NT Guide: The Savannah Way in 14 days

Discover the Savannah Way in this 14-day itinerary, travelling westwards from the NT/QLD border to the NT/WA border crossing through some of the Territory's most remote country between the towns of Borroloola and Timber Creek.

NT/QLD border to Borroloola (262km)

The Savannah Way encompasses 3,700km between Broome in the west and Cairns in the East. The Northern Territory section of the Savannah Way covers almost 1,600km across some of Australia's most remote country and isolated towns. The route takes you through the real Australian outback with plenty of red dirt roads that involve creek crossings and low laying flood ways. A well-equipped 4WD is essential for travelling the Savannah Way - out here you'll need to be completely self-sufficient.

Borroloola is your first stop in the Territory travelling westwards along the Savannah Way.As you get closer to the coastal plains of the Gulf of Carpentaria, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for fishing, bird watching and revelling in nature and the great outdoors.

Be sure to spend time at Seven Emu Station to enjoy camping, fishing, birdwatching, and Aboriginal culture on this genuine outback cattle station.

Borroloola

On arrival, make your way to the Old Police Station Museum and Waralungku Art Centre to familiarise yourself with the area's history. Borroloola is a must-do for fishing enthusiasts with barramundi the most sought after catch. McArthur River Caravan Park is the perfect spot in town with powered and unpowered campsites.

King Ash Bay is 50km from Borroloola and King Ash Bay Fishing Club is right on the banks of the McArthur River, making it the perfect holiday spot - it's a little like its own self-contained community. There's a bistro and bar, 9-hole golf course, accommodation, powered camp sites, supermarket and a fuel station. It’s a great fishing spot to land a barra and explore the Sir Edward Pellew Group of Islands if you have your own boat.

Don't fret if you don't have a boat. McArthur River Fishing Charter offers an excellent charter that will give you lots of local tips and guide you into some epic fishing spots where you mayland a barramundi or coral trout.

Borroloola to Limmen National Park (65km)

Explore the sandstone hills and ridges of Caranbirini Conservation Reserve and Bukalara Ranges, just 46km south of Borroloola. The reserve provides important habitat for wildlife and is an excellent spot for bird watching, bush walking and for taking in the views of pinnacle-shaped structures.

Limmen National Park is popular for sightseeing, fishing and birdwatching along with camping and 4WDing. The national park is also known for its hiking trails, especially around the Southern Lost City area with its rock formations. There's a swimming hole at Butterfly Falls (accessible in dry season).

Explore the iconic Lost City in Limmen National Park (50km)

The Southern Lost City's towering pinnacles within Limmen National Park are connected via walking trails which wind amongst sandstone spires. Far from towns and communities with their intrinsic light pollution, out here you can expect star-spangled night skies, particularly during the dry season when few clouds mean stargazing is next level. Bunker down in one of the campgrounds (make sure to book a campsite online before arrival) and savour the serenity of this far-flung piece of outback Australia.

Limmen National Park to Roper Bar/Daly Waters (392km)

For an adventurous 4WD route, travel north to Roper Bar on the tidal pandanus-fringed Roper River for more spectacular fishing action and an overnight stay at Munbililla (Tomato Island) campground. If you’re after an alternative sealed road route for 2WD vehicles, head to Daly Waters and check out Australia’s war and exploration history. Call in for a drink and meal at the always entertaining Daly Waters Historical Pub.

Stay the night at Daly Waters Pub where there are many options, whether you want to roll out the swag, book a powered site, stay in safari tents or deluxe 2-bedroom cabins. Daly Waters Pub is one of those quintessential Aussie pubs with plenty of character, live entertainment, a great choice of food and beer along with friendly staff. Don't miss it!

Roper Bar/Daly Waters to Mataranka (183/168km)

If you can't find a swimming hole along the Savannah Way you're really not trying hard enough. From thermal hot springs to secluded rock pools and swimming holes, you'll often have them entirely to yourself. Always be crocwise in the Territory and check the local signs about croc safety. But don't be deterred. There are plenty of safe places to cool down and wash away the dust off from the day’s adventures.

Mataranka is a great place to plunge into the thermal pools and crystal-clear streams which is family friendly and safe for swimming. If you want to avoid the crowds of popular Mataranka head to lesser-known Bitter Springs where shady palms and ridiculously blue water make this a truly beautiful spot. Both springs are located in Elsey National Park and are just a short walk away from parking areas with easy access to the pools.

Mataranka to Katherine (106km)

Nitmiluk National Park near Katherine is definitely worthy of a few days exploration. There’s a lot to do with multiple swimming spots, canoeing (in the dry season), scenic helicopter flights or guided boat cruises through the incredible Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, the jewel of the Katherine region. Cruises vary in length from shorter sunrise cruises to all day cruises that visit multiple gorges. Sunset dinner cruises (dry season only) offer a spectacular evening dining experience.

Stay at Nitmiluk Caravan Park which is a well-equipped family-friendly holiday park. Or, for ultimate luxury and a touch of romance, check into Cicada Lodge which sits perched above the Katherine River and has an exceptional restaurant beside the swimming pool.

Take the short walk to Baruwei Lookout for panoramic views of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge and is particularly spectacular at sunset. If you stay until darkness descends, you’ll likely seethousands of bats flying across the sky on their nightly flights.

While you're in the Katherine area don't miss Katherine Outback Experience. Tom Curtain is a a multiple Golden Guitar winner along with being an acclaimed horseman. His show is an entertaining performance of breaking in horses, working dog demonstrations entwined with live music and humorous bush tales. You can also stay overnight in glamping tents and take a guided horse riding tour to really get up close and personal with the country Tom is so enamoured with.

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge to Judbarra/Gregory National Park (Victoria River Roadhouse) (224km)

On your journey to Victoria River, don't miss Giwining/Flora River Nature Park where the Flora River with Kathleen Falls and Djarrung Falls are highlights. Both fresh and saltwater crocs inhabit the river so it's a 'look but don't swim' opportunity only. Drop a line to try and catch a barra and camp overnight at Lorrngurl Campground.

Victoria River Roadhouse is your gateway to scenic adventures where the fishing game is strong and walking trails wind through dramatic landscapes. The roadhouse offers shady camping spots close to the river making it a very pleasant overnight stop where you can dine at the roadhouse or enjoy star-spangled night skies from your camp site.

Lace up your walking shoes and take in some of the spectacular views from trails such as the Escarpment Lookout Walk and you’ll find yourself with panoramic views of the river and valley below. The lookout is particularly special at sunrise or sunset as the landscape takes on a golden glow and kangaroos and wallabies can be spotted feeding on green grasses which are plentiful.

Judbarra/Gregory National Park Victoria River Roadhouse to Timber Creek (91km)

Judbarra/Gregory National Park is the second largest national park in the Northern Territory. There's much to explore around here - you'll probably find that one day is not nearly enough. Especially if walking is your thing. Try the trails around Tibler Creek such as Nackeroo Lookout, Limestone Gorge and Gregory’s Tree for starters.

Stay overnight at Timber Creek Travellers Rest where there is hotel accommodation or powered sites to park the van, along with a small convenience store. A Heritage Trail and Police Station Museum offers insight into the region's history.

4WDers are also spoilt for choice on this section of the Savannah Way. Take the 4WD track to discover the history of Bullita Homestead, an historic cattle station 50km from Timber Creek. For another taste of station life, call ahead to Bullo River Station to let them know you're coming, and settle in for a real taste of Australian outback station life.

Timber Creek to Keep River National Park (200km)

Keep River National Park sits just within the Territory side of the WA/NT border. The landscape has similarity to WA's Bungle Bungles, and you'll notice the boab trees starting to appear in larger numbers. The park has a couple of camping areas with facilities, fire pits along with walking trails which wind through the sandstone structures (make sure your camera battery is fully charged!). View ancient Aboriginal rock art on the Jinumum and Lang-Gerrbi walking trails.

Day 13–14: Kununurra to Broome (1043km)

Leaving the Territory behind, the Savannah Way continues across the NT/WA border, eventually ending in Broome on the Western Australian coast. You'll need more than a few days to continue on westwards. We hope you've had a blast on the Territory section of the Savannah Way!

Start planning your holiday with more NT road trips to explore.