The Best Budget-Friendly Campsites/Holiday Parks in Northern Territory
If you're itching to explore the rugged beauty of Australia's Northern Territory but want to ensure you still safeguard your travel budget, you've stumbled upon the right guide. This blog is your go-to resource for how to travel Australia cheaply. Here, we'll not only reveal the top 10 budget-friendly campsites and holiday parks to add to your ultimate Northern Territory road trip but also spill the beans on how to save money when it's best to hit the road and more. So buckle up, and let's hit the gas on budget hacks for a motorhome hire in the Northern Territory.
How to Save Money on a Campervan Trip in the Northern Territory
The allure of a campervan hire in the Northern Territory is undeniable, but let's face it: costs can add up. But don’t sweat it. We've got you covered with some budget planner hacks on how to keep your travel budget in check.
Travel in shoulder seasons: Traveling in the shoulder seasons can save you a bundle. You'll find fewer crowds and discounted rates on both campervan hire and holiday park campsites.
Self-Cater: Utilize that campervan kitchen or grab some local produce and fire up a free BBQ. Trust us; it'll be a meal to remember (sans the hefty price tag.)
Stock up: Make sure to stock your campervan up in larger towns on your major groceries as most small country towns, if they even have a grocery store, will have higher prices for your usuals.
Mix in a few free camps: Cheap holidays in a campervan are a perfect mix of low-cost holiday parks and freedom camping sites. Check out some best free camping spots in the Northern Territory to help stretch your travel budget.
What season is best to travel the Northern Territory?
The Northern Territory boasts a tropical climate, which means it has both wet and dry seasons. The wet season is hot, humid, wet… and a little impractical, and the dry season is cool, temperate, gorgeous… and packed. So, let us let you in on a little secret: the shoulder seasons (April and October) are your best bet for an incredible yet budget-friendly adventure. So why not grab a cheap campervan hire and set off on one of the best road trips in the Northern Territory? If you're in need of a road trip suggestion, how about the ultimate Darwin to Perth adventure and tick off two incredible Aussie states in one cheap campervan hire?
Image: Lachlan Gardiner
10 of the best budget-friendly campsites/holiday parks in the Northern Territory
Ready to hit the road but unsure where to park your home on wheels? Worry not! Here’s a curated list of 10 holiday parks and campsites that will give you the most bang for your travel budget. These sites not only offer fantastic amenities but also serve as perfect launch pads for exploring the top things to do in Darwin, Australia, and beyond. Let’s dive in!
1. Darwin FreeSpirit Resort
A slice of paradise in the heart of the Northern Territory, Darwin FreeSpirit Resort sets itself apart with lush landscapes and top-tier amenities. The resort offers various accommodation options to suit every travel budget. Plus, the in-house amenities, like a resort-style pool and entertainment facilities, offer value for your dollar.
Things to do in Darwin
This holiday resort offers immediate access to Darwin’s exciting market scene, vibrant nightlife, and outdoor adventures, making it perfect for those who want to explore the things to do in Darwin, Australia.
Getting to Darwin FreeSpirit Resort from Darwin CBD
The Darwin FreeSpirit is just a 15-minute drive in your motorhome hire from Darwin along the highway exiting the city.
2. Lake Bennett Wilderness Resort
Nestled beside a stunning freshwater lake, Lake Bennett Wilderness Resort promises tranquillity and leisure for every traveller. The resort has a variety of options to match your travel budget. Plus, you can make use of communal facilities like BBQ areas to keep costs low. The resort also has a restaurant and bar for those looking for an added touch of luxury during their wilderness stay.
Things to do around Lake Bennett
Lake Bennett provides ample opportunities for water-based activities like kayaking and fishing. The nearby Coomalie Cultural Centre offers a rich cultural experience, making it a holistic destination for top things to do in Northern Territory.
Getting to Lake Bennett from Darwin
Lake Bennett is an easy one-hour road trip from Darwin in your cheap campervan hire.
3. Batchelor Holiday Park
Nestled in the quaint town of Batchelor, Batchelor Holiday Park offers a blend of comfort and natural beauty. With sprawling lawns, shade-providing trees, and various accommodation choices, this park is all about comfort and being kind to your travel budget. The park offers cost-effective camping options and amenities like BBQ areas and camp kitchens to help you make the most out of your cheap holiday. Best of all, the park is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends, and it is surrounded by diverse birdlife, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Things to do around Batchelor
Batchelor serves as a portal to the must-see Litchfield National Park. Famous for its mesmerising waterfalls and unique termite mounds, there's no lack of things to do in the Northern Territory when you're here.
Getting to Batchelor from Darwin
Hop into your motorhome hire from Darwin and make your way south along Stuart Highway. After about an hour, turn onto Batchelor Road and continue driving until you reach the park.
4. Breeze Holiday Park Mary River
Breeze Holiday Park Mary River offers a secluded haven amidst the natural wonders of the Northern Territory. The holiday park not only offers an array of natural attractions on your doorstep but also features amenities such as a swimming pool and tennis courts for additional entertainment.
Things to do around Mary River
The park offers an opportunity to explore the diverse Mary River wetlands. Whether you prefer a guided boat tour or want to try your hand at barramundi fishing, this location ensures a rich wilderness experience no matter what kind of travel budget you are on.
Getting to Mary River from Darwin
This Mary River holiday park is just over an hour's drive from Darwin while cruising on one of the best road trips in the Northern Territory towards Kakadu National Park.
5. Nitmiluk Caravan Park
If you're after a quintessential Australian Outback experience, Nitmiluk Caravan Park is the place to be. The sites are within the Nitmiluk National Park and are set in the natural bushland of the area – a setting that is bound to be friendly to your travel budget.
Things to do in Nitmiluk
Located in the Nitmiluk National Park, the campground provides direct access to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where you can go canoeing, hiking, and scenic flights. The Nitmiluk Tours are 100% owned and operated by the Indigenous Jawoyn people, who have called Nitmiluk home for millennia. These activities make it an ideal stop for those looking for the best things to do in the Northern Territory.
Getting to Nitmiluk from Darwin
The park is about a 3.5-hour drive south of Darwin, making it a great road trip stop for those travelling in their campervan hire from Darwin.
6. Daly Waters Historic Pub
For a truly unique stay, look no further than Daly Waters Historic Pub. This watering hole has a colourful past and serves as an Outback oasis. Daly Waters offers various camping options to fit your travel budget. Plus, its unique atmosphere provides great value for a modest price. The pub is known for its Beef and Barra barbecues, so even if you're cooking in your camper, consider treating yourself to a legendary Outback pub dinner.
Things to do around Daly Waters
This isn't just a place to sleep; it's an attraction in itself. From quirky memorabilia to live evening entertainment, you'll find a wide array of things to do in the Northern Territory right here. The pub is also a convenient spot to access other attractions, like the Mataranka Thermal Pools and Limmen National Park.
Getting to Daly Waters from Darwin
Situated on the Stuart Highway, it’s roughly a six-hour drive south of Darwin.
7. Tennant Creek Caravan Park
Tennant Creek Caravan Park is a perfect base for exploring the unique history and culture of the region. The holiday park offers a variety of options to fit different travel budgets, including both powered and unpowered sites. Tennant Creek Caravan Park prides itself on its pet-friendly policy, making it a great choice for those travelling with pets. As well as a host of other great facilities, including a camp kitchen, gas refills, and a shaded swimming pool.
Things to do around Tennant Creek
The park is close to the Battery Hill Mining Centre, where you can learn about the gold mining history of Tennant Creek. You can also venture out to the Karlu Karlu (Devil's Marbles) – easily one of the most iconic natural things to do in the Northern Territory.
Getting to Tennant Creek from Darwin
Tennant Creek is about a 10-hour drive from Darwin, a journey often undertaken by those using motorhome hire from Darwin to tackle one of the many iconic road trips in the Northern Territory, towards Alice Springs or Adelaide.
8. Alice Springs Tourist Park
A stay at Alice Springs Tourist Park is an invitation to immerse yourself in the red heart of Australia. The park is an oasis in the desert, providing beautifully shaded camping spots, swimming pools, a well-equipped camp kitchen and plenty more facilities to make it easy to self-cater, further stretching your travel budget.
Things to do in Alice Springs
Conveniently located in Alice Springs, the park allows easy access to renowned attractions such as the MacDonnell Ranges, Anzac Hill, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, making it perfect for those looking for things to do in Alice Springs. Or, if you're ticking off a bucket list of the best things to do in the Northern Territory, Alice Springs provides a great stop on the way to Uluru, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta.
Getting to Alice Springs from Darwin
A considerable journey from Darwin at nearly 16 hours by road, this holiday park is definitely one to hit up while road-tripping en route to Uluru or Adelaide.
Image: Lachlan Gardiner
9. Kings Canyon Resort
Situated within the Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon Resort offers visitors a budget-friendly option for experiencing the rugged beauty of the Northern Territory. The resort offers powered sites with shared facilities like BBQs and communal kitchens, helping stretch the travel budget. Kings Canyon Resort is pet-friendly and allows you to explore the natural wonders of the Northern Territory with your four-legged companion.
Things to do around Kings Canyon
The park serves as a gateway to Kings Canyon, where you can tackle the stunning Rim Walk loop. A perfect spot for those looking for outdoor adventures, the resort also provides access to the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience and Tours and the Kathleen Springs Walk.
Getting to Kings Canyon from Darwin
The journey from Darwin to Kings Canyon Resort by campervan will take around 19 hours, making it a destination better suited for an extended road trip in the Northern Territory.
10. Ayers Rock Campground
Ayers Rock Campground gives you a more economical way to experience the spiritual and geographical heart of Australia—Uluru. With its range of budget options, including powered and unpowered sites, the campground lets you experience Uluru without breaking the travel budget. Ayers Rock Campground also has a mini-mart on-site, offering basic groceries to help you self-cater during your stay.
Things to do around Uluru
Located near the iconic Uluru, the campground offers a variety of cultural experiences, including guided tours and educational programs. Other attractions include Kata Tjuta and the Field of Light art installation – both of which are easily some of the best things to do in the Northern Territory.
Getting to Uluru from Darwin
Travelling from Darwin to Ayers Rock Campground requires a drive of about 20 hours, so another great one to add to that road trip planner from Darwin to Adelaide.
Stay in the NT with Mighty
The Northern Territory offers a plethora of budget-friendly campsites and holiday parks, each providing unique attractions and amenities. From the lush landscapes around Darwin to the mystical allure of Uluru, these locations cater to a variety of travel budgets and preferences.
Image: Lachlan Gardiner
Image: Lachlan Gardiner