We finally crossed the border from Western Australia into Northern Territory early one morning after departing Lake Argyle. We were on day 159, or just over 5 months, of our travel around Australia in 185 days and we were looking forward to delving into the Territory.
The Northern Territory is a vast outback region in the true heart of Australia and features desert landscapes, the arid Red Centre, ancient aboriginal lands, croc infested rivers and spellbinding national parks.
The old Banka Banka Homestead in NT
This wasn’t our first foray into the Territory as years ago we had journeyed on the Ghan Train from Adelaide through the centre of Australia up to Darwin, where we spent a few days. Prior to leaving on our trip we decided that we would leave the Top End of Australia for another day, so we virtually crossed the Territory in a straight line from the WA border en route to the town of Katherine. After a few days here we headed true south until we veered east towards the Queensland/Northern Territory border.
Joe’s Creek Picnic Area near Timber Creek
Distance: From Lake Argyle 331kms
Where we Stayed: Joe Creek Picnic Area
Cost: FREE
Rest Area Facilities:
Gregory’s Tree marker in Gregory National Park
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: If you have time take a boat cruise down the Victoria River to see the crocs in their natural habitat or try your luck Barramundi fishing.
For more information on this region read my post Venturing into the Victoria River Region
Happy hour at the Caravan Park near Katherine
Distance: From Victoria River 379kms
Where we Stayed: Manbulloo Homestead Caravan Park
Cost: $35 per night powered site
Caravan Park Facilities:
Edith Falls in Nitmiluk National Park
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Station stays are generally cheaper and more spacious than a traditional caravan park. Plus you have the benefit of interacting with the farm animals.
Mataranka Thermal Pools
Distance: From Katherine 108kms
Where We Stayed: Bitter Springs Cabins & Camping
Cost: $35 per night powered site
Camping Ground Facilities:
Elsey Homestead at Mataranka
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: This camping ground was a gem. I loved the bush setting and the close proximity to Bitter Springs Thermal Pools.
The famous Daly Waters Pub
Distance: From Mataranka 168kms
Where We Stayed: Daly Waters Pub Caravan Park
Cost: $32 per couple for powered site/ $18 per couple unpowered site
Caravan Park Facilities:
Interesting decor at the Larrimah Pub
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: These Northern Territory towns are all quirky and interesting in their own right. Make sure you stop to check them out along the the Stuart Highway.
For more reading on travelling between Katherine to Tenant Creek through the centre of Australia check out my post titled Through the Centre: Larrimah to Tenant Creek
Banka Banka Station Campground
Distance: From Daly Waters 305kms
Where We Stayed: Banka Banka Station Camping Ground
Cost: $20 per couple unpowered sites
Campground Facilities:
A fire pit and a country & western singer at Banka Banka Station
Local Attractions:
HOT TIP: Make sure you join in with the around-the-campfire live music entertainment at these station stays. It is a great way to socialise and meet other fellow travellers.
Our sunset view from the Rest Area on the Barkly Highway
When we arrived at Banka Banka Station we realised we had a flat tyre on the caravan, so the next morning we changed the tyre then set off to Tenant Creek to get the punctured tyre repaired. We spent most of the morning in Tenant Creek looking around.
Distance: From Banka Banka Station 290kms
Where we Stayed: Rest Area east of Barkly Homestead Roadhouse
Cost: FREE
Rest Area Facilties: N/A
Local Attractions: This is flat, barren and desolate countryside. East is the border to Queensland and the town of Camooweal and west is Tenant Creek, otherwise there is very little to see or do.
HOT TIP: Our intention was to spend the night at the Barkly Homestead, however with the hefty price tag of $35 per night we decided to free camp instead. If you don’t need power or a shower then these rest areas are perfect for an overnight stop.
We had hundreds and hundreds of kilometres of this on the Barkly Highway
In a short space of eight days we were done with the Northern Territory and we crossed the border into our home state of Queensland. We were excited to enter Outback Queensland to experience some of the country hospitality that we had been hearing about.
If you would like to read more about our travels into the Northern Territory read this post titled Touring The Territory: Katherine & Mataranka
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Agness of a Tuk Tuk
November 22, 2017You must be having an awesome time in Australia considering how long you’re exploring it, Kathy. The pictures you provided are astonishing!
Kathy
November 23, 2017Yes it was a memorable 7 months travelling around Australia. I took thousands of photos!