NEWS & EVENTS with JAWA Off Road Campers
Seeing Uluru in person should be on every caravanner’s bucket list. It’s a truly unforgettable experience. But if you’re travelling from Darwin, there’s a lot of ground to cover between NT’s capital city and the sacred sandstone monolith. So what should you see on your Northern Territory road trip before you reach Uluru?
Northern Territory Things To Do and See
It’s time to load up the hybrid caravan and get ready to explore the iconic Red Centre. We’ve chosen a diverse mix of stops to make on your way to Uluru – iconic tourist destinations and hidden locations you can only access by taking the (4WD) road less travelled!
Things To Do Before You Go
- When planning your visit, consider the seasons. The dry season (late April to late September) is far less hot and humid, but it is typically a peak time for tourists. Some destinations are particularly stunning in the wet season (October to May), but many are closed or difficult to access due to heavy rains.
- The NT is crocodile country. Be Crocwise and stay safe.
- Set up an account on the Northern Territory Parks Booking System. You’ll need this to buy NT Parks Passes and book walking trails. You can also secure camping sites up to 6 months in advance.
- Permits for Kakadu National Park can be purchased here. Allow up to 14 days for approval.
- Privately operated destinations will have their own booking systems.
- Check for local updates regarding road closures, etc. before and during your Northern Territory road trip.
Litchfield National Park
Distance from Darwin: 116 km approx.
Nearby Town: Batchelor
While most road trips that begin in Darwin head east for Kakadu, we recommend making the 60-minute drive south to Litchfield National Park. Covering an area of roughly 1,500 square kilometres, this place is tiny as far as national parks go (Kakadu is almost 20,000 square kilometres!), but its natural beauty will leave a huge impression. Planning your visit early in the dry season is the best way to see the waterfalls without enduring the extreme weather of the wet season.
Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park. Image by Tourism NT.
Highlights:
- Behold the spectacular Wangi Falls.
- Take a dip at Buley Rockhole.
- Check out the towering termite mounds.
- Take the 4WD track to The Lost City.
Caravan Camping at Litchfield National Park
The park has a range of 2WD and 4WD camping sites which you’ll need to book ahead for.
Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge): Kakadu National Park
Distance from Litchfield National Park: 318 km approx.
Nearby Town: Pine Creek
Keen to leave the tourist trail and experience Kakadu in a way that so few people get to? Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge) is in the southern part of the park, and you’ll need a permit and a high clearance 4WD vehicle to access it. This secluded spot is culturally significant to the local Jawoyn people, and protecting the fragile environment is of utmost importance. With entry restricted to 40 people at a time, there’s every chance you won’t encounter another person as you explore the rocky cliffs and escarpments, cascades and waterfalls, and deep swimming holes.
Jarrangbarnmi (Koolpin Gorge), Kakadu National Park. Image by AboutNorthNT.com
Highlights:
- Take the challenging Jarrangbarnmi walk, a 4km return hike through the magnificent gorge.
- Take a dip in the Black and Pink plunge pools. This is croc country, so always obey the signage.
Caravan Camping near Jarrangbarnmi
There is camping in Jarrangbarnmi but not for hybrid caravans. If you want to park your van for the night, try Gunlom campground. No bookings are required. Fees are collected once you’re there.
Bitter Springs: Elsey National Park
Distance from Jarrangbarnmi: 321 km approx.
Nearby Town: Mataranka
Elsey National Park is 120 km south of Katherine, on the traditional lands of the Mangarrayi and Yangman peoples, and for those old enough to remember, the setting for the classic Australian novel, We of the Never-Never.
Here, you can embrace a gentler pace and indulge in nature’s own spa experience at Bitter Springs. An easy 500m loop walk is all that’s required to reach the naturally fed, 34°C thermal pools. The gentle current makes this a bit like a lazy river, and visitors often bring a pool noodle so they can kick back and float from one end to the other. Visitors say Bitter Springs is less crowded than nearby Mataranka Thermal Pool, but plan your trip for early morning (7am) or after 4:30pm to enjoy the most peaceful experience.
Bitter Springs, Elsey National Park. Image by Tourism Australia/ Australian Geographic
Other Highlights:
- Fish for Barra in the Roper River.
- Visit the historical WWII Aboriginal Army Camp.
Caravan Camping in Elsey National Park
Jalmurark Campground has non-powered caravan sites.
Frew River 4WD Track: Iytwelepenty/Davenport Ranges National Park
Distance from Elsey National Park: 820 km approx.
Nearby Town: Tennant Creek
If you’re a highly experienced four-wheel driver looking for an authentically rugged Outback experience, add this stop to your Northern Territory road trip. Iytwelepenty (pronounced in-tul-a-punj) spans an area of 1120 square kilometres on the traditional lands of the Alyawarr, Wakaya, Kaytete, and Warumungu peoples. With its rocky ranges, lowland plains, permanent waterholes and abundant birdlife, the wild and untouched beauty of Central Australia will take your breath away.
The Frew River Loop is 17kms of challenging and bumpy terrain that takes you over the top of the ranges, the ideal vantage point for spectacular vistas of the landscape. Prepare for stretches of low-speed, low-range 4-wheel driving – this track is one of the toughest in the NT.
Frew River 4WD Track, Iytwelepenty/Davenport Ranges National Park. Image by Australian Greographic/Heath Holden
Highlights:
- Take a refreshing dip in the Old Police Station Waterhole – but note that during winter, the water is very cold!
- Spend an evening by the campfire and don’t forget to look up – who knew there were so many stars in the sky?
- Don’t miss the picture-perfect sunsets over the waterholes.
Caravan Camping in Iytwelepenty
Old Police Station Waterhole campground is a great choice for those with a fully self-sufficient off-road caravan. You’ll need to pay online before you go.
Standley Chasm: Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park
Distance from Iytwelepenty: 630 km approx.
Nearby Town: Alice Springs
Just 15 minutes’ drive west of Alice Springs, the mountain ranges of the West Macs stretch over an area of 2,568.61 square kilometres. You could spend days exploring all there is to see here, including the famous Larapinta Trail and Simpsons Gap, but if time is limited, head to the ancient geological phenomenon, Standley Chasm.
100% owned and operated by the local Western Arrernte community, Standley Chasm is a sacred site that was an ancient Women’s Dreaming place. It is traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, which means “Gap of Water.” It’s a fitting name for the visually stunning geological formation, a narrow gorge carved into sandstone by millions of years of rainfall and flooding. The craggy chasm rises 80 metres into the sky, the rich red and orange rock glowing most vibrantly at midday. Embark on a self-guided tour of Angkerle Atwatye or take an Aboriginal Guided Tour for a deeply immersive cultural experience. Find out more about booking your visit here.
Standley Chasm, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Image by Tourism NT / Charlie Bliss
Other Highlights of Tjoritja / the West Macs:
- Check out the ancient rock art sites at Wallace Rockhole.
- Head to Ellery Creek Big Hole, a stunning setting for a swim and a picnic.
- Hike to the summit of Mt. Sonder.
Caravan Camping in West MacDonnell National Park
Grass caravan sites can be booked at the Standley Chasm campgrounds, but please note that alcohol is not permitted. You can find more camping options here.
More Remote Road Trip Inspiration
JAWA Off Road Campers is a 100% owned and operated Australian company based on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Queensland. With the significant growth in our brand over the last few years, we have recently branched out and opened a new showroom and service centre in Sydney NSW, so even more Aussie
FOLLOW US
Christmas Caravanning with Kids? The Best Christmas Sites are Already Sold Out!
Offroad Camping on the Nullarbor Plain? Read this First
