The Northern Territory is brimming with unique holiday adventures along roads and trails less travelled.

Experience everything from World Heritage sites, native wildlife, sacred wonders and spectacular untouched landscapes, to immersive First Nations cultures, world-class fishing, crystal-clear waterways and unforgettable getaways under the stars.

The NT offers an epic range of short and long-drive options to suit all tastes and timelines.

Visit RACQ Travel to plan your next holiday

Choose from quick two to five-day getaways, or 4WD and campervan trips spanning 10 days and more.

These include sealed and off-road routes across iconic regions such as Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, Arnhem Land and Tennant Creek.

NT road trips

Short drives (two to five days)

• Waterfall Hopping around Litchfield National Park (two days): From Darwin, head south to Berry Springs to soak up the first of many water holes in this stunning region. Stop by locals’ favourite, Berry Springs Tavern, before continuing to Litchfield to bask in iconic water holes like Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole. If time allows, check out nearby Dundee Beach or Crab Claw Island – both famous fishing spots in the Top End.
• Kakadu Explorer (four days): A World Heritage-listed icon teeming with native wildlife, breathtaking landscapes and hidden gem trails, Kakadu is also the perfect place to learn about the Bininj and Mungguy people. Stay at Jabiru and visit the famous Ubirr Aboriginal rock art sites and lookout, before watching the sun set over the sprawling floodplains. Stop in at Cooinda for a Yellow Water Cruise to get close to wild crocodiles and visit Burrungkuy to explore more ancient rock art. Depending on the time of year, go off-road and follow 4WD tracks leading to Twin Falls, Jim Jim Falls, Maguk and Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin) gorge.

• Katherine + Nitmiluk Explorer (four days): The spectacular Nitmiluk region will steal your heart with pristine swimming spots and unique wildlife. Grab lunch at the Lazy Lizard Tavern before heading to Katherine Hot Springs and Nitmiluk National Park for the Baruwei Loop Walk. Climb to the top of the gorge for magnificent views of the Katherine River. Other ways to experience this stunning region are by hiring a kayak, enjoying a river cruise or jumping on a scenic helicopter flight. In Katherine, be sure to book a tour with the acclaimed Top Didj Aboriginal cultural experience. Head back to Darwin via Leliyn (Edith Falls) for a refreshing final dip.
• Red Centre Way (five days): Take the trip of a lifetime and uncover the raw beauty of iconic destinations such as Alice Springs, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Watch the sunrise upon a hot air balloon or desert camel ride in Alice Springs, before hitting the road to cool off in the water holes dotted along Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges. Continue on to the spectacular Kings Canyon, before driving to Uluru to bask in the awe of Australia’s Spiritual Heart. This is the quintessential road trip for experiencing red desert sands, cultural icons, spinifex and mulga forest, lush valleys and towering gorges.

Long drives (10 days and more)

• Nature’s Way (eight days): Experience the best of the Top End along this road trip from Darwin to Kakadu and Nitmiluk, returning via Litchfield. Start the journey in Darwin, then take Arnhem Highway to reach the nature lovers’ paradise that is Kakadu. Cruise billabongs filled with lily pads and native birdlife, spot sunbaking crocodiles on riverbanks and ancient rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy. Then, continue to Katherine and Litchfield for more iconic Top End experiences.
• Savannah Way (14 days): From Queensland into the Northern Territory, this is the ultimate desert road adventure. Camp under the stars, witness changing tropical and savannah landscapes and explore some of the 15 national parks and five World Heritage-listed areas in the NT. Visit quirky and iconic watering holes such as the Daly Waters Pub, before soaking in thermal pools in Mataranka. Feeling lucky? Try snagging a Million Dollar Fish in one of the region’s fish-rich waterways.

• Binns Track (10 days): This four-wheel drive adventure takes road-trippers through some lesser-known but equally remarkable sights of the NT. Starting at the South Australian border, travellers will wind through remote national parks, stopping overnight at stunning camping spots. This trail follows the western fringe of the Simpson Desert through gold rush towns to fossick for semi-precious stones. Continue on to the granite boulders of the Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles before finishing at Timber Creek to unwind on a boat cruise or fishing trip.
• Arnhem Way: (seven to 10 days): Arnhem Land is a must-visit for the ultimate immersion into First Nations culture. This rare trip starts near Katherine and ends in Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. Take an Aboriginal-led cultural tour or visit galleries showcasing local artists for a deeper understanding of traditional practices. This region is also home to some of Australia’s most pristine beaches, incredible fishing and stunning wetlands where travellers can spot native wildlife in all their untouched beauty.

Source: Tourism NT

RACQ members save on car rentals with SIXT