Exploring Darwin on a budget? While free camping options in and around the city are limited due to active discouragement, regular monitoring, and even fines being issued for sleeping in a campervan or tent in certain areas, there are a couple of places where you can park overnight for free without getting into any issues. To make finding these easy, we’ve put the details below.
Darwin Free Camping Spots
To stay at either of these free camping sites, you’ll need to be in a campervan, as tent camping is strictly prohibited. Check out our campervan hire rates in Darwin for our latest offers before you head out on your Northern Territory adventure!
Note: If these free camping spots are unavailable and you need to stay at a paid-for campsite in a national park or outside a council-designated site, you’ll need to apply for a permit. You can find more information on this here.
Cox Country Club
103 Cox Dr, Wagait Beach, NT 0822
Distance from Darwin: 122km / 1hr 27 minutes
- Toilets
- Rubbish Bins
- Sheltered Picnic Area
Cox Country Club opens its grounds to campers during the annual Ukulele Festival, giving you a free place to stay overnight if you’re travelling through Darwin at this time of year (which is usually held in July). Along with toilet facilities, rubbish bins, and sheltered picnic areas, this spot gives you a chance to enjoy live music and rest overnight, but keep in mind that availability is often limited as the festival is extremely popular. As such, it’s best to arrive as early as possible.
Bridge Creek Rest Area
Stuart Hwy, Douglas-Daly, NT 0822
Distance from Darwin: 146km / 1hr 32 minutes
- Public Toilets
- Rubbish Bins
- Sheltered Picnic Tables
- BBQ Facilities
The Bridge Creek Rest Area is on the way to Katherine in the Northern Territory, and it is a basic but convenient stopover for campervan travellers. You can camp here free of charge for up to 24 hours, and while the facilities are minimal, it has everything you need for a short stay. Just remember to bring your own drinking water and supplies, as it’s pretty remote.
Find Other Free Camping Spots in Australia
Interested in the other free camping Australia has to offer? Check out these campsites in states surrounding the Northern Territory:
Or even check out some of the incredible road trips you could do from Darwin.
Get the Best Rates on Campervan Hire for Your Trip to Darwin
Are you ready to start planning your road trip to Darwin? Get the best rates on campervan hire with Travellers Autobarn. With free unlimited kilometres included with every rental, it’s never been easier to explore the Top End on your own terms.
DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.
About the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.