Tourism & Events Northern Territory/Stuart Ord
Day 1
Alice Springs to Gemtree
Distance 140km - Driving Time ~ 2 hours
Pick up your Britz 4WD in Alice Springs and ease into the Red Centre with a short drive to Gemtree along the Stuart and Plenty highways. The country opens from rocky ridges to broad spinifex plains, with the East MacDonnell Ranges glowing in rust and ochre.
Where to stop between Alice Springs and Gemtree
As an optional detour, visit Emily and Jessie Gaps, Corroboree Rock or Trephina Gorge for quick walks and photo stops if you left early. A little farther on, the Harts Range country offers fossicking territory and big skies.
Things to do in Gemtree
Join a guided fossicking tour for zircons and garnets, learn to sieve and sort your finds, and toast sunset as the sky blooms purple over the Plenty. After dark, enjoy immense star fields and a crackling campfire.
Where to stay in Gemtree
Gemtree Caravan Park offers powered and unpowered sites, hot showers and an outback hospitality vibe that makes your first night feel like a proper bush camp with comforts.
Tourism & Events Northern Territory/Tourism Australia
Day 2
Gemtree to Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles
Distance 395km - Driving Time ~ 4.5 hours
Return to the Stuart Highway and head north toward one of the Territory’s most photographed landscapes. The country flattens then swells into low rises, termite mounds stand like sentinels and the horizon seems to stretch forever.
Where to stop between Gemtree and Karlu Karlu
Break at Ti Tree for fuel and coffee, then stretch your legs at Wycliffe Well, famed for its UFO lore. Visitor facilities at Wycliffe Well can be limited, so plan your fuel and food at larger roadhouses. Between these townships, watch for wedge tailed eagles overhead, and road trains on the highway.
Things to do in Karlu Karlu
Arrive at Karlu Karlu mid to late afternoon to wander among the round, stacked granite boulders. Their cultural significance is deep, and the soft light at sunset or sunrise ignites the rocks with brilliant reds and oranges. Short walking loops reveal hidden clusters and viewpoints.
Where to stay in Karlu Karlu
Stay at the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve campground for a front row seat to dawn and dusk colours. Facilities are basic, and the immersive experience is memorably close to the landscape.
Tourism & Events Northern Territory/Kate Flowers
Day 3
Karlu Karlu to Tennant Creek
Distance 100km - Driving Time ~ 1 hour
Start slowly this morning with a sunrise stroll among the Marbles, then meander north to Tennant Creek. It is a brief drive that lets you arrive with time to explore heritage and culture.
Where to stop between Karlu Karlu and Tennant Creek
Pause at Bonney Well or a highway rest area to birdwatch. If conditions and timing align, an off highway 4WD detour to Iytwelepenty Davenport Ranges National Park is possible as a separate excursion in your broader trip planning.
Things to do in Tennant Creek
Uncover gold rush stories at the Battery Hill Mining Centre, then connect with Warumungu culture at the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre. For an afternoon cooldown, drive to Lake Mary Ann for a swim and picnic under shady trees.
Where to stay in Tennant Creek
Set up at Tennant Creek Caravan Park or the Outback Caravan Park. Both offer powered sites, shade and easy access to town sights and services. .
Tourism & Events Northern Territory/Crucible Enterprises
Day 4
Tennant Creek to Dunmarra
Distance 355km - Driving Time ~ 4 hours
The Barkly Tablelands roll by in waves of grassland, red dirt and broad skies. Today is about the rhythm of the Stuart Highway and classic Outback roadhouse stops.
Where to stop between Tennant Creek and Dunmarra
Call into the Frew Ponds Overland Telegraph Line Memorial Reserve to walk among history where the nation’s early communications once flowed. Detour to the character filled Daly Waters Pub for lunch if you fancy cold drinks and quirky memorabilia.
Things to do in Dunmarra
Arrive with time for a wander and sunset photos of big horizon country. Dunmarra is small, friendly and practical, a useful staging post before you swing west tomorrow.
Where to stay in Dunmarra
Overnight at the Dunmarra Wayside Inn Caravan Park. Expect powered sites, hot showers, a simple pub meal and the satisfaction of an easy camp after a classic NT highway run.
Tourism & Events Northern Territory/Sean Scott
Day 5
Dunmarra to Top Springs
Distance 185km - Driving Time ~ 3.5 hours
Turn off the Stuart onto the Buchanan Highway and feel the adventure dial up. The road is largely unsealed, the country remote and beautiful, and your 4WD camper truly earns its keep.
Where to stop between Dunmarra and Top Springs
Pull over at safe points to admire ranges on the horizon and the first boab trees of the journey. Watch for cattle. Conditions can change quickly after any rain, and this is where carrying extra water and fuel pays off.
Things to do in Top Springs
Take a breather. This is a roadhouse outpost with big sky energy, a friendly bar and a yarn or two. It is a strategic overnight to keep drives sensible while linking to the Victoria River country.
Where to stay in Top Springs
Top Springs Hotel and campground offers basic sites, showers and a hearty meal. Book ahead in the dry season and ask staff about recent road conditions before tomorrow’s leg.
Lachlan Gardiner
Day 6
Top Springs to Timber Creek
Distance 245km - Driving Time ~ 4.5 hours
Continue west on the Buchanan toward the Victoria Highway, then swing to Timber Creek. The landscape rises and folds into red escarpments and broad river valleys that signal you’re nearing the tropical Top End.
Where to stop between Top Springs and Timber Creek
Explore short walks in Judbarra / Gregory National Park if open and suitable for your vehicle, such as Limestone Gorge or Jasper Gorge tracks. Stop at Victoria River Roadhouse for fuel and the nearby lookout with sweeping escarpment views.
Things to do in Timber Creek
Timber Creek is a gateway to boab country and big river fishing. Visit the old Police Station Museum, scan the Victoria River for crocs and birdlife, or join a local sunset cruise when available for golden light on towering cliffs.
Where to stay in Timber Creek
Timber Creek Travellers Rest Caravan Park offers powered and unpowered sites plus a welcome swimming pool. Alternatively, Big Horse Creek Campground suits those seeking a national park style setting near the boat ramp.
Lachlan Gardiner
Day 7
Timber Creek to Katherine
Distance 285km - Driving Time ~ 3.5 hours
Follow the Victoria Highway east as escarpments frame the road and boabs punctuate the landscape. This is one of the NT’s great scenic drives, transitioning from remote outback to the lively gateway town of Katherine.
Where to stop between Timber Creek and Katherine
Stretch your legs at Joe Creek or the Escarpment Walk near Victoria River. Keep an eye out for black kites and wallabies. A coffee stop at Victoria River Roadhouse breaks the journey nicely.
Things to do in Katherine
Arrive and settle in, then ease into Top End mode at the Katherine Hot Springs. If time permits, book a late afternoon Nitmiluk Gorge cruise or head to Baruwei Lookout for a sunset panorama over the river’s first gorge.
Where to stay in Katherine
Choose BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks Katherine or Discovery Parks Katherine for shady powered sites, pools and plenty of room to unwind before a full day in Nitmiluk National Park.
Lachlan Gardiner
Day 8
Katherine to Katherine
Distance 190km - Driving Time ~ 3 hours local driving
Spend a full day exploring Nitmiluk National Park. The sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River are a Top End icon and one of the most rewarding active days of this itinerary. Check seasonal access, bookings and safety notices, especially after rain.
Where to stop between Katherine and Nitmiluk / Leliyn
Start with a morning boat cruise through the first gorges for towering cliffs and likely freshwater croc sightings. Alternatively, book a guided canoeing experience that begins with a boat transfer and paddling in the upper gorges where rock art sites are visited on short walks. Later, drive to Leliyn (Edith Falls) for a swim at the lower pool or hike the Leliyn Loop to the upper falls, subject to safety and access advice.
Things to do in Katherine
Mix in walks like the Windolf or Baruwei tracks, browse local art galleries and consider a cultural experience with a local Aboriginal guide to deepen your understanding of Jawoyn country.
Where to stay in Katherine
Stay a second night at your chosen Katherine caravan park. Book activities and camps ahead in peak season and keep an eye on park access notes, especially after any rain.
Lachlan Gardiner
Day 9
Katherine to Darwin
Distance 320km - Driving Time ~ 3.5 hours
Roll north on the Stuart Highway into the lush Top End. The air feels different here, with pandanus, paperbarks and wetlands taking over from desert spinifex.
Where to stop between Katherine and Darwin
Call into Pine Creek for a taste of gold town history, pause at the Adelaide River War Cemetery for a moving memorial visit, or cool off at Berry Springs Nature Park. The Territory Wildlife Park is nearby for families and wildlife lovers.
Things to do in Darwin
Head for the Waterfront precinct for a dip in the lagoon. Time your visit for Mindil Beach Sunset Market nights, explore the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, or meet some impressive reptiles at Crocosaurus Cove.
Where to stay in Darwin
Discovery Parks Darwin or BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park both offer powered sites, pools and easy access to the city and surrounding nature parks.
Lachlan Gardiner
Day 10
Darwin to Darwin
Distance 10km - Driving Time ~ 1 hour local driving
Take a relaxed final day to savour the Top End. Darwin is the perfect base for culture, cuisine and nature all within easy reach.
Where to stop and things to do in Darwin
Depending on your chosen activities in Darwin yesterday, today is another opportunity to visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the NT, or meet some impressive reptiles at Crocosaurus Cove.
Alternatively, you can explore the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens or stroll the WWII oil storage tunnels in the morning.
In the afternoon, join a harbour sunset cruise, browse Aboriginal art at local galleries and enjoy fresh seafood on the waterfront. It is a fitting finale after crossing deserts, rivers and ranges.
Where to stay in Darwin
Stay a second night at your chosen Darwin caravan park, or plan your return timing to the Britz Darwin branch. Remember, branches close over the wet season, and many parks operate seasonally too.
Binns Track 4WD FAQ
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What is the best time of year for Binns Track?
The dry season is best: April to October, with June to September often the sweet spot for cooler temps and fewer wet-season closures.
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What is the Binns Track known for?
It's an epic and remote 4WD crossing of the Northern Territory, running from Mt Dare (South Australia) to Timber Creek, with lesser-known national parks, rugged ranges, desert country and far-flung roadhouses and towns (think big landscapes, camping spots, and true outback vibes).
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How long is the Binns Track?
It's roughly 2,200 km end-to-end.
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What are the main challenges on Binns Track?
The Track is quite challenging because of the remoteness (limited services and long gaps) and rough track conditions like corrugations, sand, rocks, bulldust, washouts/ruts, floodways, and creek crossings. Additionally, in the north, wet-season flooding can also cause road closures.
This Outback to Ocean journey blends sacred geology at Karlu Karlu, remote roadhouse charm, the Victoria River and the grandeur of Nitmiluk, before delivering you to Darwin’s tropical buzz. Travel in the dry season for the best access, carry plenty of supplies, prearrange your NT Parks Pass for national parks and campgrounds, and check any permit needs for Aboriginal lands or special access areas. When you are ready, you can easily book your Britz camper online and pick it up from your closest Britz branch before hitting the road.