Crossing Pentecost River in the Kimberleys, WA
Heading north this dry season? Pick the region that fits your time, travel style and rig, from WA to the NT or Far North Queensland.
There’s no time like the present to start planning a dry season (May to October) escape. But before routes are locked in and campsites booked, one question looms large: where to go?
Australia’s northern regions are beautiful, remote and endlessly varied — but they’re also demanding and not something to rush. Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Far North Queensland are often bundled together as ‘going north’, yet each offers a very different dry season experience.
Choose the right region for travel style, time frame and skill set, and the trip can be unforgettable. Try to squeeze too much into one hit, and even the most iconic destinations can start to feel like hard work. As summer winds down, the northern itch is real — the question now isn’t whether to head north, but which north makes the most sense this year.
One size north doesn’t fit all
Dry season travel is often described in sweeping terms — freedom, adventure, open roads — but the reality is more nuanced. Distance, access, weather, road conditions and crowds all play a part, as does the time you realistically have. Not everyone can disappear for three months, and not every rig can handle extended corrugations, remote travel or long stretches without services.
This is where many dry-season plans start to unravel. The temptation to “do it all while you’re up there” is strong, but trying to cover multiple regions — or more than one state in a single trip — often leads to long driving days, rushed stops and fatigue, for both travellers and vehicles.
This article isn’t about getting everything prepared — we covered that in our tips for planning dry season travel article. Here, the focus is on choosing the destination that best suits the trip you can realistically do.
Waṉuwuy (Cape Arnhem), East Arnhem Land, NT
Explore the Ubirr rock art in Kakadu National Park, NT
A quick reality check before choosing
Remote northern touring generally assumes a higher level of self-sufficiency than southern or coastal trips. That includes:
A capable 4WD and a caravan or camper suited to unsealed roads
Up-to-date servicing and a willingness to drive to conditions
Adequate fuel, food and water planning
Recovery gear, tools and spare parts
Reliable navigation and communications, including UHF and satellite-based options for remote areas
You also need to be ready for breakdowns and delays. Often, these aren’t caused by a single dramatic event, but by cumulative wear, heat, dust, corrugations and fatigue that tests both gear and people. Flexibility and patience are just as important as capability.
The dry season label can be misleading — weather can still disrupt plans. Even a carefully planned itinerary may require adjustments, whether due to road conditions, flooding or fatigue. Peak-season booking is crucial, as popular caravan parks, tours and national park campgrounds fill up months in advance. Spontaneity is possible, but it usually means compromises.
With that in mind, here’s how Australia’s three main dry season regions compare.
Western Australia: the big commitment
A dry season trip through northern Western Australia is often spoken of in almost reverent terms — vast distances, iconic tracks and a sense of remoteness that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. All of that holds true, but WA also demands the most of travellers in return.
Northern WA includes the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne regions, and scale unites them all. Distances between towns are considerable, and even major routes can feel remote. For instance, the drive from Kununurra to Carnarvon via National Highway 1 covers over 2400km — not counting detours, side trips or unsealed roads. Because of this, it’s best to accept early on that seeing everything isn’t feasible unless you have months to spare. Focus on one region or a specific type of trip — head straight for the Kimberley before slowing down to explore or stick to the coastline and sample parts of all three regions.
Unsealed roads aren’t the exception in northern WA; they’re the expectation. Corrugations, creek crossings and variable surfaces are part of the deal. Route estimates should be taken with a handful of salt, as speeds drop once you factor in road conditions, towing weight and the need to preserve tyres, suspension and sanity.
Northern WA highlights
The Kimberley
The Kimberley is iconic for a reason. It’s home to the Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau, Lake Argyle, Purnululu National Park, Broome, Kalumburu, El Questro … the list goes on. High on many caravanners’ bucket lists, it delivers everything from offroad tracks to waterfalls, gorges, swimming holes and beaches.
The iconic camel tours on Cable Beach in Broome, WA
The Gibb River Road, stretching 660km between Kununurra and Derby, is one of the Kimberley’s big-ticket highlights — but it requires more planning than sticking to National Highway 1. This iconic route is unsealed, heavily corrugated and can be slow going. Factor in the risk of damage and the time required for repairs, which can further slow you down. For more insight into doing the Gibb, check out John Ford’s travel story.
Derby, the coastal end of the Gibb River Road
The Pilbara
The Pilbararegion sits in the middle of northern WA and is home to expansive, ancient landscapes, with the most popular attractions found towards the coast and western side of the region, including Karijini and Millstream Chichester national parks with their gorgeous red rock gorges and swimming holes, and Murujuga National Park on Burrup Peninsula with its massive collection of Aboriginal rock engravings.
The Gascoyne
The Gascoyne is often the easiest dry season region to reach for travellers heading north from Perth. It blends scenic inland routes with spectacular coastal experiences, offering something for every style of traveller. Coastal highlights include the northern Coral Coast — Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Ningaloo and Exmouth — with beachside camping, turquoise waters, fishing, snorkelling, fantastic (and surprisingly culturally diverse) food and more. But don’t get swept up by the coast and neglect the inland — follow the Gascoyne River to Gascoyne Junction and discover the ancient landscape, the world’s largest monolith (Mount Augustus, also known as Burringurrah, which istwice the size of Uluru), station stay experiences and much more.
Does northern WA suit your travel plans?
Northern WA is not a destination that rewards rushing. Try to squeeze too much in, and you’ll spend more time driving than enjoying camps and the landscapes you came to see. Those who get the most out of these regions either allow plenty of time to explore (you could easily spend two weeks on Ningaloo alone) or focus on a smaller area, setting up base for several nights with day trips to nearby destinations.
There is nothing quite like Ningaloo
This vast corner of WA suits travellers with weeks — preferably months — free, comfortable with long stretches away from major centres and who enjoy the rhythm of remote touring. Downtime is part of the appeal, whether it’s long afternoons by a river, beachside happy hours, or quiet camps far from the crowds.
For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip. For those who’ve done it, the lure of returning rarely fades.
Key things to consider:
Long distances between towns — plan stops and fuel
Book ahead for popular areas during the dry season
Check permits before travelling
Dry season doesn’t guarantee clear roads — stay flexible and pack accordingly
Northern Territory: big rewards, tighter timing
If you’re looking for maximum impact in a short time frame, the Northern Territory often strikes a good balance. Depending on where you’re starting from, it’s relatively accessible (though still a fair haul from the southern coast), and most bucket-list experiences are grouped together.
Whether heading to the Red Centre, the tropical Top End, or both, the NT delivers iconic sights and experiences that are most accessible during the dry season.
The NT’s dry season is defined more by timing than distance. As the wet season recedes, access roads reopen, waterfalls change from torrents to gentle flows and national parks start to fill up again. Arrive too early, and lingering closures may limit access; arrive too late, and heat and crowds might change your experience. That said, the Top End is stunning — if unpredictable — during the wet season too, offering visitors dramatic waterfalls, rolling thunderstorms and quieter sights.
NT highlights
The Top End
The tropical Top End holds undeniable appeal during the dry season. Kakadu, Litchfield and Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) deliver classic dry season scenes: cascading falls, pleasantly warm days, cool swims and mild nights around camp. Don’t forget your NT Parks pass (if not an NT resident) and the separate Kakadu Pass. At the start or end of the dry season, some attractions or roads may be closed — always check before travelling.
Enjoy Litchfield National Park’s stunning waterfalls during the dry season
The Top End is a paradise for national parks but make sure to take the time to explore Darwin while you’re in the area. For an authentic northernmost NT experience, park your van safely and book a trip to the Tiwi Islands for a culture-rich adventure.
Make sure you allow some time to explore Darwin, NT
East Arnhem Land is worth adding if you have time to spare or have already visited the other key Top End spots. You’ll need to organise accommodation to get a free permit through the Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation or the Northern Land Council. Visitor rules are stricter here, keeping numbers lower than in more popular destinations like Ningaloo. Check out John Ford’s East Arnhem Land road trip for more details.
Katherine
Katherine is a must-stop on the way north (or on your way back down). It’s the perfect place to relax and literally soak up the scenery. Key spots around Katherine include:
Katherine Hot Springs, Mataranka Thermal Pools and Bitter Springs, where you can float in warm waters among tropical plants
Go for a refreshing dip in the Bitter Springs thermal pools
Nitmiluk National Park, home to Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge) and Leliyn (Edith Falls) — bring togs and kayaks for picture-perfect waterfalls and stunning sandstone cliffs
Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, where you can go underground to explore wide caves and sparkling limestone formations
Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery, with interactive workshops to learn about local Indigenous culture. The gallery also sells artworks by local artists — souvenirs far more memorable than a standard magnet
Learn more about local Indigenous culture at Top Didj Cultural Experience and Art Gallery
Central Australia
Central Australia is an adventure in its own right, and if you’ve got time to explore beyond Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), it’s worth doing. The landscapes don’t do anything by halves, and the East and West MacDonnell Ranges are a must-visit, with epic views, hiking trails, remote camps (many requiring a 4WD and offroad caravan, or leaving your van safely), gorges and more. Crowds can still appear, especially during school holidays and peak dry season, so arrive early at popular spots like Standley Chasm to avoid heat and congestion.
Many bucket-list sites are accessible without a 4WD, but some of the most Instagrammable gorges and waterfalls are well off the beaten track, requiring a suitable 4WD towing setup and/or leaving your van behind. Alice Springs is a convenient base, but if you want to avoid daily returns, there are plenty of basic campsites — self-sufficiency helps, and it makes reaching popular spots early much easier.
Timing your visit to the Top End and Red Centre
The NT works best for travellers with around four or more weeks to spare (including travel time), but if you focus on the Top End or Red Centre, it can be done in less. Narrowing your trip pays off — fewer kilometres doesn’t mean fewer memories, and the NT delivers some of the most vivid dry season experiences in Australia.
Key things to consider:
The NT has the world’s largest crocodile population — be croc safe: check rules and warnings, avoid returning to the same spot and dispose of fish waste elsewhere. Crocs are hunters and will remember you
Dogs aren’t allowed in many popular destinations, including Kakadu
The dry season is broad, especially in the Top End. Seasonal and weather changes occur each month, so always check conditions and road access before travelling
Always be croc safe, especially in northern Australia
Far North Queensland: variety and adaptability
Far North Queensland (FNQ) often appeals to first-time dry season travellers or those with limited time. Distances between towns are relatively shorter (especially along the coast), logistics are simpler and there’s a greater sense of flexibility compared to WA or the NT.
Coming from the south, Cardwell marks the beginning of FNQ, which extends north to Cape York and covers 380,748 square kilometres—just a bit larger than Germany. Cairns is the region’s main city and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Atherton Tablelands and Daintree Rainforest.
While FNQ is the most achievable of the three northern destinations, it can still be challenging. A trip to The Tip requires pre-planning, permits, a well-prepared towing setup and tolerance for corrugations. Heading west means fewer towns but rewarding landscapes, with the chance to continue into the NT if you have the time and inclination.
Far North Queensland highlights
Cairns and surrounds
Cairns and surrounds are the perfect base to explore the Great Barrier Reef, whose appeal needs little explanation. There are many ways to experience it, from tours and glass-bottom boats to snorkelling or diving off your own vessel (respect ‘no anchor zones’).
Cairns waterfront
There are plenty of places to explore around Cairns, on the coast and inland
Other key spots around Cairns or along the northern coast include:
Atherton Tablelands: Waterfall Circuit, hills, volcanic craters and charming towns
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park: limestone caves, Aboriginal rock art and outcrops
Undara Volcanic National Park: tube-like lava caves, rainforest and wildlife
Daintree Rainforest: Australia’s largest tropical rainforest at 1200 square kilometres, with road trips, tours, swimming holes, cultural experiences and Mossman Gorge
Cape Tribulation: within Daintree, a base for rainforest and beach bushwalks — but be croc safe, and avoid swimming at beaches due to saltwater crocs and marine stingers
Cape York
Cape York is the region’s headline dry season adventure, especially for caravanners and four-wheel drivers. While the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) has improved, it’s still serious touring, with some deep corrugations, river crossings and remote conditions that demand preparation and patience.
Towing a caravan is possible, but if you’re concerned about your setup or potential repairs, you might enjoy the trip more by unhitching at a suitable base and continuing with your vehicle alone. Either way, planning, permits and flexibility are essential.
A trip to The Tip is on many bucket lists, but requires plenty of planning and preparation to get there in one piece
Plenty of roadhouses along the way to the Tip offer restocking, fuel and great country food — pub grub and burgers are local highlights, so start your ranking system early. The Jardine Ferry serves the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), with strict seasonal hours and occasional breakdowns that cause delays. A return trip costs around $250 for a vehicle and van, including the NPA permit.
Cape York isn’t a luxury getaway; it’s a collection of five remote communities where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures merge on country.
To find out more about heading to Cape York with your caravan, check out Allison Watt’s road trip story.
Western FNQ
Western FNQ isn’t to be forgotten and is home to the Gulf of Carpentaria and remote national parks like Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park that require dedication and a 4WD to visit. While many focus on the coast, if you’ve got the time, it’s worth heading north into FNQ and then circling back via the inland route to hit key centres like Mount Isa on your way south or continuing west along the Savannah Way across Australia to Broome.
What to consider before heading to Far North Queensland
Whether you’re new to dry season travel or aiming for a trip to the Tip, Far North Queensland is a great place to start. Depending on how far you want to go, allow at least two weeks. With shorter distances between towns, it’s easier to travel without pre-booking everything and adapt your route to suit the weather, energy levels and attractions you discover.
For many, FNQ becomes the confidence-building dry season trip — the one that opens the door to bigger northern adventures.
Key things to consider:
The route to Cape York is rough — offroad caravans and 4WDs with good suspension are recommended; get your setup serviced before you go.
Drive to conditions, sometimes slowly or on the side of the road to avoid corrugations
Book Cape York campsites in advance; permits are required for all national parks and reserves
Stay safe around crocs, marine stingers and cassowaries; swim only where permitted
Follow alcohol restrictions and biosecurity rules and dispose of fruit, soil and plants in amnesty bins
Permits for Cape York are included with your Jardine River ferry booking
Choosing the right north for you
With so many options, the key is choosing based on your travel style and realistic time frame — not what friends liked or what social media makes look doable. Consider comfort with remote travel, vehicle capability, tolerance for crowds and whether locking in bookings months ahead suits you, or flexibility matters more.
Trying to do too much in one trip is where many dry-season plans fall apart. Each northern region can easily fill an entire journey — or more.
Up for a challenge? Try the Savannah Way
For a broader northern experience, the Savannah Way (part of National Highway 1) runs from Broome to Cairns. Ignore the official six-day suggestion — that wouldn’t be fun, and you’d miss the highlights. Two to three weeks (ideally longer) is more realistic, especially if you want to head north to Darwin along the way. It’s remote, 4WD is recommended and fuel stops are few, but you can easily add detours to tick off bucket-list sites along the way.
Miss it this year? There’s always next. Choosing the region that fits your time frame and setup, travelling it well and leaving something for another season usually makes for the most rewarding dry season trips. The best journeys always leave a reason to return.
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