When all you want to do is get your boots dusty and your tyres muddy, the Northern Territory is the place to be.
Sprawling national parks, wondrous rock formations, and sacred Aboriginal sites are everywhere in the Top End… and the best way to see it all is to get behind the wheel and drive. Here are 10 trips you’ve gotta do.
1. Darwin to Litchfield – 116 km
A simple daytrip that will reward you with the sandstone slopes, waterfalls, and rainforests of Litchfield National Park. Set out in a 4WD and you can even access the ‘Lost City’ – a collection of natural sandstone marvels that look like they were carved by humans (but they weren’t).
Where to stay: There are plenty of camping options available at Litchfield Tourist Park, as well as cabins for those who prefer ‘glamping’.
2. Darwin to Kakadu – 253 km
No Northern Territory getaway would be complete without a trip to Kakadu National Park to see the many wetlands and wildlife wonders on offer. You could do this drive in a day, but don’t – you’ll miss out on way too much. Potential stops along the way include the mango plantations of Humpty Doo, the Adelaide River jumping crocodile cruise, and plenty more scenic attractions to light up your Instagram.
Where to stay: The Mary River Wilderness Retreat has camping spots, safari tents, and bungalows, as well as a restaurant and two pools to relax by.
3. Explorer’s Way – 3028 km
John McDouall Stuart was one of Australia’s most accomplished inland explorers, and you can follow in his footsteps with this trek from South Australia to Darwin. The Explorer’s Way cuts through the entire length of the NT and will take you to many of its most famous sites, including Uluru, Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk National Park, and Tennant Creek.
Where to stay: For some homey comfort and a tempting pool, head to Bluestone Motor Inn in Tenant Creek.
4. Darwin to Alice Springs – 1497 km
A slightly easier (but no less fun) way to see the NT’s big sights is to take the highway from Darwin to Alice Springs. On the way you can check out awesome attractions like Katherine Gorge, the Mataranka Hot Springs, numerous natural waterholes, and some incredible Aboriginal heritage sites. Don’t miss Karlu Karlu, aka the Devil’s Marbles – a unique rock formation crafted by nature over millions of years.
Where to stay: There are plenty of great hotels in Alice Springs, like DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs.
5. Nature’s Way – 457 km
Are you a navigator who always loses the map or finds a way to get lost? Don’t worry – this trip will make things simple for you. It’s a perfect round trip from Darwin to Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks, then back to Darwin again. It also takes in Pine Creek’s historic buildings, which were built during the gold rush of the 1870s.
Where to stay: Darwin has great stays to suit all budgets, but Skycity Darwin and the Hilton Darwin offer the most luxury.
6. Berry Springs – 47 km
Looking for a short daytrip out of Darwin? This little hop will take you to Berry Springs Nature Park, where you can hike, swim, or check out the local flora and fauna.
Where to stay: Rydges Palmerston – Darwin on the south-east side of Darwin offers 4.5-star luxury close to Berry Springs.
7. Arnhem Way – 730 km
If you’ve come to the NT with your 4WD and fishing rods at the ready, this is the trip for you. This drive through East Arnhem Land to the Gove Peninsula will take you through woodlands and over rivers, with plenty of spots for fishing along the way. Just remember that you’ll need a permit to enter many Arnhem Land sites. Check the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation and East Arnhem Land websites for more info.
Where to stay: Walkabout Lodge in Nhulunbuy is a top place to rest your muddy boots when you’re tired of camping.
8. Red Centre Way – 700 km
It wouldn’t a trip to the NT if you didn’t make it to the heart of the Red Centre – Uluru. Sure, you could take one of the easy ways from Alice Springs (a 445km drive on a sealed highway or a 55min flight), but where’s the adventure in that? Instead, the Red Centre Way lets you explore the West MacDonnell Ranges, Gosses Bluff, Glen Helen Gorge, and Kings Canyon for truly unique bush experience.
Where to stay: Kick back and relax after a busy day of Kings Canyon bushwalking at Kings Canyon Resort.
9. West MacDonnell Ranges – 135 km
Another trip that could be done in a day, though it would be a terrible waste. Give yourself three days and get ready to see some of Australia’s most incredible rock formations – the West MacDonnell Ranges – in a drive that takes you from Alice Springs to Glen Helen Gorge.
Where to stay: There is a fantastic range of accommodation options at Glen Helen Homestead Lodge.
10. Binns Track – 2191 km
One of the NT’s most recently forged 4WD trails, Binns Track is an epic drive that’s not for beginners. Travel from Mount Dare on the South Australian border to the NT township of Timber Creek, taking in Alice Springs, the MacDonnell Ranges, the Davenport Ranges, Tennant Creek, and Gregory National Park along the way.
Where to stay: Rest up before you start at Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis.
