We've summed up some of our favourite 4WD camping spots in the Top End, where you can escape the crowds and immerse yourself in stunning Territory landscapes.

Butterfly Gorge

Butterfly Gorge Nature Park is a hidden gem in the Douglas Daly region, tucked away at the base of a low sandstone plateau. The gorge is home to thousands of Common Crow Butterflies (hence the name) and other wildlife, and gorgeous terrain and vegetation. Butterfly Gorge has a series of rock pools for you to swim and explore - swim through the main pool to reach the narrow gorges and upper pools. While you can't camp in the park itself, you can camp at the nearby Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs or Douglas River Esplanade Conservation Area.

Check if Butterfly Gorge is open at NT Parks.

Gunn Point

You won’t find Gunn Point on the typical tourist trail, but it is a local favourite for beach camping and fishing. Gunn Point is just an hour from Darwin on the Gunn Point Peninsula making it easily accessible (if you have a 4WD). Soak up the picturesque ocean views, watch the sunset and make the most of beachfront camping in the Top End.

You won’t need a permit to visit or camp at Gunn Point, but we do recommend you check out the Gunn Point FAQs to learn about access points, facilities and where to camp. 

Coburg Peninsula - Garig Gunak Barlu National Park

Garig Gunak Barlu National Park offers truly remote camping and adventure in the Top End. Located in Arnhem Land on the Coburg Peninsula, this isolated area is beautifully rugged with winding coastlines and diverse ecosystems.

This 5000 square km region is virtually uninhabited, with the traditional owners protecting the parks pristine condition. Garig Gunak Barlu also boasts world class fishing with a huge array of species, alongside other marine life such as turtles, sharks and crocodiles. 

You’ll need a permit to camp at the park. We also recommend checking that the roads are open before you go. Typically, access to the park is between May and October.

Photo: Venture North Safaris