Amazing road trips to explore in the NT

Australian TravellerBy Australian Traveller
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A Northern Territory road trip means experiencing the ancient culture while journeying through breathtaking landscapes, incredible sunsets and the starriest night skies you can imagine.

Here are our favourite NT road trips you can’t miss.

1. Darwin to Kakadu, NT

Barrelling down red dirt roads that lead to the next cache of jaw-dropping rock art and secret swimming spots, and crossing rivers by driving right through them: a Kakadu road trip might be easily ticked off the bucket list from Darwin but feels like an unforgettable adventure into uncharted territory.

Kakadu Rock Art
Transport yourself into Australia’s rich and ancient history by discovering rock art at Kakadu. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Distance:

256 kilometres

Stay:

Glamp in one of Cooinda Lodge’s Outback Retreats.

2. Kings Canyon to Uluru, NT

While flying into Kings Canyon’s red-dirt airstrip in the heart of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre affords jaw-dropping aerial views of the arid, russet-toned landscape, opt to leave the dramatic surrounds by road to take in the outback vistas – and the unique experiences it offers – at closer quarters.

The journey from Watarrka National Park to Uluru charts a roughly 325-kilometre course along Luritja Road and the Lasseter Highway, traversing a relentlessly flat landscape that is punctuated with low, tawny scrub that merges with infinite blue skies at the always-elusive horizon.

Departing Kings Canyon

If setting off from Kings Canyon Resort, take the time to visit Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience & Tours (34 kilometres along the Luritja Road), owned and operated by Christine Breaden and Peter Abbott who live on the land of their ancestors in the small Aboriginal Community of Wanmarra (population 10) and proudly preserve and maintain their Luritja and Pertame (Southern Aranda) language.

Kings Canyon Hiking
Lace-up your hiking boots, and wander among the soaring sandstone walls of Kings Canyon. (Image: Tourism NT/Jess Caldwell)

Curtain Springs Station to Mt Conner (Atila/Artilla)

Another 182 kilometres down the road, the roadhouse at the 405,000-hectare Curtain Springs Station (which narrowly avoided being called Stalin Springs in the 1940s in honour of the despotic Russian leader after the then owner’s son objected; they named it after Prime Minister John Curtin instead) is a timely stop to stock up on drinks and use the facilities (signs point out toilets for the blokes and sheilas ) before continuing on to take in the behemoth form of Mt Conner (Atila/Artilla), known as Fooluru due to its habit of foxing uninformed tourists, and the shimmering white expanse of Lake Amadeus.

 

My Conner Northern Territory
Breathe in the majesty of the outback, punctuated by marvels such as the magnificent Mt Conner (aka Fooluru). (Credit: Tourism NT)

Uluru

The last leg of the drive to Uluru takes just under two hours, delivering you to one of the world’s true wonders at the end of a truly wondrous journey.

The sun sets over one of the great natural wonders of the world, Uluru towers above the surrounding landscape. (Image: Tourism NT/Che Chorley)
Uluru is not only a spectacular natural formation, but it’s also a deeply spiritual place. (Image: Tourism NT/Che Chorley)

Stay:

In the Dreamtime Escarpment luxury tents at Kings Creek Station near Kings Canyon and Longitude 131° overlooking Uluru for bookended luxury.

3. Darwin to Katherine, NT

Freedom. The warmth of the sun. Wild waterholes. The expectation has me belting up early for the adventure from Darwin to Katherine. At the one-hour mark I can’t help nipping off the Stuart Highway for a dip at Litchfield National Park’s Florence Falls.

Florence Falls Litchfield
Florence Falls offer a refreshing respite from the North Australian heat. (Image: Tourism NT/Lucy Ewing)

Hair sopping, I roll the windows down and, by the time I pull into Adelaide River’s general store, my blow-dry is complete. I enjoy a homemade veggie pie (worth the trip alone) and cruise for another hour past plains pockmarked with termite mounds to historic Pine Creek.

At the Lazy Lizard Tavern,  I admire the mud-brick walls (from local termite mounds) while sipping a lemon, lime and bitters. Next stop is Leliyn (Edith Falls) with its beguiling natural pools, which have hypnotised many an ‘overnight camper’ into not pulling up tent pegs for days. But not this old girl. Post-swim, I swish the last hour down the track towards my ultimate destination – Katherine Hot Springs.

Road trip in Katherine NT
Experience iconic Australia and hit the open road around world-renown Katherine. (Image: Tourism NT/Let’s Escape Together)

Distance:

317 kilometres

Stay:

Eco-friendly Cicada Lodge  blends in with its khaki-clad surrounds.

Words by Leah McLennan

4. Arnhem Way, NT

Hit the road in the Top End for a 4WD adventure into one of Australia’s last unspoilt areas. The Arnhem Way starts 50 kilometres south of Katherine and heads north-east to Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula. You’ll need a permit from the Northern Land Council to travel here but the extra admin is worth it for your chance to experience the culture and beauty of the region it helps preserve.

The eye-opening journey affords the opportunity to splash in freshwater swimming holes, visit Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre at Yirrkala, walk through wetlands, stroll the sands of the spectacular East Arnhem Land coastline, and even steal away to eco-friendly Banubanu Beach Retreat on Bremer Island, a 15-minute flight from the peninsula.

East Arnhem land
Adventure into Arnhem land for serene swimming spots and stretches of breathtaking coastline. (Image: Tourism NT/Mark Fitzpatrick)

Distance:

730 kilometres

5. Join a tour of the Red Centre, NT

Get straight to the crux of it – the country that is – with Globus on a Gems of the Red Centre journey through the heart of Australia.

Kata Tjuta
Admire the awe-inspiring Kata Tjuta, an iconic landmark and Indigenous sacred site. (Image: Tourism NT/Helen Orr)

Over six days, this small-group discovery tour (its average of 20–24 people per departure promises room to roam and up-close-and-personal experiences along with the benefit of letting someone else drive) travels by coach from Alice Springs to Uluru via Kings Canyon, taking in all the highlights and more: from an interlude at West MacDonnell Ranges’ stunning Standley Chasm Angkerle Atwatye to spectacular canyon walks to the medley of unforgettable experiences that await at Uluru itself.

Standley Chasm Hike
Lace up your hiking boots and take in the magnificent geology of Australia’s red centre. (Image: Tourism NT/Salty Aura)

Distance:

660 kilometres

6. A 4WD tour of the Binns Track, NT

Clocking in at an epic 2230 kilometres, the Binns Track (named for ranger Bill Binns, a 32-year veteran with NT Parks and Wildlife) is the kind of road trip that reminds you just how vast and untamed much of our country is.

Binns Track dunes
Revel in the rich reds of the earth in a journey into the heart of Australia. (Image: Tourism NT/Steve Strike)

The journey charts a course through the Central Australian landscape, from Alice Springs to Timber Creek, taking in Gemtree, Tennant Creek and Dunmarra along the way. And then there’s the scenery: a seemingly infinite sweep of rich ochre sand that only nature could make so perfect. The drive is 4WD all the way, so let professionals like Outback Spirit do the hard work while you take it all in over 13 unforgettable days.

Binns track 4WD road NT
Kick back as your tour guide navigates through the unforgettable scenery of the Central Australian landscape. (Image: Tourism NT/Steve Strike)

7. Litchfield Loop, NT

There are myriad reasons that Darwin is an amazing place to live, top among them is having a national park as dramatic and diverse as Litchfield as its backyard. A 90-minute drive from the Northern Territory capital, the sights within this national park of some 1500 square kilometres are enough to fill a month’s worth of day trips. Heading out of the city take National Highway 1 and aim for the town of Batchelor, the gateway to the park and all its wonders. And when you are ready to head back, take the B30 via Tumbling Waters and Berry Springs to complete a scenic loop.

Buley Rockhole Northern Territory
Cool off in the cascading pools at Buley Rockhole. (Image: Tourism NT/Backyard Bandits)

Five falls to fall for at Litchfield (and remember to pack your swimmers)

  • Wangi Falls
  • Florence Falls
  • Tolmer Falls
  • Surprise Creek Falls
  • Tjaynera Falls
Wangi Falls From Above
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to waterfalls in Litchfield National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Dan Moore )

Distance:

293 kilometres

Stay:

Book a tour with Matt Wright’s Top End Safari Camp for bucket-list Litchfield experiences and a night in a luxury glamping tent in the Peninsula Way region, northwest of the park.

 

Keep reading our special Top 100 Road Trips in Australia editorial series.
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8 Red Centre locations to explore after seeing the new movie, Kangaroo

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
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    Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

    In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

    “By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

    still from kangarro film
    See Kangaroo, then visit the real-life filming locations.

    And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

    “There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

    If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

    1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

    artist at Many Hands Art Centre
    Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

    The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

    2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

    The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move
    Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

    Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

    “The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

    To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

    3. Ormiston Gorge

    woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs
    Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

    The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

    Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

    Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

    4. Standley Chasm

    woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs
    Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

    The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

    Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

    5. Simpsons Gap

    three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs
    Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

    Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

    Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

    6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

    aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs
    Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

    When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

    Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

    “It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

    7. Larapinta Drive

    aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs
    Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

    There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

    Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

    8. Todd River

    competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs
    Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

    Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

    When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

    See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.