Unmissable short and long NT road trips
Kickstart your 2025 holiday plans with an unforgettable road trip through the Northern Territory.
The Territory boasts an array of one-of-a-kind driving experiences. Explore everything from World Heritage sites and native wildlife to stunning landscapes, vibrant Indigenous cultures, world-class fishing and spectacular light shows.Whether you’re flying in to rent a car or planning an epic road trip from home, the NT offers an incredible variety of driving holidays to suit every interest and itinerary.Whether it’s a quick getaway lasting a few days or a more extended 4WD or campervan journey lasting 10 days or longer, you'll find both paved and off-road routes through iconic destinations like Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, Tennant Creek, and beyond.
Short drives
Greater Litchfield Loop (3–4 days): Buckle up for an unforgettable Top End adventure with the Greater Litchfield Loop, a road trip rich with stunning landscapes and quintessential Aussie culture. Start in Darwin, then visit the historic town of Batchelor, Litchfield National Park, and fishing hotspot Dundee Beach. Swim at Litchfield’s crystal-clear Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, and Wangi Falls. Marvel at magnetic termite mounds and try your luck catching a Million Dollar Fish! Along the way, check out quirky Aussie pubs like Adelaide River Inn, Berry Springs Tavern, and the iconic Humpty Doo Hotel.
Kakadu Explorer (4 days): Explore the dual World Heritage-listed Kakadu, brimming with native wildlife, ancient landscapes, and epic off-road trails. From Darwin, drive to Jabiru and visit the Marrawuddi Arts & Culture Centre, before croc spotting at Cahill’s Crossing and catching sunset at ancient Aboriginal rock art site, Ubirr. Start day two with a magical sunrise at Nawurlandja Lookout, followed by a guided Aboriginal cultural tour and wildlife-rich Yellow Water Cruise. On day three, hit the trails to Maguk or Jim Jim Falls (seasonal), and relax at Cooinda’s luxe Yellow Water Villas or laid-back campground. Finish ith a scenic drive back to Darwin via Pine Creek, Adelaide River and Berry Springs.
People canoeing at Nitmiluk Gorge.
Katherine and Nitmiluk Explorer (4 days): Discover the Katherine region’s pristine swimming spots and spectacular landscapes. Drive from Darwin to Katherine, stopping by the Lazy Lizard Tavern before taking a soothing dip at Katherine Hot Springs. Camp under the stars at Gorge View Bush Retreat, then spend the day at Nitmiluk National Park kayaking gorges, experiencing Aboriginal culture, and dining aboard a sunset cruise. Begin day three with sunrise at Baruwei Lookout, then head to Elsey National Park to bathe in the turquoise waters of Bitter Springs and Mataranka thermal pools. Finish your adventure with a cozy stay at Mataranka Homestead and a refreshing swim at Leliyn (Edith Falls) en route back to Darwin.
Alice Springs Explorer (4 days): All roads lead to Alice Springs (Mparntwe) for outback adventure! Begin your trip with a short drive to Simpsons Gap, where sunsets transform cliffs into glowing masterpieces. Afterwards, dine at the iconic Hanuman and unwind at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, featured in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Start your next day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, then explore the awe-inspiring Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, cooling off at Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen. After dark, enjoy a nocturnal wildlife tour at Alice Springs Desert Park or stargaze at Earth Sanctuary. On days three and four, discover Alice’s quirky cafés, vibrant Aboriginal art centres, and lesser-known treasures like the East MacDonnell Ranges, Rainbow Valley and Standley Chasm – Angkerle Atwatye.
How you can save in the NT with RACQ member benefits
Epic drives
Red Centre Way (5–6 days): The legendary Red Centre Way offers majestic landscapes, rich cultural experiences and iconic sacred sites. Starting in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), journey through the stunning Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges to Kings Canyon in the newly National Heritage-listed Watarrka National Park. Hike the Rim Walk or view the canyon’s grandeur by scenic helicopter. Continue to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Australia’s Spiritual Heart, and watch Uluru’s incredible colours transform from dawn to dusk. Join an immersive Aboriginal cultural tour, dine under starry skies, or enjoy dazzling light shows like Winjiri Wiru and the new Sunrise Journeys. On the way back to Alice, visit Mount Connor and the shimmering Lake Amadeus, the NT’s largest salt lake.
Nature’s Way (7–9 days): Follow the Nature’s Way loop to explore the national park trifecta: Litchfield, Nitmiluk and Kakadu. Start in Darwin and drive to Kakadu’s untamed wilderness to see lush wetlands, abundant birdlife and saltwater crocs in the wild. Connect with the world’s oldest continuous living cultures and discover ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy (Nourlangie), before heading to Katherine via Pine Creek, a historic gold rush town. In Katherine, experience the breathtaking Nitmiluk National Park, vibrant art galleries and street murals, and the award-winning Katherine Outback Experience. Next, venture to Litchfield National Park, a breathtaking haven of stunning waterfalls, lush rainforests, and serene waterholes. Discover hidden gems like Upper Cascades and Greenant Creek /Tjaetaba Falls, before heading back to Darwin.
East Woody beach at Nhulumbuy.
Arnhem Way (7–9 days): From Katherine to Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula, the Arnhem Way leads to a remote untouched paradise where nature reigns supreme, Begin your journey along the Central Arnhem Road, pit-stopping at Barunga and Wugularr (Beswick) along the way. Arrive in Nhulunbuy just in time for a sunset drink at the Gove Boat Club, where the Top End's legendary sunsets put on a show. Spend the next week exploring East Arnhem's pristine beaches, spectacular lookouts, epic 4WD trails, lush wetlands, and secluded walking tracks. Camp or stay in an off-grid wilderness lodge, connect with Aboriginal culture on a locally guided tour, or join a fishing charter to tackle some of the world’s best fishing and try to catch a Million Dollar Fish.
Binns Track (10 days): Set off on an epic four-wheel-drive adventure through some of the Northern Territory’s best-kept secrets. Beginning at the NT/SA border, the Binns Track ventures through breathtaking remote landscapes – from the stunning Boab trees and limestone cliffs of Judbarra/Gregory National Park to the extraordinary beauty of the Iytwelepenty/Davenport Ranges. Discover incredible camping spots, charming outback homesteads and far-flung historic towns like Arlunga, Gemtree and Tennant Creek. Along the way, uncover hidden treasures like the East MacDonnell Ranges, including Trephina Gorge, N’Dhala Gorge, and Ruby Gap, and the awe-inspiring granite boulders of Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles.
Savannah Way (14 days): Pack your 4WD with camping and fishing gear and hit the Savannah Way, one of Australia’s best off-the-beaten-track escapes. Starting in Queensland, this epic adventure takes you through NT’s stunning savannah landscapes before finishing in Broome, WA. Catch barramundi at King Ash Bay, immerse yourself in wildlife and Indigenous culture at Seven Emu Station, and marvel at Limmen National Park’s surreal Lost City. Explore spectacular national parks and thermal pools in Katherine, kick back at the iconic Daly Waters Pub, and discover incredible gorge country and walking trails at Judburra/Gregory National Park. Finish at Keep National Park, a secluded gem offering ancient Aboriginal rock art, diverse wildlife, and striking sandstone formations often likened to the Bungle Bungles in WA.
Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) on the Explorers Way road trip.
Explorers Way (14 days): The Explorers Way is one of Australia’s great road trips, spanning 3,000 kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin (or vice versa) through the heart of the country. Along the way, discover iconic natural wonders like Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, the MacDonnell Ranges, Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles, Nitmiluk, and Litchfield National Parks. Immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, from off-the-beaten track trails and dramatic rock formations to pristine water holes and kaleidoscopic sunsets. Beyond the scenery, dive into rich arts and culture; join an immersive Aboriginal cultural tour; dine under the stars; explore a diversity of art centres; enjoy cutting-edge light shows; or share a yarn at a quirky outback pub.
Hidden 4WD gems
Finke Gorge 4WD Track (1 day): Finke Gorge National Park, a hidden gem for 4WD enthusiasts, is just a handy day trip from Alice Springs. This remote park is home to the ancient Finke River (believed to be the world's oldest), carving through dramatic gorges and rocky landscapes. The Finke Gorge 4WD Track promises adventure with rugged trails, secluded camping spots, and unique Red Centre landscapes. Its star attraction, Palm Valley, dazzles with thousands of rare Red Cabbage Palms – a relic of a time when Central Australia was lush with tropical rainforests millions of years ago. The valley's towering red cliffs, sandy riverbeds, and tropical palms create an otherworldly outback oasis unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Tjaynera Falls at Sandy Creek.
Reynolds River 4WD Track (Litchfield National Park (1–2 days): A day trip from Darwin or an easy addition to the Greater Litchfield Loop, the Reynolds River 4WD Track in Litchfield National Park is your ticket to some of the Top End’s best secret spots. This 44km adventure, accessible only during the dry season, winds through stunning sandstone landscapes, lush tropical rainforests, and secluded water holes that feel like paradise found. Cool off in the beautiful Tjaynera Falls (Sandy Creek Falls) or Surprise Creek Falls, explore the historic Blyth Homestead, marvel at magnetic termite mounds, and wander the surreal sandstone spires of the Lost City. If you’re keen to linger longer, well-maintained campsites at Sandy Creek and Surprise Creek Falls make it easy to turn your trek into an overnight stay.
For more information on NT road trips, visit northernterritory.com/drive.
Source Tourism NT
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