| Route | Cairns, Queensland to Darwin, Northern Territory |
|---|---|
| Highlights | Waterfalls, gorges, national parks, outback towns |
| Key Stops | Atherton Tablelands, Paronella Park, Porcupine Gorge, Julia Creek, Cloncurry, Katherine, Edith Falls, Litchfield NP, Kakadu NP |
| Suitable For | Campervan and caravan travellers |
| Best Activities | Swimming, rock-hopping, waterfall chasing, gorge cruises, cultural tours |
| In Camps App | Yes – all campsites and caravan parks listed |
Sally has just begun planning adventure destinations with our CAMPS App:
“Thank you so much. This is a brilliant site and I’m looking forward to starting my first campervan trip. I’m hoping to get advice of where to go and highly recommended adventures, driving from Cairns to Darwin….”
Every town in the outback is worth exploring! It’s a big list! Here’s a few of the places, some along the Savannah Way, that we had a ball in. Tell us, what are your favourite recommendations for this route?
1. Atherton Tablelands near Cairns, Queensland
What beautiful memories we have travelling here with Heatley’s parents and the kids. This is Milla Milla Falls, but we also visited plenty of others. There is a massive fig tree, dairies and cheese tasting and we LOVED the Mareeba Heritage Museum and yummy Coffee Works – with chocolate and liqueur tasting.
2. Paronella Park, Queensland
How amazing is this place of castles – carved out of the rainforest and powered by hydro-electricity. Paronella Park is a man made wonder with a caravan park next door. Schedule time to visit at night, also.
3. Porcupine Gorge National Park, near Hughenden, Queensland
Porcupine Gorge is known as known as Australia’s “Little Grand Canyon” and the Pyramid Campground is perched just above it. Wow! Find this gem north of Hughenden. Take a picnic and your togs, so you can explore all day long. A camera, too – the birdlife is also amazing. It is a daunting climb back up the steps! However, it is worth it.
4. Julia Creek, Queensland
This remote town between Cloncurry and Richmond, has an interesting tale – and you can read all about it and see the little dunnart, at the Tourism Information Centre This is where you can watch feeding time for the tiny marsupial, the centre has won awards – take the time to wander the displays and learn about life for locals.
An absolute must is the artesian baths. Book a cheese platter, and BYO drinks. It’s located at the Caravan Park, but non-residents can visit the baths, too. There is a free camp and a Caravan Park Next door to the park is a local pool – with waterslides to boot! Here’s our tips for town.
5. Cloncurry, Queensland
Visit the lookout west of town and Chinaman Creek Dam. There is a lovely homewares shop in town, and the supermarket is worth a look with their bulk buys!
We did have some fun here – on a night out with locals, a family member and a mate working here, so they showed us their recommendations. Starting at the bowling club and not far was The Wagon Wheel for dinner: yummy steaks, pizzas and curries.
We stopped at the caravan park closer to town, there is another park on the outskirts and a campground.
6. Katherine, Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
Cruising down Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park was on my bucket list. It is seriously impressive. As was a waterfall swim at the end. I would love to explore via kayak next time.
7. Edith Falls/Leliyn, Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory
Camping in the National Park and seeing the waterfall and waterhole in the evening and first thing of the morning was so special.
Our family explored the upper falls, just 1 km walk to the top the kids said it was an “awesome swim”. As was our dip in Edith Falls after breakfast. Add to your list!
8. Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory
We have played a this magnificent national park twice now. It is the best rock-hopping, waterfall-chasing fun. Here’s our recap from the end of the wet season: Litchfield National Park is a true treasure. And more camping is now open in Central Valley.
9. Berry Springs, Northern Territory
So this little oasis is man made. But even that is interesting, since it was created in World War II as recreation for the soldiers and nurses stationed in The Top End. Our kids swam every inch! Bring a picnic for the beautiful grounds as well and read the history. There is a great wildlife park nearby they also loved.
10. Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory
One amazing park! I loved Ubirr looking out over Arnhemland and our cruise on the Yellow Water Cruise. Mum is just back from cruising the East Alligator River – she loved learning about the culture from the Indigenous guides. I hope to return to Kakadu National Park with a 4WD and explore some of those more remote locations.
Finally here’s another Savannah Way destination! Or you can continue on to the East Kimberley region attractions.
Of course, all the sites are in our CAMPS guide books, CAMPS Pendium boxed set and CAMPS App.
Download the Camps App for iPhone/iPad or Android
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the must-see waterfalls between Cairns and Darwin?
Milla Milla Falls in the Atherton Tablelands, Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park, and multiple waterfalls throughout Litchfield National Park are absolute highlights. Each offers swimming opportunities and stunning scenery.
Is Porcupine Gorge suitable for families with children?
Yes, families will love exploring Australia’s ‘Little Grand Canyon’. Bring swimmers, a picnic and camera for birdwatching. Note that the climb back up the steps is quite daunting, so be prepared for the physical challenge.
What makes Julia Creek worth stopping at?
Julia Creek offers artesian baths where you can book a cheese platter and BYO drinks, an award-winning Tourism Information Centre where you can watch feeding time for the tiny dunnart marsupial, and a local pool with waterslides next to the caravan park.
Can you visit Paronella Park at night?
Yes, and it’s highly recommended! Schedule time to visit both during the day and at night to experience this man-made wonder of castles carved from rainforest. There’s a caravan park next door for convenient accommodation.
What’s the best way to experience Katherine Gorge?
A cruise down Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park is seriously impressive, with waterfall swims at the end. Kayaking is another option for those wanting a more active exploration of the gorge system.
How long should I allow for Litchfield National Park?
Allow enough time for rock-hopping and waterfall-chasing adventures. The park is magnificent and worth exploring thoroughly. Camping is now available in Central Valley for those wanting to stay overnight.
What are the accommodation options in Cloncurry?
Check the Camps App for current details on the caravan park closer to town, another park on the outskirts, and campground options.
What should I not miss in Kakadu National Park?
Don’t miss Ubirr with views over Arnhemland, the Yellow Water Cruise, and the East Alligator River cruise with Indigenous guides who share cultural insights. A 4WD opens up more remote locations for exploration.
