Planning on visiting the NT this year? Well, you’re going to need some accommodation info then aren’t ya? Luck for you, we’ve got you covered by collecting 7 of the best locations around the NT to park up, pitch ya tent and soak up the serenity of the outback with a few of your mates.
7 Places to Pitch Ya Tent and Camp Out in the NT
1. Darwin Free Spirit Resort
Ok, so if this is your first time camping out in the NT, and you feel like you need a bit of a warm up before you commit to roughing in the outback, why not check out the Darwin Free Spirit Resort, a short 15 min journey south of Darwin City.
This site supports caravan living, onsite cabins and plenty of grass to pitch ya tent on. Facilities also include not one, not two, but three pools, BBQ areas and plenty of entertaining activities for the kids.
2. Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs
After camping out under the stars, there’s nothing better than coming home to a nice long soak in a hot hot bath… actually, yes there is.
Get on down to Tjuawaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park, a place famous for its – you guessed it – natural thermal hot springs! These steaming waters are more than capable of relaxing those tired and aching legs after full days bushwalking.
However, this park does contain a sacred site and it’s important that all visitors respect the wishes of the indigenous people during their stay. To learn more about what you can and can’t do, take the time to read the information provided in this link.
3. Mary River Wilderness Retreat
Visiting Mary River is a must for those with an affliction for fishing. Boasting Brilliant Bounties of Big Barra, averaging 25kgs in weight, Mary River has some of THE catches going ‘round.
If this sounds like it could float your boat, then the Mary River Wilderness Retreat will be a great place to rest your head on your down time.
Accommodation options include powered and unpowered campsites, cabins, safari tents and even boat hire – no licence required!
4. Litchfield National Park
If swimming holes and waterfalls are your thing, then camping out at Litchfield National Park is definitely on your to do list.
Located four kilometres west of the national park is the Litchfield Safari Camp. This site has more than enough to keep you occupied and comfortable with their barbeque facilities and onsite swimming pool. They even cater for those without a tent, offering accommodation in the permanent tent fixtures completely furnished with beds, ensuites, wheelchair access and even carpeted floors – bloody hell, that’s living Gary!
For a bit more of a traditional camping experience, check out the Walker Creek Trail located at the northern entrance of the national park. It’s might not be as luxurious as the Safari Camp, but as it is just a stones through away from the rock pools and waterfalls, it’s definitely one to help you relax; taking in the stars and the serenity.
5. Karlu Karlu Devils Marbles
Taking a short drive, actually a 100km drive, south of Tennant Creek will run you into one of the NT’s, and even Australia’s, most mind boggling geological creations: The Devil’s Marbles.
Yeah it’s a funny name, but these giant red balls of granite are performing a balancing act like no other set of round ones have done before.
The Devil’s Marbles Campground isn’t quite as luxurious as our other previously listed sites: there are no facilities and you will need to bring your own water, yet is a true outback experience not to be missed.
Stick around to see the sand and rock landscapes changing colour with the rising and setting of the sun, all providing fantastic images for your Facebook wall.
6. Tumbling Waters Holiday Park
Heading back towards Darwin you’ll find the Tumbling Waters Holiday Park located roughly 40 minutes outside of the city. This site is surrounded by some of the greenest palm trees and lushest vegetation that you’re likely to find in the NT.
Accommodation options include powered & non-powered camp grounds, caravan access and a few tropical cabins – it’s ok, you don’t always have to rough it when you go camping.
There’s Free Wifi on offer, a saltwater pool and even the opportunity to be a spectator when the local freshwater crocodiles are fed every Saturday. Wait, was that a salt water pool and freshwater crocs, or the other way around? Anyway, they won’t be in the pool so you’re good.
7. Redbank Gorge
Probably one of the biggest and best wonders of the NT can be found in the MacDonnell Ranges located just outside of the town of Alice Springs.
Numerous swimming holes and bushwalking tracks can be found scattered around the area providing places to relax, witness the wildlife and soak up the unique views of the Northern Territorian outback.
You can choose between either the Woodland or Ridgetop camping areas. While only the Woodland campsite has free gas BBQ’s to cook ya tukka on, both sites provide fire pits for outback cooking, picnic tables for outback eating and toilets for outback, backing out?… Um, well you know what we mean.
