The Aussie Outback is vast, remote, and impossibly red – and it’s one of the most iconic places on Earth. Stretching across thousands of miles of ancient desert, dramatic rock formations, and sacred lands, it’s the ultimate destination for many adventurous travellers.
Not everywhere in the Outback is reachable, so the best way to explore is with a reliable campervan. With your hotel on wheels, you can experience remote beauty at your own pace, stop when you want, and not have to worry about rushing back at the end of the day.
Today, we’ll explore seven must-see sights in the Australian Outback.
1. Darwin and Kakadu National Park
Before venturing into the deep Outback, enjoy a day or two exploring Darwin, the laid-back capital of the Northern Territory. Check out the Mindil Beach night markets and the Museum & Art Gallery of the NT to really make the most of its culture and relaxing vibe.
Darwin is often called the gateway to the Outback, so it’s the perfect starting point for your campervan adventure. Your first stop will be the Kakadu National Park: just a few hours away. Here you’ll find plenty of waterfalls, rock art, crocodile-filled wetlands, and epic 4WD tracks. It’s a brilliant first taste of remote Northern Australia!
2. Litchfield National Park
If you thought Kakadu was impressive, wait until you see Litchfield! It’s a 1.5-hour drive from Darwin, but the sights of the amazing Outback will make the drive worth it. Once you get to the park, you’ll be able to swim in natural plunge pools underneath waterfalls, so make sure you bring your swimsuit! Marvel at giant termite mounds, hike through lush trails of tropical forests. It’s an accessible, campervan-friendly stop that offers a huge reward for not much effort.
3. Katherine Gorge/ Nitmiluk National Park
Drive a few more hours south and you’ll reach Katherine, a small town with a massive secret: Nitmiluk (otherwise known as Katherine Gorge). Carved by the Katherine River, this series of gorges offers plenty of stunning boat cruises, canoeing adventures, and cliffside hikes. The locals manage the park, giving it an incredible cultural connection – perfect if you want to see more than just a pretty view.
4. Devil’s Marbles
As you move further into the Outback, the landscapes become more and more surreal. Devil’s Marbles (or Karlu Karlu) is one of the most photographed sights in the Northern Territory! These enormous, round granite boulders sit scattered across the desert like some ancient playground of giants. This sacred Aboriginal site is especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the rocks glow with fiery light. There’s a campground nearby, so definitely stay overnight and make the most of it!
5. Tennant Creek and the Barkly Tablelands
A true Outback town, Tennant Creek is full of gold mining history and Indigenous culture. Nearby, the Barkly Tablelands open up into endless flat plains – a striking contrast to the rugged ranges of the south. This is a perfect spot for refuelling and resting before moving on. There’s excellent hospitality here too, including a few local pubs, roadhouses, and scenic picnic stops, making it perfect for campervanning travellers.
6. Alice Springs
A little while on, you’ll reach Alice Springs, which is often regarded as the beating heart of the Red Centre. Surrounded by the MacDonnell Ranges, this desert town is rich in Aboriginal culture, art galleries, and unique Outback charm that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Alice is a great place to base yourself for a few days while exploring the nearby attractions like Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, and the Larapinta Trail.
7. Uluru and Kata Tjuta
No adventure into the Outback is complete without witnessing the majestic nature of Uluru and Kata Tjuta! These sacred monoliths rise dramatically from the desert, changing colour throughout the day and holding deep cultural significance for the Anangu people. Camp at the nearby Ayers Rock Resort campground or bush camp further afield. Sunrise and sunset are divine here, too, and many people who visit say it’s the kind of spiritual experience that stays with them long after they’ve left.
Start Your Road Trip Planning Today
There are plenty of reasons why the Aussie Outback is one of the most exciting and sought-after places to travel through – it’s unique, untouched, and incredible! When planning your road trip through the Outback, Darwin is the perfect place to start. Hire a campervan in Darwin and hit the road – the Outback odyssey is waiting!
