Road Tripp'n Through The Australian Outback & Northern Territory
- AussieJohn
- Jun 30, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 7
In July 2024, we are getting ready for another exciting journey in Australia. This time, we are packing up the Toyota Rugged X Hilux and the Kimberley Kamper for a road trip through far North Queensland and into the Northern Territory. Big Bore Rifle Shoot in Darwin. Water Buffalo & Barramundi on my mind, so stay tuned for more updates soon!
Epic Road Trip: Gold Coast to Darwin and Back
An unforgettable outback adventure through reef, red dirt, waterfalls, quirky pubs, and wild buffalo country.
Gold Coast (Start & Finish)
Rest and prepare for the big drive.
Grab a coffee and walk the beach.
Carnarvon Gorge (1–2 nights)
Hike the Gorge Walk – towering cliffs, ancient Indigenous art, and mossy gullies.
Boolimba Bluff – sunrise views worth the climb.
Wildlife – kangaroos, wallabies, and even platypus at dusk.
Kinka Beach & Clairview (2 nights at Kinka, 1 night at Clairview)
Kinka Beach:
Quiet beach walks, fresh seafood, nearby Emu Park.
Take a day to unwind with ocean views and local exploring.
Clairview:
Camp near the beach.
Spot dugongs in the shallows.
Classic coastal calm.
Airlie Beach & Great Barrier Reef (2–3 nights)
Dive or snorkel the reef – world-class underwater life.
Whitehaven Beach – pure silica sand.
Sunset dining at Coral Sea Marina.
Charters Towers (1 night)
Drive-in movie theatre – under the stars.
Gold rush history and ghost tours.
Tower Hill Lookout at sunset.
Julia Creek (1 night)
Artesian Baths – soak with a view.
Visit the Dunnart Experience.
Grab a meal at the local pub.
Barkly Homestead (1 night)
True outback roadhouse.
Cold drinks, hearty meals, and big sky sunsets.
Daly Waters Pub (2 nights)
Famous beef & barra dinner.
Live music, quirky decor, and a great yarn with fellow travellers.
Extra day to soak in the history and charm of this classic outback stop.
Bitter Springs (1 night)
Drift through natural thermal waters.
Great break on a long leg of the journey.
Katherine Gorge / Nitmiluk (1–2 nights)
Sunset river cruise or kayak the gorge.
Bushwalks to Indigenous rock art.
Visit the cultural centre.
Litchfield National Park (1–2 nights)
Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, Buley Rockholes – all great for swimming.
Short scenic walks and termite mounds.
Darwin Waterfront (2–3 nights)
Chill by the lagoon.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
Museum & Art Gallery NT.
Local food, croc encounters, and sunset drinks.
Buffalo Hunt – Adelaide River area
Early starts, glassing through thick bush.
No success this time, but thrilling and raw.
Campfire stories and plenty of learning.
Blue Heeler Hotel, Kynuna (1 night)
Legendary outback pub.
Beer, yarns, and Waltzing Matilda country.
Tambo (1 night)
Camped at a quiet riverside reserve just outside of town.
Peaceful setting with stars overhead and birdlife in the morning.
Return to Gold Coast
A full loop of memories.
Thousands of kilometres, countless experiences.
Total Duration: ~3–4 weeks recommended Ideal For: Adventurers, hunters, fisher people, photographers, nature lovers, and those craving a real Aussie road trip.
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