Where To Find The Best Spots For Camping In Darwin

Often referred to as 'essential to the Australian experience', you haven't truly experienced Australia until you have set up your first campsite and lit your first campfire. If you are looking for a true authentic Aussie outback camping experience, Darwin is going to be your best bet. Not only does Darwin account for one-sixth of the Australian continent with a year-round tropical climate averaging 30°C, but it is also home to some of the country's most breathtaking and remote camping experiences. From relaxing in the natural thermal hot springs of Tjuawaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park to exploring the lush wetlands of the Mary River Wilderness Retreat, our expert team of camping specialists at Anaconda will walk you through our top picks for the best spots for camping in Darwin.

Quick Links

• Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park
• Litchfield National Park
• Tumbling Waters Holiday Park
• Redbank Gorge
• Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
• Mary River Wilderness Retreat

Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park

Camping at Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park in Australia's Northern Territory offers a unique and natural experience for those seeking the best spots for camping in Darwin. Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park features a campground with basic facilities such as picnic tables, fire pits and pit toilets. It's a relatively rustic camping experience, so be prepared for minimal amenities. The main attraction here is the thermal hot springs, which provide a relaxing soak in natural warm water. There are several pools of varying temperatures, making it perfect for a soothing dip. Also remember to bring your hiking shoes because there are hiking trails in the area, including the Jalmurark Walk and the Butterfly Walk, which allow you to explore the park's unique flora and fauna. In order to camp at Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park, you'll need to obtain a camping permit to stay in the park. These permits can usually be purchased online or at the park entrance, and the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September) when the weather is more comfortable for camping and outdoor activities. The park is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. You might see wallabies and various bird species during your stay.

Why you'll love Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs Park

• Several thermal hot springs to take a relaxing dip in
• Lots of hiking trails nearby for extended adventures
• Heaps of wildlife to encounter during your stay

Litchfield National Park

Camping in Litchfield National Park, located in the Northern Territory of Australia, is a fantastic way to experience the park's natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Litchfield National Park offers several campgrounds, each with its unique features and facilities. The popular campgrounds include Wangi Falls, Florence Falls, and Sandy Creek Falls. Florence Falls and Wangi Falls campgrounds tend to be the busiest. The campgrounds typically have basic facilities such as toilets, picnic tables and fire pits or barbecues. Some campsites may also have showers and drinking water, but it's a good idea to check the specific amenities available at your chosen campground. The dry season, which typically runs from May to September, is the best time for camping in Litchfield. The weather is more pleasant and most attractions are accessible. Litchfield National Park offers a range of activities, including swimming in pristine waterholes, hiking through lush rainforests, and exploring iconic waterfalls like Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole. There are also opportunities for wildlife spotting and birdwatching.

Why you'll love Litchfield National Park

• Lots of activities like swimming and hiking trails to keep you busy
• Heaps of wildlife and fauna to discover
• A perfect camping ground for the authentic Australian camping experience

Tumbling Waters Holiday Park

The Tumbling Waters Holiday Park is a picturesque camping and holiday destination located in the Northern Territory of Australia and is another fantastic spot for some of the best camping in Darwin. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including lush tropical gardens and stunning coastal views. Tumbling Waters Holiday Park is situated right on the coast, offering visitors a chance to enjoy both bushland and beachfront landscapes. It offers a variety of camping options, including powered and unpowered sites for tents, caravans, and campervans, though some campsites may have access to amenities like water, electricity, toilets, showers and laundry facilities. While staying at Tumbling Waters, you can engage in various activities, such as swimming in the pool, fishing and exploring the nearby beach. The park also has a restaurant and bar on-site, making dining convenient.

Why you'll love Tumbling Waters Holiday Park

• All the facilities you need such as toilets, showers, laundry and electricity
• Lots of activities to enjoy including fishing and swimming
• Right near Darwin, perfect for a weekend camping getaway

Redbank Gorge

Camping at Redbank Gorge in Australia's Northern Territory offers a unique and remote outdoor experience, situated in the West MacDonnell Ranges, about 156 kilometres west of Alice Springs. It's known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering red cliffs and a narrow chasm carved by the Finke River. There is a campground near Redbank Gorge known as Redbank Gorge Campground. It offers basic facilities such as pit toilets and picnic tables but no showers or electricity. It's a popular spot for those seeking a more rustic camping experience. Redbank Gorge is a fantastic location for hiking and swimming. The main attraction is the challenging hike to the gorge itself where you can enjoy refreshing swims in the permanent waterhole. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the surrounding trails including the popular walk to Mt. Sonder, which offers stunning panoramic views. The best time to camp at Redbank Gorge is during the cooler months from April to September when the weather is more temperate. Summers can be scorching, so it's advisable to avoid camping there during this period.

Why you'll love Redbank Gorge

• Lots of wildlife to spot such as wallabies, birds and reptiles
• Plenty of side activities to do like swimming in the gorge's permanent waterhole
• The ideal rustic camping experience in Darwin

Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)

Camping at Karlu Karlu, also known as the Devil's Marbles, is an almost otherworldly experience in the Northern Territory of Australia and is located about 100 kilometres south of Tennant Creek, along the Stuart Highway. It's famous for its massive granite boulders, which are sacred to the Aboriginal people of the region. There's a campground near Karlu Karlu called the Devil's Marbles Campground which provides basic facilities such as toilets, picnic tables and fire pits, but no showers or powered sites. Camping here allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape. While at Karlu Karlu, explore the walking trails around the massive granite boulders. The most popular walk is the Karlu Karlu Walk, which takes you through the rocks, offering a closer look at the unique formations - but be sure to respect the cultural significance of the area. The best time to camp at Karlu Karlu is during the cooler months, from April to September, to avoid the extreme heat of the Australian outback summer.

Why you'll love Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)

• Famous for its majestic massive granite boulders
• Lots of fun walking trails to explore
• No powered campsites, perfect for a fully immersive camping experience

Mary River Wilderness Retreat

Camping at the Mary River Wilderness Retreat is a great way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the stunning and remote Northern Territory. It offers a variety of camping options including powered and unpowered camping sites. There are also cabins and glamping tents available if you prefer more comfort. The campground is nestled along the Mary River, providing a picturesque setting for your stay. The campground offers amenities such as clean bathrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities and a camp kitchen with barbecue facilities. It's a comfortable and well-equipped camping spot. The Mary River region is known for its incredible wildlife and you can go birdwatching, fishing or simply relax by the river. The retreat also offers wildlife cruises on the Mary River, where you can spot crocodiles, birds and other native animals. The best time to camp at the Mary River Wilderness Retreat is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife is abundant. The wet season (November to April) can bring heavy rains and flooding.