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Some of the best bush camps are the ones you’d never know were there unless somebody told you.

About 8 kilometres east of Top Springs in the Northern Territory, a short track off the Buchanan Highway drops down to the banks of Illawara Creek. There are no facilities, no crowds and, at this particular spot, room for just one camp.

Gary and Christine Barten found it while travelling the Buchanan Highway in August 2026 — and with water flowing gently through the creek, plenty of shade and nobody else around, it turned out to be one of those hidden little camps worth remembering.

What You’ll Find

• Cost: Free
• Facilities: None — basic bush camp
• Camping: One creekside campsite
• Access: Via the unsealed Buchanan Highway
• Final track: 4WD recommended
• Suitable for: Gary and Christine accessed the site with their caravan
• Water: Illawara Creek had plenty of water during their August 2026 visit
• Pets: Gary and Christine travelled with their two dogs
• Phone reception: Don’t rely on reception in remote country
• Services: No toilets, drinking water, rubbish collection or other services

A Campsite Right on Illawara Creek

Gary and Christine set up their caravan beneath the trees only metres from the creek.

At the time of their visit there was plenty of water flowing through Illawara Creek, including shallow rapids nearby. From camp they could hear the gentle sound of running water — not something you necessarily expect to find while travelling through this part of the Northern Territory.

“This is a wonderful campsite right on the banks of Illawara Creek. At the time there was plenty of water in the creek and it was gently flowing, so we enjoyed the soft sound of running water in the shallow rapids.”

One of the things that makes this particular spot special is its isolation. There is only one campsite at this location, so if you get it to yourself, you really do get it to yourself.

A Hidden Gem on the Buchanan Highway

The Buchanan Highway isn’t a road travelled by everyone, and that is part of the appeal.

Gary describes this stretch of country as incredibly quiet, with relatively few travellers venturing along the unsealed highway.

“Admittedly, there is a fair bit of nothing much to see, however there are some campsites like this one that are hidden gems that it seems not many travellers get to enjoy. It’s so very peaceful.”

And sometimes that’s exactly what makes a bush camp memorable.

No powered sites. No amenities block. No neighbours lined up beside you.

Just the caravan, the dogs, the creek and a quiet patch of Northern Territory bush.

Catching Cherabin in the Creek

Gary also made good use of having some decent water beside camp.

Whenever he comes across enough water in northern Australia, he likes to put a few traps in and see if there are any Cherabin about.

This time, it paid off.

“We were successful on this visit and caught some good sized ones.”

It’s one of those little details that makes this more than simply somewhere to pull up for the night.

Remember — This Is Croc Country

Illawara Creek is in northern Australia and waterways throughout this country need to be treated as potential saltwater crocodile habitat.

During their visit, Gary and Christine cooled off in shallow water near the rapids, but Gary specifically recommends staying out of the deeper pools.

“There is potential saltwater crocodiles in the rivers and creeks in this area. I would not recommend swimming in the deeper pools.”

Important: Conditions and crocodile activity can change. Never assume water is safe based on somebody else’s previous visit. Check current local advice and observe crocodile warning signs and safety recommendations when travelling through northern Australia.

Getting There

From Top Springs

From Top Springs, head east approximately 8 km along the Buchanan Highway. After crossing Illawara Creek, continue for roughly another 500 metres and look for a track on the left.

Follow the track down towards the creek. The main track is well formed, but the final section drops down into the creek system, so 4WD is recommended.

There is only one campsite at this location.

GPS coordinates: -16.583466, 131.860330

View Illawara Creek Campsite on Google Maps

Important: Remote road and track conditions can change quickly, particularly after rain. These directions are based on Gary and Christine’s visit in August 2026. Travellers should check current road conditions before setting out and carry suitable navigation for remote travel.

Would Gary and Christine Stay Again?

Absolutely.

For Gary, the appeal isn’t about facilities or attractions. It’s the fact that places like Illawara Creek still exist along the quieter roads through remote Australia.

A little track off the highway, a caravan tucked beneath the trees, flowing water beside camp and almost nobody else around.

Sometimes that’s all a campsite needs.

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This campground was shared with Country Campfire by Gary and Christine Barten as part of The Campground Project — preserving and sharing real Australian campsites through the experiences of the people who have actually stayed there.

Campground conditions, access, road conditions, fire restrictions and local regulations can change. Always check current information before travelling, particularly when heading into remote country.