Northern Territory Road Trips | Dream with Luxury Escapes

If you’re after a road trip with non-stop wow-factor, the Northern Territory delivers in spades. It’s here you’ll find some of Australia’s most dramatic, otherworldly scenery in full technicolour – think cobalt skies against rust-red earth in the Red Centre and wild, untamed greenery in the Top End.

Rich with Aboriginal culture, outback history and unexpected quirks, every road leads to an unforgettable story. Which one will you choose?

Iconic journeys through the Red Centre

Stuart Highway: the legendary north-south drive

Take a cross-section right through the Northern Territory on what is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most spectacular road trip routes, from Darwin to Katherine through to Alice Springs. The landscape shifts from the tropical wetlands of the Top End to the rocky ravines of Katherine Gorge, finishing amid the dusty ochre of the outback. Plan at least five to seven days to experience the journey to the fullest, with extra for exploring Kakadu National Park, the West MacDonnell Ranges or Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park (a must-do).

Red Centre Way: Uluṟu, Kings Canyon and beyond

The spiritual heart of Australia awaits on this six-day loop from Alice Springs to Uluṟu and Kings Canyon. Get acquainted with outback life in Alice Springs; in the cradle of the ancient MacDonnell Ranges, this remote desert town offers a glimpse into local Aboriginal culture and art and settler history, alongside its modern café culture. Take in Australia’s most iconic landmark with an immersive experience: a helicopter ride over Uluṟu gives a sense of the sheer scale and grandeur of the monolith, unchanged for millennia, while the Sounds of Silence dinner embraces its spirituality under a star-studded outback sky.

Wild Top End adventures

Darwin to Kakadu: culture and crocodiles

Nature lovers will savour this three-to-five-day circuit, which incorporates wetlands thriving with birdlife, waterfalls and swimming holes, and ample crocodile sightings en route to the lush beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. It is here you can see rock art that is more than 20,000 years old, a fascinating insight into ancient Aboriginal storytelling. The sights may be wild, the Arnhem Highway road itself is sealed, making it a straightforward drive with no need for a 4WD vehicle.

Litchfield Loop: waterfalls and swimming holes

Those shorter on time will get maximum bang-for-buck from this two- to three-day route from Darwin to Litchfield National Park and back. Showcasing the naturally spectacular landscapes the NT is famous for, here you can dip in some of its best swimming spots, including Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls. There are also WWII relics to uncover locally, including the Mandorah bunkers and a Liberator bomber crash site. Dundee Beach is another worthy detour; popular for its fishing, this coastal town is where you can cool your feet in the waters of the palm-fringed beach and catch an extraordinary sunset.

Off-the-beaten track explorations

Arnhem Land drives

Vast and untouched, Arnhem Land is thought to be one of Australia’s last true wilderness regions. The seven-day route, starting 50km south of Katherine and ending in Nhulunbuy, unveils a rare, remote beauty, traversing creeks, savannahs and white-sand coastline. Head from the small town of Mataranka with its thermal pool to Beswick with its locally made handicrafts, Mainoru Outstation, and Yirrkala with its gallery of Aboriginal art. Note the roads are largely unsealed and a permit is required to cross Arnhem Land (see here for details on how to apply).

Binns Track: a 4WD challenge

Strap in for the off-grid ride of a lifetime on this 10-day, four-wheel-drive route from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek and Katherine. The 2,230km track was named after long-time ranger Bill Binns, who had a lifelong passion for sharing the unique wonders of the region. It’s here you’ll uncover some of the unsung gems of the NT, as you pass through arid desert and sand dunes, quaint Gold Rush towns, working cattle stations and the bulb-like silhouettes of boab trees.

Tips for a Northern Territory road trip

Planning ahead will ensure your journey goes smoothly. Consider the road conditions and if your vehicle is suitable for the terrain (a 4WD may be required for unsealed roads). Bear in mind some routes may be closed during the wet season. It is a requirement to carry your driving licence at all times, and you may need a permit for crossing certain areas of Aboriginal land (these can be applied for online up to 10 days in advance via the Northern Land Council or Central Land Council). Remember to take regular rest breaks, drink plenty of water (4-6 litres a day is recommended), and ensure you have enough food and fuel for exploring more remote areas.

Feature image: East MacDonnell Ranges. Source: Tourism NT/@domandjesso.