Are you planning your road trip from Kununurra to Darwin? Here are my must-dos on the road trip into the Northern Territory and up to Darwin, with suggestions on where to stay, details on places to visit and general travel tips.

Kununurra

Kununurra is known as the gateway town to the East Kimberly. It’s the perfect base to get a taste of what’s on the Gibb River Road. There are a couple of spots are a semi-2wd accessible that are definitely worth taking the time to explore.

The best stop to stay along your road trip is Cockburn Rest Stop. Though there are caravan parks in Kununurra and other options, this spot is pretty central to a lot of the gorges (and free!). If you’re visiting Lake Argyle, I’d highly recommend booking at least one night at the caravan park to hear some live music and go on a sunset cruise.

Emma Gorge

This swimming hole is the perfect first spot to explore when you’re in the Kununurra area. It is one of the easiest spots to access in a 2 wheeled-drive. Only the last 2km is gravel, with some corrugations depending on how recently it has been graded. Towards the end of this 2km road there are a couple of puddles/creek crossings depending on how much it has rained. However, there is plenty of space to pull over to the side before the crossing and walk an extra five minutes.

This 3.2km hike is reasonably flat, with some rock-hopping and steep sections towards to end. If you’d like to read more details on Emma Gorge view this other blogpost!

Zebedee Hot Springs and El Questro Gorge

These two spots do involve driving about 10km on dirt road. El Questro also either requires you to cross a creek by foot of hitch a ride over. Many people with a 2WD do this to experience these beautiful and unique spots. Read more about how to access these in my blogpost: Amazing Things You Must Do in Kununurra and Surrounds (2wd Guide)

Although more difficult to access in a 2WD I would say these spots are 100% worth venturing out to explore. Zebedee Hot Springs will be the first of many hot springs you will experience. And El Questro Gorge is often mentioned as one of people’s favourite hike on their big lap.

The Grotto

Despite the 144 steps to get down (and back up) to this spot, the Grotto is a must in Kununurra. For a cool off and a bit of fun on the rope swing, head towards Whyndam and turn off onto Grotto Road whilst heading north on the Great Northern Highway. We had a lot of fun here and probably spent the most time here out of all the swimming holes.

Lake Argyle

An absolute MUST on your way to the Northern Territory is visiting Lake Argyle. The caravan park here isn’t cheap, but it’s worth visiting for the infinity pool overlooking one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country. I also highly recommend doing one of the sunset cruises around the lake. It was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had in our entire lap.

Northern Territory

As you depart Kununurra on your road trip and make way for Darwin, you’ll soon cross into the Northern Territory. Get excited for some completely new environments, many more hot springs and one of the most remarkable National Parks in the country that is also FREE.

Katherine

Katherine is the town you’ll reach to turn left towards Darwin or turn right to head to Mataranka or the Red Centre. Although Katherine itself doesn’t have too much to do, it’s worth stopping here to stock up on supplies and perhaps stop at Katherine Hot Springs.

Mataranka

Although Mataranka is actually an hour south of Katherine and in the opposite direction of Darwin, I thought it worth noting. It is famous for its hot springs – specifically Mataranka Thermal Pools and Bitter Springs. At particular times of the year, you can also see the renowned Nathan “Whippy” Griggs at the Mataranka Homestead. You can read more about the best hot springs in the NT on this blogpost!

Edith Falls

A MUST on the road trip from Kununurra to Darwin is visiting the beautiful Edith Falls. There are tours like this one that also take you out to Katherine Gorge, but we didn’t have time. Whilst you can stay at the camp at Edith Falls, there is a free camp 15 minute up the road called Edith Rail Campground. This is where we stayed for a few nights and we’d drive in to Edith Falls during the day and hang out, go for swims and use the showers.

Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is a must on your way up to Darwin (or when you leave, but either way its a MUST). This National Park is FREE and is incredibly accessible for anyone travelling in a 2WD. You can easily visit Litchfield NP in a day, but I’d recommend spending at least one night in the National Park to have the time to relax and enjoy each spot. Alternatively, you can go on a guided tour to take you into the national park. The most notable spots in my opinion are:

• Buley Rockhole
• Florence Falls
• Tjaetaba Falls (Less popular but SUCH a gem)
• Wangi Falls

Litchfield National Park truly blew us away on our trip up to Darwin, however I’d like to note that it can be incredible busy. Buley Rockhole and Wangi Falls are two of the busiest places we’ve ever been to, so perhaps try and go early in the morning or in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Read more about this National Park in my Ultimate Guide.

Darwin

Finally, you’ve made it to Darwin! We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring the City of Darwin. The best thing to do is to pop in to the visitor centre to find out what’s on! During the winter time (peak season) there is the Darwin Festival with heaps of shows and free activities. There are loads of markets around from the Mindil Beach Markets, the Parap Village markets, to the more unique Rapid Creek Markets. Read my detailed Darwin Travel Guide or see an insight into Darwin’s Markets.