Your guide to the best drive experiences in the NT

Territorians have one of the best backyards in the world. Stretching between Australia’s Red Centre heart to the azure Timor Sea, you’ll find world-class iconic wonders, breathtaking natural landscapes and non-stop experiences that leave you wanting more.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a quick getaway to recharge your batteries, the NT has the drive for you – starting with the best known regions along sealed roads or pack up the 4WD to explore further.

Short NT road trips (2–5 days)

The NT offers ways to tick off the sites along easy-breezy sealed roads where you can discover ancient history, art and nature in all its pristine wonder.

Darwin to Litchfield National Park

With its refreshing swimming spots, picturesque waterfalls and leisurely walks, Litchfield National Park is a popular getaway for a day or weekend. A 90-minute drive from Darwin, check out Berry Springs, another beautiful swimming hole and Batchelor, the gateway to Litchfield, along the way. At Wangi Falls there’s spacious lawns, barbecues and a café. NT Air operates helicopter flights over the region from here. Also, splash around in Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole, and be dwarfed by the huge cathedral and magnetic termite mounds inside the Park.

Girl at lookout at Florence Falls — Stop at the lookout to get a full view of Florence Falls before following the stairs or taking the longer boardwalk option to reach the bottom of the falls for a swim

Dundee Beach & Crab Claw Island

Further along Cox Peninsular Road, on the other side of Darwin’s expansive harbour, discover Crab Claw Island, Dundee Beach and quiet rivers, perfect for catching that prized barramundi. These local hotspot havens offer peaceful sea views, camping, cabins, bars and restaurants perfect for relaxing tropical beachside getaways and fishing weekends.

Crab Claw Island in the Top End — Drive to Crab Claw Island for an afternoon of fishing or enjoy the surroundings over lunch and with a dip in the resort pool

Darwin to Kakadu National Park

World-heritage listed Kakadu National Park is high on everyone’s list and not a place to be rushed. A straight three-hour drive on the Arnhem Highway, tours offer day trips but when you’re driving it’s the ideal three or four-day getaway with much to see and do.

Stop at Humpty Doo Pub, Fogg Dam, Window on the Wetlands, take an Adelaide River Jumping Croc or Corroboree Billabong cruise on the way to Jabiru. Learn about Arnhem Land Aboriginal culture, walk on their land and eyeball many a crocodile on a Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on East Alligator River. Walk around Ubirr rock art site, view the vast Nabad floodplain and stay overnight, either camping or accommodations at Jabiru.

Yellow Water Billabong is a must for a morning or evening cruise while visiting Kakadu National Park

Stroll through the rock shelters and extensive rock art site at Burrungkuy/Nourlangie. Chill in the hidden waterholes at Maguk, Gunlom (where Paul and Linda frolicked in the Croc Dundee movie) or Jim Jim Falls. Birdwatch at Murrill Billabong and immerse yourself in the culture of Kakadu’s traditional owners, the Bininj and Mungguy people at Warradjan Cultural Centre. Stay at Cooinda Lodge Kakadu after enjoying a sunset cruise with wine and canapes on Yellow Water Billabong.

If you have more time continue to Katherine on Nature’s Way loop. Visit Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Cruise or canoe these peaceful waters between towering orange cliffs. Along the Stuart Highway back to Darwin check out the old gold mining town of Pine Creek, Adelaide River and its war cemetery and relax in refreshing waterways at Litchfield National Park or Berry Springs.

Darwin to Katherine

The NT’s fourth largest town Katherine is an easy three-hour drive from Darwin on the Stuart Highway and another ideal three to four-day break.

Katherine’s spirit will capture your soul. There’s something adventurous or relaxing around every corner. Swim at Katherine Hot Springs, Low Level Nature Park, and Leliyn (Edith Falls), venture underground at Cutta Cutta and Kintore Caves, and canoe, cruise or walk the trails at Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge. An hour further south spend time at idyllic thermal springs in Elsey National Park.

Cultural experiences around town include Top Didj, with hands-on Rarrk painting, fire-lighting and spear throwing, or learn about station life and pat some animals at Katherine Outback Experience.

The food doesn’t disappoint either. Must-tries are the massive fresh toasted sandwich at Black Russian Caravan, Pop Rocket Café’s famous salmon stack, a fine dining dinner on the Nabilil Dreaming sunset cruise along Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, or a traditional camp oven meal under the stars at Marksie’s Stockman’s Camp.

Make time to stop at Pine Creek and Adelaide River on the way down or back and discover their respective gold mining and WWII history.

Stop in at Leliyn/Edith Falls for a swim and to have lunch at the kiosk (or take your own) between Darwin and Katherine

Katherine to Keep River National Park – 5 Days

This stunning five-day road trip is part of the Savannah Way – an epic and exciting journey across Australia from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia.

One of the Northern Territory’s best-kept secrets, this section rewards self-sufficient travellers with rugged red escarpments and rivers set amongst tropical savannah forests of Gregory and Keep River National Parks. It’s the ideal way to see and feel what Australia is made of and a haven for fishers, hikers and photographers.

Stop at quirky Victoria River Roadhouse and Timber Creek along the way. Enjoy escarpment walks, the surrounding WWII history, fishing, abundant bird and wildlife. Keep River is rich in ancient rock art sites and spectacular rock formations. Some tracks are unsealed and 4WD access only in Judbarra/Gregory, Flora River Nature Park and Keep River.

View over Gregory National Park — Be well prepared with a 4WD on a visit to Keep River National Park along the Savannah Way

Alice Springs Explorer – 4 Days

Choose this short drive from Alice Springs that takes you into Australia’s spiritual and physical heart. Hidden amongst the towering red rock gorges of the MacDonnell Ranges are rejuvenating swimming holes, striking landscapes and many mind-clearing short walking trails to share with the friendly wildlife. This area is also home to the 223km Larapinta Trail from Alice Springs to Mt Sonder. It’s divided into 12 sections if you’re a keen walker pick one to appreciate the picturesque surrounds.

Alice Springs is making a name for itself amongst its hip cafes, markets and Aboriginal art centres and galleries. See the unique wildlife at the Desert Park. Overlook the town from Anzac Hill or take a hot air balloon flight overlooking the MacDonnell Ranges.

See Simpson’s Gap and Standley Chasm. Splash around in Ellery Creek, Glen Helen, Ormiston and Redbank Gorges – all have walking trails and camping nearby, and your only neighbours are beautiful birds, curious lizards and marsupials. Take the loop back via Hermannsburg, home of renowned Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira. Visit this historic settlement and sample their flavoursome apple strudel.

Picnic at Ellery Creek — Take a picnic and settle in for the afternoon at Ellery Creek Big Hole

Alice Springs to Uluru – Red Centre Way

This 1,750km 5-day sealed road loop ticks off iconic Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Watarrka/Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges.

The Red Centre Way route includes Simpson’s Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Glen Helen, Ormiston and Redbank Gorges. At Kings Canyon, walk the rim and breathe in the awe-inspiring canyon floor views or take to the air in a helicopter.

Along the Lasseter Highway to Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park pass Mt Conner, often mistaken for Uluru, and the salt plains of Lake Amadeus. Take a walk or partake in a paper making workshop nearby.

Ayers Rock Resort, a town centre close to the park, has a variety of accommodation and dining options from 1 to 5 stars and even a campground where you can set up under the million-star sky.

Viewing these icons and the Field of Light at sunrise and sunset is a must. Their colours change with the seasons and time of day — it’s sensory overload. There are walks around the base, or hire a bicycle or jump on a Segway. Camel rides just outside the park allow you to experience the outback with Uluru in the background.

On the way back to Alice Springs stop at Curtin Springs Wayside Inn — a working cattle station with accommodation and on-site café.

Field of Light at Uluru — Take a picnic and settle in for the afternoon at Ellery Creek Big Hole

Long NT road trips (6+ days)

Choose from one of the NT's epic road journeys that takes you beyond the highlights or discover how to make the most of your trip travelling to the Top End or Red Centre by car, caravan or camper trailer.

Explorers Way

The iconic Explorers Way journey stretches north-south across Australia’s middle from Adelaide in South Australia to Darwin at the top of the Northern Territory. If time is an issue, choose shorter sections within the NT — Alice to Tennant, to Katherine or Darwin — each is equally rewarding.

Two cars in front of Daly Waters Pub — Stop in at the iconic Daly Waters Pub along the Explorers Way

Savannah Way

The full length of the Savannah Way is the other epic and motivating journey across Australia from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia. It can also be experienced in shorter routes or travelled from west to east. The Savannah Way offers something for everyone, from picturesque escarpments, huge river systems, waterfalls and some real life ‘Aussie outback’ experiences.

Nitmiluk Gorge — The Savannah Way takes you through the Top End region of the Northern Territory

Arnhem Way

Arnhem Land is a region of wild wetlands, rugged escarpment and coastlines sparkling with blue waters that lead to winding inland rivers and savannah woodland habitats. The Central Arnhem Road along the Arnhem Way starts 50km south of Katherine and finishes in Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. This route will take you on an adventure through open savannah woodlands as you cross creeks and spot a variety of wildlife. Please note that when travelling to Arnhem Land you will require a permit from the Northern Land Council.

Bawaka in East Arnhem Land — The Central Arnhem Road starts 50 km south of Katherine and finishes in Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula

Binns Track

The Binns Track is an epic four-wheel drive adventure that takes you through spectacular scenery allowing you to explore some of the lesser-known sights of the Red Centre and the grandeur of big rivers while making your way north in the Top End.

Savannah Way road trip — Make your way through the Red Centre and Top End along the 4WD journey of the Binns Track

Overlanders Way

The 1,550km Overlanders Way from Townsville’s coral coast in Queensland to the Territory’s central region of Tennant Creek covers the unexpected – everything from ancient geological sites to the Gold Rush and WWII history trailing through vast cattle grazing regions.