Driving in the Northern Territory (NT) can pose unique challenges even to the experienced traveller, and road conditions can change rapidly, particularly in the wet season from October to May. Always check road conditions before travelling.

The Northern Territory Government has published information to make your adventure easier and safer. Familiarise yourself with updated road conditions, national park closures, weather, rest areas and other information prior to setting out and during your journey.

Road conditions

Up-to-date road conditions are published on the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics' Road Report website. Phone: 1800 246 199 (free call).

Driving

The Northern Territory Government's multilingual pamphlet - driving in the Northern Territory provides road safety and trip planning hints for visitors to the NT. For information about sharing the road, view driving with road trains.

Territory parks and reserves

Information about the Territory's national parks, including access and closures.

Weather conditions

To check local weather conditions, go to the Bureau of Meteorology website for updated weather forecasts, rainfall and severe weather warnings.

Where can I get more information?

Tourist attractions

To help plan your trip, find other things to do and see while in the NT or to find accommodation, go to the northernterritory.com website. The site also provides details of local visitor information centres that can assist with advice, maps and brochures.

Fossicking tours

During March to October, the Gemtree Caravan Park runs fossicking tours among other activities.

Land councils

Aboriginal land is privately owned. It is not Crown or public land and a permit is required to enter. Aboriginal land is administered by 4 land councils however the main areas for fossicking are covered by the Central Land Council and the Northern Land Council.

Visit the appropriate land council's website to obtain contact details or download a permit application.

Please note: a permit is not required to fossick on any declared fossicking area.

Aboriginal sacred sites

Aboriginal sacred sites are protected areas and as such fossicking is not allowed. For more information, go to the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority website.

Pastoral leases

For pastoral lease holder contact details email rangelands.depws@nt.gov.au.

NT Gem Clubs, websites and other useful contacts

• Gemtree Caravan Park
• Heritage sites
• Top End Gem and Mineral Club
• Prospecting the in the Territory
• NT Prospectors and Detectorists Association Inc
• NT Metal Detecting and Relic Hunters

The Department of Mining and Energy would like to acknowledge the non-government organisations for contributing to this website.