Top End Convoy

The Top End of Australia is one of the most unique and special places on Earth - but the remoteness can feel very intimidating. So let's go together!

Our experienced guides will lead a convoy of families all the way from central Queensland, to the top of the Northern Territory. Along the way we'll visit iconic places, like Kakadu, Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge and Mataranka, with it's beautiful springs and natural lazy river rides. We have camping kits available for hire, and we can even set them up for you!

This is one of the most amazing journeys in the world, and because you'll have your own car, you'll be free to travel at your own pace and take any detours that interest you. You'll visit places that are not accessible by plane and have lots of new friends waiting for you and your kids when you arrive at camp.

There's no better way to explore these bucket-list destinations!

  • Our trips offer all the freedom and flexibility of solo travel, without the worry.

    Explore on your own terms, knowing our trip leaders are always nearby to offer support.

  • Kids love traveling together, and parents can relax, knowing they’re happily entertained.

    With new friends to share the fun, every activity becomes an adventure.

  • Connect with other families when you’re ready and recharge whenever it feels right.

    It’s the perfect balance of friendship and personal space for kids and parents.

  • Our trips are designed around flexibility - light on schedules, big on options.

    You choose the activities that suit your family's budget, interests and need for downtime.

Make friends. Make memories.
But do it your own way, at your own pace.

Trip details

  • This trip will start on 21 May and end on 14 June 2025

  • Secure your spot for a deposit of just $300 per person. Payment plans are available.

    The full price is $1354 for adults and $1284 for kids aged 5-16. Kids aged 4 and under are free.

  • The ticket price includes:

    • Accommodation at powered campsites for 24 nights

    • Accommodation at an unpowered campsite for one night

    • A trip handbook with lots of information about the areas we visit and things to do along the way

    • Access to a private group chat so you can meet the families you'll be travelling with

    • A Zoleo satellite communication device to use for the duration of the trip

    • Full support from our team of booking and support staff in the leadup to the trip, and from our trip co-ordinators during the trip

  • For an additional $539 per adult and $487 per child you can add an adventure pass, which includes the following activities:

    • Yellow Water Billabong Cruise

    • Cutta Cutta Caves Tour

    • NitNit Dreaming Two Gorge Tour

    • Karunma Sand Island Cruise

  • Our trips are designed specifically for families.

    We want kids to have the time of their lives and we want adults to have the kind of relaxing holiday that just isn’t possible if you’re stressed about entertaining the kids the whole time.

    You’ll travel with other families and a trip co-ordinator, who will suggest activities along the way, make sure everything runs smoothly and help the kids get to know each other.

    We also set up a private group chat for people who are going on the trip, so that everyone can get to know each other before it starts and share photos along the way.

  • There are two options for hiring our camping kits:

    • The assisted option: Hire the kit and have our trip co-ordinators set up and pack down the tent for you at each campsite. The price for this option is $989 per family, on top of the ticket price. We only have three of these available on each trip, so they sell out very quickly

    • Self setup option: Hire the kit and set up and pack down the tent yourself at each campsite. The price for this option is $499 per family, on top of the ticket price. We only have seven of these available on each trip, so they sell out very quickly

    Both kits are exactly the same.

    Regardless of which option you choose, you're very welcome to transport the kits in our support vehicles so you don't have to fit everything in your car.

  • You can see a photo of one of our camping kits here. The kit includes all of the the following essentials:

    • A camping fridge

    • An air mattress for each member of your family and plenty of spares in case they get damaged

    • A cooking kit containing plates, cups, bowls, a frypan, a saucepan, cutlery, chopping boards and utensils

    • A camping stove and butane gas canisters

    • A lantern

    • A folding table

    • A folding chair for each member of your family

    • An extension cord

    • A power board

    • A large tent.

    All of our tents are Zempire Pronto 10s, also known as Zempire Jetset 10s. These are very comfortable and durable air tents that are super easy to set up. You can see them in action here.

FAQs

  • If you have kids in your life and you’re keen to make amazing memories, show them the world and help them make new friends - this is for you.

    Kids have more fun when they travel together and parents get to relax instead of worrying about them being bored. Plus you’ll have all the support you need as we head into the remote outback.

    Our trips are not the usual group tours. Everything is built around providing support and giving kids an opportunity to make friends, have amazing educational experiences and travel at their own pace.

    We are neuroaffirming and embrace diversity.

  • As with all of our trips, you’re welcome to join in as much or as little as you like.

    You can drive from place to place with the convoy, or sleep in and do it in your own time.

    You can keep to yourself or hang out with the group around the campsite. It’s totally up to you.

    We just want everyone to have an amazing holiday, feel comfortable and have an outback experience safe in the knowledge that they’re not alone if they need support.

    Plus it’s a lot easier and less stressful to holiday with kids if they’re having a great time with friends!

  • Definitely not. Your normal, everyday car will be fine. We’re not going off road and most of the trip is on the highway.

  • We travel with a Starlink satellite dish to make sure that everyone has access to fast, reliable internet at all of the campsites.

  • We stay at powered sites for the whole trip.

  • Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on this trip, because they are banned from the national parks we will be visiting.

  • There supermarkets at the bigger towns along the way, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to stock up as we go.

    We will provide you with a detailed itinerary showing locations where it's important to stock up and refuel.

    Most of the campsites have camp kitchens and a lot have bistros or are near pubs or restaurants, so you can buy meals if you don’t feel like cooking.

  • Most of the campsites have washing machines and dryers available for a small fee, usually around $4. Most have a camp kitchen, which you can use to wash your dishes.

Here’s what we have planned:

Day 1: Richmond

On day one we’ll meet up in Richmond, which is about 500kms from Townsville.

Richmond is home to Kronosauraus Korner - Australia’s biggest marine fossil museum. It’s an amazing place with lots of cool things to see. We recommend arriving a day early if you can, so you have plenty of time to see it. They have a great fossil digging activity for kids.

On the way over, you might want to check out “Hughie” at the Hughenden Flinders Discovery Centre. Hughie is a replica of one of the best know and most complete dinosaur fossils ever found in Australia. He is seven-meters long and lived in the area around 110 million years ago, when it was on the shore of a huge inland sea.

There’s a cool little waterpark at Richmond, so we’ll head down for a sunset splash.

Day 2: Cloncurry

We’re really heading into the outback on day two, as we drive the 3 hours out to Cloncurry.

Don’t forget to stop at the visitor information centre at Julia Creek on your way through to see the resident dunnarts - Duncan and Donald!

Days 3: Camooweal

We’ll head even deeper into the outback on day three, with a 3.5 hour drive through Mount Isa and on to Camooweal.

The Camooweal Caves National Park is home to some fascinating sinkholes and a network of underground caves, as well as a beautiful waterhole.

Along the way you might want to stop to see the giant megafauna fossils at Riversleigh Fossil Centre, or go on an underground mine tour at Mount Isa. These activities aren’t included, but we would love to book them for you if you’re keen.

Days 4: Barkly Homestead

On day four we’ll drive about three hours to Barkly Homestead, which is a very remote roadhouse on the Barkly Highway.

They have an amazing bar and grill, and a swimming pool that the kids will definitely appreciate.

Don’t forget to get your selfie with the giant lizards!

Day 5: Banka Banka West

We’ll drive 2.5 hours to Banka Banka West on day five and set up camp for the night.

This is a very cool place, which is part of a 350,000-acre working cattle station and is managed by traditional owners. They are very happy to teach visitors about the history of the area, which includes the important cultural sites of Kajanpurra Waterhole and Punkkurr Pankkurr Spring.

There are some beautiful walking tracks and a really great swimming hole.

Days 6 - 9: Mataranka

On day seven we’ll take on one of the longest drives of the trip - almost five hours to Mataranka. It’s an amazing place, so we’ll spend three nights checking it out.

Mataranka Homestead has its own thermal springs, where you can safely swim. It also has a bistro and sometimes even a whip cracking show! It’s a lovely place so we’ll spend three nights checking it out.

Bitter Springs is also nearby, which is home to lots of turtles. It has a current, so you can jump in at one end of the river and float all the way down to the other, like a lazy river ride.

Days 9 - 11: Litchfield

We’ll drive about 3.5 hours on day nine and arrive at a real bucket-list destination - Litchfield National Park.

Many people prefer Litchfield to Kakadu, so we’ll spend three nights there, taking in the area.

There are beautiful waterholes, magnetic termite mounds and lots of absolutely amazing waterfalls. Darwin is only an hour away, so it’s also a great opportunity to check out the city.

Days 12 - 14: Kakadu

We’ll drive about three hours on day 12 to another bucket-list destination - Kakadu!

There’s so much to do in the area, so we’ll be staying for three nights.

One of the biggest highlights is the Ubirr walk, which has some of the best rock art in the country and ends with a stunning lookout over the Nadab floodplain. There are lots of different tours available with traditional owners.

Other Kakadu highlights are the Yellow Water Billabong, Motor Car Falls and the Maguk Plunge pools.

Days 15 - 17: Katherine

We’ll drive about 3.5 hours to Katherine on day 15 and set up came for the next three nights.

This is an incredible part of the world with so many amazing things to see. There’s amazing rock art, boat tours, canoes for hire, scenic helicopter rides and walking trails.

There are lots of indigenous cultural experiences to enjoy, hot springs and Australia’s only tropical limestone cave system.

Day 18: Daly Waters

We’ll say goodbye to Katherine on day 18 and start the journey home - but don’t worry, there are still lots of amazing things ahead of us.

We’ll drive about three hours to Daly Waters, which is home to one of Australia’s most iconic outback pubs.

Day 19: Spinifex Ridge

On day 19 we’ll drive about 4.5 hours to our only unpowered campsite - Spinifex Ridge Farm Stay. The campsite is part of a one million acre family-owned cattle station.

Day 20: Barkly Homestead

We’ll retrace our sets on day 20, driving about 2.5 hours back to Barkly Homestead.

We’ll chill in the pool, grab a drink at the pub and lose half an hour as we cross back over into Queensland, which is in a different timezone to the Northern Territory.

Day 21: Camooweal

We’ll have another easy driving day on day 21, with a 2.5 hour run back to Camooweal. If you didn’t get a chance to check out the sink holes on the way up, this is a great time to do it.

Day 22: Cloncurry

You have a choice to make on day 22. If you’re ok with not having access to toilets, power or any other facilities you can stay at a really cool ghost town and abandoned mine - Mary Kathleen.

If ghost town’s aren’t for you that’s not a problem, you can stop for a quick look on your way through then head to the same full-service caravan park that we stayed at on our way up.

Day 23 & 24: Normanton

We’ll take on the last long drive of the trip on day 23 - five hours norht to Normanton.

We’ll spend two nights in this beautiful place, resting on the banks of the Norman River.

It’s a great place to do some fishing, or you can take a ride on the Gulflander heritage railway. We definitely recommend driving out to Karumba, on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria. It’s an amazing place for fishing.

Day 25: Georgetown

Day 25 is the last driving day of the 2025 Top End Convoy. We’ll drive about 3 hours across to Georgetown, where we’ll set up our final camp.

We’ll say goodbye to all our new friends on the morning of day 26, and all head off in different directions.

Depending on how much time you have, you might like to stay at Georgetown for a few extra days. It’s very close to lots of amazing things, the most spectacular of which is Cobbold Gorge. The gorge is a real bucket-list destination, with incredible scenery and some really great tours. You can head out on a boat tour, fly over in a helicopter, cross the glass-bottom bridge or float down the river on a stand-up paddleboard.

Mount Surprise is also nearby, as is the Talaroo Hot Springs, Copperfield Gorge and one of the biggest single-drop waterfalls in Australia, Millstream Falls.

Here’s what people are saying

  • We are just rolling back into Adelaide after the most incredible two week trip to Uluru with Bold Gorilla. What an adventure!

    We were travelling just in our swags with temps hitting 0 degrees several nights and whilst we were prepared, Brook and Brenda checked in each day to see if we were warm enough, supplying us with extra blankets for the frostiest of nights.

    We were supplied with devices to help us connect in remote areas if we ran into any trouble and the BG team were always at the back of the convoy, looking out for everyone.

    It was the perfect balance of planned activities versus free time and free play for the kids. Of our own freedom, as well as connection whenever we wanted it.

    All the families on our trip were absolute legends. We met amazing characters in each town, some lovely, some cranky, some hilarious and all making up the colourful chapter that this trip will be in our family's story forevermore.

    Highlights for us were - the cuttlefish, campfires, Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Tom's Mine and the great crew.

    We are absolutely buzzing. Huge thanks to the BG team for creating such a wonderful opportunity for us as a family to be together in this way.

    Lissie T

  • My daughters (9 and 7) and I recently returned from the Uluru convoy.

    The trip far exceeded my expectations on every level - the organisers, the people, the itinerary, the planned activities and the pre trip planning.

    Brooke the business owner picked the most wonderful itinerary and group activities clearly based on her experience as a parent, her love of travel and adventure and the relationships she has built with business owners over the years.

    My girls loved every minute of the convoy and shined each day as they absorbed the beautiful scenery, chatted and played with their new friends and learnt so so many new things.

    The frequency and type of activities that Brooke arranged for the group were perfect including attending a kangaroo sanctuary and touring a live opal mine.

    All activities were optional and you could dip in and out of the group as you wished but always knew you were in the competent and kind hands of Brooke and James which I found incredibly reassuring as a sole parent travelling with two children.

    As a result of this exceptional experience, and Brooke and her team, my girls and I have found a new love for travel and adventure. Thank you so much Bold Gorilla. We are now planning our next trip with you. It was a life changer for us!

    Nicola C

  • I’ve never seen my son be so social! He took a couple of days to come out of his shell, but after that we couldn’t pry him away from his new friends. He is usually too anxious to talk to anyone or make friends. It was great for his confidence and I can’t wait to take him on another trip.

    Juliet F

  • This is our 2nd time travelling with Bold Gorilla. We recently travelled with Bold Gorilla on the Uluru convoy and had the most amazing time.

    We went from swimming with giant cuttlefish, noodling for opals, to seeing the beauty of Uluru all in one big adventure.

    It was so nice to experience the trip as a group and Brook and Brenda went out of their way to ensure we were looked after. Not only did they pack extra camping chairs and mattresses for us upon hearing that our car was full to the brim, Brook also lent us her hot water bottles and other supplies that we hadn't thought to bring.

    Would definitely recommend travelling with Bold Gorilla and can't wait for our next adventure.

    Laura C

  • The Uluru trip offered by Brook and her team exceeded our expectations. Brook and Brenda looked after the group ensuring our need for information and support were provided with a smile and care.

    The trip was well planned. Safety was provided by the support trucks and all families had a communication device.

    Nothing was too much for the team.

    We all enjoyed the group campfires and the opportunity to connect with other families.

    Really recommend these tours - not too much structure but just right for a relaxing journey through remote parts of SA and NT.

    Jacqui H

  • The trip was amazing and everyone made us all feel welcome and helped me out with both my son and his assistance dog when I was struggling with my knee injury.

    Just be aware with injuries it may be a little difficult to get out of barge and back on at the island as had to climb over side. But everyone was willing to help me and our dog off.

    Bel C

  • Thanks for the memories my family & I take away from our experience on the Uluru convoy which has left us feeling so grateful to Brook, Brenda & the team, who were absolutely amazing, they all went above and beyond to do their absolute best to ensure things went as smoothly as possible for everyone, sometimes in trying circumstances beyond their control in a large group....

    I can't recommend dealing with this company highly enough & will most definitely seek to join them on future adventures & will happily recommend them to others.

    Belinda R

  • My family have enjoyed three trips with Bold Gorilla: two within Australia and one overseas. All three were wonderful experiences.

    Bold Gorilla trips strike a great balance between structure and flexibility. Even though you are travelling with the support and companionship of a group you don't have the pressure and stress that is often a part of group travel.

    Jennifer R

  • Amazing experiences organised, I am blown away with the quality of them.

    Louise C

  • The experience with Bold Gorilla was awesome.

    My son and I travelled to Japan with them, my son made some great friends and we had such a good experience. It was so good to have the experience of the tour organiser to guide us on all things Japanese - how to catch PT, where to eat, activities to do etc.

    Have already booked my next two trips with them.

    Note- while you're with a group, it's still very self-directed and free meaning you can make the trip your own, while being in the safety of the group.

    Shashi H

  • Uluru convoy was brilliant. Brooke & James could not have been more helpful. We felt safe & supported & had an awesome time.

    Tracey M

  • This is our second trip to Private Island with Bold Gorilla and it won't be the last :-) Although the trips are unstructured, pesky logistical details were taken care of before I could even think about them myself. Myself and my son had a ball, felt secure and part of a special group of travelers that just click together. I recommend Bold Gorilla to anyone who will listen. Great memories and great learning opportunities for my homeschooler.

    Ivana O