As winter sets in, the warmer climates of northern Australia become increasingly appealing. If you have some free time, a thirst for adventure, and a dislike for cold, wet weather, consider heading north.
Pack your sunhat and shorts, organise the caravan, and embark on a road trip!
The Northern Territory, the Red Centre, the Top End, North Queensland, and WA’s Kimberley region all offer spectacular and accessible holiday options, whether you’re new to caravanning or an experienced traveller.
The challenge lies in deciding where to go, where to stay, and how long to spend in each stunning destination.
The Red Centre with sealed roads all the way from Melbourne and Adelaide to Alice Springs, towing a caravan is a breeze. Alternatively, you can fly, take a bus, or travel by train and hire a caravan upon arrival.
Alice Springs is a perfect base for exploring the Red Centre. Enjoy the natural beauty of Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap, or immerse yourself in indigenous art and cultural events.
For a more rustic, back-to-nature outback camping experience, head west to Kings Canyon. It’s a great place to rest or stopover on your way to Uluru. The area offers red-dirt outback charms and leisurely comforts, including a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and tennis court.
It also boasts a unique attraction: the Light-Towers experience. This immersive light and sound installation by renowned artist Bruce Munro features 69 two-meter-tall towers that change colour in response to the music within, creating a mesmerising experience as the outback sun rises or sets.
The Top End Winter is the best time to visit Darwin and Katherine, with pleasant dry season temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees between June and August.
Darwin offers a unique charm with its wartime history, cultural experiences, beachside sunset markets, and gourmet food scene.
Three and a half hours south, Katherine is where the outback meets the tropics. Discover natural gorges, sparkling waterfalls, and thermal springs. It’s a pet-friendly destination, making it perfect for those travelling with their furry friends.
The Kimberley If your road trip extends from the NT into Western Australia’s Kimberley region, you’re in for a treat. The Kimberley showcases life-changing experiences like the Bungle Bungles and Horizontal Falls.
From Darwin to WA, make a stop at Lake Kununurra. Nestled among 10 acres of pristine Kimberley bushland, it’s a haven for swimmers, fishing enthusiasts, and bird watchers. It’s also an ideal base for visiting the Bungle Bungles and Mirima National Park.
Another nearby option, just 40 minutes away, is Lake Argyle, which offers a famous infinity pool with breathtaking views of Australia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake. Guests can also cruise Lake Argyle aboard the Kimberley Durack, enjoying a swim at the ‘Bay of Islands’ and ending the day with beer, wine, and nibbles as the sun sets.
Continue on to Broome, a historic pearling town perfect for Cable Beach camel rides, seaplane journeys to Horizontal Falls, and the spectacular Staircase to the Moon phenomenon.
The Savannah Way The Savannah Way is an epic 3,700km journey crossing five world heritage areas, linking Broome in WA’s Kimberley region with Cairns in tropical North Queensland. This incredible route is the ultimate caravanner’s winter escape.
Some sections of the Savannah Way require 4WD capabilities, making it a trip for off-road caravans and vehicles. However, there are sealed stretches more accessible to casual caravanners, including the Cairns-Normanton and Broome-Katherine segments.
Highlights include the 190,000-year-old Undara Lava Tubes in the Undara Volcanic National Park. Nearby, Mount Surprise offers beautifully shaded campsites and unique accommodation options.
With so many wonderful sites to see during the dry season, you could easily spend the entire southern winter exploring Australia’s spectacular north. Plan your road trip well, and you’ll arrive home just as spring begins!
If this article has inspired you to think about your own unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please contact your advice professional.
This information does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any person. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation or needs.
(Feedsy Exclusive)
