Savannah Way

The Savannah Way is an epic 3,700-kilometre self-drive route that carves through northern Australia from Broome in Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland, with its Northern Territory section offering some of the most remote and spectacular outback scenery on the continent. This is a journey for adventurous travellers who crave wide-open spaces, ancient landscapes, and genuine encounters with Aboriginal culture and frontier history. Think red dirt roads, towering termite mounds, croc-filled rivers, and the immense gorges of the Victoria River region — all under a blazing tropical sky.

Highlights & What to See

• Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park): Paddle or cruise through a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River. This is the NT section's undisputed showpiece — take a helicopter flight for a jaw-dropping perspective.
• Victoria River: One of Australia's mightiest rivers, best viewed from the Victoria River Roadhouse lookout. Keep an eye out for freshwater crocodiles, brolgas, and jabirus.
• Keep River National Park: A quieter alternative to Kakadu, with striking sandstone formations, Aboriginal rock art, and excellent walking trails like the Jarnem Walk.
• Timber Creek: A tiny outpost with a big history — stop at the Timber Creek Historical Museum and take a cruise on the Victoria River for barramundi fishing and wildlife spotting.
• Gregory National Park: The NT's second-largest national park, offering vast escarpments, limestone gorges, and the dramatic Bullita Stock Route for 4WD enthusiasts.
• Wolfe Creek Crater: A slight detour near Halls Creek (WA border) — one of the world's best-preserved meteorite impact craters, accessible via a rough 4WD track.

Suggested Time to Spend

To do the NT section justice, allow at least 5–7 days from Katherine to the Western Australian border. Most travellers break the journey into two or three overnight stops — Katherine (1–2 nights), Timber Creek or Victoria River (1–2 nights), and then on to Keep River National Park or Kununurra just over the WA border. The road is a mix of sealed highway and unsealed 4WD tracks, so check conditions and carry plenty of water, fuel, and spare tyres. The dry season (May–October) is the only safe window for this drive.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Katherine: Base yourself here for Nitmiluk National Park, Katherine Hot Springs, and the Cutta Cutta Caves.
• Nitmiluk National Park: Extend your stay to hike the Jatbula Trail (5–7 days) or explore the gorges beyond the first one.
• Kununurra (WA): Cross the border into Western Australia for Lake Argyle, the Ord River, and the Bungle Bungle Range (Purnululu National Park).
• Litchfield National Park: A popular detour near Darwin, with waterfalls, termite mounds, and swimming holes — best added at the start or end of your Savannah Way journey.
• Darwin: The natural starting point for self-drive travellers, with markets (Mindil Beach), museums, and the Crocosaurus Cove.

Please check official sources for current details.