It’s a sound investment to always do your homework before planning camping trips in the Northern Territory (NT). Think of the prep as an integral part of your journey that’ll help keep you and your party safe.

Litchfield Safari Camp takes the security of all its guests very seriously. That’s one of the reasons we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to safe camping in the NT.

The Northern Territory has its own particular quirks, so even if you’re a seasoned traveller, read on for all the safety considerations you need to make when planning your next trip.

1.   Your Driving Checklist

The Northern Territory boasts huge stretches of remote roads with variable speeds and surfaces. Road conditions can change from one moment to the next, especially during the wet season from October to May.

Before you set off, you must ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Check the road conditions in advance, along with the latest weather reports. Build plenty of rest stops into your itinerary, and remember to take a break from driving at least every two hours.

Don’t leave home without first double-checking the following:

  • Lights and wipers
  • Fluid levels, including brake, battery and water
  • The tread on your tyres
  • Your spare tyre and repair kit

Be mindful not to overload your vehicle and adjust your tyre pressure as necessary. Keep pets correctly restrained and have a range of activities at the ready to entertain the kids.

Always reduce your speed on unsealed roads and keep a watchful eye out for wandering animals. Never drive in a convoy, especially if you’re towing a caravan. Ensure you are carrying sufficient drinking water for all your parties.

2.   Camping and Hiking

Camping trips in the Northern Territory means following the rules. You should only ever set up camp in designated areas. Always ensure you keep your car locked and secure any valuables.

If you set off on a hike in the bush, make sure you have the following with you:

  • A first-aid kit
  • A map, compass and whistle
  • A lighter, some water purifier tablets and salt replacement products

Keep to walking tracks and always carry water and snacks, even if your original plan is a short walk. Stay well away from the edges of cliffs and waterfalls.

3.   Crocodiles and Swimming

One of the top camping in the Northern Territory tips is to be croc aware. Estimates put the number of saltwater crocodiles living in the NT at over 100,000. The average size of the general saltwater crocodile population is also increasing as the population ages.

If you want to swim in what’s known as the Top End of NT, stick to designated, well-signed areas. However, be mindful that even here, you may still be at some risk from these dangerous creatures. If camping in the Top End, keep at least 50 metres away from the water.

Even though warning signs can help keep us safe, it would be impossible to put them up everywhere across the NT where saltwater crocodiles may be living. You should assume that any body of water in the saltwater crocodile’s natural habitat range in the NT is unsafe to swim in unless signposts say otherwise.

You shouldn’t dive or jump into rivers and waterholes during camping trips in the Northern Territory. Keep the kids under strict supervision, particularly when close to the water. In Litchfield National Park, it is safe to swim in these locations during the Dry Season only:

  • Wangi Falls, Walker Creek, Tjaynera Falls and Surprise Creek Falls

You can swim all year round at these locations except when there’s severe flooding:

  • Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole

4.   Fires and Safe Camping in NT

Always check that a campfire is permissible and be aware of any alerts. Staying safe on camping trips in the Northern Territory means adhering to this fire safety advice:

  • Never park or tow caravans in high-risk areas (e.g. where there’s tall, dry grass)
  • Keep up-to-date with weather bulletins
  • Don’t leave the kids or pets alone in a tent
  • Travel with a fire-retardent tent and never cook or smoke inside it
  • Make your fire downwind and set it up a safe distance from tents
  • Only use fires to keep warm or for cooking
  • Never pour fuel on a fire, and keep lighters or matches secure
  • Put your campfire out before turning in for the night

5.   Four-Wheel Driving

Careful planning, extra care and enhanced concentration are essential when driving on tracks and unsealed roads. Just because you have a four-wheel drive does not mean you can drive wherever you like.

Be aware that braking distances are longer on unsealed roads and that four-wheel drives are more unstable.

You will need to obtain a permit to enter Aboriginal land. Special fishing rules may apply here, too. You should always consider pastoral properties to be private. If you fancy going off-road, ensure that the road is “public access” or seek permission from the landowner.

Always leave everything as you find it. For example, you should shut closed gates but leave those already open as they are.

6.   Fishing Etiquette

Never clean fish or get rid of carcasses in or close to the water. If you don’t follow this advice, you may attract saltwater crocodiles. You shouldn’t ever wash your hands over the side of the boat.

There are rules in NT about:

  • The kinds and numbers of fish you can catch
  • Where you can catch fish
  • The type of fishing equipment you can use

You must release protected species unharmed. These include:

  • All species of groper or cod more than 1.2m in length
  • Sawfish and giant clams
  • Speartooth and Northern River sharks

Remember that dugongs and sea turtles are protected species. Respect the areas where they feed and nest by never speeding through their natural habitat or anchoring in narrow channels.

Camping Trips in the Northern Territory

We’ve saved the best of our camping in Northern Territory tips till last. That’s to book a stay at Litchfield Safari Camp. With a wide variety of accommodations and camping pitches to suit all tastes, make this campground your next home-from-home.

Relax in glorious surroundings right on the doorstep of the Litchfield National Park. Make safe camping in NT your priority by booking your stay at Litchfield Safari Camp early to avoid disappointment.