Drive tourism and Aboriginal cultural tourism

Tools to help you

What is drive tourism?

Drive tourism is visitors exploring the Northern Territory by cars, caravans and other road vehicles. Drive tourism in the Northern Territory encourages visitors to explore our regions by vehicle, which supports more travel into regions, increases visitor numbers, and extends their length of stay*.

Four wheel drives (4WD)

Off road vehicles which may include 4WD camper trucks and offroad trailers that can access remote locations on long trips. Often camping, self-sufficient and seeking adventure.

Campers and caravans

A campervan or caravan that has everything travellers need for weekends away or long trips. Accommodation on wheels.

Fly-drive

Visitors that fly to the NT and hire a car. Often 2WD cars that require sealed roads. These visitors spend the most on accommodation and experiences.

Demand and trends

40% of all visitors to the Northern Territory are drive visitors.*

Popularity of Electric Vehicles (EV) is growing with estimates that by 2035, 50% of all vehicles in Australia will be electric. The NT’s Electric Vehicle Strategy will work with communities to ensure future EV charging stations are available for visitors and local people.

Why do visitors drive?

See our unique and beautiful places

Learn about Aboriginal culture and history

Have adventures - hiking and fishing are most popular

Make their own itinerary and have flexible options

* Northern Territory Drive Tourism Strategy 2021-2030

What opportunities does drive tourism create for Aboriginal cultural tourism?

All of the Northern Territory’s drive tourism routes travel through Aboriginal land which creates an opportunity for visitors to learn about Aboriginal culture. Research shows that a key reason for visitors coming to the Northern Territory is to engage with Aboriginal cultural experiences and 80% of visitors believe the Northern Territory is a place to connect with Aboriginal cultures. (Source: Autumn 23 Monthly Tracking Report, Tourism NT).

The Northern Territory Drive Tourism Strategy (2021-2030) and Aboriginal Tourism Strategy (2020-2030) create many new opportunities for Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences and tourism product including:

Support for Aboriginal businesses and organisations

Supporting Aboriginal businesses and organisations by connecting them with visitors who are exploring the NT by road. This means helping Aboriginal people and communities to offer unique Aboriginal cultural experiences and product.

Working together with Traditional Owners

It’s important to talk with Aboriginal landowners about how visitors can visit their Country respectfully. This includes understanding permit systems (when required) and respecting cultural protocols including Sorry Business.

Better experiences for drive visitors

Developing and marketing Aboriginal cultural experiences and tours that share stories, traditions and somewhere to stay on Country makes a visitor’s journey memorable.

Improving roads and facilities

Better roads and places to visit can make it easier and safer for visitors and benefit local Aboriginal communities. This includes better signs, camping and rest spots and places to learn and be immersed in the unique Aboriginal cultures of the Northern Territory.

More jobs on Country

By developing new Aboriginal cultural tourism product, drive visitors will be encouraged to travel further, stay longer and spend more, creating the ability for Aboriginal people to live and work on Country.

Who are the Northern Territory’s drive visitors?

NT drive visitor profiles

People from other states in Australia who fly here then rent a car for short trips.

People from other states in Australia who drive a long way to visit the NT.

People from overseas who fly and hire a vehicle, looking for special experiences.

Local Territorians exploring their own backyard, driving from home.

Northern Territory Drive Tourism Strategy 2021-2030 (statistics collated from 2019)

What do drive visitors need?

Visitors market

Preferences and sought experiences

Fly drive domestic

Flying to the Northern Territory from another Australian state then hiring a vehicle

Inclusive travel packages and deals
4 to 7 days with flexible itineraries
Loop routes (same start and end location)
Regular stops (every 3 to 4 hours)
Mobile phone reception
Sealed and well signed roads (2WD or AWD vehicles).

Fly-drive international

Flying to the Northern Territory from overseas then hiring a vehicle

Packaged drive experiences booked through travel agents
7 to 10 day itineraries planned well in advance
Drives that link to other Australian states
Maps and safety information in multiple languages
Sealed and well signed roads (2WD or AWD vehicles)

Drive domestic (long-haul)

Driving long distances to the Northern Territory from another Australian state

Long stays in locations
Good road surfaces and secure parking
Extensive use of visitor information centres
Camping sites and facilities for self-contained vehicles
Will plan destinations to visit well in advance however will allow flexible itineraries to make changes on the road.

Local Territorians

Travelling in own vehicles or hiring a vehicle for a weekend away or work-related trips

Will be travelling for short weekends away with family and friends (including
camping trips)
Travel for work in other Northern Territory locations
A mix of longer term planning (e.g. upcoming school holidays) and last minute

Where do drive visitors travel in the NT?

There are many drive routes in the Northern Territory with connections through Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.

The most popular routes include:

Nature’s Way (Darwin to Kakadu, East Arnhem and Katherine)
Red Centre Way (around Alice Springs to Uluru)
Explorers Way (from Adelaide through Alice Springs and Darwin).

Drive visitors are often on a journey to visit family and friends and to see
cultural, natural and historical sites such as national parks along these routes.

Average drive visitor percentages to destinations across the NT. Northern Territory Drive Tourism Strategy 2021-2030.

Image credit: Dirt Road in the Red Centre - Tourism NT

What can each region offer to drive visitors?

Greater Darwin region

Aboriginal cultures within the region including the lands of the Larrakia, Tiwi, Wulna, Limilngan, Uwnmil, Kungarrakan and Awarai (Warai) people
The region’s far north geography and proximity to Asia
Territorians reputation for being relaxed and welcoming, offering warm hospitality
Tourism sector in Darwin is mature with established visitor markets, tourism experience and amenities
Tropical environment and relaxed lifestyle
High quality and accessible nature experiences
Famously multicultural population and cuisine
Distinct festivals and event experiences.

Kakadu Arnhem region

Rich Yolngu and Anindilyakwa culture, offering a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and learning experiences
Unique natural environment of East Arnhem Land and its pristine coastline
Diverse history: East Arnhem Land has a diverse and multifaceted history that lives on through its residents
Adventure drives: the Central Arnhem Road drive and the tracks to access the more remote campgrounds in the region offer visitors the opportunity to journey through ancient landscapes, scenery and wildlife.

Katherine Daly region

Central location and road connections between Queensland, Western Australia and the north and south of the Territory
The quality, quantity and diversity of the natural attractions in the region, including eight national parks or reserves and five main river systems
Aboriginal cultural attractions and experiences, including Aboriginal cultural festivals
Historical and heritage experiences
The warmth and hospitality of the people within the region.

Barkly region

Aboriginal cultural attractions
Timely and convenient stopover between the north and south of the Territory
Unique quality historical and heritage experiences such as the Battery Hill Mining Centre.

Alice Springs and MacDonnell region

Aboriginal cultural attractions
Diverse and unique natural attractions, including deserts, mountain ranges and swimming experiences
Quality soft adventure tourism experiences, including hiking and mountain biking
Wide range of unique events.

Lasseter region MacDonnell Ranges

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Watarrka National Park, both domestically and internationally renowned
High quality Aboriginal cultural attractions
Pioneering heritage of the region
Sense of outback adventure it provides.

What others are saying

Visiting an Aboriginal community is a unique experience and we hope you will relax into the local atmosphere and take the time to enjoy the Beswick lifestyle. In a remote Northern Territory community, Djilpin Arts has, for nearly two decades, developed a vibrant and thriving cultural enterprise