What to book and when for Western Australia and Northern Territory travel.

We are regularly asked, “What do you need to book in advance and roughly when should we book for NT and WA”?

Here is what we think and of course it is different for everyone. This guide is mainly for people caravanning/camping who are on a set time frame, a timeframe that is reasonably short so not much flexibility with time to shuffle things or wait it out, or for those that like to be organised and planned. I wish it wasn’t the case that bookings like this had to be done, but unfortunately if you want to tick off these bucket list locations (so does everyone else), it has to be done.

If planning to be in peak season May – September. Book approx. 1-2 months in advance. Suggested Camp – Ayres Rock Campground

If you will be there June/July. Book 2-3 months in advance if you want the popular caravan parks. If you’re ok with the less ‘facilities’ parks then 1-2 months is fine. Suggested Caravan Park – Free Spirit Resort. Read our Locals Guide to Darwin to make the most of your time in The Top End.

Bookings now apply for the National Park camps. If you will be there in July School holidays or a weekend in the dry season, book 1-2 months in advance. Suggested Camp – Florence Falls, National Park camp. If you would like a caravan park, Banyon Tree comes highly recommended. Read our full Guide to Litchfield National Park.

2-4 weeks in advance was sufficient for us. There is only one place to stay, the Lake Argyle Resort.

Lake Argyle

Pannikin L4WD Lookout

Infinity Pool

If you will be there in May – Aug, book 2-3 months in advance. Suggested Camp – Discovery Park, Town Beach

Cape Range NP, Exmouth, South Lefroy, Warroora Station – unfortunately this one is about 3+ months in advance if you want the good sites for more than 1 night at a time. Whale Shark tour if you want to do this while in Exmouth, we booked about 2 months in advance. Note: 2023 has the total solar eclipse and Exmouth is already being booked to the masses for that time period. Suggested Camps – South Lefroy Ningaloo Station, Osprey Bay Cape Range National Park and Kurrajong Camp Cape Range National Park. Check out our Guide to Snorkelling the Ningaloo Coast to make the most of your time.

If in a warm school holiday period. Approx 1-2 month in advance unless Christmas then maybe more. Outside this time 2-4 weeks worked for us. Suggested Camp – RAC Esperance and Membinup Beach

Misery Beach

Elephant Rocks

Membinup Beach

Perth, South West WA, Karijini, Gibb River Road, Katherine, Kakadu can all generally be booked the week before or week of unless peak school holidays.

Kakadu – Kakadu Lodge, Mardugal National Park Camp, Gungural Campground (or Gunlum if it re-opens)

Katherine – Nitmiluk Campground, Manbulloo Homestead

Gibb River Road – see our Itinerary and guide to Caravanning the Gibb for all the details

Karijini – Dales Campground and Karijini Eco Resort (stay at both to do the different areas of the park).

Perth and South West WA – see our socials channels until I can write up a guide.

The Bungle Bungles

Ubirr, Kakadu NP

Katherine Gorge

I hope this helps, it is a rough guide and you may be lucky to score a cancellation closer to the time you’re wanting to visit somewhere or may book in advance and bookings closer pop up, but again, I’d hate for you to miss out if you didn’t know what was popular!

If you have any other places you’d like our booking guide for just comment below!

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