Reflecting on our journey – by Sandra Watson
Originally published in edition 450, Oct/Nov 2026
Words like vast, HOT, Unesco world heritage, incredible waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art, lookouts that look out for miles, birdlife, crocodiles and national parks all come to mind when I think about our recent 9 days in a campervan in the Northern Territory of Australia.
We discovered we loved the outback when we did a short roadie in a campervan last year into the red centre of Australia. So back we went in August this year to the NT (Northern Territory) and it didn’t disappoint.Darwin itself was interesting for all that happened during WW2. On the 19 Feb 230 Japanese planes appeared and bombed it, sinking US naval ships and wreaking havoc . The bigger cities in the south weren’t informed so the peoplewouldn’t panic!! So much more to learn...head to the Museum.
We had 3 national parks to see and our first stop was Kakadu. It’s renown for the ancient rock art, the big saltie crocs, the sunrises and the sunsets. Highlights include Ubir, Yellow water billabong sunrise cruise, Nourlangie rock for more art and more lookouts. We even had a round of Golf at the Jabiru golf club. 36 degree heat and it was a bit like playing on gravel but we had a cart and the club itself has excellent facilities for apres golf.
After Kakadu and on the way to Nitmiluk is a wee place called Pine Creek. Apart from the excellent pub there was a large collection of motorbikes and cars on display. Even for the non-mechanic in our camper, this was an interesting wee stop.
Nitmiluk National Park is home to the Katherine Gorge. There are plenty of… up the gorge options by boat or canoe. We chose the 3 Gorge trip, which also includes a lovely swimming spot ….officially cleared of crocs. The salties are always part of the regions conversations whenever H & S is discussed.
I didn’t realise it, but freshwater crocs don’t eat people. They may bite if cornered or stood on but prefer to get away so I’d recommend learning the different nose shapes for peace of mind.
We then headed to Litchfield National Park which is home to several movie location style water falls, rock pools and swimming holes. Highlights here include Wangi Falls, Buley Rock Hole and Florence Falls. They really are stunning spots and in 36 degree heat very very welcome.
Last night and last stop was the lovely Tumbling Waters Campground and nearby was Berry Springs, tepid clear water pools surrounded by lush green trees. A real oasis. We also visited the Territory Wildlife Park, which is set on 400 hectares and the bird aviary high up into the trees was worth the walk.
Overall we had 3 nights in Kakadu, 2 nights in Nitmiluk, 2 nights in Litchfield and last night at Tumbling Waters only 50 mins from Darwin. Always good to be close to where you drop the campervan off too, as this can take some time and you want to allow enough time to get to the airport without stressing. The camping grounds were all excellent, with resort styles pools, plenty of cold refreshments and some with restaurants. We did not go off onto 4WD roads so stuck to the main routes. Hence the lovely camp sites.
This trip is a well worn triangle and covers key sites, but it never felt touristy and never felt rushed. The landscape is the jewel and just driving along is almost enough.
Finally no trip to NT is complete without learning a bit about the culture of the custodians of the land, appreciating their stories through their art and becoming better informed of the first nation peoples and the land that they love to share.
