THE PERFECT THREE WEEK NORTHERN TERRITORY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
An epic road trip through Australia would not be complete without exploring the Northern Territory. If you are looking for true Aussie outback adventures, rich Aboriginal culture and sights unlike anything you’ve ever come across before - the NT is the road trip for you!
We are currently on one of our biggest adventures yet, driving a lap of Australia as a little family of three. We just finished exploring the NT and we have found some hidden gems, some surprising sites and bucket list spots we can not wait to share with you!
Here’s our ultimate three-week itinerary to have an epic road trip from the Top End down to the Red Center
Three-Week Northern Territory Itinerary
Day 1 – 3: Darwin
We started our journey in Darwin! We highly recommend spending a few nights at the waterfront. We stayed at the Adina Apartments while our van was getting repaired and enjoyed the gorgeous beach, amazing restaurants (Hot Tamales is a must), and there’s even a wave pool! If you are looking for a campsite we suggest Darwin Freespirit Resort
Don’t miss the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, check out the massive crocs at Crocosaurus Cove, or roam the streets to find some fantastic street art to admire.
Darwin Street Art
Crocosaurus Cove
Day 3 – 5: Tiwi Island
For a little slice of paradise, take a short flight to Tiwi Island Retreat. Here you can have an exclusive experience at the Top End. With its sandy beaches, incredible fishing, and secret waterholes - if you are looking to add a unique twist to your Northern Territory road trip this is it!
Read more:Tiwi Island Retreat | Secluded Getaway in Australia’s Top End
SUBSCRIBE TO FLYING THE NEST ON YOUTUBE
Tiwi Island Retreat
Day 5 – 7: Houseboat on Corroboree Billabong
After Tiwi island, you can spend a couple of nights on your very own houseboat! Corroboree Houseboats offers family-friendly houseboat hire, and the best bit - no skipper licence is required! They come equipped with an outdoor BBQ, full kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms.
While you’re on your way to the billabong, we highly recommend checking out the Jumping Crocodile Tour too! If you want to get up close to crocs in their natural environment this is the perfect tour.
SUBSCRIBE TO FLYING THE NEST ON YOUTUBE
Day 7 – 9: Kakadu National Park
Next up make your way to Kakadu National Park. We highly recommend the Cooinda Lodge for accommodations and has a full campsite area if you are in a campervan like us. You do need a 4WD to see the sites, but even if you don't have 4WD, the lodge has 4WD tours that can take you out to all the major sites.
We definitely recommend waking up early to do the Yellow Water Billabong Cruise. You float along a misty billabong and watch the crocodiles waking up, the birds catch their first fish of the day and bask in the natural environment.
If you are looking for the best sunset spot in the area head to Nawurlandja Lookout. It’s only a short hike up to the lookout and is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic.
SUBSCRIBE TO FLYING THE NEST ON YOUTUBE
Nawurlandja Lookout
Yellow Water Billabong Cruise
Day 9 – 11: Katherine Gorge and Nitmuluk National Park
Next, drive down to Nitmuluk National Park as Katherine Gorge is a spot that can’t be missed. There's a campsite right nearby the gorge, and also a beautiful hotel too. We recommend doing the sunrise Gorge Cruise and for sunset, there is a beautiful hike where you can enjoy the gorge from up above.
Katherine Town is a great place to go for a swim! You can spend a few hours in town at the Katherine Hot Springs to wind down and relax.
SUBSCRIBE TO FLYING THE NEST ON YOUTUBE
Sunset Lookout
Day 11 – 12: Bitter Springs
You can head to Bitter Springs to spend a night at one of our favourite hot springs in all of Aus! Set amongst palms and tropical woodlands in Elsey National Park, these spring-fed thermal pools are an ideal place to relax and unwind.
Day 12 – 13: Banka Banka Station
The next leg of the trip is a long day of driving! Heading south, you can stop at the Daly Waters Pub for lunch. It’s almost a century old, quirky, and fascinating to visit. After you complete your long drive, you can spend the night in Banka Banka Station. Enjoy the live music around the campfire or even grab a drink at the bar in a mud hut!
Day 13 – 15: Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles
Depart Banka Banka Station and head towards Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles. Here you will find boulders that are precariously balanced and seem to be defying gravity, scattered across the Aussie desert.
It’s only $4 per night to stay at the campground, and spending the night means you get to explore the area at both sunset and sunrise. The area itself is great for exploration and hiking, and you can take a day in nature surrounded by spectacular scenes and natural wonders.
Can you spot little Hunter?
Day 15 – 18: Alice Springs
Alice Springs is the next stop, and if you’re travelling with kids we recommend staying at the BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park. They do free pancakes on Sundays, there are water slides, jumping pillows, and go-karts to ride around throughout the park!
Day 18 – 21: Uluru
Finally, we end our three-week road trip with Uluru. One of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, Uluru is a sacred site that simply can not be missed! We recommend getting up early one morning to watch the sunrise, there’s also a beautiful sunset heli tour flight that you can take over Uluru, and you can end the day with a viewing at the Field of Lights, which is a must-see stop in Uluru!
Read more:Uluru 3 Day Itinerary
SUBSCRIBE TO FLYING THE NEST ON YOUTUBE
LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER & SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!
