Travel writer Robert Upe has just made it easier for you to see the best of the Outback.
Whether it’s cooling off under a waterfall, watching crocodiles sun themselves on sandy riverbanks, seeing ancient rock art, or having a gourmet dinner under the stars on a desert dune, these journeys capture the essence of the Outback.
Don’t forget your cork hat!
1. Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Type of travel: Fly in/fly out
Difficulty: Easy
One of the easiest ways to see Arnhem Land – without driving or permit worries – is to take a charter flight from Darwin to Davidson’s Arnhemland Safari Lodge.
You can drive to the lodge from Darwin (350km), but the flight is quick and delivers you on a bush runway in the middle of a wilderness of billabongs, paper bark swamps, floodplains and escarpments with rock art.
There are ensuite cabins, stylishly fitted with Outback essentials, such as flywire screens and ceiling fans.
There are plenty of guided activities, and dinner may be the barramundi you’ve caught that day.
What we love: Rock art without crowds/barramundi fishing/evening billabong cruises/bird watching/crocodile spotting
When to go: April to September (when it’s cooler)
Leave time for: Kakadu National Park, next door
2. Savannah Way, Northern Territory
Type of travel: Road trip (combination of sealed and dirt roads)
Difficulty: Easy to difficult (depending how far you go)
The Savannah Way stretches 3700km, from Broome to Cairns. It’s a daunting drive, but instead of doing the whole lot, you can do sections.
One of our favourite sections is in the NT, between Katherine and Borroloola on the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The route will take you to the iconic Daly Waters pub, as well as the thermal pools at Bitter Springs and Mataranka, made famous by Jeannie Gunn’s novel, We of The Never Never.
Two ‘must-sees’ near Cape Crawford, are Poppy’s Pools, where you can soak in the thermal water, and the Lost City, a series of tall sandstone pillars accessed by helicopter.
What we love: Drinking at a bush bar where the cowboys are still wearing their spurs after a day of mustering/no crowds
When to go: April to September
Leave time for: Fishing in the Gulf of Carpentaria
3. Kimberley, Western Australia
Type of travel: Road trip (dirt)
Difficulty: Moderate
There are many ways to tackle the Kimberley, an area defined as the northernmost region of Western Australia.
One way is to drive the 660km Gibb River Road between Derby and Kununurra.
It can be rough, with corrugations, river crossings and roaming Brahman cattle to keep you alert, but it’s a fulfilling adventure.
You don’t need the skills of the Leyland brothers, but a sturdy vehicle (these can be hired in Broome) and some common sense in regards to safe Outback travel. If you’re not confident, join a small-group 4WD tour with a driver/guide.
There are cattle stations and lodges where you can stay and eat, from basic to ultra-luxurious.
El Questro’s five-star homestead, Home Valley Station, Mount Elizabeth Station and Mornington Wilderness Camp are noteworthy.
What we love: Windjana Gorge where freshwater crocodiles sun themselves on the sandy riverbanks / Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre limestone cave to explore with a torch / the many waterholes with waterfalls
When to go: During dry season between April and October. (The road is closed in wet season)
Leave time for: A few days in Broome before or after
4. Alice Springs to Darwin, Northern Territory
Type of travel: Road trip (sealed highway)
Difficulty: Easy
The Stuart Highway between Alice Springs and Darwin (also known as Explorers Way) is 1493 kilometres and sealed all the way. It’s an easy drive with many motels, camping and caravan sites.
You can do this trip over a few days, or meander for more than a week.
What we love: Litchfield National Park’s cascading water holes/Katherine Gorge boat trip and Cicada Lodge/indigenous cultural day tours
When to go: April to September
Leave time for: Sitting under a starry night and watching for UFOs at Wycliffe Well. It’s a UFO hot spot, near the Devil’s Marbles
5. Uluru, Northern Territory
Type of travel: Fly in / fly out
Difficulty: Easy
The popularity of Uluru shouldn’t put you off, because it is one of the Outback’s great sights.
Many grey nomads drive there, but it is also on a well-worn flight path with regular connections from major capital cities.
There’s accommodation for every budget from camping to middle-tier motels, the five-star Sails in the Desert, and the indulgent wilderness camp, Longitude 131.
Whatever you do, book a Sounds of Silence dinner, or the more upmarket Tali Wiru dinner, in the sand dunes to enjoy champagne, canapés, didgeridoo, gourmet food and star gazing.
What we love: Sunrise over the Rock/hot-air balloon flights/dot-painting classes
When to go: April to September
Leave time for: A walk around Uluru with an indigenous guide
Find out more about Northern Territory
Do you have a favourite NT travel tale? Why not share it with our members?
Related articles:
The new NT campaign
Five reasons the NT is so much fun
How to drive to Uluru like a pro
