The great Australian outback adventure
Alice Springs
The first 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 and 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 and 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, 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 and it is truly breathtaking.
Alice Springs to Tennant Creek – 5 hours
500km north of Alice Springs, drive fives 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, or you want to stay for a while, you’ll be comfortable and relaxed during your stay. 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 parks swimming pool.
Tennant Creek to Katherine – 7 hours
Hit the road early and make your way to the next stop, a seven hour drive to Katherine. The last oasis before you hit your final destination on your outback adventure and a great opportunity for a bit of R&R and to see 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 the 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 or 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.
Katherine to Darwin – 3.5 hours
The final stop is only a three and a half hour drive 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 a tropical oasis with giant shady trees and tropical landscaped gardens. Boasting a year-round temperature of around 32 degrees, 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 and capture the spectacular sunset or meet the impressive salt water crocodile right in the heart of the city at Crocosauraus Cove. Take in the relax vibe of this town and simply 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 is 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 25 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!
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!