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Free and budget campsites: Northern Territory
Words Julija Zivanovic Pics Supplied
Welcome to part two of our free and budget camping spots series by state — this time we’re covering the Northern Territory. Keep reading to discover some awesome destinations that won’t break the bank.
Jim Jim Falls NT (Credit: Adobe Stock)
If you missed the first part in this series covering the best free and budget camping spots in Queensland, just hit this link to catch up. Otherwise, welcome to part two where we’ll cover the best free and budget campsites of the Northern Territory where you can enjoy the tropics or the desert without emptying your wallet!
Northern Territory regions
The Northern Territory — known for its impressive natural beauty, ancient Aboriginal culture, incredible wildlife, dramatic landscapes … and a colourful tourism campaign in 2016 — is made up of seven official regions.
As can be seen on the map above, these are: Kakadu Arnhem, Katherine Daly, Darwin, Barkly, MacDonnell, Alice Springs and Lasseter. We’ll cover each of these diverse and gorgeous regions as we delve into some awesome free and budget-friendly camping spots.
Camping grounds
17 Mile Falls Camping Area, Katherine Daly
This stunning campground has a caveat as it’s not easy to get to … in the sense you can only access it via the Jatbula Trail which is a one-way 62km walk in Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park. 17 Mile Falls camping area is the third campground on the walk, and you must book in advance as the walk is popular among tourists and locals alike.
The adjacent falls run year-round and create a picturesque and serene backdrop for campers. There’s plenty of space here and toilets but not much else in the way of facilities, including no drinking water, so campers must be completely self-sufficient. Some fees apply.
Contact: 08 8973 8821
Baningura (Little Bondi), Kakadu Arnhem
This breathtaking remote beachside campground among open eucalypt forest is a popular with tourists for its serene atmosphere and beachfront scenery. It’s a bit of trek from Darwin (about a 29-hour drive) and Kakadu National Park (27 hours), but the drive is stunning and once you see the sea in all its glory, it’s more than worth it.
The beach is a white-sand oasis aptly nicknamed ‘Little Bondi’. The campground is relatively small with enough room for five beach campsites (six people max.), and facilities are limited to a composting toilet.
Campers must be self-sufficient and bring plenty of water. Please be advised that while the campsite is free, you need two paid permits — from the Dhimurru Aboriginal Council and Northern Land Council — to enter this area. This spot is only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicle.
Contact: 08 8939 2700
Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) Campground, Kakadu Arnhem
Camping at Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) campground in Kakadu National Park (Credit: Patrick Kemp)
Located in the World Heritage site of Kakadu National Park, Maguk (Barramundi Gorge) is a beautiful natural waterfall and plunge pool bordered by steep gorge walls. This is a great spot and is popular due to its quiet yet picturesque surroundings which creates a peaceful atmosphere.
Facilities include a pit toilet, picnic area with tables and firepits. The campground is suitable for tents and camper trailers but not caravans. Please be advised a 4WD vehicle is required for access and an entry fee is required to enter Kakadu National Park. Camp fees are low at $6 per night for adults and $3 for children.
Contact: parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/stay/camping/maguk-campground/ or 08 8938 1120
Caravan parks
Alice Springs Tourist Park, Alice Springs
Alice Springs surrounds as seen from above (Credit: Tourism Australia/Allan Dixon)
This family-operated holiday park is a staple of Alice Springs, being the closest to the town centre and opposite the Araluen Arts Centre and museum. An oasis in the desert, the park itself is massive with accommodation options ranging from two-bedroom villas and family or budget cabins to a variety of powered and unpowered sites for caravans, camper trailers and tents. The powered sites all have individual power, water and sullage (on grass or concrete), whereas the unpowered sites are grassed, shaded and have water available.
Facilities are very generous including a communal camp kitchen with fridge, barbecue areas, TV room, swimming pool, mini mart, two fantastic amenities blocks, children’s playground and much more. All conventional vehicles can access the park. Fees apply and may be higher due to extensive facilities.
Contact: alicespringstouristpark.com.au or 08 8952 2547
Coolalinga Caravan Park, Darwin
Coolalinga (Credit: CMCA)
This conveniently located and charming caravan park less than half an hour from Darwin city (by car) is popular for its proximity to both Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Accommodation options include a range of ensuite, powered and unpowered sites suitable for all caravans, campervans, camper trailers, motorhomes and tents, luxurious and budget cabins and variously sized units. The park is pet-friendly with a large, fully fenced dog exercise area.
Facilities are substantial with two amenities blocks, large coin-operated laundry room inc. ironing capabilities, two large camp kitchens with fridges, toasters, microwaves etc., four free barbecues and more. All conventional vehicles can access the park. Fees apply and may be higher due to extensive facilities.
Contact: coolalingatouristpark.com.au or 08 8983 1026
*FREEBIE* Devils Marbles Hotel, Barkly
Located metres from the famous Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles boulders and across from the Devils Marbles Hotel, this campground (with powered and unpowered sites) is a popular spot for its stunning natural scenery and calm ambiance. Approximately 115km south from Tennant Creek via the Stuart Highway, this is a free camping area near to the caravan park and hotel and is often fully booked, especially in the Dry, so you must book in advance.
This is a pet-friendly spot, and amenities include toilets, drinking water, barbecue areas and laundry facilities. A NT Parks Pass is required to enter the area and it’s accessible to all vehicles.
Contact: 08 8964 1963
Bush camps
Boggy Hole Bush Camp, MacDonnell
This free bush camp in the beautiful Finke Gorge National Park is next to a secluded waterhole that is approximately in the centre of the park and is popular with campers seeking to explore this scenic area. There’s plenty to do around camp including swimming, walking and visiting the ruins of the historic police station. As this is a bush camp there are no facilities so all campers must be self-sufficient, inc. water. Please be advised you need a high clearance 4WD to access this camp and a paid permit to enter Finke Gorge National Park where the camp is.
Contact: 08 8956 7401
*FREEBIE* Eagles Nest, Lasseter
Located along the Hay River Track just north of the Simpson Desert, this free campsite is very bare and secluded but offers a serenity scarcely found elsewhere. While there are no facilities apart from fires being permitted, it all adds to the experience of this remote campground. All campers must be fully self-sufficient. The Hay River Track is graded as medium, so you do need a high range 4WD with some low range required to access this bush camp. We also advise having some 4WD experience or training before tackling this one.
Contact: 1300 281 121
*FREEBIE* Gunn Point, Darwin
Sunset over Gunn Point Beach, Darwin (Credit: Adobe Stock)
This free bush camp an hour’s drive north of Darwin is located on the stunning Gunn Point Beach known for its awesome barra fishing, quad biking and camping. The location is extremely popular with locals and is a happening place during the dry season. Please be advised this is a very bare camp with no toilets or fresh water so campers must be fully self-sufficient. You will need a 4WD vehicle to access the area. No permits are required.
Overnight rest areas
*FREEBIE* Kiana Rest Area, Barkly
This rest area on the Tablelands Highway is a great place to relax for the night after lots of driving — plus is the perfect place from which to see the beautiful NT sunset. The free camping spot is dog friendly and is accessible to motorhomes, camper trailers, caravans and tent camping. There are no facilities apart from picnic tables so all campers must be completely self-sufficient. All conventional vehicles can access this site.
*FREEBIE* Manton Dam Wall Picnic Area, Kakadu Arnhem
Originally built during WWI as a water supply for Darwin, Manton Dam has become a popular destination for water sports and fishing, particularly saratoga and barra. However, swimming in the dam is not advised. The free rest/picnic area with views of the water is a sanctuary for visitors and is less than an hour’s drive south from Darwin city. Facilities include information signs, barbecues, toilets, picnic area and a boat ramp. You need a NT Parks Pass to visit this area (NT residents are exempt), and it’s accessible to all vehicle types.
*FREEBIE* Sandy Way Rest Area, Lasseter
Lucky last, this free and pet-friendly rest area is a popular spot not too far from Uluru National Park. The spot is completely exposed in the sense there are no trees or other shade/shelter options apart from a covered picnic table.
The rest area welcomes all motorhomes, caravans, camper trailers, motorbikes and big rigs. Facilities are limited to said picnic table, bins and a water tank for drinking, so campers must be self-sufficient otherwise.
Get your copy today!
If you enjoyed learning about the NT’s best free and budget camping spots and would like more information on each of the above (and more!) grab a copy of Hema’s Where to Camp Guide Australia available on the Hema Maps website and at leading outdoor retailers.
This guidebook was prepared in collaboration with the CMCA, Australia’s largest RV club. Listings are categorised as camping grounds, caravan parks, bush camps and overnight rest areas so you can easily determine which is right for you and your family.
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