The 5 best caravan parks in Darwin

Just ten minutes south of town, Big4 Hidden Valley is a Darwin staple, with villas, cabins, units and powered sites. In addition to the tropical gardens and salt-water swimming pool, there are also barbeques, a picnic area and a kids’ playground. The Hidden Delights café opens for breakfast and dinner – get a tropical smoothie and schnitty sandwich like the locals. Expect super friendly staff, even if you pull up without a reservation in the middle of peak season. Little tip, if you sign up for the Perks+ program, you can get a free bag of ice. In these parts, ice is a hot commodity. 

Two of the most exciting words in caravaning – bouncing pillow. Two of the least exciting words in caravaning – dump point. Both important, and both can be found at Discovery Parks Darwin. Located in Winnellie on the south side of town, Discovery Parks is conveniently placed next to the showgrounds and close to the airport (bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper). Along with family rooms, studio rooms, cabins and powered sites, there’s a camp kitchen, barbeques and a laundry (handy if you are coming in from out bush). Pets are welcome eleven months of the year, just not in July. Pick up a tasty breakfast pack at the kiosk, or venture to nearby Trader or Besser for a dose of café culture. 

Don’t be fooled by the name, Aspen Holidays is not located in snowy Colorado but is the FreeSpirit caravan park in sunny Darwin. Only 15 minutes from CBD, this is one of the more luxurious parks in the NT, with a range of accommodation styles and camping. The lagoon pool and beautiful gardens are topped off by the Elements Poolside Bar and Bistro. There’s a great event set up – people get married here, that’s how luxe it is. But there’s still your standard camp kitchen, kiosk and pool table. It’s also dog-friendly, just double-check the room options available for your furry mates. 

If you are looking for activities aplenty and a damn good deal, Tumbling Waters Holiday Park is where it’s at. Set across 100 acres of lush gardens and manicured grass, this park is just down the road from Berry Springs and only 30 minutes from Darwin. In the dry season, there’s an outdoor cinema where cinephiles can catch a film under the stars. If you’re more of a shopper, Tumbling Waters hosts a ‘Travelers Mini Markets and Art and Craft Stalls’ each Sunday morning in the dry, where guests and artists sell their wares (no stall fees if you’re one of those creatives). After working up a hunger doing all the things, the Eat Troppo alfresco restaurant serves up Territory-style meals, including wild-caught Barra. Dig in. 

Strategically situated in Berry Springs, AAOK Lakes Resort and Caravan Park is surrounded by calming waters and next to Barden Lake. You’re just minutes from Territory Wildlife Park, Berry Springs Nature Park and only 40 minutes to Litchfield National Park. This is for the water lovers and adventure seekers. The fluids keep coming at the on-site restaurant with cold beers and happy hour from 5-6pm. Check out the famous Sunday night roasts as well. There’s cheap donga-style accommodation, as well as motel rooms and cabins for your staying pleasure.