Ultimate Northern Territory Road Trip Guide: Must-See Spots, Free Camps & Wildlife Tips
Planning a road trip through the Northern Territory? Whether you’ve got a few days or a week, this guide covers all the must-see spots, free camps, and wildlife tips to make your adventure unforgettable. After spending a year working and traveling around Australia, I explored some of the most epic places in the NT — and now I’m sharing all the best bits with you.
1. Bitter Springs — Crystal Clear Thermal Pools
Need a break from the heat? Head to Bitter Springs in Mataranka. It’s a natural thermal pool surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants. The water’s warm, crystal clear, and gently flows like a lazy river — bring a pool noodle and float along! Snorkeling’s fun too, with little fish and turtles swimming around.
If you have extra time, check out Mataranka Thermal Pool and Rainbow Springs nearby. Both are public, so please take care of the area.
💡 Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to dodge the crowds.
🛻 Camp Nearby:
- 12 Mile Yards & Jalmurark Campground — small fee, has bathrooms and showers (we even saw wild donkeys, pigs, and cows!)
- Little Roper Stockcamp — budget-friendly, rustic vibe
- King’s Rest Area — free, basic facilities
- Sterling Mill Rest Area — free
2. Cahills Crossing — Watch Wild Crocodiles Up Close
This place is wild — literally. Cahills Crossing is where the East Alligator River meets Arnhem Land, and it’s one of the best places to safely watch saltwater crocs. When the tide rises, the crocs come in to hunt barramundi — it’s like a National Geographic scene. There’s a viewing platform, so you’re at a safe distance. I missed this spot last time (and didn’t see a single croc), so it’s on my list for next time!
💡 Wildlife Warning: Never try to cross the river or get too close — crocs are faster than you think.
🛻 Camp Nearby:
- South Alligator Rest Area — basic but convenient
3. Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) — Giant Boulders in the Outback
This place looks like something from another planet. Massive, round boulders are scattered across the desert — it’s sacred to the Warumungu people. It’s an epic photo stop, but honestly, if you’re short on time, you could skip it without feeling like you missed something huge. It’s right on the way from Alice Springs to Darwin if you need a break.
💡 Tip: Best time to visit? Sunrise or sunset when the rocks glow red.
🛻 Camp Nearby:
- Devils Marbles Campground — small fee, but you’re right next to the site
4. Litchfield National Park
Litchfield’s got a bit of everything — waterfalls, swimming holes, and those massive magnetic termite mounds (people used to mix the mound dirt with water to help with headaches — weird, right?).
Here’s what not to miss:
- Tolmer Falls Lookout — great views, and you can walk down for a swim
- Tjaetaba Falls — smaller but less crowded
- Wangi Falls — stunning, but we skipped swimming because a croc was spotted recently
🛻 Camp Nearby:
- Heaps of parking areas around the park
- Robin Falls Rest Area — a bit outside the park but a good free spot
5. Katherine Hot Springs
Need to cool off? This spot’s perfect for a quick stop on your way north. Locals love it on hot days, and it’s free with plenty of parking.
6. Uluru
Okay, I couldn’t leave this one out. Yes, it’s a giant red rock — but it’s so much more than that. You’ll only get it when you’re standing there. I recommend staying overnight and starting the Uluru Base Walk at sunrise — the light is magical, and there’s barely any shade on the trail later. Trust me, do this early before the sun gets brutal.
🛻 Camp Nearby:
- Uluru Campground — most expensive camp spot I’ve stayed at, super cramped, but there’s no other way to do it
7. Kata Tjuta - Valley of the Winds
If you’re visiting Uluru, take a quick detour to Kata Tjuta. Way fewer tourists and seriously beautiful.
More Quick Ideas (if you have extra time):
- Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park): Boat tour or kayak through the gorge
- Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Darwin): Good food, cool vibes, and a killer sunset
- Kakadu Nationl Park: As we only had little time left we didn't want to spend so much money on the Park Pass. If you stay there for longer it would make sense and to take your time to explore, but we left it for next time.
Wildlife to Watch For:
- Saltwater crocodiles (safely from a distance!)
- Wallabies (especially near campgrounds)
- Dingos (curious but stay back)
- Cockatoos & galahs (loud but pretty)
- Frill-necked lizards (hilarious when they run)
The Northern Territory is raw, wild, and totally worth the trip — even if you only have a few days. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, floating in thermal pools, or spotting crocs (from a safe spot), you’ll leave with epic memories. If you can only visit one place, make it Uluru!
✨ Pro Tip: Download offline maps — reception’s sketchy. And fill up on fuel before Uluru (or bring extra). It was the most expensive fuel I’ve ever bought — $3 AUD per liter!
Got any favorite NT spots I should hit next time? Let me know in the comments!
Your Xenia:)