Top 10 Caravan Parks in and around Darwin

Hitting the open road in a caravan is one of the best ways to explore Darwin. But where to rest your home on wheels? We’ve got you sorted with these caravan parks.

Sometimes it feels like every caravanner’s road inevitably leads to Darwin. You could be driving tip to tip from Cairns to Darwin, or from the other direction from Broome along the Savannah Way, or emerging from the orange dust of the Red Centre having driven all the way from Alice Springs.

Whichever path you choose, we’ve laid out the best caravan parks in Darwin and a handful of others to check out along the way before you reach your final destination at the Northern Territory capital.

1. Discovery Parks Darwin, Winnellie

11 kilometres from Darwin city

East of the city and close to the airport is the pet-friendly Discovery Parks Darwin . There are accessible cabins, as well as self-contained cabins (with perks like your own kitchen and aircon), studios, and powered sites that come with a choice of grass, gravel and slab site for your caravan.

discovery parks Darwin caravan — Park up close to loads of amenities at Discovery Parks Darwin (Image: Discovery Parks)

Dotted around this pet-friendly caravan park are dump points, a laundry, a barbeque, as well as a swimming pool and kiosk. Once you’ve set up, sit back and crack a cold one, watching the aircraft take off at the nearby airfield.

Don’t have a caravan? No worries. Settle into one of Discovery Parks’ cosy cabins. (Image: Discovery Parks)

2. Darwin Freespirit Resort, Holtze

Nine kilometres from Darwin city

Darwin Freespirit Resort is one of our favourite caravan parks close to the Darwin CBD. You’ll get a four-star resort with cabins, studios and villas, as well as powered sites for caravan and camping. There are also other amenities including camp kitchens, barbeques and laundries.

Darwin Freespirit Main Pool — Take a dip in one of several pools at Darwin Freespirit Resort.

For your downtime, Darwin Freespirit Resort has several pools, a bouncing cushion for the little ones, a bar with daily oh-so-happy hours, live music, and a restaurant with an extensive menu that features local classics like barramundi and king prawns.

Pet stays are dependent on hotel management approval.

well-lit bedroom with cosy amenities at Darwin Freespirit Resort — Get some well-deserved R&R this weekend at Darwin Freespirit Resort.

3. Big4 Hidden Valley, Berrimah

11 kilometres from Darwin city

Ten minutes’ drive south of Darwin is the Big4 Hidden Valley . The caravan park has a mix of villas, family cabins and units, as well as powered sites with a mix of slabs, bathroom ensuites and grass layouts.

You will find camp kitchens and barbeques nearby for a cook-up (or there is Aria’s Kitchen café on site), as well as sullage spots for your wastewater.

When it comes to playtime, take a dip in the saltwater pool or let the kids loose at the playground. Your furry friends are also welcome at this Big4 campground.

a double bed and two bunk beds inside the ensuite cabin at — The ensuite cabin is perfect for families and group travellers.

4. Darwin Boomerang Motel and Caravan Park

18 kilometres from Darwin city

This three-star accommodation has both motel rooms and caravan sites. It’s quiet and compact, with just 60 sites available.

For caravans and tents, there are powered and cheaper unpowered sites available. You can also book a one-bedroom villa as well as air-conditioned motel-style rooms with kitchenettes.

villas lined up and surrounded by trees in Darwin Boomerang Motel and Caravan Park — Stay closer to nature at Darwin Boomerang Motel and Caravan Park.

If you’re caravanning, make a beeline for the barbeque or camp kitchen for your lunchtime needs. There is also a coin laundry available, and the obligatory Top End swimming pool.

5. Oasis Tourist Park, Virginia

25 kilometres from Darwin city

The friendly and family-run Oasis Tourist Park has options that run from budget unpowered sites for campers or caravanners, all the way up to fully stocked family cabins with a TV, kitchenette, linen, towels and cutlery.

caravans parked next to the trees in Oasis Tourist Park, Darwin — Oasis Tourist Park is a tropical sanctuary.

In terms of facilities, you can nab a sun lounge next to the pool with a paperback from the book exchange, before you get cracking on dinner at the barbeque. There is also a camper’s kitchen, laundry and gas and ice for sale. Pets are welcome at Oasis Tourist Park.

outdoor pool at Oasis Tourist Spot in Darwin, NT — All you need is a refreshing dip in the pool.

6. Noonamah Tourist Park, Noonamah

42 kilometres from Darwin city

This reasonably priced caravan park can be found 40 minutes from Darwin – a good stop on the way from Alice Springs.

Located next to the Noonamah Tavern and Rodeo (handy if you don’t want to cook), the Noonamah Tourist Park has 30 sites that can be booked: with powered, and unpowered available. If you wanted a little treat, you could also book a villa or cabin.

You’ll find a camp kitchen, laundry and pool onsite. There’s also an adorable doggie playground to keep your pooch happy and all tuckered out for the road trip ahead.

standard cabins at Noonamah Tourist Park, Darwin — Explore the great outdoors when you stay at Noonamah Tourist Park.

7. Tumbling Waters Holiday Park, Berry Springs

59 kilometres from Darwin city

Visiting the natural pools and woodlands of the Berry Springs Nature Park or the animals of the Territory Wildlife Park ? Spend the night at Tumbling Waters Holiday Park.

Perched near the Blackmore River, this lush campground has tropical gardens, an outdoor cinema, a restaurant that serves up cocktails and live music, Saturday morning markets … and even its own crocodile enclosure.

aerial shot of Tumbling Waters Holiday Park, Darwin — Lush greeneries surround the two-bedroom villas at Tumbling Waters Holiday Park.

Other highlights include its saltwater pool, fishing on the river and weekly visits from an animal and ranger from the Territory Wildlife Park. Villas, cabins, and powered and unpowered sites are available here.

outdoor dining set-up at Eat Troppo Restaurant, Darwin — Experience unique alfresco dining at the Eat Troppo Restaurant.

8. Batchelor Holiday Park, Batchelor

98 kilometres from Darwin city

Make the entry point of Litchfield National Park your base for exploration when you book the Batchelor Holiday Park . A walking distance from the pub and general store, this Litchfield caravan park has a mix of bush unpowered and powered sites, shady spots, and powered slab spots with sullage and water and ensuite sites. Cabins and villas are also available.

There is an amenities block, barbeque and pool to enjoy. Just don’t mind the noisy neighbours come morning and night… and by that, we mean the brightly coloured birds that flock to be fed twice a day by the owner

9. Litchfield Tourist Park, Finniss Valley

111 kilometres from Darwin city

Another stay near Litchfield Park is the shady and peaceful Litchfield Tourist Park . Sit back with your furry friend with a book near the nearby Upper Finnis River, or ask the friendly staff if they’re free to keep an eye on them while you go explore the wider park.

Litchfield Tourist Park from above in Darwin — Surround yourself with nature at Litchfield Tourist Park.

As well as powered and unpowered sites and bunkhouses, big groups can book out the Homestead that sleeps 15, or one of the smaller cabins. There’s even a Viscount Grand Tourer caravan from the seventies you can sleep in!

a traditional cabin in the woods at Litchfield Tourist Park in Darwin, NT — Immerse in the remote wilderness.

Amenities include daily meals at the cafe (and meal kits for picnickers), as well as barbeques, a shared kitchen, a swimming pool and laundry.

Litchfield Tourist Park Cafe in Darwin — Order up a delicious breakfast at the onsite cafe.

10. Dundee Beach Holiday Park, Dundee Beach

138 kilometres from Darwin city

Around an hour or two drive from Darwin, you will find the community of Dundee Beach. A nesting place for turtles at certain times of the year, this idyllic location is perfect for fishing and crabbing with a public boat ramp. And when it comes to resting your head? Dundee Beach Holiday Park is the place to book.

This caravan park offers powered and unpowered sites for motorhomes, as well as a range of cabins (including ones with ensuites). Other facilities include barbeques, a pool, and dump points. Round off your stay at this caravan park with a stop at the Dundee Beach Markets or watch the sun sink over the beach.

aerial view of Dundee Beach Holiday Park, Darwin — Dundee Beach Holiday Park is the ideal place to book in this coastal town.

Other Darwin accommodation

Is caravanning, not your thing? Whether you’re not a fan of too much time behind the wheel, or you just need a break, check out our guide to Darwin resorts and stays outside the city centre or keep it budget with these Darwin hostels and backpackers.

Once you get to Darwin, be sure to check out its best restaurants, tours, hotels and things to do in and around the city.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

10 top caravan parks in and around Darwin