramatic flat horizons, there’s a sense of having reached somewhere momentous. Uluru rewards however much time you can spare it, whether you’re joining a guided walk around its base, learning more about its deep spiritual significance, watching its colours shift in the sunset hours, or dining under the stars as art installations twinkle across the plains. It’s well set up for touring vehicles, with a large campground close by.    

Just over 50km away, 36 vast domes cluster in the desert, covering an area every bit as imposing as Uluru itself. Kata Tjuta – which translates, fittingly, as ‘Many Heads’ – is a maze of natural valleys and crevices, and a joy to explore. Parts of the site are traditionally seen as sacred, and are consequently off-limits to travellers, but much of the formation can be admired on the 7.5km Valley of the Winds loop walk. Its proximity to Uluru means you won’t have to change accommodation, and as a spectacle it makes for an unforgettable finale before your return to Alice Springs. 

Tuck into tasty food (Tourism NT)

Epilogue, Alice Springs

This trendy lounge and rooftop bar in Alice Springs’ Todd Mall offers tasty food, cocktails, craft beers and a brilliant atmosphere.

Outback BBQ & Grill, Kings Canyon Resort

Enjoy all-day dining in a rustic setting and tuck into the likes of wood-fired pizzas, burgers and BBQ options that are big on flavour.

Sounds of Silence, Ayers Rock Resort

This magical evening will see you dine under the sparkling canopy of the Outback’s sky with views of Uluru. As well as the incredible views, you will be treated to fine food including a bush tucker-inspired menu.

Glamping tents are one accommodation option at Kings Canyon (Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Kings Canyon Resort

Well-equipped and comfortable, and recently refurbished, this resort offers standard and deluxe resort rooms as well as glamping tents and a campground with uninterrupted views, as well as various bars and restaurants. It’s well placed for travellers doing the Rim Walk. 

Ayers Rock Resort

There are no less than seven accommodation options here, from 5* luxury at Sails in the Desert to 3* comfort at the Outback Lodge and a campground to boot. The resort offers free daily activities, lots of dining and touring options and a free shuttle bus.

Longitude 131˚

If you’re looking for luxury, Longitude 131˚ is most definitely the place. Its upscale tented pavilions all have unbeatable views of Uluru, while spa treatments and fine dining add to the overall premium feel.

Book now with Trailfinders: The No.1 tour operator to Australia

It pays to book with the experts. With extensive experience of the Northern Territory’s many highlights and with a knowledgeable and friendly team on-hand to find your perfect holiday, Trailfinders will help you to uncover the very best of this part of Australia. To book call 020 7795 4551 or visit trailfinders.com

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10 Best Road Trips in the Northern Territory

10 best road trips in the northern territory.

Come with us as we explore the Northern Territory and show you Australia’s best kept secrets.  Here are 10 of the best road trips in the Northern Territory.

Incredible landscapes, quirky country pubs and unique outback towns and amazing road trips.  The Northern Territory is considered one of Australia’s best kept secrets. 

Discover some of the best secrets of Outback Australia as we road trip through the Northern Territory.

Explore the Northern Territory’s best road trips

Each of these journeys has something special to offer so if you’re planning to road trip in the Northern Territory there are so many to choose from.

Many of these roads in the Northern Territory are bitumen sealed and well-maintained however, there are a few roads included in this list that are partially unsealed and some are only for 4WD use.  Be sure you are aware of the road conditions and take care.

Don’t rush.  Take your time to see all there is to see.

Visit those quirky pubs, go off the beaten track, explore the unusual and revel in the remoteness of the Territory.  You will see tons of wildlife, stunning waterfalls and waterholes, rock formations that will take your breath away but most importantly, expect to meet some interesting characters along the way.

There are plenty of places to stay.  I do recommend you stop in at those quirky hotels like the Devils Marbles Hotel or Daly Waters.  The unique townships, roadhouses and isolated camping spots will make your road trip through the Northern Territory one of the best experiences ever.

Explorer’s Way – 3028 km

Recommended: at least 2 weeks

One of the early inland explorers, John McDougall Stuart trekked from South Australia to Darwin.  The Explorer’s Way cuts through the entire length of the Territory and will take you past many famous sites including Alice Springs, Devils Marbles, Tennant Creek, Mataranka Hot Springs and Katherine Gorge.

Take your time on the journey, there are many side opportunities which will enhance your Territory road trip.  Head off to see Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon or stop in at one of the many hot springs along the way north.  Enjoy the drive.

Where to stay:

Many hotels and roadhouses along the way are well-worth stopping off and enjoying an overnight stay.   You’ll meet some great local characters and enjoy some of the uniqueness of the Northern Territory.

Alice Springs

• Hotels: Double Tree Hilton
• Caravan & Camping:  Heritage Caravan Park

Tennant Creek

• Hotels: Goldfields Hotel Motel 
• Caravan & Camping:  Safari Lodge Motel and Camping
• Hotels: Cicada Lodge
• Caravan & Camping: Knotts Crossing Resort
• Hotels: Mindil Beach Casino & Resort
• Caravan & Camping: Hidden Valley Holiday Park

Darwin to Litchfield – 116 kms

An easy day trip from Darwin city that will show you another side of this tropical paradise.  Litchfield National Park is a pristine rainforest with magnetic termite mounds, waterfalls and swimming holes like Buley Rockhole or Florence Falls.  A perfect place for bushwalkers, there are plenty of trails and walking tracks to explore.  If you have a 4WD you can venture into the Lost City, a series of large freestanding sandstone formations that look like an ancient city in ruins.

• Hotels:  Rydges Palmerston
• Caravan & Camping: Litchfield Tourist park .

Darwin to Robin Falls – 122 kms

Recommended:  Day trip or long weekend

Robin Falls is a great place to visit for a day-trip or short camping trip from the main centres of Darwin or Katherine.  Just south of Litchfield National Park near the township of Adelaide River this gorgeous fresh water waterfall is a great place to visit.

The falls are reached by a short 20 minute walk following the crystal-clear creek.  With wildflowers and birds along the bush-walk, Robin Falls is a unique place to enjoy the Top End. Access to the area is seasonal so time your visit for early in the Dry Season.

Where to Stay

• Hotel – Mt Bundy Station
• Camp under the stars in the Robin Falls Park

Darwin to Kakadu – 253 klm

Recommended:  1 week

A road trip to Kakadu National Park is one of the most sought after destinations in the Northern Territory.  Stop off at the Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruise along the way.  Plan to stay a few days at Kakadu to immerse yourself in this amazing part of the world.

Climb Ubirr Rock for a spectacular sunset or sunrise, do an Aboriginal Cultural Tour to see ancient rock paintings at Nourlangie and Ubirr and take a sunrise or sunset cruise on Yellow Water billabong.  World Heritage listed Kakadu is one of the most magnificent places in the world.

• Hotel – Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Resort
• Camping & Cabins – Cooinda Lodge

Nature’s Way – 457 klms

This roadie is the perfect round trip from Darwin to Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks, returning to Darwin.  It also takes in Pine Creek, made famous during the gold rush in the 1870’s.

Stop off at Adelaide River to visit Australia’s only War Cemetery and of course you must visit the Adelaide River pub to pay homage to Charlie the buffalo from the famed Crocodile Dundee movies.

• Hotel – Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront
• Caravan & Camping – Club Tropical Resort Darwin

Arnhem Way – 730 klms

Arnhem Land is one an off-the-beaten-path destination in the Northern Territory so if you’re looking to go remote, this is the road trip for you.

Take Arnhem Way to head to the Gove Peninsula, now known as Nhulunbuy.  Passing through raging rivers, savannah woodlands teeming with wildlife, wetlands brimming with fish, prehistoric crocodiles and spectacular birdlife.  Learn about Aboriginal culture through the locals who live remote continuing their traditional hunting and gathering activities.

You will need a permit to enter Arnhem Land, so check the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation  and  East Arnhem Land  websites for more info.

• Nhulunbuy – Walkabout Lodge has both hotel and camping facilities
• There are a number of fishing lodges along the way offering accommodation and food.

Alice Springs to Darwin – 1497 klm

Recommended:  7 – 10 days

This road trip is one I’ve travelled many times and one that shows off the Northern Territory at its best.  There’s so much to see along the way so stay alert and enjoy the ride.

One of the most amazing places to see is Karlu Karlu, otherwise known as the Devils Marbles so make sure you enjoy a walk through this spiritual place.  Tennant Creek, Mataranka Hot Springs and Katherine Gorge are some of the highlights of this road trip. Take your time, there is so much more to see!

• Crown Plaza & Casino
• Big 4 McDonnell Range Holiday Park 
• Tennant Creek: Goldfields Hotel Motel
• Daly Waters: Daly Waters Hotel & camping sites
• Katherine: Knotts Crossing Resort

Red Centre Way – 690 klm

Recommended: 5 days or longer

Driving to from Alice Springs to Uluru via the Red Centre Way will give you spectacular views as you travel through red desert sands, spinifex and mulga forest.  The Red Centre Way travels west south west, towards Glen Helen passing by Ormiston Gorge and the start of the Finke River.

Formally known as the Mereenie Loop road, the Red Centre Way is unsealed for the most part requiring a 4WD.  A scenic route taking in Mount Sonder , Gosse Bluff , Kings Canyon and the spectacular Western MacDonnell ranges.  This is the heart of the Australian Outback.  Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park will be a further reward at the end of the drive.

A $5 permit is required to travel this route.  Available through Central Land Council 08 8953 4343 or through Glen Helen Resort, Hermannsburg Petrol Station and Kings Canyon Resort.

• Glen Helen Resort – motel, cabins and camping facilities
• Kings Canyon Resort – motel and camping facilities
• Sails in the Desert
• Desert Gardens Hotel
• Emu Walk Apartments
• The Lost Camel Hotel
• Outback Pioneer Hotel
• Mt Conner – Cabins and camping facilities available.

West MacDonnell Ranges – 135 km

This drive takes you from Alice Springs to Glen Helen Gorge and the start of the Finke River, but to get the full benefit of this road trip you need to stay a while.

Alive with wildlife, amazing scenery, and incredible rock formations and tons of hikes through the ranges, make sure you take your camera with you.   Sights include Simpson’s Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge, and others along the way.

Where to stay

• Many camping sites on this road trip
• Ormiston Gorge & Ellery Creek Big Hole – camping under the stars

Binns Track – 2,230 km

Recommended: 10 days | 4WD only

One of the Northern Territory’s newly created 4WD trecks.  Travel from Mount Dare on the South Australian border to the Top End gold mining township of Timber Creek.  You will explore the East MacDonnell Ranges, the Davenport Ranges, Tennant Creek and Gregory National Park.

Passing massive sand dunes as you pass through the East MacDonnell Ranges, ancient rock carvings of the Arrernte people of Central Australia.  Pan for gold in the abandoned gold rush towns of Arltunga and fossick for semi-precious stones at Gemtree before visiting Karlu Karlu or Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve.

As you head offroad, you’ll pass through enormous cattle stations and onto the Judbarra or Gregory National Park, well-known for its Barramundi, Boab trees and limestone landscapes.

• Many camping sites are accessible on this road trip
• Alice Springs: Ross River Homestead
• Camping under the stars

Getting to the Territory

A road trip through the Northern Territory is one of Australia’s classic adventures.  The journey will take as long as it takes however 10 days should get you there, with short stops along the way.

• East:  Head west towards Mt Isa and the Barclay Highway.
• West:   Drive east from Broome, turn left to Darwin or right to Katherine.
• South:   Head north from Adelaide.

If you prefer:

• Air: Domestic and international flights are serviced from a range of destinations across Australia, Europe, the US and nearby Asia.  Although at the time of writing, flights are only available domestically.
• Rail: The Ghan is a popular rail adventure which leaves from Darwin and Adelaide, with tours available in Alice Springs and Katherine. Named after the Afghan camel traders who travelled here in the 19th century. The full north-south journey takes 54 hours.

Getting around the Territory

• Daily flights operate between Uluru, Alice Springs and Darwin.
• Self-drive options with hire vehicles available in Darwin, Uluru and Alice Springs.
• Bus networks are another option.

Pin this for 10 Road Trips through the Northern Territory

There is so much to see in the Northern Territory, read more:

• Do the Top End – Darwin to Kakadu Road Trip
• The Red Centre Way is the ultimate Australian Outback Experience
• Devils Marbles – the eggs of the mythical Rainbow Serpent
• Driving Checklist – Things to take with you on a Road Trip
• Drive Safe in the Australian Outback

The Northern Territory is the Outback Travellers’ dream.  With so many amazing road trips to explore these wide open spaces … you are sure to be amazed with the outback and all it beholds.  Enjoy your road trip adventures in the Northern Territory.

Related articles more from author.

Drive Adelaide to Darwin – the Photo Essay

Driving from Brisbane to Cairns in 21 days

Pack a Picnic for Queen Mary Falls

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THE PERFECT THREE WEEK NORTHERN TERRITORY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

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The Perfect Itinerary for a 2 week Northern Territory Road Trip

If you want to experience the Australian Outback, there is nothing better than a Northern Territory road trip when you travel to Australia.

Home to spectacular gorges, pretty as a picture swimming holes and abundant wildlife, the area also has a rich indigenous history and is the perfect place to learn about their ancient culture.

If you are looking for NT road trip ideas, or need help planning your Northern Territory itinerary, you have come to the right place. Our outback road trip itinerary will take you to some of the best Top End road trip destinations including three Northern Territory National Parks located in the Top End: the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park.

• 1 Tour or self drive the Northern Territory?
• 2 Northern Territory Itinerary
• 3 Campervan hire in Darwin
• 4 Northern Territory Road Trip
• 5 Day 1: Darwin to Jabiru (Kakadu National Park)
• 6 Day 2: Jabiru to Ubirr
• 7 Day 3: Ubirr to Cooinda
• 8 Day 4: Cooinda to Jim Jim Falls
• 9 Day 5: Jim Jim Falls to Maguk Gorge (Barramundi Gorge)
• 10 Day 6: Maguk Gorge to Gunlom
• 11 Day 7: Gunlom
• 12 Day 8: Gunlom to Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park
• 13 Day 9: Umbrawarra Gorge to Katherine (Nitmiluk National Park)
• 14 Day 10-11: Nitmiluk National Park
• 15 Day 12: Katherine to Edith Falls (Leliyn)
• 16 Day 13: Edith Falls to Florence Falls (Litchfield National Park)
• 17 Day 14: Florence Falls to Sandy Creek
• 18 Day 15: Sandy Creek to Darwin
• 19 Day 16: Darwin
• 20 When to visit Northern Territory
• 21 Getting to Darwin
• 22 4WD Camper Rental Darwin
• 23 Northern Territory Guide Book
• 24 Travel Insurance

NT Road Trip Essentials >> Don’t rely on mobile reception. Purchase your Northern Territory State Map here >> Book your 4WD – compare prices here >> Pack the right gear – see our Outback Packing List here >> Find the best hotel prices in Darwin here. >> Avoid being bitten by the mosquitoes! Click here to purchase the Thermacell Repeller.

Tour or self drive the Northern Territory?

When we first decided to explore the Top End, I have to admit I was nervous about a self drive road trip – it is the Australian Outback after all! But the reality wasn’t scary at all.

The driving conditions on our Northern Territory trip were perfectly manageable for inexperienced 4WD drivers like us. The 4wd camper we rented handled the terrain easily.

And the best thing? A self drive road trip gives you so much more freedom to explore the Northern Territory destinations at your own pace.

We recommend renting a 4wd campervan and taking a Northern Territory road trip through the Top End to experience the very best of the Australian Outback.

We share more tips on choosing a vehicle for your Northern Territory road trips here.

Top end Tours

If you absolutely cannot do a self drive road trip, we strongly recommend you look at the multi-day tours instead of a day trip, especially for Kakadu National Park.

There are many tour companies offering day trips from Darwin , but they involve a lot of driving. The Northern Territory is a big place and driving distances can be huge!

Click here to see some good multi-day tour options for the top end

Northern Territory Itinerary

So how long do you need to explore the Top End? It depends how much you want to see and how often you want to move.

More time is always better, but we think a 2 week Northern Territory itinerary gives you a good amount of time to see the best of the Top End landmarks .

It is possible to explore the National Parks more quickly, but there are so many things to do in the Northern Territory. It is a long way to go so you may as well make the most of it, right?

You will notice that most stops are one night stays. We decided to camp at a new site each day rather than base ourselves at a single campground. It saves a lot of travel time and also means you can experience more unique places during a two week road trip.

Our Northern Territory self drive itinerary is a loop starting and ending in Darwin. You could reverse the order of the itinerary too.

This itinerary can easily be modified to be part of a one-way trip to or from Alice Springs or even as part of a longer road trip to Western Australia .

10 day Northern Territory Itinerary

If you only have 10 days for your Darwin road trip, we recommend the following changes:

• Reduce your Gunlom stay to one night
• Skip the night at Umbrawarra Gorge
• Reduce your stay at Nitmiluk Gorge to 2 nights
• Visit Florence Falls on the way to Sandy Creek and don’t stay the night

Trip map courtesy of TravellersPoint

Map Your Itinerary

Start plotting your itinerary with the help of the Hema Maps NT State Map .

Hema Maps produce excellent detailed maps of popular Australian road trip destinations complete with fuel stops, camp sites and 4wd tracks marked.

We love them and have purchased and used many of their maps for our Australian road trips.

They are very affordable and an essential resource in outback areas with patchy internet and phone reception.

>> Click here to check the price for the HEMA NT State Map

Campervan hire in Darwin

There are many campervan hire options in Darwin, with all of the big rental companies offering vehicle rentals out of Darwin.

There are many 2WD options but we recommend renting a 4WD camper to give you more freedom to explore off the main roads, experience the outback with fewer people and stay in smaller campgrounds in spectacular locations.

Another option would be to rent a 4WD car and take tents and camping equipment with you.

Expert Tip: Campervan rental prices jump significantly during school holidays, so if you have flexibility to travel outside of those dates, you will save a lot of money!

Whichever way you decide to travel, ensure the rental agreement allows you to travel on dirt roads so you can see the Australian Outback at its best.

We rented a 4WD Landcruiser and were very happy with our choice. The car was easy to drive on dirt roads, through shallow river crossings, over bumpy and sandy tracks. The roof tent was quick to set up each day and all bedding and kitchen equipment was provided too.

Book your campervan | Compare 4WD camper prices | Search car rentals

Northern Territory Road Trip

Our NT itinerary is broken down day by day with the highlights, campground details and key information listed for each day.

You can read all our best tips for planning a Northern Territory road trip here.

We share our Outback Australia packing list here.  With everything from clothes to bags to cooking equipment and lighting, you can be confident you have a complete packing list to plan your trip.

Note: All prices listed throughout the itinerary are in Australian Dollars.

Day 1: Darwin to Jabiru (Kakadu National Park)

Distance: 247 kms (153 miles) Driving time: 2.5 hours

Pick up your 4WD in Darwin and drive straight to Kakadu National Park. It is an easy drive to Jabiru on paved roads.

On the way out of Darwin make sure to stop at the town of Coolalinga to stock up on groceries. You will want to stock up on as many non-perishables as you can squeeze into your vehicle before you leave Darwin. There is only one small grocery store within Kakadu National Park, in the small town of Jabiru.

Also note that takeaway alcohol cannot be purchased within Kadadu National Park, so if you would like to have drinks on hand you will need to purchase them in Darwin.

Don’t forget: Purchase your Kakadu National Park Pass. A family pass costs $100. A single adult costs $40. The pass can also be purchased at the Bowali Visitor Information Centre when you arrive.

We caught sight of our first crocodiles cruising the South Aligator River and were excited to watch the landscape change quickly from urban to outback.

If you have time, head to the Bowali Visitor Information Centre . Otherwise you can do this first thing the next day.

Where to stay in Jabiru

Kakadu Lodge is a great stop for your first night in Kakadu National Park.

It is a large campground with cabins, unpowered and powered sites, a pretty lagoon style swimming pool and an onsite bar and restaurant. We paid $32 for a shady unpowered site.

Click here to check current prices for Kakadu Lodge

Give yourself adequate time to set up camp on the first night. We got more efficient at setting up and packing down during our Northern Territory 2 week itinerary but it takes time to learn the ropes.

We were able to set up the tent in around 15 minutes. Pack down was a little longer, around 20 minutes.

Watch our timelapse video setting up the roof tent here.

Day 2: Jabiru to Ubirr

Distance : 42 km (26 miles) Driving time : 45 mins

Before heading to Ubirr, we recommend you stop in at the Bowali Visitor Information Centre. The helpful staff can provide details on which campsites and 4WD tracks are open.

They also have information on the excellent and free ranger-guided programs.

Activities include guided walks, talks and art activities with local aboriginal artists. We adapted our Top End itinerary to fit in with some of these activities and I am glad we did because they are great.

Note that many of these programs are scheduled during the week, so you may need to plan your itinerary around these times.

The Visitor Centre also has displays about the local wildlife, plants and aboriginal culture which is a great introduction to the Park. The Visitor Centre is open every day from 8am – 5pm.

Basket Weaving

We stopped in at the Merl Campground to join a basket weaving session run by two local female indigenous artists.

Over two hours the kids watched and learned how the pandanus leaves are stripped, they helped make the colourful dyes from local plant roots and flowers and made their own bracelets using the dried pandanus.

It was a hands-on, interactive learning experience and one of the best free Kakadu activities with kids. We highly recommend it.

Cahills Crossing

While in the area make sure to visit Cahills Crossing. Located on the East Alligator River, Cahills Crossing is one of Australia’s most dangerous bodies of water.

It is a tidal river crossing into Arnhem Land and has been the site of several fatal crocodile attacks. It is a challenging crossing for some, evidenced by the rusted upturned cars downstream.

We watched cars make the crossing and also watched men risk their lives standing shin deep in the river to fish off the causeway despite the crocodile warning signs.

We saw a number of crocodiles in the area and couldn’t believe they were fishing!

Ubirr Rock Art Site

The highlight of any visit to Ubirr is the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ubirr Rock Art site. It is one of the best things to do in Kakadu National Park.

We joined a free ranger-led walk through the site, which ran from 4.10pm – 6.10pm. The walk included 4 info sessions with breaks in between to freely explore the surrounding area and the rock art.

After admiring the rock art, head to the lookout for sunset. You will be rewarded with spectacular views across the floodplains and to the distant escarpments.

Where to stay at Ubirr

We stayed at Merl Campground . It is a pretty campground with plenty of space and shade. There is drinking water, flush toilets and hot showers available for $38 for a family on an unpowered site.

Warning: The Merl campground backs onto a swamp and the mosquitoes at night in this campground were unlike anything we have seen anywhere in the world.

There were swarms of mosquitoes after sunset. So much so we found it difficult to cook and eat dinner.

Despite spraying ourselves with mosquito spray and covering up, we were still being bitten through our clothes. We could see them everywhere and could hear them buzzing all around us.

When we woke in the morning we could see dozens of mosquitos sitting on the flyscreens, looking in at the tasty meal they missed out on!!

The very next day, on advice from the ranger, we bought a Thermacell Mosquito Repeller. It wasn’t cheap, but it works!

Click here to buy the Thermacell Camper’s Kit

Thankfully we didn’t experience mosquitoes so bad anywhere else during our trip, but we used the Thermacell most nights to keep the pesky mosquitoes away.

When we turned the device on, there was not a mosquito to be seen. Best purchase ever!

Tip : The alternative to staying at Ubirr is to stay at Jabiru and return there in the evening. You need to watch out for wildlife driving at night as you return after Sunset, but there were plenty of people taking this option when we visited.

Where to eat in Ubirr

Apart from self-catering you only have one option, but it is a great one.

Stop in at the Ubirr Border Store on your way out to or back from the Rock Art site. As well as serving snacks and delicious icy cold drinks they serve up great Thai food too. The yellow and green curries were delicious.

Read Next: 17 Essential Tips for a Northern Territory Road Trip

Day 3: Ubirr to Cooinda

Distance: 118km (73 miles) Driving Time : 2 hrs

The next stop in our Northern Territory holiday itinerary is Cooinda, on the south side of Kakadu National Park.

Cooinda is a great base from which to join a cruise on Yellow Water Billabong.

Don’t forget to stock up on groceries and fuel at Jabiru on the way through.

Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) Rock Art Site

On the way to Cooinda, take a detour to another UNESCO World Heritage Rock Art Site known as Burrungkuy (Nourlangie).

There are ranger led programs available here, but this time we explored the site on our own. The x-ray rock paintings are very impressive and easily accessible via a short walk up through shaded rock shelters.

If you have time, check out the nearby Anbangbang Billabong (a nice spot for lunch) or walk up the Nawurlandja Lookout for spectacular views cross the escarpment (best at sunset).

Yellow Water Wetlands Cruise

A cruise along the Yellow Water Wetlands is a must on any Kakadu road trip.

The guides are very knowledgeable, the floodplain is teeming with birdlife, crocodiles and lush vegetation, and the colours of the landscape are spectacular.

It isn’t a cheap activity at a whopping $300 for a family of 4, but it was one of the highlights on our Northern Territory travel itinerary.

The cruise is especially good at sunrise or sunset.

There is a free shuttle from Cooinda Lodge to the jetty. The sunrise cruise departs at 6.45am. The sunset cruise leaves at 4.30pm. You can book tickets online here .

Where to stay in Cooinda

We stayed at the campground at Cooinda Lodge. Cooinda Lodge offers rooms as well as a campground with powered and unpowered sites.

There is a pretty billabong style pool to cool off and a large restaurant and bar for those who don’t feel like cooking. We paid $36 for an unpowered site for the family.

>> Click here to check the prices and availability at Cooinda Lodge

Day 4: Cooinda to Jim Jim Falls

Distance : 71 kms (44 miles) Driving Time : 2.5 hrs

Today make your way to Jim Jim Falls, one of the most impressive gorges in Kakadu National Park.

Don’t forget to top up groceries, drinking water and fuel at the small general store at Cooinda Lodge.

Access to Jim Jim Falls is via a dirt/gravel road for about 50 kms (30 miles).

I couldn’t believe the colours of the landscape around us as we drove along. 

Brilliant red dirt, clear blue skies, lush green palms, charred black ground from recent fires. It is a dramatic and stunning landscape.

The road is wide but corrugated and was generally in a good state of repair when we visited in late June. We travelled at around 50-60km/hr without any trouble but it can vary.

Once you reach the Garnamarr campground the road narrows for the last 8 kms (4.9 miles) to the Jim Jim Falls carpark. A 4WD is required for this last section.

The track crosses a number of shallow causeways and was sandy in places, but our Landcruiser had no problem navigating the terrain.

The trailhead to Jim Jim Falls is at the carpark where there are basic pit toilets available.

The 2km (1.2 miles) return trail is very pretty as it meanders through monsoon forest, across large boulders and along a creek that gradually narrows into a steep and jaw dropping 200m (1/8 mile) tall gorge.

The kids loved scrambling up over rocks, although they were nervous at how close the trail was to the creek considering the large crocodile warning signs they had just read at the carpark!

Jim Jim Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls we visited on our 2 week Northern Territory road trip and the trail can only be accessed during the dry season.

I can only imagine how impressive it must look in the wet season with water pouring off the top.

We spent an hour or two exploring the plunge pools and beach pool with brilliant white sand, paddling in the water, and Matt braved a chilly swim out to the wispy waterfall, all the while thinking about the croc traps we had sighted on our way in!

There is another walk to the top of the falls. It is listed as a difficult 5-6 hour walk on steep terrain over 6kms (3.7 miles) return.

If you want to take the walk, ensure you leave early and take at least 3 litres of water per person.

Where to stay at Jim Jim Falls

Camping is available close by at the Garnamarr campground . We had wonderful views of the red stone escarpment from our site. Showers and toilets are available and we paid $20 for the family.

Expert Tip: We suggest stopping in at the campground first, choosing a site and leaving table/chairs at the site so that you can return later in the day and know you have a site secured as the site did fill up. We share more tips on campgrounds here .

Day 5: Jim Jim Falls to Maguk Gorge (Barramundi Gorge)

Distance : 116 kms (72 miles) Driving Time : 2.5 hrs

The drive from Jim Jim Falls to Maguk Gorge is again mostly on gravel/dirt roads.

The road into Maguk Gorge was heavily corrugated, but completely manageable in the 4WD. The last 1km from the campground to the car park was very sandy and a high clearance 4WD is essential.

We saw enormous termite mounds everywhere along the sides of the road – able to withstand fire, rain, the heat and the dry – they are impressively tall buildings for these little creatures.

The walk from the car park to the gorge is shaded through monsoon forest, again along a small creek bed, then along small beaches and across smooth large rocks before arriving at the swimming hole.

Maguk is a very pretty waterhole with crystal clear water, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and pandanus plants. It was an instant favourite.

We took lilos to swim out to and under the waterfall. The kids searched for fish and found rocks to jump off into the water.

Maguk is incredibly peaceful, not very busy and we didn’t want to leave. So we came back in the morning for another swim before we left!

It is possible to walk to the top of the waterfall where there are a number of smaller plunge pools.

To reach the top of the falls, stay on the left hand side of the creek and follow the track to the top.

Where to stay at Maguk Gorge

We stayed at the small campground at Maguk, about 1km before the carpark to the gorge. Note there is no drinking water or showers available. The toilets are basic pit toilets.

Be sure to reserve your spot with a table/chair before making your way to the gorge for a swim. We paid $15 for a family.

Day 6: Maguk Gorge to Gunlom

Distance : 87 kms (54 miles) Driving  T ime : 2.5 hrs

The last 35km of this drive is along gravel/dirt roads. We picked up firewood along the way and enjoyed the views towards the escarpment.

Gunlom is one of the most famous destinations in Kakadu and most day trips from Darwin to Kakadu will include it in the itinerary.

The high waterfall plunges into a large pretty swimming hole and there is a small sandy beach and grassy picnic sites nearby.

But it is the plunge pools ABOVE the falls that make this such a memorable place to visit.

Just a 500m steep walk to the top brings you to a set of gorgeous natural plunge pools, a natural infinity pool with spectacular views across the plains and even a narrow gorge to swim through.

Our kids managed the walk easily in about 15 minutes, but it is a steep climb.

The view from the top is simply out of this world gorgeous. The views at sunset are incredible. Where else can you swim in a pool with views like this, for free!

It certainly beats many hotel roof top pool views!

Where to stay at Gunlom

There is a campground right alongside Gunlom waterhole and it is a great spot to stay.

Everything is close by. There is drinking water, flush toilets and showers available. All sites are unpowered. We paid $38 for the family.

Day 7: Gunlom

After a week of moving each night, we decided to stay 2 nights at Gunlom. With a nice campground and gorgeous plunge pools for swimming, we weren’t short of things to do for an extra day.

There are also a number of walks close by for those seeking a bit more activity.

Kakadu is home to a third of Australia’s bird species and I think all of them live at Gunlom! Each day we were woken by a cacophony of sound as the birds woke up for the day.

The rocks at the top plunge pools are smooth and warm up through the day. They are the perfect place to laze away a few hours.

We spotted a water dragon swimming through the gorge and the kids loved exploring all the little pools and finding higher and higher rocks to leap off into the water.

Day 8: Gunlom to Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park

Distance : 133km (82 miles) Driving Time : 3 hrs

Drag yourselves away from Gunlom and continue south towards Katherine. Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park is a great place to break up the trip if you have the time.

On the way you will drive through the small town of Pine Creek. Top up groceries, fuel and water here.

The Gorge is a detour off the main highway along a dirt track for about 20 kms (12.4 miles).

Once you arrive at the small carpark, the trail through the Gorge is an easy 2km (1.2 miles) return walk along the creek, although it is possible to continue walking for much further up the gorge by scrambling over the rocks.

The creek is lined with native paperbark eucalyptus, wattle, grevilleas and surrounded by deep red sandstone cliffs.

In the early dry season it is possible to swim in the waterholes along the way, which we were lucky enough to do. We spotted kookaburras and parrots. To me this gorge was the perfect image of the Australian Outback.

Where to stay at Umbrawarra Gorge

There is a small, basic campground close to the gorge.

There is no drinking water or showers available. Pit toilet only. It is worth saving a spot before walking the gorge. We paid $7.70 for the family.

Day 9: Umbrawarra Gorge to Katherine (Nitmiluk National Park)

Distance : 138km (85 miles) Driving Time : 2 hrs

The drive to Katherine is along the main highway where you will get to see the famous road trains. Used in remote outback areas to move freight across the country, these trucks often had 3 or 4 large trailers.

To get to Nitmiluk National Park you will drive through the town of Katherine. You should stop to stock up on groceries, water and fuel here.

Katherine Hot Springs

A great spot to stop on the way to Nitmiluk National Park is the Katherine Hot Springs. These natural thermal springs are on the banks of the Katherine River and are fed from a hole in the river bed upstream.

You can enter the springs at a number of spots along a path and it fun floating down the river and across small cascades.

There are more thermal springs further south at Mataranka and Bitter Springs, but as we were not traveling any further south this was a great stop to include in our Northern Territory road trip itinerary.

Nitmiluk National Park

Nitmiluk National Park is owned by the local Jawoyn People.

It is a beautiful National Park where the main attraction is Nitmiluk Gorge. Carved out by the Katherine River for over 12km, the surrounding rock faces are over 70m high in places.

The Gorge is actually made up of 13 separate gorges and there are many ways to explore the beauty of the gorge.

Once you arrive, check in at the visitor information centre to receive maps and information on hikes, kayaking and river cruises.

Where to stay in Nitmiluk National Park

We stayed at the lovely Nitmiluk National Park Campground .

While it was more expensive, at $50 per night for the family, we were based right in the park and didn’t need to travel at all for 3 nights.

For those looking for something more luxurious, the Cicada Lodge is located within the National Park and makes a great option for a treat.

Click here to see prices and availability at Cicada Lodge

Day 10-11: Nitmiluk National Park

There are a number of hikes and lookouts in the area as well as the opportunity to take a boat cruise, helicopter flights and even rent kayaks (or bring your own) to explore the gorge at a slower pace.

We spent our two days in Nitmiluk Gorge hiking and kayaking through the gorge.

Click here to book activities at Nitmiluk Gorge

Day 12: Katherine to Edith Falls (Leliyn)

Distance : 91 kms (56 miles) Driving Time : 1.5 hours

As you make your way back to Darwin, a stop at Edith Falls is a must. The site is off the main highway and is an easy drive on paved roads.

Edith Falls is within Nitmiluk National Park and is also the final stop for those completing the Jatbula Trail , a 62 km multi day day hike through Nitmiluk National Park. This walk is on our bucket list and looks achievable when the kids are older.

Spend the day swimming at the top pools and in the billabong at the base of the falls. The kids loved paddling under the waterfall at the top pools, leaping off the rocks and attempting to swim under the waterfall.

We are pleased we packed the inflatable surf mats as we all made great use of them during the road trip. You can download our full Outback Australia packing list here.

There are a number of different walks starting from the campground for those seeking a longer hike, with many more pools along the way to cool off.

Where to stay at Edith Falls

There is a popular, managed campground at Edith Falls and you need to arrive early to secure a site.

We arrived at 9am and already the sites were filling up. It is a lovely grassy, shaded campground.

There is drinking water, showers and toilets available. All sites are unpowered. We paid $30 for a family.

Day 13: Edith Falls to Florence Falls (Litchfield National Park)

Distance : 259 kms (160 miles) Driving Time : 3 hrs

On your way back to Darwin visit Litchfield National Park. Due to its proximity to Darwin it is one of the most popular places to visit in the Northern Territory.

This also makes it one of the busiest and we noticed a marked difference in the number of people visiting compared to the places we visited in Kakadu National Park.

Our first stop in Litchfield National Park was Florence Falls. After finding a campsite it was an easy 2km (1.2 mile) return walk to the falls along a paved path.

The falls were very busy with visitors when we arrived. We had a quick dip and returned later in the day to explore a little more without the crowds.

You can swim up to and under the waterfalls at Florence Falls which is loads of fun. There is also a lookout not far from the falls which gives you a great view over the falls and swimming hole.

Where to stay at Florence Falls

We stayed at the old 4WD campground at Florence Falls. There are two campgrounds at Florence Falls and both are easily accessible.

There were toilets and showers available, but no drinking water. We paid $15.40 for a family.

You should arrive by early afternoon to ensure you can claim a campsite. It is a very popular campground.

Day 14: Florence Falls to Sandy Creek

Distance : 31 kms (19 miles) Driving Time : 50 minutes

For our final night in the 4WD camper we decided to make our way to Sandy Creek. Much quieter and a little out of the way, it was one of our favourite campsites and close to Tjaynera Falls.

On our way to Sandy Creek we stopped at Buley Rockholes and Tolmer Falls.

The drive into Sandy Creek is along a 4WD dirt track, and has a water crossing. The road had only opened in early July so there was still a bit of water across the road, at around 50cm depth.

It made for an interesting water crossing, then through scrub land to a pretty campsite not far from Tjaynera Falls.

Buley Rockholes

The well-known Buley Rockholes are just up the road from Florence Falls.

A series of cascades running over smooth, shallow rocks, it was fun to make our way down the cascade, find little waterfalls to sit under and rocks to jump from.

It was very busy, so visit early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.

Tolmer Falls

We also stopped to admire Tolmer Falls from the lookout.

The Falls aren’t open to the public, but you can view them from a lookout which is only 1km return walk from the carpark.

Tjaynera Falls

It is a 3.4km (2.1 miles) return walk from the Sandy Creek campground along a flat trail that follows the creek to get to the falls.

The swimming hole is very pretty, surrounded by impressive large overhanging sandstone cliffs and a tall cascading waterfall.

There only a few people there and it was a very peaceful place to swim and play for the afternoon. It was one of our favourite swimming holes in our Northern Territory road trip.

Where to stay at Sandy Creek

There is a lovely, small campground at Sandy Creek. The campground has toilets and showers, but not drinking water. We paid $15.40 for a family.

The campground is small and was full by mid-afternoon so don’t arrive too late in the day.

Day 15: Sandy Creek to Darwin

Distance: 145 kms (90 miles) Driving Time : 2.5 hrs

There are two ways to get back to Darwin from Sandy Creek.

One is back via Batchelor and along the main highway. The alternative is via Cox Peninsula Road which passes Wangi Falls and Berry Springs. We chose the latter route.

There is a small section of dirt road, but it is wide and well maintained.

You need to check whether the road is open all the way through, as it is often closed in wet season due to flooding.

Wangi Falls

We stopped in at Wangi Falls early in the day on our way back to Darwin.

It is a very popular destination (you can also camp at Wangi Falls), so we recommend you get there early, or camp at the site to explore the falls without the crowds.

Don’t forget to take a dip in the small rockhole bored from the rock at the base of the waterfall on the left.

I am not sure whether it was the crowds or the fact we had seen so many other gorgeous falls, but I didn’t rate Wangi Falls as highly as many of the others we had visited in our 2 week Northern Territory road trip.

Berry Springs Nature Park

Another great stop on the return trip to Darwin, Berry Springs is a pretty thermal spring.

Free to visit and bigger than the Katherine Hot Springs, there are a set of pools (upper, main and lower) of gorgeous turquoise water, surrounded by grassy picnic grounds.

It makes a lovely stop for lunch and a swim before the final drive into Darwin. Note that due to its proximity to Darwin it can get pretty busy.

Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel.

World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Day 16: Darwin

We had just one day to explore and found there are plenty of things to do in Darwin.

We enjoyed our visits to the Darwin Military Museum and the Museum and Art Gallery of Northern Territory.

Click here to see the full list of things to do in Darwin.

The easiest way to explore the city is by car. While it is a small city, the public transport isn’t great and it is easy to find places to park the car in the city and surrounding areas.

Click here to book your Darwin rental car

Where to stay in Darwin

There are number of different accommodation options available in Darwin.

If you are looking for a campground , we recommend Darwin FreeSpirit Resort.

Book Darwin FreeSpirit Resort | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

If you are looking for a hotel , like we were (as we dropped our 4WD camper back on our arrival in Darwin), we recommend the Novotel Darwin Airport.

The hotel is walking distance from the airport, which makes it very convenient for anyone with early flights in or out of Darwin.

The hotel breakfast is available from 4am so you can get something to eat before an early morning flight!

We booked a double queen room and were overjoyed to have a long warm shower, sleep in a comfy bed, enjoy a buffet breakfast and eat out for 2 nights before our flight home!

Book Novotel Darwin Airport   | Read Trip Advisor Reviews

Where to eat in Darwin

Darwin has a great food truck scene. We ate both dinners by the ocean at different food trucks at East Point and NightCliff during our stay and loved eating out in the warm evening air and watching the sunsets Darwin is famous for.

Food trucks we can recommend include Salty Plum Café, Needle in a Haystack and Cucina Sotto le Stelle. For a list of other food trucks and their locations see the schedule here.

When to visit Northern Territory

The Top End has two seasons: Wet and Dry. While the temperature changes little over the year, the difference is the level of humidity and the amount of rain.

Dry season is May to October. Wet Season is November to April. Peak tourist season is during the dry season.

We visited the Top End in the dry season in late June / early July. Daytime temperatures were in the low 30s Celsius (86 F) with overnight lows around 18 C (64 F).

We were worried it would be too hot to hike and explore, but there are so many swimming holes that we never went a day without a dip to cool off.

The lower humidity levels meant the temperatures were manageable as long as you planned to do the most energetic activities in the morning, and took a swim in the afternoon when the heat was at its peak.

Accessibility to popular spots in wet season may not be possible. Some areas remain closed until June and even later so we recommend you check with the relevant the national park website for up to date information.

Getting to Darwin

Getting in and out of Darwin can be expensive, particularly during the peak season and school holidays.

Flight times from domestic locations also vary, with many budget airlines departing and arriving through the night.

Look at regional airlines such as AirNorth for daytime options if you don’t mind some additional travel time.

Search Skyscanner for the best priced flights to Darwin

4WD Camper Rental Darwin

There are many rental options available out of Darwin. We rented a 4WD Landcruiser with seating and beds for up to 5 people.

Northern Territory Guide Book

We have used Lonely Planet Guidebooks for over 20 years.

Buy your copy of Lonely Planet Northern Territory on Amazon .

Plus don’t forget to buy your HEMA Northern Territory map .

Travel Insurance

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

We hope we have answered all your questions about NT road trips. Find all our articles on Australia travel here .

If you have any questions about our Northern Territory self drive tours please leave us a comment or contact us – we are happy to help!

Looking for more road trip inspiration? You might like:

• 17 Essential Tips for a Northern Territory Road Trip
• Ultimate Outback Australia Packing List
• Best gift ideas for road trip lovers
• 2 week South Africa road trip itinerary with kids
• Europe by campervan with kids

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Rachel Rodda

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8 thoughts on “the perfect itinerary for a 2 week northern territory road trip”.

How much did the trip end up costing?

Hi Tom, Excluding flights and travel insurance, the trip cost about $7K AUD. That includes car rental, all campsites and hotels, food and activities.

Wow, this is an excellent guide! I did a 4-day camping trip in Kakadu National Park many, many years ago when I was a university student in Adelaide. The landscape of Northern Territory and the outback is truly spectacular and indeed the best way to explore these places is to be on a road trip. Love your post! #FarawayFiles

Thanks Kat. It was our first time to Outback Australia and I am 100% sure it won’t be our last. I was quite taken with the landscape.

This looks like a wonderful way to explore the Australian Outback. I particularly appreciate that you’re not travelling miles each day, instead stopping to explore and enjoy the amazing things along the way. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles

It is tempting to try and cover a lot of ground, as there is so much to see. We enjoyed the shorter drives on this road trip as like you said it meant there was a lot more time to enjoy each place.

Excellent itinerary. Looks like you guys had a lot of fun. I had no idea there were so many swimming opportunities up there – they all look fantastic.

The number of swimming holes was a pleasant surprise for us too! It made the heat bearable, which was great.

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One Week Northern Territory Road Trip Through The Top End - Australia Bucket List Road Trip

Australia’s Top End in the Northern Territory has some incredible sites to see. Waterhole after waterhole, massive gorges, rich culture, and lots of beautiful sunshine. We had been to the Northern Territory three times before, but this time was really different in the best way possible. 

We had never seen a croc in our previous trips to the Northern Territory, so that was one of our main goals in the Top End. Australia really is an amazing country, and Kakadu National Park, Katherine Gorge and hot springs and Litchfield National Park did not disappoint. Here is our one week Northern Territory road trip through Australia’s Top End.

***This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through these links earns us a small commission at no extra charge to you.

DAY 1: DARWIN SUNSET SAIL

On the first day, we flew into Darwin and immediately went to get our hire car. We rented from Thrifty with pick up and drop off in Darwin. For a seven day hire for a 4 wheel drive vehicle, it started at $750 plus fuel.

Once we had our car for the week, we took in a sunset on a sunset sail around Darwin Harbor with Sail Darwin. It was pure bliss. We chose the Sail Darwin Champagne Sunset Cruise for $129 per person, and we were treated to a gorgeous sunset that evening. It was the perfect way to start the trip. 

For our night in Darwin, we stayed at the Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront . Rooms there start at $129 per night, and it is right on the water as the name indicates. 

DAY 2: ADELAIDE RIVER AND KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

Our second day started with breakfast overlooking the water at De La Plage. It was not a bad spot to enjoy a brew and some breaky with a view of the water. 

Once we started out on our road trip, we spotted our first croc on our cruise on the Adelaide River. The Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise takes one hour and costs $50 per person for adults and $35 for each child. 

Seeing the big crocodiles right up close was a major highlight. One was over 5 meters long (16 feet) and came right up close to our boat. The tour gets its name from when they dangle food in the air for the crocs to jump up to get it. You could literally hear the sound of their jaw clamping shut. It really shows how deadly these creatures can be. Always make sure to practice croc safety in the Northern Territory for sure.

Our hotel that night was the Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel which is actually built in the shape of a crocodile. Rooms there start at $219 per night. We checked in and dropped off our luggage before going back out for sunset.

Before the sunset at Ubirr, we were able to see and learn about the rock art there. The petroglyphs taught the people, especially the kids, lessons like not to steal and lie. I was completely amazed by the aboriginal rock art that could date back to 10,000 years old.

DAY 3: SWIMMING HOLES AND WATERFALLS IN KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

Reception in the Top End was not great, but it was kind of nice to be more off the grid on this trip. We were able to be fully in the experiences instead of tied to our phones and social media.

The first of the waterfalls in Kakadu National Park that we visited was Maguk Falls. It was paradise. I couldn’t believe how clear the water was in these natural rock pools. This was our favourite spot of the trip. It was our first swimming hole, and I was so excited to visit the swimming holes in Kakadu National Park. Maguk Falls was so amazing and even better than I thought it would be.

Gunlom Falls was next, and it is another one of the insane watering holes in Kakadu. The water there is crystal clear as well, and the water in these swimming holes felt so good. 

We didn’t think our day in Kakadu National Park could get better, but then there was the sunset. We watched the sunset from the Nawurlandja Lookout, and the view was exactly how I pictured it. We were blown away by how beautiful it was, and it is definitely worth visiting.

As the sun faded and painted Nourlangie Rock in rich red tones, the moon began to slowly rise about the horizon. By the end, the moon really put on a show for us. We couldn’t believe the views and the photos we got that night. 

DAY 4: YELLOW WATER CRUISE, TOP DIDJ, AND KATHERINE GORGE

We started our day early with a sunrise Yellow Water billabong tour. The Yellow Water Cruise is available sunrise, in the daytime, and at sunset. It costs $90 per adult and $65 per child.

I realized again how blessed we are to call Australia home on this tour. We saw so much wildlife that it basically was an Aussie safari tour which took me by surprise. We saw crocs with wild brumbies grazing in the distance, and there was a heavy morning mist that made for epic conditions.

After our cruise, we drove to our next stop: Katherine Gorge. We found the best little cafes and restaurants the entire trip, and the one we ate at on this day was Maiden’s Lane. Australis knows how to do good food no matter where you visit. 

We also got to enjoy a cultural experience while we were visiting Katherine Gorge at Top Didj on their 2.5-hour tour. The tour costs $80 per adult and $50 per child. On the tour, Manuel shared with us how his people used to live off the land and told us about his culture. He was pretty handy with a didgeridoo too.

Top Didj also had some wallabies, and they were very curious. One joey named “Cheeky” was so cute and so affectionate. We got to hold him, and he just laid in our arms and ate. I also got to try to start a fire, but I failed miserably - it’s harder than I thought!

If you can’t visit the Northern Territory right now, you can experience Top Didj online. They have a virtual experience you can check out on their website . If you do go to the Northern Territory, Top Didj is a must-visit. 

After visiting Top Didj, we caught the sunset overlooking the Nitmiluk Gorge where we would start our next morning. Then it was time to get some sleep at our hotel in Katherine Gorge, Katherine Holiday Park . Safari tents at Katherine Holiday Park start at $95 and cabins start at $195. 

DAY 5: NITMILUK GORGE AND KATHERINE GORGE

Day 5 started where day 6 ended - at Nitmiluk Gorge - but this time we were down in the gorge. The scenery there was insane. We took a cruise first and then went canoeing in the gorge too. We went with Nitmiluk Tours on their Malappar Traveller tour from 9 am - 2 pm . A single canoe was $84 per person and a double canoe as $74 per person. Kyle felt like I wasn’t much help, but I did love the views and how peaceful it was.

After our morning in Nitmiluk, we spent the afternoon in Katherine Hot Springs. The water clarity in the hot springs was insane. They aren’t exactly ‘hot’, but they are perfect for winding down and relaxing after a big day on the road (or on the water for us). 

DAY 6: LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK

Once we finished exploring Katherine Gorge, we drove to Litchfield National Park, a popular location for tourists and day-trippers from Darwin.

When visiting Litchfield, we had one thing in mind - waterfalls and swimming holes! Wangi Falls is one of the most popular as it is super easy to access and a short walk from the carpark.

Another waterfall we saw in Litchfield was Florence Falls. You would think we might be getting sick of swimming holes and waterfalls, but every swimming hole and waterfall in the Northern Territory is beautiful and unique in its own way. The water is always crystal clear and super clean!

One of the best ways to see Litchfield is to do a doors-off helicopter flight. The NT Air “Scenic Sandy” helicopter flight costs $245 per person, but wow, the views were amazing and the ride was so much fun. We highly recommend NT Air Litchfield - they are legends and gave us such a great experience.

At the end of the day, we drove back to Darwin. This time we stayed at Mantra Pandanas with rooms starting at $139 a night. We enjoyed a nice dinner at Hanuman in Darwin where they specialize in Southeast Asian foods before heading to bed.

DAY 7: TOP END SAFARI CAMP

Our last day and night in the Top End were spent at the Matt Wright Top End Safari Camp for an overnight experience. This camp is owned by a croc wrangler, so you can expect to see crocs while you stay here.

Our glamping tent had an outdoor shower on the platform and a massive termite mound just outside the tent. The whole experience here had a very outback feel to it.

We got to try a few activities here including a relaxing cruise down the billabong where Kyle did some lure fishing, a chopper ride (Kyle was stoked to be back up in the air again), and a jet boat ride where we saw massive crocs.

Rowdy, our jet boat driver, actually got in the water with a huge croc named Bone Cruncher. They had seen Bone Cruncher for years, but only in the last 18 months or so did they start getting up close and personal with him. Crocs learn the sound of your voice over time and get familiar with you that way. Now they can get in the water with Bone Cruncher who is missing all of his teeth and a massive chunk of his tail. 

We were also able to get up close to some crocs during our time at Top End Safari Camp. However, the blokes there are trained professionals, so they let us know exactly how close we could go and where to stand. Do not get close to them in the wild though!

DAY 8: FLYING HOME

We both were sad when our trip ended to the Top End. Australia has so many amazing places to explore, but make sure the Top End is on your Australia bucket list for sure. From the crocs to the swimming holes to the helicopter rides to the beautiful scenery and landscapes, we had such an amazing time on our Northern Territory road trip!

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Great central road – a guide to driving the great victoria desert from leonora to uluru.

Jane Pelusey

Jane traded her job as a trauma nurse for adventure and travel. With her photographer husband and based in Perth, they have travelled 50 countries, writing over 90 books, and learning how to map trails along the way. Trails are her thing: hiking, 4WDing, and gourmet.

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Experience the Great Victoria Desert from the Goldfields to Kata Tjuta and Uluru on the Great Central Road.

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on the traditional Country of the Pitjantjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra, and Yankunytjatjara peoples  who have occupied and cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick overview.

The Great Central Road is a 1,237km road trip through the Great Victoria Desert from the Western Australian Goldfields to Kata Tjuta and Uluru in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre. Beginning at Leonora, 830km north-east of Perth , the road heads east into the desert.

Read more:  Explore Kata Tjuta

About the Great Central Road and Great Victoria Desert

The Great Central Road winds its way through the Great Victoria Desert. It’s the ‘back road’ from Western Australia to the Northern Territory for those who want a true desert experience. Leaving the Golden Quest Discovery Trail at Leonora, continue on to another gold mining town, Laverton.

Read more:  Australian Deserts – Everything You Need to Know About Australia’s 10 Deserts

Driving the Great Central Road

The road is mainly gravel dirt with small bitumen sections. There are a couple of Indigenous communities, an amazing art gallery and interactive museum, the most remote weather station in Australia, a roadhouse in the middle of nowhere, sand dunes and breakaway country. To get most of the road trip, it takes 3-5 days.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

History the Great Central Road

Pitjantjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra, and Yankunytjatjara people have been living in this desert for at least 20,000 years. Pitjantjatjara are also known as the Spinifex people.

Ernest Giles was the first European to cross the desert, naming it after the reigning monarch at the time. He named Kata Tjuta, Mount Olga, and Lake Amadeus after European royalty.

In the 1950s, Australia gave the United Kingdom some land known as Emu Flat in the Great Victoria Desert for nuclear bomb testing.

In the 1950s and early 60s, Len Beadell, surveyed the desert and created some 4WD tracks such as the Gunbarrel Highway, Anne Beadell and Connie Sue Highways.

The Great Central Road started in the 1930s as a track to Warburton. In 1978, funding was given to build a road from Warburton to Docker River in the Northern Territory .

How to Get to the Great Central Road?

The Great Central Road through the Great Victoria Desert is an epic road trip and can only be reached by 4WD. Drive to Leonora, 840km west of Perth, or in reverse, start at Uluru.

The Great Victoria Desert  

Where to Stay Along the Great Central Road

The Great Central Road is essentially a camping adventure. There are caravan parks in Leonora, Laverton, and Warburton.

Accommodation is available at Tjukayirla Roadhouse and Warakurna Roadhouse. At the end of the trip, the accommodation options are at Yulara, the town servicing Uluru.

Read more:  5 Unique Ways to Experience Uluṟu Without Walking on it!

Rough camping in the desert

Where to Eat on the Great Central Road

There’s a pub at the beginning and end of the road, Leonora, Laverton, and Yulara. In between there are two roadhouses with some food. Otherwise, it’s a self-catering trip and supplies are very important.

Things to do on the Great Central Road

• Gwalia and Gwalia Museum
• The Great Beyond Visitor Centre , Laverton  
• Tjulyuru Cultural Centre and Art Gallery, Warburton
• Giles Weather Station weather balloon release  
• Space junk at Giles Weather Station
• Lasseters Cave
• Petermann Ranges
• Kata Tjuta and Uluru

Skill Level

Intermediate 

To drive the Great Central Road you need experience and skill 4WDing on rough and sandy sections of road. It’s highly recommended to drop your tyre pressure to negotiate the soft sections and make it a more comfortable ride.

Travelers need to be self-sufficient and confident in being in the middle of nowhere. Traffic does pass by, but they may be few and far between.

Read more: How To Prepare Your Car For A Road Trip

Nearby Accommodation

Distance / duration.

1237km / 4 days

Read more: The Ultimate Road Trip Through The Red Centre Way

Essential Gear for the Great Central Road

• Permits are required from both the Northern Territory and Western Australia
• First aid kit
• Enough water for each person for every day
• Food for multiple days
• Spare tyre or two

What it’s Like to Drive the Great Central Road

Driving the Great Central Road is a true Outback desert experience. The roads are a mix of sealed and unsealed, the dirt is red, and the animals are interesting.

It’s not uncommon to see camels wandering in the bush and hear dingoes howling at night. The drive passed through Indigenous communities and genuinely remote roadhouses.

Camels are a common roadside sighting

I’ve divided the drive between settlements, but highly recommend having at least one rough camp. Wikicamps gives some of the possible options. We chose an area with rocky breakaways that lit up at sunset.

There are plans for this road to be sealed, so before it gets too busy, it’s a great time to experience the current remoteness.

Day 1 – Leonora to Tjukayirla Roadhouse

Distance: 419km Duration: 5 hours

Leonora is a small goldfields service town with a twin town of Gwalia right next door. Gwalia was a settlement for the workers of the sons of Gwalia gold mine.

Gwalia/Leonora

Around 1897, Herbert Hoover ran the mine until he was transferred to China. Later, he became the President of the United States. Take time to explore Gwalia and its museum on the edge of the Sons of Gwalia goldmine pit.

Laverton is on the edge of the Great Victoria Desert and is predominately a gold and nickel mining area. Before heading into the desert in earnest, the Great Beyond Visitor Centre is worth a visit to understand what it was like crossing the desert for the early explorers.

The road east cuts through Cosmo Newberry, a remote Aboriginal community just off main road. A permit is required to pass through here that needs to be applied for in advance. There’s fuel and a shop in the community if needed.

Halfway between Cosmo and Tjukayirla is Yeo Lake Nature Reserve which has great wildflower displays in spring. Gnamma holes, which are natural cavities commonly found in hard rock, are dotted along the drive.

About 80km west of Tjukayirla Roadhouse, there are a few places to stop and see where the First Nations people and explorers found water.

Tjukayirla Roadhouse has fuel, accommodation, supplies, and food.

Tjukayirla Roadhouse

Day 2 – Tjukayirla Roadhouse to Warburton

Distance: 245km Duration: 4 hours

This is red sand dune country, with intermittent rocky outcrops along the way. The sand dunes are covered with a surprising number of shrubs including prickly spinifex. Keep an eye out for camels and reptiles like thorny devils.

Warburton or Mirlirrtjarra is an Aboriginal community of about 600 people. This is part of the Western Desert cultural bloc. There’s an amazing art gallery, home to the Papunya Tula art movement. The Tjulyuru Regional Arts Gallery is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm. Other days it’s open on request.

The Warburton Roadhouse has all essential supplies plus accommodation, including both rooms and camping options.

Day 3 – Warburton to Warakurna

Distance: 233km Duration: 4 hours

Today is a true Outback experience with vast skies and desert that rolls on forever.

Warakuma is home to the most remote weather station in Australia named after early explorer, Ernest Giles. Around the Giles weather station is some interesting space junk leftover from the rocket testing days in the 1950s. We hung around for the release of the morning weather balloon at 8.45am.

The morning weather balloon!

Even though you’re still in WA, the Warakurna Roadhouse and Giles weather station operate on Central Standard Time (CST) time, not Western Australian time.

While camping here for the night, we listened to the dingoes howl as we went to sleep. Never feed or approach dingoes as they’re wild animals.

A scruffy-looking dingo

Day 4 – Warakurna to Uluru via Docker River

Distance: 340km Duration: 5 hours

The landscape dramatically changes as the Petermann Ranges rise out of the red desert. The vegetation changes from low scrub to taller bloodwood and Desert oak trees.

Just over the WA/NT border is Docker River/Kaltukatjara, another Aboriginal community. Again, a permit is required to drive through here and is available online. Docker River has most supplies including fuel.

Lasseters Cave is the stuff of legend and where gold prospector, Lewis Harold Bell Lasseter, sheltered when his camels had bolted. He claimed to have found Lasseter’s Reef, a rich desert gold deposit in 1930. While plenty of would-be prospectors have tried, the reef of gold has never been found.

Past the Petermann Ranges the drive turns into a rollercoaster of red sand dunes. At the crest of each dune, you gain a tantalising view of distant purple rocks that become bigger and more recognisable at Kata Tjuta.

Kata Tjuta and Desert oak

Be aware that after four or five days in the desert, reaching the very busy bitumen roads at Kata Tjuta and Uluru filled with busloads of tourists can be a culture shock.

Arriving at Kata Tjuta and Uluru the back way means you’ve bypassed the National Park gate, and will pass through as you exit the park and head to Yulara, the accommodation township for Uluru. To go back in and explore more, a Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park pass is $38 for three days.

Tips to Driving the Great Central Road

• Past Laverton there are five remote roadhouses along the road but plan and be prepared. Refuel at each one unless you have a long-range fuel tank
• Make sure you know how to change a tyre and do basic car checks like oil and water
• To even out the ride, lower your tyre pressures to around 20-25 psi
• Avoid driving in summer as it’s blisteringly hot
• Be aware that rain can close the road so watch the forecast beforehand
• Mobile phone coverage is very limited-to-non-existent.
• We took a UHF radio for short range communication. Some people take an EPIRB or Spot device to send an alert message in an emergency
• Tell someone you know when you start and arrive at your destination

FAQs the Great Central Road

Where is the great central road located.

The Great Central Road is located between Laverton and Uluru in the Great Victorian Desert

How do you get to the Great Central Road?

The start of the Great Central Road is in Laverton, a 10.5 hour drive from Perth. Alternatively if you’re in the NT, you can start the drive at Uluru, a 5 hour drive from Alice Springs.

When is the Great Central Road open?

The Great Central Road is open year round unless it’s closed due to rain.

When is the best time to drive the Great Central Road?

The best time to drive the Great Central Road is autumn and spring. Summer is very hot, and winter can be very cold when it can drop to below zero at night.

How long does it take to complete the Great Central Road?

We tooks four days to drive from the Great Central Road from Leonora to Uluru. It can be done quicker but always drive to the road conditions.

How long is the Great Central Road?

The Great Central Road is 1,237km.

Can you swim at the Great Central Road?

No, there’s no permanent water on the Great Central Road

Do you need a 4WD to get to the Great Central Road?

Yes, a 4WD is essential to drive the Great Central Road.

Do I need permits to drive the Great Central Road?

Permits are required from both the Northern Territory end and the Western Australia end.

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The Best Northern Territory Road Trip

Wild journeys through australia's barren outback.

Sara Jane Armstrong

• In this guide
• Sydney to Melbourne inland road trip
• Adelaide to Perth road trip

Northern Territory road trip

• The Great Ocean road trip
• Coral Coast road trip
• Recommended itinerary

There’s nowhere more quintessentially Australian than the Northern Territory. The sands are rust red, the skies are empty, the animals look like they crawled out of a sci-fi movie. Aboriginal culture and history are preserved better than anywhere else in the country and the landscapes are dramatic and desolate. It’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in the ‘real’ Australia.

Staying safe in the Outback is crucial. If your car breaks down, do not leave it. Rangers will find a car, but they will not find a lone straggler who has gone for help. Carry more water than you think you’ll ever need, with 1 litre per hour recommended for hikers, to stay hydrated in the sweltering deserts. Check your car and camping space for spiders, and learn which ones are harmless in advance. If you see a snake, stay perfectly still and let them pass you by, and never wander through the bushes they may call home.

It can seem intimidating, but that’s what makes a Territory trip such an adventure.

Approx. distance: 2,320km (1,440 miles) (one way)

Duration: At least seven days

Suggested route:

Darwin—Jabiru, Kakadu—Gunbalaya—Katherine—Tennant Creek—Alice Springs—Uluru National Park

Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu National Park

Northern Territory road trip itinerary

You can spend at least a week travelling this route, broken up into the following stages:

Stage one: Darwin to Jabiru, Kakadu (253km, three hours)

Stage two: Kakadu to Gunbalaya (57km, one hour)

Stage three: Gunbalaya to Katherine (255km, four hours)

Stage four: Katherine to Tennant Creek (675km, seven hours)

Stage five: Tennant Creek to Alice Springs (509km, five hours)

Stage six: Alice Springs to Uluru National Park (468km, four hours)

Highlights on the Northern Territory road trip

Kakadu national park.

Glinting eyes between the river reeds in Kakadu track travellers to the park, where Australia’s most intimidating predators reign. Gigantic crocodiles, towering gorges, and sweeping rivers, everything in Kakadu is supersized. The park itself, spanning 20,000 sq/km could be explored for days on end. With thick rainforests hiding hidden pools and waterfalls,

Opt for a trip along the East Alligator or South Alligator rivers. Not far from the town of Jabiru and the campsites, they offer the best spot to spy some of the 10,000 crocodiles that roam the park. Follow the safety protocol strictly when travelling in Kakadu and never swim anywhere that isn’t marked as safe. If you can, take a river cruise through the Jim Jim Creek, travelling out into the South Alligator River. These tours are led by Aboriginal guides, experts on the land, it’s flora and it’s deadly fauna.

To reach highlights like the Jim Jim Falls or the Maguk Gorge, you need to have access to a 4WD.

Indigenous history and rock art in Arnhem Land

Explore Arnhem Land

Most visitors skip Australia’s indigenous heritage hub in favour of the more accessible sites in Alice Springs. They’re missing out on a unique opportunity to connect with Aboriginal communities in their ancestral homes, and to learn about the country’s history.

The area is restricted to protect the indigenous communities of the Arnhem Land, so you’ll need to file for a free permit online. Applications should be made 10 working days in advance. An off-roading vehicle is recommended, and visitors are asked to remember that each inch of the land they’re covering holds cultural and spiritual significance.

Start only 15km from the border of Kakadu National Park, at Gunbalanya. The community sits in the foreground of the Stone Country, where rough-hewn gorges, crocodile-filled waters and the shadow of Injalak Hill define quintessential Australia. Injalak is an ancient Aboriginal site, covered in rock drawings which date back up to 8,000 years.

If you’re visiting the area in August, add a couple of extra days to your itinerary and take the day’s drive up to Nhulunbuy. Here, you can attend the annual Garma Festival, Australia’s largest indigenous cultural gathering, which showcases Aboriginal art, dance, music and storytelling.

Paddle through Nitmiluk National Park

Stop for fuel at Katherine, then head 30 minutes north to Nitmiluk National Park. The 13 gorges that wind through the park cut limestone figures that stretch out to the skyline, easy to explore on foot, by boat, or by helicopter.

A favourite for adventurous travellers, the park rents out canoes. Take up a paddle and navigate your way to waterfalls, secluded swimming spots and caves painted with ancient Aboriginal art. The fourth, sixth and ninth gorges are accessible by canoe, with camping spots available there if you want to spend a night in the wild. There are also campsites available at the park entrance and accommodation in Katherine if you prefer to spend one day in the park.

Walking, you can travel through the park completely free, and have access to a wide range of lookouts, waterfalls, and natural pools. And, for the intrepid, there’s the full Jatbula Trail. Taking the five-day hike, you’ll be following an ancient songline, clambering over volcanic rock and night swimming mirrored pools that catch the cloudless, starry skies. Pre-booking and moderate fitness are essential for this route.

If you’d prefer a more relaxing route through Nitmiluk, cruises run at sunrise and sunset. These cruises are led by guides from the traditional owners of the land, the Jawoyn. Alternatively, you can catch a helicopter, flying you out to almost inaccessible pools and giving you a birds-eye view of the gorges.

Cross the great red desert

The small town of Tennant Creek makes for a convenient waypoint on your way down to Alice Springs. Take an opportunity to stock up on gas and food, and use one of the town’s many accommodation options for the night.

The stark red sands of the Tanami Desert can feel like a mirage on the long road to Alice. Flat, dusty plains are marked by spirals of sand that rise like tornados in the wind, disrupting the wispy tips of the native plant life. Unique and hostile, an environment like this is home to some of Australia’s most interesting wildlife.

Pay careful attention to the road, because giant monitor lizards will saunter across your path with no regard for speeding cars. Look to the shadows for sheltering echidnas and thorny devils, or to the skies for swooping peregrine falcons.

When you reach Alice Springs, you’ll find yourself amongst far more people than you’ve seen since Darwin. The only major town in the country’s centre, Alice caters to tourists and you’ll find plenty of options for accommodation, gas and food.

Kata Tjutas at Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

Australia’s most iconic skyline wraps around the giant standing rock Uluru. Though it’s one of the country’s most recognisable sights, no picture prepares you for the shifting shades of the oranges and reds and the vastness of the rock.

At around 550 million years old, the monolith has guarded over the landscape since before the dinosaurs and is an unsurprisingly significant figure in Aboriginal spiritualism and creationism. To learn about the rock’s role in the Dreamtime, walk around the base of Uluru with a local Anangu guide. They will teach you about the flora and fauna, and about the caves that provided shelter in the harsh desert for thousands of years.

Close the road trip with one of Australia’s most spectacular sights. The sunset over Uluru is one of the most dramatic on earth, cut with shades of red and orange against the blackening sands, a living mimicry of the red, black and yellow of the Aboriginal flag.

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About the author.

SJ Armstrong is a travel writer and infrequent blogger from London. She specialises in slow and budget travel across 6 continents, including 6 months travelling around Australia. Her writing has appeared in various online outlets and magazines, and more of her published work can be found here .

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10 of Australia’s most iconic road trips

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Feel the freedom of the open road with these unmissable road trips.

By Leah Dobihal and Carly Spek

There’s no shortage of adventure on the spectacular Legendary Pacific Coast between Sydney and Brisbane , boasting the wineries of the Hunter Valley , the sparkling beaches of Port Stephens , the hippie-chic scene of Byron Bay and the glitz of the Gold Coast . It’s a wind-the-windows-down kind of road trip that embraces Australia’s coastal beauty and laid-back vibes, even passing one of the most iconic road trip pit stops: the Big Banana .

Drive the Legendary Pacific Coast Touring Route

From world-class wine to sparkling beaches and ancient rainforest walks, the New South Wales Legendary Pacific Coast is a drive to be savoured.

Read time • 8min

Coastal drives fit into a road trip category of their own, with the endless ocean on one side and sweeping landscapes on the other. One of Australia’s most spectacular coastal drives is New South Wales’ Grand Pacific Drive . Beginning just south of Sydney , the road clutches the coastline, unfurling onto the Sea Cliff Bridge, which seemingly levitates above crashing waves. Along the way, visit a dramatic blowhole in Kiama, stroll along the bone-white shores of Hyams Beach and witness ancient history .

Sydney to the Sapphire Coast road trip

With pockets of paradise like Eden and Merimbula, the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales is so much more than just a whale-watching mecca.

Read time • 6min

The central Australian outback is a place of transformation. Ancient ochre landscapes, dynamic cultures and starry skies create an energy unique to Australia’s red heart. Driving the Red Centre Way, a loop beginning and ending in the outback town of Alice Springs , means meeting Australian icons at every turn. Ulu r u, Kata Tju t a and Watarrka National Park are the heavy hitters, but don’t overlook the dramatic gorges and cool swimming holes of Tjoritja (the West MacDonnell Ranges).

Alice Springs to Uluru: a 7-day road trip

Tour the ancient landscapes of Central Australia on this iconic Aussie road trip through Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluru.

Not all great drives are long drives, even in a place as big as Australia. From the tropical city of Cairns to the wilds of Cape Tribulation, the Great Barrier Reef Drive offers more than its fair share of wonders. Where else can you stand on the border of two World Heritage Listed sites ? Or spot the vibrant colours of both cassowary birds and coral? Amid your travels between the reef and the Daintree Rainforest , you can chill beneath palms, search for tree kangaroos and snorkel over the kaleidoscope of colours and creatures on the reef .

14-day Tropical North Queensland Drive

Drive from Cairns to Townsville via Cooktown, through World Heritage-listed reef and rainforests to golden outback savannah, taking in tropical Queensland at its finest.

Read time • 11min

Meandering all the way from Adelaide to Darwin , the Explorers Way passes through a tapestry of ancient gorges, weathered peaks and red rock canyons. In South Australia’s outback, you’ll find the natural wonders of the 600-million-year-old Flinders Ranges as well as the underground city of Coober Pedy. After crossing the border into the Northern Territory , you’ll soon see the majestic Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a appear ahead as the earth turns red beneath your tyres.

14 days along the Explorers Way

This 14-day adventure takes you down the centre of Australia, from Darwin to South Australia. Along the way you'll explore striking landscapes from wetlands to deserts, as well as outback towns, world-class wineries and beautiful beaches.

Read time • 10min

From snow-capped mountains to sapphire-blue bays, Tasmania is overflowing with natural beauty. Take in Tassie’s coastal wonders as you follow one of the island’s grandest road trips – the Great Eastern Drive . Head north from Hobart to the Bay of Fires , where the beaches are white, the air is clean and the scenery is magnificent. Wander around the sandstone ruins of the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur convict settlement one day and find yourself admiring the perfect curve of Wineglass Bay the next. 

5 days on Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive

Sample the splendours of Tasmania’s stunning east coast, from seafood and wine to lush rainforest and powder-white beaches.

Read time • 5min

If experiencing Australia’s wide-open spaces is on your wishlist, set your sights on the Nullarbor Plain , located along the Great Australian Bight. There are incredible experiences to be found as you drive along the open road, from wandering the wild coast of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula to hitting the holes on the world’s longest golf course . Add in caves, old gold mining towns, the remains of a space station that crashed to Earth and character-rich roadhouses, and the Nullarbor becomes a bucket list Aussie road trip.

Driving across the Nullarbor Plain

Widen your horizons driving the Eyre Highway across the vast Nullarbor Plain, four times the size of Belgium.

Read time • 9min

The centre of the Kimberley is as vast and majestic as its famous coastline. The Gibb River Road , which stretches from Derby (near Broome ) to almost as far as Kununurra , is a legendary outback route for good reason. Offering secluded gorges, rocky ridges and that indescribable open-road feeling, it’s a drive that will transform you with each passing kilometre. Head off in a 4WD to explore bulbous boab trees, glimpse the rugged Cockburn Range and soak in glassy waterholes.

Gibb River Road: a 12-day adventure

Journey across one of the country’s greatest 4WD adventures through Western Australia’s captivating Kimberley wilderness.

The route between Perth and Esperance truly has it all: blindingly white beaches, strikingly clear water, some of the tallest trees in the world and premium wineries. Lose yourself in the natural beauty, seclusion and tranquillity of the South West Edge road trip. Pay a visit to Lucky Bay’s beach-loving kangaroos, bounce along a walkway suspended in the treetops at the Valley of the Giants and join an expedition to see killer whales (between late January and April). And that’s just the start.

Western Australia's South West: 14 day road trip

Experience the extraordinary landscape of the South West in one great road trip.

Read time • 16min

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most thrilling drives, studded with dramatic views of rugged coastline. Take it slow and enjoy the breathtaking views along this iconic stretch of road before heading inland to discover dense forests and misting waterfalls. Seize the chance to marvel at the famous 12 Apostles’ towering limestone rock formations – stunning at any time of day, but especially as the setting sun turns the cliff face a fiery red.

6 days on the Great Southern Touring Route

Take a road trip along Victoria’s eye-popping southern coastline, through Aboriginal history and into sparkling spa country. It’s nature, nurture and wonder all the way.

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