The Great Australian Outback Adventure

10-14 Day Journey

Get ready to explore deep into Australia’s most interesting and remote regions. Pack the car and get the perfect playlist sorted for a road trip from Uluru to Darwin! The Northern Territory’s Top End offers a once-in-a-lifetime outback experience and a balmy climate that no one can resist. This 10–14-day journey is one you’ll never forget.

 

Image: Uluru, Credit: Ayers Rock Campground

Uluru (Yulara)

No trip to the Northern Territory would be complete without viewing arguably Australia’s most iconic landmark. Start your journey at Ayers Rock Campground, with more than 400 unpowered and powered sites – which are all dog-friendly – and a handy selection of cabins. The park has a sparkling swimming pool, playground, and on-site kiosk. Best of all, the park is only 20km away from Uluru, so it’s an easy drive to the heart of the Red Centre. Allow plenty of time to view this impressive natural landmark with its striking colours and spiritual significance. There’s so many ways to tick Uluru off your Aussie bucket list—you can take a segway tour around the giant sandstone rock, or join a sunset tour to truly appreciate the palette of the region. As night falls, don’t miss the glowing Field of Light art installation.

More G’day Parks: If you want to add a slice of luxury to your road trip on the way to Alice Springs, why not visit the spectacular resorts at Discovery Parks - Glen Helen or Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon?

Uluru (Yulara) to Alice Springs – 5 hours

The next stop on your Central Australian Adventure is Alice Springs, full of the natural wonders of the outback. Base yourself at the Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park located just 2kms from the city centre. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the desert atmosphere. Pull up stumps at one of our spacious grassy sites, surrounded by shady trees, or stay in one of our modern cabins. Fill up your drink bottles, pack your backpack full of snacks, and get ready take on the day. Wander through the desert on a camel or mountain bike, taking pit stops and swimming in the outback waterholes. Follow the strong Indigenous culture by visiting one of the multiple Aboriginal art galleries and learn about their history and the oldest art tradition in the world! The Kangaroo Sanctuary is a must, a wildlife reserve dedicated to caring for Australia’s very own kangaroos where you can get up close and personal with these furry animals. If you’re feeling game, watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon; floating over the MacDonnell Ranges is one of the best ways to see this region.

More G’day Parks: Five minutes out of the city centre, Discovery Parks - Alice Springs is a magnet for families, with in-park entertainment including a swimming pool with a waterslide, bouncing pillow, playground, sports facilities, gym, and activity room.

Alice Springs to Tennant Creek – 5 hours

500km north of Alice Springs, drive five hours on the Stuart Highway and you’ll reach the town of Tennant Creek, a welcome sight after a long, dusty drive taking in the breathtaking scenery. The Outback Caravan Park is the perfect place for a stopover. Whether you’re just doing an overnight visit, or you want to stay for a while, you’ll be comfortable and relaxed. With a rich history shaped by Aboriginal culture and gold mining, visit the museums to understand more about this outback community or relax in the natural surrounds and cool off in the park’s swimming pool.

More G’day Parks: If you want to double the distance, you can drive through 10 hours of gorgeous scenery to reach Larrimah Wayside Inn. The park has a swimming pool for a relaxing swim at the end of the day, and dinner is sorted at their on-site restaurant.

Tennant Creek to Katherine – 7 hours

Hit the road early and make your way to the next stop, a seven-hour drive to Katherine. It’s the last oasis before you hit the final destination on your outback adventure and a great opportunity for a bit of R&R where the outback meets the tropics! The Riverview Tourist Village is an ideal place to soak up that holiday feeling, with tropical grounds and direct access to Katherine Hot Springs. Step out the back gate of the park and experience the shady, spring-fed, thermal pool, ideal for safe swimming, sunbaking, and picnics.

The Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve is three minutes away and a great spot to cast a line. Venture out further and check out the Katherine Museum and five art galleries, including the Mimi Aboriginal Art and Craft Centre. A tourist ‘must-visit’ is Katherine Gorge in the Nitmiluk National Park. A photographer’s paradise, with 13 pristine gorges to be explored, paddle through in a canoe, kayak, or with an organised boat tour. Alternatively, get a birds-eye view from a scenic flight or helicopter ride. When travelling on your way up to Darwin, a stop in Katherine is a no-brainer.

More G’day Parks: Discovery Parks - Katherine’s resort-style pool is a dream come true to beat the heat, with a great range of sites and cabins to call home in Katherine.

Katherine to Darwin – 3.5 hours

The final stop is only a three-and-a-half-hour drive away and is the quintessential outback destination—Darwin! Located in the iconic ‘Top End’, you will find Discovery Parks – Darwin, the closest caravan park to Darwin City. You will feel like you have entered an oasis with giant shady trees and tropical landscaped gardens. Boasting a year-round temperature of around 32 degrees celsius, outdoors is the place to be.

There is absolutely no shortage of things to see and do in Darwin. Wander into town and dine on the waterfront, capture the spectacular sunset, or meet the impressive saltwater crocodile right in the heart of the city at Crocosauraus Cove. Take in the relaxed vibe of this town, recharge the batteries, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere. Cruise along the harbour at sunset on a boat tour or sit back in a deckchair and watch a movie at the outdoor cinema under the stars. For foodies, the town’s proximity to Asia means the Asian influences are highlighted strongly in the city’s incredible food scene and humming night markets. Check out the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, held every Thursday and Sunday night from April to October, for a little taste of everything! After a long day, sit outside in the park with a cold beer or relax by the pool surrounded by lush palm trees and reflect on the incredible holiday you’ve just had!

 

More G’day Parks: Just over an hour out of Darwin’s city centre, Litchfield Tourist Park is located next door to one of the world’s most spectacular national parks, plus there’s a swimming pool, café, and top-notch amenities.
If you want to take it slow as you travel from Katherine to Darwin, why not take a short coastal detour to Dundee Beach Holiday Park? This hidden gem is located on the waterfront of the Northern Territory’s pristine coastline. From the park’s delightful swimming pool to exploring unspoiled beaches and fishing spots, relaxing is second nature here. Grab dinner at the on-site bar and restaurant, then watch the gorgeous sunset over the water.

If you’re ready for a great mix of laidback leisure and adventure seeking, then what are you waiting for? Give this epic road trip a go!