Best camping from Darwin to Kakadu & Katherine

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Here are the best places to camp from Darwin to Kakadu and Katherine.

The driving route from Darwin to Katherine via Kakadu and Nitmiluk national parks is a popular one. But it does require a little planning ahead – including knowing where to pitch your tent. We did the hard work for you: here are the best campsites from Darwin to Kakadu and Katherine.
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1
Mary River National Park

Best campsites Darwin to Kakadu (Jabiru): Mary River

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Mount Bundey, NT, Australia
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Camp at Couzen’s Lookout, where sunset views stretch across a river system teeming with birdlife, crocs, paperbark trees and lotus flowers.
Cost: $3.30 per adult, per night
Facilities: campsite only, but the nearby Shady Camp has toilets and showers
4WD required: yes
2
Ubirr

Best campsites Darwin to Kakadu (Jabiru): Ubirr

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Merl Campground sits three kilometres from the main rock formations, and is a great base for bushwalking along the East Alligator River and seeing the sun descend over the stone country of Arnhem Land.
Cost: $15 per adult, per night
Facilities: toilets, showers and picnic tables
4WD required: no
3
Gunlom

Best campsites Kakadu (Jabiru) to Pine Creek: Gunlom

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Travel along an unsealed road off Kakadu Highway, choose a base near Gunlom Waterfall’s lower pool, and walk the steep 450-metre track to the upper infinity pools for epic views of lush bushland below.
During the dry season, rangers sometimes host night-time nature talks for campers.
Cost: $15 per adult, per night
Facilities: toilets, showers, drinking water, and picnic tables
4WD required: yes
4
Maguk

Best campsites Kakadu (Jabiru) to Pine Creek: Maguk

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The campsite is set in a quiet nook, one kilometre shy of the pools. After you’ve plunged inside Maguk’s sparkling emerald waters, follow the walking trail leading to a serene series of rock pools set above the main swimming zone.
Cost: $6 per adult, per night
Facilities: pit toilets and picnic tables
4WD required: yes
5
Umbrawarra GorgeUmbrawarra Gorge Camping Area

Best campsites Pine Creek to Nitmiluk (Katherine): Umbrawarra Gorge

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Umbrawarra Rd, Douglas-Daly, NT, Australia, 0822
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The Umbrawarra Gorge campsite – close to a tin mine site from the early 1900s – is small and sits one-kilometre back from the waterhole. Take the picturesque walking trail to the gorge early in the morning to maximise your tranquillity levels.
Cost: $3.30 per adult, per night
Facilities: barbeque and toilet
4WD required: yes
6
Nitmiluk National ParkNitmiluk National Park Katherine Gorge

Best campsites Pine Creek to Nitmiluk (Katherine): Nitmiluk National Park

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Gorge Rd, Katherine, NT, Australia, 0850
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Camp beside a cavernous gorge at Smitt Rock in Nitmiluk National Park, where red-tailed black cockatoos soar in the sky and a rambling track leads to a swimmable pool.
Cost: $3.30 per adult, per night
Facilities: toilet only
4WD required: no
7
Douglas River Esplanade Conservation AreaDouglas River Daly River Esplanad

Best campsites Nitmiluk (Katherine) to Darwin: Douglas River Esplanade Conservation Area

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Douglas-Daly, NT, Australia, 0822
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Travel along the Stuart Highway and take the scenic route north of Hayes Creek, following Oolloo Road until you reach Douglas River Esplanade Conservation Area.
Nine campsites nudge the surrounding bushland, and a small store sells supplies.
Cost: $6.60 per adult, per night
Facilities: toilet only
4WD required: yes LITCHFIELD NATION
8
Litchfield National Park

Best campsites Nitmiluk (Katherine) to Darwin: Litchfield National Park

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Litchfield's campground has all the comforts, including wi-fi. Take the two-kilometre loop walk past a colony of fruit bats for views of the sparkling green lower pools, then pull out your swimwear and lounge beneath the twin falls.
Cost: $6.60 per adult, per night
Facilities: showers, toilets, cooking facilities and barbecues
4WD required: no

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