Top 10 Caravan Parks in and around Darwin

Hitting the open road in a caravan is one of the best ways to explore Darwin. But where to rest your home on wheels? We’ve got you sorted with these caravan parks.

Sometimes it feels like every caravanner’s road inevitably leads to Darwin. You could be driving tip to tip from Cairns to Darwin, or from the other direction from Broome along the Savannah Way, or emerging from the orange dust of the Red Centre having driven all the way from Alice Springs.

Whichever path you choose, we’ve laid out the best caravan parks in Darwin and a handful of others to check out along the way before you reach your final destination at the Northern Territory capital.

1. Discovery Parks Darwin, Winnellie

11 kilometres from Darwin city

East of the city and close to the airport is the pet-friendly Discovery Parks Darwin . There are accessible cabins, as well as self-contained cabins (with perks like your own kitchen and aircon), studios, and powered sites that come with a choice of grass, gravel and slab site for your caravan.

discovery parks Darwin caravan — Park up close to loads of amenities at Discovery Parks Darwin (Image: Discovery Parks)

Dotted around this pet-friendly caravan park are dump points, a laundry, a barbeque, as well as a swimming pool and kiosk. Once you’ve set up, sit back and crack a cold one, watching the aircraft take off at the nearby airfield.

Don’t have a caravan? No worries. Settle into one of Discovery Parks’ cosy cabins. (Image: Discovery Parks)

2. Darwin Freespirit Resort, Holtze

Nine kilometres from Darwin city

Darwin Freespirit Resort is one of our favourite caravan parks close to the Darwin CBD. You’ll get a four-star resort with cabins, studios and villas, as well as powered sites for caravan and camping. There are also other amenities including camp kitchens, barbeques and laundries.

Darwin Freespirit Main Pool — Take a dip in one of several pools at Darwin Freespirit Resort.

For your downtime, Darwin Freespirit Resort has several pools, a bouncing cushion for the little ones, a bar with daily oh-so-happy hours, live music, and a restaurant with an extensive menu that features local classics like barramundi and king prawns.

Pet stays are dependent on hotel management approval.

well-lit bedroom with cosy amenities at Darwin Freespirit Resort — Get some well-deserved R&R this weekend at Darwin Freespirit Resort.

3. Big4 Hidden Valley, Berrimah

11 kilometres from Darwin city

Ten minutes’ drive south of Darwin is the Big4 Hidden Valley . The caravan park has a mix of villas, family cabins and units, as well as powered sites with a mix of slabs, bathroom ensuites and grass layouts.

You will find camp kitchens and barbeques nearby for a cook-up (or there is Aria’s Kitchen café on site), as well as sullage spots for your wastewater.

When it comes to playtime, take a dip in the saltwater pool or let the kids loose at the playground. Your furry friends are also welcome at this Big4 campground.

a double bed and two bunk beds inside the ensuite cabin at — The ensuite cabin is perfect for families and group travellers.

4. Darwin Boomerang Motel and Caravan Park

18 kilometres from Darwin city

This three-star accommodation has both motel rooms and caravan sites. It’s quiet and compact, with just 60 sites available.

For caravans and tents, there are powered and cheaper unpowered sites available. You can also book a one-bedroom villa as well as air-conditioned motel-style rooms with kitchenettes.

villas lined up and surrounded by trees in Darwin Boomerang Motel and Caravan Park — Stay closer to nature at Darwin Boomerang Motel and Caravan Park.

If you’re caravanning, make a beeline for the barbeque or camp kitchen for your lunchtime needs. There is also a coin laundry available, and the obligatory Top End swimming pool.

5. Oasis Tourist Park, Virginia

25 kilometres from Darwin city

The friendly and family-run Oasis Tourist Park has options that run from budget unpowered sites for campers or caravanners, all the way up to fully stocked family cabins with a TV, kitchenette, linen, towels and cutlery.

caravans parked next to the trees in Oasis Tourist Park, Darwin — Oasis Tourist Park is a tropical sanctuary.

In terms of facilities, you can nab a sun lounge next to the pool with a paperback from the book exchange, before you get cracking on dinner at the barbeque. There is also a camper’s kitchen, laundry and gas and ice for sale. Pets are welcome at Oasis Tourist Park.

outdoor pool at Oasis Tourist Spot in Darwin, NT — All you need is a refreshing dip in the pool.

6. Noonamah Tourist Park, Noonamah

42 kilometres from Darwin city

This reasonably priced caravan park can be found 40 minutes from Darwin – a good stop on the way from Alice Springs.

Located next to the Noonamah Tavern and Rodeo (handy if you don’t want to cook), the Noonamah Tourist Park has 30 sites that can be booked: with powered, and unpowered available. If you wanted a little treat, you could also book a villa or cabin.

You’ll find a camp kitchen, laundry and pool onsite. There’s also an adorable doggie playground to keep your pooch happy and all tuckered out for the road trip ahead.

standard cabins at Noonamah Tourist Park, Darwin — Explore the great outdoors when you stay at Noonamah Tourist Park.

7. Tumbling Waters Holiday Park, Berry Springs

59 kilometres from Darwin city

Visiting the natural pools and woodlands of the Berry Springs Nature Park or the animals of the Territory Wildlife Park ? Spend the night at Tumbling Waters Holiday Park.

Perched near the Blackmore River, this lush campground has tropical gardens, an outdoor cinema, a restaurant that serves up cocktails and live music, Saturday morning markets … and even its own crocodile enclosure.

aerial shot of Tumbling Waters Holiday Park, Darwin — Lush greeneries surround the two-bedroom villas at Tumbling Waters Holiday Park.

Other highlights include its saltwater pool, fishing on the river and weekly visits from an animal and ranger from the Territory Wildlife Park. Villas, cabins, and powered and unpowered sites are available here.

outdoor dining set-up at Eat Troppo Restaurant, Darwin — Experience unique alfresco dining at the Eat Troppo Restaurant.

8. Batchelor Holiday Park, Batchelor

98 kilometres from Darwin city

Make the entry point of Litchfield National Park your base for exploration when you book the Batchelor Holiday Park . A walking distance from the pub and general store, this Litchfield caravan park has a mix of bush unpowered and powered sites, shady spots, and powered slab spots with sullage and water and ensuite sites. Cabins and villas are also available.

There is an amenities block, barbeque and pool to enjoy. Just don’t mind the noisy neighbours come morning and night… and by that, we mean the brightly coloured birds that flock to be fed twice a day by the owner

9. Litchfield Tourist Park, Finniss Valley

111 kilometres from Darwin city

Another stay near Litchfield Park is the shady and peaceful Litchfield Tourist Park . Sit back with your furry friend with a book near the nearby Upper Finnis River, or ask the friendly staff if they’re free to keep an eye on them while you go explore the wider park.

Litchfield Tourist Park from above in Darwin — Surround yourself with nature at Litchfield Tourist Park.

As well as powered and unpowered sites and bunkhouses, big groups can book out the Homestead that sleeps 15, or one of the smaller cabins. There’s even a Viscount Grand Tourer caravan from the seventies you can sleep in!

a traditional cabin in the woods at Litchfield Tourist Park in Darwin, NT — Immerse in the remote wilderness.

Amenities include daily meals at the cafe (and meal kits for picnickers), as well as barbeques, a shared kitchen, a swimming pool and laundry.

Litchfield Tourist Park Cafe in Darwin — Order up a delicious breakfast at the onsite cafe.

10. Dundee Beach Holiday Park, Dundee Beach

138 kilometres from Darwin city

Around an hour or two drive from Darwin, you will find the community of Dundee Beach. A nesting place for turtles at certain times of the year, this idyllic location is perfect for fishing and crabbing with a public boat ramp. And when it comes to resting your head? Dundee Beach Holiday Park is the place to book.

This caravan park offers powered and unpowered sites for motorhomes, as well as a range of cabins (including ones with ensuites). Other facilities include barbeques, a pool, and dump points. Round off your stay at this caravan park with a stop at the Dundee Beach Markets or watch the sun sink over the beach.

aerial view of Dundee Beach Holiday Park, Darwin — Dundee Beach Holiday Park is the ideal place to book in this coastal town.

Other Darwin accommodation

Is caravanning, not your thing? Whether you’re not a fan of too much time behind the wheel, or you just need a break, check out our guide to Darwin resorts and stays outside the city centre or keep it budget with these Darwin hostels and backpackers.

Once you get to Darwin, be sure to check out its best restaurants, tours, hotels and things to do in and around the city.

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.

10 top caravan parks in and around Darwin