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Are you itching to see the Northern Territory? Are you in Darwin and have a few days to spare? Well, look no further because we've brought together all the must-do road trip itineraries for the picturesque Red Centre. We've got your destinations covered, so all you have to do is pick the playlist.
Alice Springs is the heart of the Northern Territory as well as the country. Your Red Centre adventure starts off driving from Darwin to Katherine, where you'll then spend the day exploring the incredible gorge. As your final destination is quite a drive from Darwin, Tennant Creek is where you'll spend your next night. From there, you'll hit Alice Springs where you can fly in a hot air balloon, tour Uluru and hike through the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Distance: 2,998km, 30 hours round trip.
Itinerary length: 7 days.
Route: Darwin to Alice Springs via Katherine and Tennant Creek on National Highway 87.
Highlights: Katherine Gorge, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs.
Best time to drive: September is the best time to visit the Red Centre as temperatures are mild. It's important to note that most tours are seasonal and run between April and October. It's best to avoid travelling from December to March as this is the flood season for the tropical end of the territory.
Eat at: Barrel & Cruse Bistro in Katherine, Sporties Club or Memories Restaurant in Tennant Creek and Epilogue Lounge and Rooftop Bar or Barra on Todd Restaurant and Bar in Alice Springs.
Day
Itinerary
Day 1
Distance: 317km
Drive time: 3 hours
Darwin to Katherine
Drive three hours south-east to Katherine.
Spend the afternoon taking the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise. Have your camera at the ready so you can capture the incredible sunset on the gorge.
Day 4: Take a tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges with visits to Simpsons Gap, Mount Sounder, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ochre Pits and Ormiston Gorge.
Day 5: Spend your final day at the heart of Australia with a day trip to Uluru.
Rent a 4WD and drive through the Iytwelepenty/Davenport Range National Park. Keep in mind that some tracks within the ranges are only for people experienced driving 4WDs.
Day 8: Drive the final four hours to Darwin from Mataranka.
Darwin to Berry Springs
Are you in Darwin and need a quick weekend away? Why not head to Berry Springs? Just over half an hour south of Darwin's city centre, it's conveniently close and jam-packed with outdoor activities.
We recommend picking a warmer weekend where you can spend the day immersed in the waters of the Berry Springs Waterhole. Best of all, with no long drive home, there's no rush to leave.
Distance: 105km, 1 hour and 20 minutes round trip.
Itinerary length: 2 days.
Route: Darwin to Berry Springs via Tiger Brennan Drive.
Highlights: Territory Wildlife Park and Berry Springs Waterhole.
Best time to drive: March and April offer cooler temperatures so you can escape the heat, and it's also when native flowers bloom.
Things to do: Territory Wildlife Park, Berry Springs Waterhole, Crazy Acres and Blackmore River Conservation Reserve.
Spend the day wandering through the Blackmore River Conservation Reserve before making the short 40-minute drive back to Darwin.
Darwin to Litchfield (and the Greater Litchfield Loop)
Situated just an hour south of Darwin's city centre, Litchfield National Park offers a close escape from the busyness of city life. From adrenaline-packed activities to the soft calm of a hike, this road trip is perfect for a few days off the grid.
Spend your first couple of days exploring the ins and outs of Batchelor and the picturesque Litchfield parklands, and stop for a break in Berry Springs on your way home. Cool off at the local watering hole before heading back home.
Distance: 369km, 4.5 hours round trip.
Itinerary length: 3 days.
Route: Darwin to Litchfield via Batchelor and Berry Springs.
Highlights: Litchfield National Park, Batchelor and Berry Springs.
Best time to drive: From March to September is the recommended time to visit since this is when the humidity is at its lowest. Keep in mind that this is peak season.
Things to do: Batchelor Butterfly Farm and Pet Garden, Nina's Ark Wildlife Sanctuary, NT Adventure Park, Buley Hole, Wangi Falls and Berry Springs Waterhole.
Start the day nice and early by making the drive west to Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park.
Stop off at Florence Falls (40 minutes from Batchelor) followed by a quick pit stop at Tolmer Falls, which is merely 12 minutes from Wangi Falls.
Once you've reached Wangi Falls, enjoy a swim at Buley Falls to cool off.
If you have some time in the afternoon, Sandy Creek Falls are worth a look. It's located 20 minutes south, making the total drive home just under an hour.
Enjoy dinner at the Rum Jungle Tavern before heading back to the Litchfield Motel.
Day 3
Distance: 107km
Drive time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Litchfield National Park to Darwin via Berry Springs
Drive 40 minutes north to Berry Springs.
Visit the Berry Springs Waterhole and Territory Wildlife Park.
Drive 40 minutes north back to Darwin.
Darwin to Kakadu and Nitmiluk
Pack up the car and set the GPS for Kakadu and Nitmiluk. Just three hours south-east of Darwin, get ready to immerse yourself in the natural wonder of these national parks. You'll kick things off in Nitmiluk with a serene self-guided tour of the gorge then you'll head north-east to Kakadu.
The experiences here are endless, with Aboriginal cultural tours as well as a look into how things run in the outback. In Kakadu, you can also see the local waterfalls before slowly making your way back home to Darwin.
Distance: 1,214 km, 13 hours round trip.
Itinerary length: 5 days.
Route: Darwin to Nitmiluk National Park and Kakadu via National Highway 1.
Highlights: Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu National Park and Marrakai.
Best time to drive: May to September is recommended as this is the dry season and the heat is low.
Eat at: Jatti Poolside Restaurant, Kumbidgee Restaurant, Savannah Bar & Restaurant, Barrel & Cruse Bistro in Katherine and Mimi Restaurant in Kakadu.
Day
Itinerary
Day 1
Distance: 404km
Drive time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Darwin to Cutta Cutta Caves
Drive 3.5 hours to the natural phenomena of Cutta Cutta Caves. Enjoy an hour-long tour of the inner cave systems that run 15 metres underground. While you're there, consider taking a self-guided tour of the Tropical Woodland walk, which gives an insight into the local flora and fauna.
Make your way 45 minutes north-east to your accommodation at the Nitmiluk Chalets.
Day 2
Distance: 0
Drive time: 0
Katherine Gorge
It's an early start on day 2 with a Nitmiluk Gorge canoe tour kicking off at 9am. Make your way to the boat jetty 30 minutes prior to departure, which is only a few minutes' walk from the Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Centre.
After returning to your original departure point at 2pm, check out Baruwei Lookout and the Southern Rockhole.
From here, make the 50-minute drive to Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park. Take some time to cool off by the water as you relax to the sounds of local flora rustling.
Start the day off early with a visit up to Ubirr Rock Art. It's a short 30-minute drive north of Jabiru and features a cluster of natural rock formations.
Drive 40 minutes south from Jabiru. The rest of your afternoon will see the likes of an animal tracks safari. Enjoy a day of gathering local bush tucker, expert commentary from members of the Indigenous community and a cook-up as the sun goes down. The tour runs the course of seven hours every day, returning around 8:30pm between June and September.
Drive 1 hour and 40 minutes to Marrakai for the crocodile experience of a lifetime. We recommend taking a cruise to see the jumping crocs in action.
Make the one-hour drive home to Darwin.
Cairns to Darwin
There really isn't a place quite like Australia's Top End. Get out onto the open road as you make your way from Cairns to the Northern Territory capital.
Enjoy pit stops in Queensland's outback towns, followed by the lush national parks of the Northern Territory including Nitmiluk and Litchfield. We recommend packing your swimmers for this one, the crystal clear waters of the parks are too good to resist.
Distance: 2,483km, 27 hours.
Route: Cairns to Darwin via Georgetown, Normanton, Burketown, Borroloola, Mataranka, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park.
Highlights: Mataranka, Nitmiluk National Park, Litchfield National Park and Darwin.
Best time to drive: To avoid the wet season, which can see heavy rain, organise your trip between June and September.
Things to do:Fitzroy Island Day Package, TerrEstrial Centre, Mutton Hole Wetlands Conservation Park, Krys the Crocodile, Morning Glory cloud formation, Yaliya's Stories stargazing tour, Elsey National Park, Mataranka Thermal Pools and Rainbow Springs, Bitter Springs, Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) sunset cruise, Berry Springs Waterhole, Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls Waterhole, crocodile feeding and sunset sailing.
Eat at: Piato Cairns Restaurant, Wenaru Hotel and Bar in Georgetown, Morning Glory Licensed Restaurant in Burketown, Carpentaria Grill Restaurant in Borroloola, Barra Cafe on Riverview in Nitmiluk National Park and Hanuman in Darwin.
Day
Route and itinerary
Day 1
Distance: 0km
Drive time: 0
Cairns
Spend your day in Cairns seeing the sights with the Fitzroy Island Day Package. Enjoy six hours of relaxation on the island with your choice of beach-side bliss or a spot of swimming in the crystal clear waters. Check-in is at 8:30am and you will return to Cairns by 5:30pm.
After a good night's rest, drive five hours west to Georgetown. Remember to take a short break every two hours.
Spend your afternoon exploring the TerrEstrial Centre and take a trip back in time with different fossils and minerals.
Check out the Wenaru Hotel and Bar for dinner and rest at the Latara Motel in Georgetown.
Day 3
Distance: 295km
Drive time: 3 hours
Georgetown to Normanton
Drive three hours to Normanton.
Spend the rest of your day checking out the Mutton Hole Conservation Park. Perfect for those of you who like an afternoon spent bird-watching.
Have dinner and stay at the Gulfland Motel for the night.
Day 4
Distance: 226km
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Normanton to Burketown
Grab a quick photo with Krys the Crocodile and then make the 2.5-hour drive to Burketown.
If your trip happens to fall in September, you mustn't miss the Morning Glory cloud formation. It's a spectacular site spanning 1,000km and culturally significant to the Indigenous community.
As the sun goes down, head out with Yagurli Tours for a stargazing experience. The tour only takes around 2-2.5 hours.
Stay at the Burketown Caravan Park.
Day 5
Distance: 495km
Drive time: 5.5 hours
Burketown to Borroloola
Drive 5.5 hours across the border to the quiet town of Borroloola. Remember to take a short break every two hours.
Once you've arrived, take a stroll through the city to discover attractions such as the old police station museum.
There's no better way to spend a full day in Mataranka than in Elsey National Park.
Pack your swimsuits, towels and maybe a snack or two as you head to the Thermal Pools and Rainbow Springs. The calm waters and trees overhead make it the perfect spot to unwind mid-trip.
With the majority of the driving behind you at this point, enjoy a sleep-in and then make your way one hour north to Nitmiluk National Park.
Enjoy the perfect end to your afternoon with a Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) sunset cruise. Dine on a three-course meal, champagne and the never-ending views of Katherine Gorge.
Unwind at the Nitmiluk Chalets in Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge).
Day 9
Distance: 0km
Drive time: 0
Nitmiluk National Park
Wake up and get a stretch in (you'll need it for the walk ahead).
Nitmiluk National Park hosts an array of walks ranging from moderate to difficult. We recommend the Butterfly Gorge via Yambi Walk (4.5 hours), Baruwei Walk (1 hour), Baruwei Walk via the lookout (2 hours) or Windolf via Yambi Walk (3.5 hours).
Spend your last night at the Nitmiluk Chalets in Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge).
Day 10
Distance: 282km
Drive time: 3 hours
Nitmiluk National Park to Litchfield National Park
Pop back into the car for the three-hour drive to Litchfield Park.
Once you've arrived, we recommend checking out Florence Falls Waterhole. Lounge on a shady rock with a good book or cool down among the falls.
Your last day in Litchfield National Park is an eventful one.
Drive to Wangi Falls, followed by Sandy Creek Falls and Tolmer Falls (35 minutes between the three). Sit back and relax to the sounds of rushing waters.
It's the road trip dreams are made of. Set off to discover Australia top to bottom (literally), by driving from South Australia's capital to tropical Darwin. Enjoy the incredible destinations along the way, with stops in Coober Pedy, Yulara, Alice Springs, Mataranka, Katherine and Batchelor.
As you'll be going from the desert conditions of the Red Centre to the tropical north, make sure you organise this trip for the dry season.
Distance: 3,546km, 36 hours.
Route: Adelaide to Darwin via Port Augusta West, Coober Pedy, Yulara, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Mataranka, Katherine and Batchelor.
Highlights: Coober Pedy, Uluru, Alice Springs, Mataranka, Nitmiluk National Park and Litchfield National Park.
Best time to drive: Plan your trip between May and October as this is Darwin's dry season. You'll bypass the wet weather that summer brings and enjoy cooler temperatures as you head through the Red Centre.
Eat at: Standpipe Restaurant in Port Augusta West, Mediterranean Street Food Tavern in Coober Pedy, Ilkari Restaurant in Yulara, Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar in Alice Springs, Sporties Club in Tennant Creek, Territory Manor in Mataranka, Jatti Poolside Restaurant in Nitmiluk, Rum Jungle Tavern in Batchelor and Wharf One Food & Wine in Darwin.
Day
Route and itinerary
Day 1
Distance: 313km
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Adelaide to Port Augusta West
Begin your road trip by driving 3.5 hours north to the town of Port Augusta West.
Spend the afternoon at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. Take a walk through the native lands and grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafe.
Wake up nice and early for the five-hour drive up to Coober Pedy. Aim to leave Port Augusta West around 7am to be in Coober Pedy just after noon.
Your first stop in town is the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum followed by a visit to the underground Church of Saint Elijah.
As the day enters late afternoon, head over to the Breakaways to catch the last of the daylight. We recommend taking the camera along for when the horizon is lit up in an array of reds and oranges as the sun sets.
Fill up at the Mediterranean Street Food Tavern and then get a good night's rest at The Lookout Cave Underground.
Day 3
Distance: 735km
Drive time: 7.5 hours
Coober Pedy to Yulara
Drive the 7.5 hours up to Yulara. Remember to take driving breaks every two hours.
As it's quite the drive from Coober Pedy, we recommend heading straight to dinner at Ilkari Restaurant in Yulara before staying the night at the Sails in the Desert Hotel.
Day 4
Distance: 0km
Drive time: 0
Yulara
Your full day in Yulara kicks off nice and early with the Uluru Field of Light Sunrise Tour that takes you to the renowned art installation by Bruce Monroe.
Head back to your hotel to put your feet up for a well-earned rest.
Next up, you can't go past the Uluru and Kata Tjuta Experience. The tour kicks off just before midday and includes a hike through Walpa Gorge and a visit to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, followed by the Mala Walk as well as the Mutitjulu Waterhole. Finish off with an incredible BBQ dinner that comes included in the package – it also has your lunch sorted.
With a day of adventure done and dusted, head back to Sails in the Desert Hotel for your last night in Yulara.
Day 5
Distance: 447km
Drive time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Yulara to Alice Springs
Drive five hours up to Alice Springs. Feel free to take your time. We recommend getting there just after lunchtime. Remember to take driving breaks every two hours.
Once you've dropped off your bags, head to Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar in Alice Springs to grab a late lunch.
You've got another full day of sightseeing ahead, so it's going to be an early wake-up.
Kicking off at 7:45am, see some of the most beautiful sights Alice Springs has to offer with a tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges. This full-day experience includes visits to Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, Mount Sonder, Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon snacks are all-inclusive.
You can't leave Alice Springs without a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Start your day on the right foot as you watch the sun light up the Red Centre.
Drive five hours north to Tennant Creek. Remember to take driving breaks every two hours.
Grab a bite to eat at the Sporties Club before heading to Safari Lodge Motel to rest.
Day 8
Distance: 567km
Drive time: 5 hours 45 minutes
Tennant Creek to Mataranka
Aim to leave Tennant Creek by 7am so your arrival in Mataranka sits just after 12:30pm. Remember to take driving breaks every two hours.
After a long drive, enjoy a day of relaxation as you head to Elsey National Park. Here you'll check out the renowned Mataranka Thermal Pool and Rainbow Springs. Don't forget to bring your swimsuits! The water is too enticing not to go in for a dip.
Feel free to have a small sleep-in this morning before making the 1.5-hour drive to Katherine.
Make your way to the boat jetty (a 15-minute drive from the hotel) in Nitmiluk National Park for your Nitmiluk Gorge Canoe Tour.
Grab some dinner at Jatti Poolside Restaurant before resting up at the Shady Lane Tourist Park.
Day 10
Distance: 178km
Drive time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Katherine to Batchelor
Make the short 1.5-hour drive from Katherine to Batchelor.
Head to Litchfield National Park. Drive straight to Wangi Falls before checking out Buley Rockhole (25-minute drive). Tip: Bring inflatables so you can sit back and relax out on the water.
Fill up at the Rum Jungle Tavern before heading to Litchfield Motel for your last night in Batchelor.
Day 11
Distance: 97km
Drive time: 1 hour
Batchelor to Darwin
Your day in Darwin starts off with a scenic flight over the city. Take in all the views of the skyline and beyond from the air. The flight only takes around 30-40 minutes.
Afterwards, get your walking shoes on and explore the city centre.
Finish off your Adelaide to Darwin road trip with a sunset sail from Cullen Bay. Indulge in antipasto platters, wine and an Asian-inspired BBQ while you watch the sunset over the horizon.
Darwin to Broome
Pack your bags for an adventure across our Western state. Nestled on the north coast, Broome offers a plethora of natural wonders and picture-perfect beaches. Your road trip starts off with a night in Katherine, followed by an official border cross into Kununurra. Here, you'll discover national parks, lookouts and waterfalls before making the journey to the final pit stop, Fitzroy Crossing.
Your Broome itinerary will be filled with historical tours led by Indigenous people as well as with lazy days by the beach.
Distance: 1,917km, 19 hours 45 minutes.
Route: Darwin to Broome via Katherine, Kununurra and Fitzroy Crossing on National Highway 1.
Highlights: Katherine, Kununurra, Broome and Eighty Mile Beach.
Best time to drive: Plan to visit from April to November as this is the dry season.
Things to do: Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Hot Springs, Katherine Outback Experience, Mirima National Park, Ivanhoe Crossing, Black Rock, Kelly's Knob, Geikie Gorge National Park, Mimbi Caves, Eighty Mile Beach, Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, Roebuck Bay and Dampier Peninsula.
Eat at: Savannah Bar & Restaurant in Katherine, Kimberley Cafe in Kununurra, the Crossing Inn at Fitzroy Crossing and Runway Bar & Restaurant or the Land of Pharaohs in Broome.
Day
Route and itinerary
Day 1
Distance: 317
Drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Darwin to Katherine
Drive just over three hours to Katherine.
Enjoy the afternoon by taking a walk through the Nitmiluk National Park followed by a dip in the Katherine Hot Springs. Keen on feeling like a local? Check out the complete Katherine outback experience.
In preparation for the longest block of driving, take some time out of your morning to check out Kelly's Knob. The hike brings you to a lookout with uninterrupted views of the area.
Drive 669km south-west to Fitzroy Crossing. Make sure to take a short pit stop every two hours.
Have an early start with a visit to the local Mimbi Caves or Geikie Gorge National Park. Go for a walk, hire a bike or take a dip before making the final stretch to Broome.
Drive four hours west to Broome. Make sure to have a pit stop at the halfway mark.
A trip to Broome isn't complete without a visit to Eighty Mile Beach. Start the day a little earlier to optimise how much time you have to lounge in the sea and on the sand. After making your way back to Broome, have a bite of Egyptian at the Land of Pharaohs before getting some shut-eye.
Day 7
Distance: 0
Drive time: 0
Broome
Your final day in Broome starts at 9am. Kick off the morning with a Broome scenic and historical tour, which runs until 11:30am. Spend your afternoon relaxing by Cable Beach, followed by a visit to the awe-inspiring Dampier Peninsula. We recommend catching the sunset by the coast. Spend your final night in Broome.
Nature's Way Drive
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with an exploration of Australia's northern end. Explore everything the Litchfield, Nitmiluk and Kakadu regions have to offer with the Nature's Way Drive.
This road trip features plenty of opportunity for dipping into natural swimming holes, so be sure to pack a few towels and plenty of sunscreen.
Distance: 1,057km, 11 hours 15 minutes.
Route: Nature's Way Drive via Darwin, Litchfield National Park, Nitmiluk National Park and Kakadu.
Highlights: Litchfield National Park, Tjuwaliyn/Douglas Hot Springs Park, Nitmiluk National Park, Kakadu National Park and Darwin.
Best time to drive: You want to drive in the dry season, which is between June and early September. The wet season sees heavy rain that often floods outback roads.
Eat at: Rum Jungle Tavern near Litchfield National Park, Kumbidgee Restaurant in Nitmiluk, Fat Sam's in Jabiru and Wharf One Food and Wine in Darwin.
Day
Route and itinerary
Day 1
Distance: 116km
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Darwin to Litchfield National Park
This road trip kicks off with a 1.5-hour drive south to the beautiful region of Litchfield.
If we had to pick one destination within the park, Wangi Falls wins top spot. The open area gives you plenty of space to frolic in the calm waters or just perch yourself on the grass and take in your surroundings.
Litchfield National Park to Nitmiluk National Park via Tjuwaliyn/Douglas Hot Springs Park
Drive 1.5 hours south to the Tjuwaliyn/Douglas Hot Springs Park. Here you can spend a few hours enjoying the quiet waters. Once you're fully relaxed post-swim, head back onto the road for a little over two hours to Nitmiluk National Park.
We recommend having a go at kayaking through Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. This 4.5-hour experience offers a different way of seeing the incredible natural wonders of the national park.
Come back to have dinner at Kumbidgee Restaurant and rest for the evening at the Nitmiluk Chalets.
Day 4
Distance: 331km
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Nitmiluk National Park to Jabiru
Leave Nitmiluk National Park by 8:30am so you reach Jabiru before noon.
Set your sights on the skies with a scenic flight. Take in views of Kakadu National Park, Magela floodplains and Jim Jim and Twin Falls. Flights take off in the early afternoon.
Spend the day exploring the park with the Footprints of Kakadu 4WD Tour. The all-day experience includes visits to Gunlom Falls and Ikoymarrwa Rock Pool. Lunch and refreshments are sorted in the package.
Take to the air instead of the ground with a scenic flight across the CBD and harbour.
Indulge in a dinner at Wharf One Food and Wine before spending your first night at Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront.
Day 7
Distance: 0km
Drive time: 0
Darwin
Darwin plays host to a plethora of day tours and cultural experiences. For your full day in the territory's capital, we recommend partaking in a cruise to Crab Claw Island for the seafood feast dreams are made of. Enjoy a full day of incredible sights, full use of the resort facilities on the island and treat your taste buds to Australian seafood (think oysters, barramundi, threadfin salmon, fresh salads and dessert).
Or take a cruise of a different kind and set sail from Cullen Bay to the Tiwi Islands. Here, you'll learn about the rich Aboriginal history that resides within the region and have a picnic for lunch.
Once you're back on the mainland, consider a stroll through the main CBD before heading to the Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront for your final night.
Binns Track
Make your way from the South Australian border right up to Timber Creek with Binns Track. Originally established to bring tourists to outback Australia, the track offers sights such as Alice Springs, Ruby Gap and Devils Marbles.
Keep in mind that Binns Track requires a 4WD, so we recommend renting one to ensure you can travel through the entire itinerary. Also, as you will be staying in a couple of campgrounds, we suggest stocking up on easy-to-prepare foods.
Distance: 2,548km, 34 hours.
Route: Mount Dare to Timber Creek via Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Dunmarra.
Highlights: Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve, West MacDonnell Ranges, Ruby's Gap, Gemtree, Devil's Marbles, Dunmarra and Timber Creek.
Best time to drive: Driving is best between June and early September as this is the dry season. Undertaking this itinerary during the wet season can lead to flooded back roads.
Things to do: Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve, Ruby Gap National Park, West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip, hot air ballooning in Alice Springs, Devil's Marbles, Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre, Judbarra/Gregory National Park, Nackeroo Lookout and the Timber Creek Police Station.
Eat at: Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar or Bella Alice in Alice Springs, Gemtree Caravan Park in Gemtree, Sporties Club or Woks Up in Tennant Creek and the Timber Creek Cafe.
Day
Route and itinerary
Day 1
Distance: 224km
Drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Abminga to Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve
Starting from the South Australia border, make your way north-east towards Mt Dare. Your first stop on Binns Track is the Mac Clark (Acacia peuce) Conservation Reserve.
The reserve offers a chance for you to see the rare Acacia peuce trees in one of their only natural habitats. While you're here, we recommend either taking a walk or driving a 4WD through the vast landscape to take it all in.
Drive 35 minutes to the Old Andado Station where you can set up camp for the evening.
Day 2
Distance: 542km
Drive time: 6 hours
Old Andado Station to Alice Springs
Feel free to take it easy this morning with a short stroll around the Old Andado Station.
Aim to leave just before noon for the six-hour drive to Alice Springs via Stuart Highway. Although there are other routes to take, this one offers the easiest drive. Remember to take a short driving break every two hours.
Your full day in Alice Springs kicks off nice and early at 7:45am.
Venture out with the West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip. This experience takes you to sights such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Mount Sonder, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. The small-group tour also features wildlife spotting across the Red Centre, so keep your eyes peeled for black-footed rock-wallabies and Pacific herons. Morning tea and a picnic lunch are included.
Aim to leave your accommodation around 8:30am and head to Ruby Gap.
The nature park hosts a plethora of activities including walking tracks. It is advised that only experienced walkers tackle the walk as the terrain is extremely rugged and trails aren't marked. If you are an experienced walker, consider the 4k (2-hour return) walk to Glen Annie Gorge.
Set up camp at the Ruby Gap Nature Park campground. Keep in mind that there aren't any on-site facilities and these need to be provided by you.
Day 5
Distance: 281km
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Ruby Gap to Gemtree
After packing up your camping goods, make the 3.5-hour drive to Gemtree.
Upon arrival, we recommend getting a short stretch in before commencing in a self-drive tour. You'll be able to explore local pastures and the vast Hart Ranges. The Caravan Park offers mud maps with directions.
You also have the option to take a nature walk, which runs for three kilometres through the property.
Stay the night at the Gemtree Caravan Park. Note that from Easter Weekend until October, the Campoven Kitchen offers a set menu two to three times a week.
Day 6
Distance: 509km
Drive time: 5 hours
Gemtree to Tennant Creek via Devil's Marbles
Drive four hours north to Devil's Marbles. Give your legs a bit of a stretch and explore the massive granite boulder collection. Be sure to take a short driving break every two hours.
Once you've had an adequate rest, head back onto the road for the hour's drive to Tennant Creek.
Get dinner sorted at the Sporties Club and spend the night at the Goldfields Hotel Motel.
Day 7
Distance: 355km
Drive time: 3.5 hours
Tennant Creek to Dunmarra
The seven-day mark offers another slower-paced morning. We recommend checking out the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre before heading to your next destination. Enjoy a coffee and wander through the gallery as you take in the local Indigenous art.
Drive 3.5 hours to Dunmarra.
Get some well-earned rest at the Dunmarra Wayside Inn as well as dinner at the in-house lounge.
Day 8
Distance: 431km
Drive time: 4.5 hours
Dunmarra to Timber Creek
With a big section of driving ahead, we recommend making the most of your morning. Be sure to fuel up with breakfast before hitting the road for a 4.5-hour journey west to your final destination in Timber Creek.
Once you've arrived in Timber Creek, fill your afternoon with a visit to the Police Station Complex followed by the Nackeroo Lookout.
Welcome your final day of the trip with a visit to the Judbarra/Gregory National Park.
The park offers many 4WD expeditions for you to explore the area with. We recommend making a day of it and taking the Humbert Track. This passage runs between Humbert River Station and Bullita Homestead and offers a relatively easy drive. The Fig Tree Valley Lookout comes highly recommended for the afternoon as well as a walk to Police Creek Waterhole. It's six hours all up. The local government urges visitors not to swim as all the waterways are home to saltwater crocodiles.
To play it safe, you'll want to take a 4WD. Road tripping across the Northern Territory may require you to take unsealed, dirt roads or possibly take a route through national parks. In these instances, you'll want a vehicle that can take on the conditions.
If you're hiring a car, make sure the company allows you to take the rented vehicle down unsealed roads. Many companies don't as a standard, and if anything happens to your vehicle on unsealed roads, you may be liable for any repair costs, even if you do have insurance. Some companies do let you pay a premium that will cover you on unsealed roads.
What are the best campsites in the Northern Territory?
Some of our favourite campgrounds include the following:
Wangi Falls Camping Area, Litchfield National Park
Gunlom Campground, Kakadu National Park
Jatbula Trail, Katherine
Palm Valley Campground, Namatjira
Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, Limmen National Park
Walker Creek, Litchfield National Park
Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park, Douglas-Daly
Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve, near Davenport Ranges National Park
When is the best time to visit the Northern Territory?
The Northern Territory is split into two climates. The northern end of the territory, which includes Darwin and Kakadu, is a tropical climate. In this case, you'll want to travel between June and September to avoid high heat and humidity.
The southern portion of the Northern Territory, where you'll find Alice Springs and Uluru, has a desert climate. This means that the days are hot and the nights can reach 0 degrees. The best time to visit Alice Springs is in September when the temperatures are the most comfortable.
The latest deals and discounts on Northern Territory travel
Jetstar sale: Australia-wide flights from $32 each way
Available on flights from April - September 2021 to Launceston, Gold Coast, Hobart, Adelaide, Whitsundays, Townsville, Hamilton Island, Darwin, Uluru and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Adelaide. T&Cs apply.
Available on Qantas flights from April - September 2021. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Launceston, Hobart, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select stay dates when you book 60+ days in advance. Destinations include Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Darwin and more. T&Cs apply.
15% off Australia car rentals + free cancellations
Available on all dates when you spend a minimum of $100. Discount capped at $60. Destinations include Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns, Perth, Darwin, Brisbane, Canberra and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select travel dates 30 September 2021 with Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Rex and Fly Pelican. Destinations include Sydney, Cairns, Brome, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Perth, Darwin and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on select flight until 30 September 2021 with Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Rex. Destinations include Gold Coast, Sydney, Darwin, Launceston, Broome, Sydney, Perth and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Launceston. T&Cs apply.
Alice Springs: Up to 10% off hot air balloon flight
Available for travel until 31 March 2022 for a 30-60 minute flight experience. Includes hotel pick up and drop off, and light refreshments. T&Cs apply.
Available on rentals until 31 March 2021 across Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Darwin, Cairns, Broome and more. Minimum of 180 days advance booking. T&Cs apply.
Available on activities including sightseeing tours, lunch and dinner cruises, snorkeling experiences and more. Destinations include Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Darwin, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart and more. T&Cs apply.
Valid on select experiences and activities like skydiving, scenic helicopter flights, kayaking, whale watching and more. Destinations include Sydney, Byron, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Darwin and Perth. T&Cs apply.
Up to $600 off per couple for guided holidays and inspiring journeys
Available for travel from 1 April 2021 - 31 March 2022 across Australia and New Zealand, including Uluru, Darwin, Cairns, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, Queenstown and more. T&Cs apply.
Available on stays until 23 December 2021 when you join Oaks Discovery. Destinations include Gold Coast, Broome, Darwin, Sydney, Adelaide, Auckland, Wellington and more. Minimum night stays required on select hotels. T&Cs apply.
Available on select stay dates in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Darwin, Canberra and more. Sample rate is for a stay at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort in Cairns. T&Cs apply.
Available on select dates and tours in Abu Dhabi, Chicago, Darwin, Dubai, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, London, Miami, Muscat, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, Rome, San Francisco, Sydney, Vienna and Washington DC. T&Cs apply.
Mother's Day sale: Australia and New Zealand stays from $129/ night
Plus get 10% off when you join My Oaks. Available on stays until 23 December 2021. Destinations include Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Broome, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide, Wellington and more.
Tamara Medojevic is a graduate travel writer at Finder and works to make sure you’re getting the most for your dollar. She graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Journalism. Tamara believes that travelling is an experience that can be enjoyed on all budgets. She loves writing and can be found immersed in poetry on her days off.
These kid-friendly destinations in the NT are the perfect way to introduce kids to the stunning territory, from the Top End to the Red Centre, including a list of our favourite swimming spots for the ultimate cool down.
Spend your weekend bushwalking, beach bumming and sampling some of the state's best local produce when you hit the road on one of these hot little road trips.
The Australian autumn is truly a beautiful time to explore the nation, and to get you out and about we've honed in on eight destinations that really shine this season.
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