Right now with border restrictions in place, we are all dreaming of our next holiday, and for the ultimate adventure, many are planning their future driving holidays. Queensland, South Australia, and Western Australia have the most direct access for a Darwin road trip and once borders are open we welcome all travelers from every state.

7 reasons to consider a Darwin Road Trip Itinerary

The Northern Territory has some of the most iconic sights to see in Australia including Kakadu, Litchfield Park, and our own amazing city of Darwin. Driving to and around Darwin is a great option, especially if you want to avoid those Eastern seaboard crowds. What are our top 7 reasons for a self-drive trip to or from Darwin?

1. No Traffic – Once those borders are open, every man woman, and their dog are literally planning a road trip somewhere. The Darwin and NT have big open roads and your trip will be more enjoyable than on a congested highway in the busier states.
2. Wartime History – all along the track to Darwin you will discover the history of when World War II came to Australia in 1942. on your drive, you can discover heritage sites including ammunition bunkers, airfields, oil storage tunnels, explosives stores, and watch towers. Further details can be found here.
3. Authentic Wildlife – there is no need to go to a Zoo when you drive to Darwin as you will see wildlife all along the track including kangaroos, buffaloes, dingoes, and an abundance of birdlife and crocodiles at the Kakadu and Adelaide rivers. However, if you do want to go to a wildlife park we have a number of fabulous facilities here including Crocodylus Park and Territory Wildlife Park. We can help you to book all of your tours if required.
4. Aboriginal Culture – nowhere else in the world will you experience the spirituality of the oldest civilization on Earth. From rock paintings to art and cultural experiences, the Territory is one of the few places in the world to discover this.
5. National Parks – sure, every state has them, but they don’t have Kakadu or Litchfield Park, with glorious waterfalls, swimming holes, and magnetic anthills. Very accessible on your drive to or from Darwin, we can help find the best accommodation or glamping experiences to these destinations.
6. Foodie Destination – Darwin is one of the top foodie destinations in Australia right now. With an abundance of fresh seafood, unique locally grown Asian produce, and bush tucker, you will always have a great selection of dining options including our famous markets, which are open.
7. Territorians – what’s a visit without engaging with the locals? On your travels, you will find the locals, friendly, welcoming, and genuinely wanting to help you enjoy your trip to Darwin. No more so than at our hotel, which is locally owned and operated. We welcome you to experience this old-style hospitality for your stay in Darwin.

Driving to Darwin NT – Road Trip ideas

If you are driving from interstate to Darwin, this is your opportunity to experience some of the greatest road trips in Australia.

1. Explorers Way, so named after the explorer who blazed the trail for the Overland Telegraph Australia in 1860, this route takes you on an epic 3,000km road trip from Darwin to Adelaide via Katherine, Tennant Creek, the Devils Marbles, Uluru, Cooper Pedy, and more.
2. Savannah Way – this classic road trip goes from Cairns to Broome via Katherine. Take a detour from Katherine on your drive up to Darwin to experience our cosmopolitan and tropical vibe.Full details for all Northern Territory driving itineraries can be found here.

Driving from Darwin – shorter itineraries

1. Do the Greater Litchfield Loop – taking in the Adelaide River, Litchfield National Park, and Dundee Beach.
2. Take the Arnhem way from Darwin to Katherine, stopping off overnight to enjoy the beautiful Nitmiluk Gorge and extend through Arnhem land to Nhulunby.
3. Nature’s Way, is an easy road trip from Darwin and a very magical one. You will encounter Kakadu, Katherine, and Adelaide Rivers with teeming wildlife and the option to extend to the Litchfield loop.

Campervan & 4WD hire Darwin

For those who do not want to drive the long distances from interstate to Darwin, why not fly to Darwin and pick up a campervan hire? We have some great companies here including offering specials on Darwin to Darwin loops.
Try Britz or Thrifty (which is locally owned). Our hotel offers free parking for guests.

Campervan Parking Darwin

Of course, just because you are traveling via campervan, doesn’t mean you don’t need the occasional pampering of stay in a hotel. Ramada Suites Zen Quarter offers free campervan parking in Darwin for all guests staying with us. Free hotel parking is also available in Darwin for caravans and 4wds. After a big road trip to Darwin or before you set out, stay with us at Zen and enjoy our self-contained rooms, showers, and infinity pool.