Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit

Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit Resort is a tropical, resort-style caravan and cabin park at 901 Stuart Highway, Holtze, roughly 15 to 20 minutes south of Darwin CBD. It is one of the genuinely pet-friendly bases in the Top End: dogs are allowed in designated cabins and on designated sites, and the grounds include their own off-leash exercise area.

The dog setup

Dogs go in designated pet-friendly cabins only, capped at one dog per cabin, with a $50 pet fee per stay plus a refundable $100 bond taken at check-in. On caravan and camping sites there is no pet fee, but dogs must be booked in advance either way.

Dogs need to be supervised at all times and cannot be left unattended in tents, vans or cabins, so plan to travel with your dog rather than locking them in for the day. They are not permitted in pool areas, communal buildings or the playground, and dog runs or enclosures cannot be erected. Ask staff for the off-leash area location on arrival.

Worth knowing

The park is set on 28 acres of palm-shaded tropical gardens with multiple pools, a jumping pillow, camp kitchen and playground, so it runs more like a resort than a bare-bones caravan park. Confirm a pet-friendly cabin or site is free for your dates when booking, and budget for the bond at check-in.

Getting there

The resort sits on the Stuart Highway between Darwin and Palmerston, about 3km out from Palmerston and 13km from Darwin Airport, with a 24-hour BP Palms service station next to the entrance. Look for the flashing green palm trees at the gate if you arrive after dark, and check in from 2pm.

Make a day of it

Palmerston is only minutes away: the Marlow Lagoon Fenced Dog Park and Bakewell Fenced Dog Park both give your dog a proper off-leash run beyond the resort yard.

If the park is full, Coolalinga Tourist Park further up the highway and Robbie Robbins Reserve Van Park in Berrimah are alternative pet-friendly bases.

More options are on the Northern Territory stays guide and the Holtze destination page.