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Car pulling caravan outback

Driving through the Territory

When travelling intrastate, it's important to pre-plan your journey as you often need to drive long stretches of roads before you make it to the next town or fuel stop.

Be prepared

When driving remotely in the Northern Territory it's important to let people know where you are going.

Before embarking on your trip, it's also best you do the following:

  • Have your vehicle serviced.
  • Make sure you pack enough food, water and fuel.
  • Pack extra supplies in case of an emergency.
  • Plan rest stops between dusk and dawn as some animals - notably kangaroos and wallabies - are more active at night and can be on the road.
  • Read over the driving safely checklist.
Aerial of Darwin City road, Garramilla Boulevard

Check the roads

Road conditions in the NT can change quite quickly depending on the time of year you are travelling, particularly in the wet season from October to May.

It’s best to look at the Road Report NT website for any road closures or proposed works.

Road Train at Heavitree Gap, NT

Take a break

In the Territory, we have public rest stops you can use. It's suggested that you should take a break from driving every two hours.

You can have a look at where some of the rest stops are in the Territory.

Aerial of vehicle driving through remote NT

Permits

A permit is required when you travel through any Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory.

For more information on permits in the regions, visit the Northern Land Council website or the Central Land Council website.

Vehicle driving through Larapinta, NT

Learn about the region you are travelling to

Have a read of our regional living guides which can assist you with moving to a regional town or community.

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