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Take your KEA Motorhome for a road-trip in NT

A Family Motorhome Road Trip from Darwin to Broome

Sometimes you need to break out of your comfort zone when you go travelling. As a family we had jumped into the unknown — literally — from the very start of our 2000km adventure beginning in Darwin and ending in Broome.

It was our inaugural road trip in a motorhome as well as our first time on the remote highway that links the NT with WA.

Arriving from Melbourne, we had acclimatised for two days in a Darwin hotel, relaxing over mango smoothies and pad Thai at the colourful local market, before picking up our comfortable KEA Traveller family motorhome. We excitedly unloaded our luggage, books and DVDS, with the children opening every door and cupboard as if it were one giant present.

With sleeping capacity for six, we had plenty of space as a family of four, but naturally we found it was always a bit roomier when the children were outside playing. Tempers could occasionally fray when cabin fever and boredom struck.

Our first stop wasn’t pretty but it was important; a large supermarket south of Darwin. We’d heard the small local shops on the remote route were overpriced and offered little in the way of fresh fruit, vegetables and palatable bread.

It was a good tip, as it turned out.

We also stocked up on huge water bottles. But we’d need more. It would be so hot it sometimes felt as though we were drinking it faster than we were buying it.

Exploring Darwin

Our first proper sight-seeing stop offered a much needed swim. Berry Springs is 60km south of Darwin and is a series of waterholes where you can swim or simply relax and sun yourself on a rock like a lizard.

Starting our journey late in September, we knew temperatures would be warm — around 38C-40C — but we soon discovered that our on-board air conditioning unit was thankfully very powerful. We also had a portable battery-powered Coleman fan which helped cool the children strapped into the dining room area seats.

Litchfield National Park

Our first night was at a caravan park near the entrance of Litchfield National Park, and the next day we stood in amazement as we visited the park's iconic magnetic termite mounds. These clusters of weathered sandstone pillars all face the same direction like elegant gravestones.

We enjoyed discovering some of the park’s sensational waterfalls, including Wanji Falls and Buley Rockhole. They cascade into beautiful clear pools, surrounded by lush greenery and the scent of jasmine.

We soon realised the benefits of having our motorhome waiting for us in the car parks; namely fresh towels and outfit changes, cold drinks and fruit in the fridge. In short, our own little haven on wheels.

Many travellers choose a 4WD coupled with a caravan or camper trailer rather than a motorhome for Kakadu National Park as you can explore more remote offroad routes, and access Arnhem Land. But from our comfortable base at Kakadu Lodge in Jabiru we booked an exciting boat trip on East Alligator River where we saw endless saltwater crocodiles swimming and lounging on the riverbank.

We also took the short drive to Ubir to see the indigenous rock art and enjoy the sunset across the park.

Nitmiluk Gorge is simply GORGE-OUS

After a few hours' drive south, Nitmiluk Gorge (commonly known as Katherine Gorge) would soon delight us with its majestic beauty and sheer size.

Located on the lands of the Jawoyn people, rock art sites dot the park and a boat trip through it meant the guide's ancient dreaming stories brought the silent gorge walls to life.

At the end of our tour we were left to have a refreshing swim in a waterhole at the edge of the river. Our guide caused a lighthearted commotion among our group of 30 tourists by suggesting he’d spotted a “smallish” crocodile in the area two weeks before.

Nitmiluk Camping and Caravan Park is right next to the visitor centre and is surprisingly alluring considering its remoteness. In a touch of luxury, chefs cooked a wide variety of dishes in the camp restaurant next to the pool.

Crossing State Lines to Lake Argyle

We left Katherine, where we found an all-important dump point for our on-board waste, and crossed the border into WA determined to reach Lake Argyle before nightfall.

After the long 500km drive, we were happily ordering dinner at Lake Argyle Resort under a heaving mango tree and a canopy of stars as a guitarist played live music.

The next day, a sunset cruise was the perfect way to see the full scale and size of the lake; passengers were encouraged to swim around the boat in the sunset with staff handing down plastic cups filled with sparkling wine or beer.

Heading South to Broome

As we clocked up the kilometres through the majestic Kimberley towards Fitzroy Crossing, we were greeted by endless boab trees and remarkable rocky hills and embankments in one of Australia's last wilderness frontiers.

When we eventually arrived in Broome, our family was delighted. Having driven 2000km we’d made it all the way to this gem of a pearl-farming town. A camel ride in the sunset, followed by stone-baked pizzas and mojitos on the terrace at Cable Beach Resort, was the perfect ending to our trip.

Journey Planner

Getting there

Travelling from Darwin to Broome via Katherine and Lake Argyle was a 2000km journey for the Morris-Marr family.

Where to stay

Darwin

BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park.

Ph: (08) 8983 1169

Web: www.big4howardsprings.com.au

Kakadu

Kakadu Lodge in Jabiru

Ph: 1800 811 154

Web: www.auroraresorts.com.au