12 Day Adelaide to Darwin Road trip Itinerary

Explorers Way – Adelaide to Darwin
1

Arrive in Adelaide and collect rental vehicle

Welcome to Adelaide, South Australia's capital city, nestled in one of Australia's most celebrated wine regions. Collect your rental car, settle in to your comfortable accommodation, and head out to explore when you're ready!

Adelaide

Cosmopolitan Adelaide is filled to the brim with culture, flavours, events, and entertainment. With spacious boulevards and vibrant inner-city districts, sophisticated architecture and lush gardens, South Australia's capital has it all.

Tonight you are spoiled for dining options: Adelaide's reputation as a foodie destination is well deserved. Famous for culinary creativity and blessed with outstanding local produce, there truly is something for everyone.

Accommodation: Adelaide - 1 Night

Adelaide
The award-winning 4.5-star Majestic Roof Garden Hotel is located only 50 m from the bars, restaurants, and shopping of Rundle Street. Guests have access to the rooftop garden with panoramic city views. All rooms at The Majestic Roof Garden Adelaide feature modern bathrooms, king-size beds, a full minibar, and free Wi-Fi access. 24-hour room service and a 24-hour reception are available.
Majestic Roof Garden Hotel

2

Adelaide to Port Augusta

Begin your epic road trip with a drive north to Port Augusta where the Explorers Way begins.

Port Augusta

Situated on the head of the Spencer Gulf, this waterside town transported Australian wheat and wool around the world on clipper ships in days gone by. Stroll around the elegant old City Centre to discover Port Augusta's heritage, or visit the award-winning Wadlata Outback Centre to learn about the local Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for over 40,000 years.

The Explorer's Way

Port Augusta is where the Stuart Highway begins. From tomorrow onwards you will follow this iconic road to Darwin for 2,834km! Known as the Explorer's Way, it showcases the climates, moods, and landscapes of the vast Australian Outback.

From central deserts to tropical wetlands, the real Australia is about to unfold before your eyes.

Accommodation: Port Augusta - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 310 km | 193 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

 Port Augusta
Majestic Oasis Apartments is perfectly positioned overlooking the waters of the Upper Spencer Gulf in sunny Port Augusta, only 3 hours drive North of Adelaide in South Australia. The property comprises 75 self-contained serviced apartments.
Majestic Oasis Apartments - Port Augusta

3

Port Augusta to Coober Pedy

Hit the road early and continue north to the curious town of Coober Pedy. Famed for its opal mining and its underground dwellings, it's a fascinating place to break your journey today.

The Road to Coober Pedy

Joining the Stuart Highway, you can wave goodbye to traffic lights - the next set are located in Alice Springs, 1200km away! The vast Outback will be your constant companion today, with few trees and little vegetation to speak of along the route. It feels like you have entered another world.

A Life Lived Underground

To escape the hot Coober Pedy climate, half of the residents live in dugouts under the earth. You will also find undergrounds hotels, bars and churches! Above ground, Coober Pedy's moon-like landscape has starred in several movies, such as Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Try out Coober Pedy's subterranean lifestyle tonight in your hand-dug accommodation at the Lookout Cave Underground Motel - it's an experience not to be missed.

Accommodation: Coober Pedy - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 540 km | 336 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 45 mins

Coober Pedy
Just a 3-minute drive from the heart of Coober Pedy, The Lookout Cave Underground Motel boasts free Wi-Fi and BBQ facilities. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV, and a refrigerator. You can relax outdoors on the rooftop terrace, and watch the sun rise or set. Free undercover parking is provided.
Lookout Cave Underground Motel

4

Explore Coober Pedy and the Breakaways

Take a break from driving and explore this unique outback mining town on two fantastic guided tours today.

Coober Pedy Town and Mine Tour

Find out why Coober Pedy truly is like no other place in the world. With a local guide you will experience the town's rich history & outback charm, visiting underground homes, churches, museums, opal mines, and other Coober Pedy specialties.

Kanku-Breakaways Tour

Venture out of town to the beautiful Kanku-Breakaways escarpment. Located 32km north of Coober Pedy, the low, flat-topped hills of the Kanku-Breakaways were once covered by an inland sea. This colourful place has sheltered animals, plants and people from the scorching sun for thousands of years. As the day goes by, the passing of the sun changes the desert colours, creating scenes that appear surreal. Have your camera ready - it's a photographer's dream.

Coober Pedy

5

Coober Pedy to Alice Springs

Today will be a long day of driving through the vast outback plains of the desert. Crossing over the South Australian border into the Northern Territory, you'll arrive in the most famous outback town in Australia - Alice Springs.

Alice Springs

Situated in the geographic centre of the country, the thriving outback town of "Alice" is the gateway to some of Australia's most iconic landscapes. Nestled between the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges, surrounded by gorges and stark desert plains, Alice Springs is home to outstanding galleries of traditional and contemporary works from local indigenous artists.

Alice may be 1,200 kilometres (750 mi) from the nearest ocean and 1,500 kilometres (930 mi) from the nearest major cities (Adelaide and Darwin), but the town is packed with personality and local colour you can't find anywhere else. You won't forget your visit in a hurry.

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 690 km | 429 miles   Total Driving Time: 7 hours 15 mins

Alice Springs
Between the Todd River and Alice Springs Golf Club, and with the MacDonnell Ranges as a backdrop, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs is a luxury resort awarded for its environmentally friendly innovations.. The air-conditioned rooms have balconies that overlook either the mountains or the hotel's heated swimming pool or the hotel's gardens. All spacious guest rooms and suites offer generous work surfaces and luxurious bedding.
Hilton Alice Springs

6

Alice Springs Desert Park

Explore the outback town of Alice Springs and immerse yourself in the beauty and mystery of Australia's deserts at the Alice Springs Desert Park.

Alice Springs Desert Park

Wandering through the Park's ancient landscapes, you'll discover the plants, animals and culture of the desert. From dry river beds to dense woodlands, the richness of desert life is amazing. If you have ever wondered how Aboriginal people have thrived in the harsh environment, you can listen to a presentation from local Aboriginal guides about their water and food gathering skills.

Don't miss the birds of prey show — you'll witness desert-dwelling owls, eagles and falcons swooping over your head!

Desert Park

7

Alice Springs to Tennant Creek via the Devils Marbles

Leaving Alice behind, continue your outback expedition to Tennant Creek in the Barkly Tablelands. You'll pass through some tiny townships along the way including Wycliffe Well, a hotspot for UFO sightings!

Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) Conservation Reserve

Be sure to stop off at the Devils Marbles, 100km south of Tennant Creek. These natural features have been created over millions of years and are a sacred site for the traditional landowners, who believe they are the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent, an important Dreamtime figure in Aboriginal culture.

Tennant Creek

Break your journey along the Stuart Highway today at Tennant Creek, known for its million-acre cattle stations, gold mining history, iconic rock formations, and Aboriginal culture.

Wander around the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station to get a feel for life here 140 years ago. Built in 1872, it was part of the Overland Telegraph Line linking Australia with the rest of the world.

Accommodation: Tennant Creek - 1 Night

Approximate Distance: 510 km | 317 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins

Devils Marbles
The Bluestone Motor Inn is the perfect base from which to explore the diverse nature and culture of the Australian outback. Bluestone is the perfect place to stay at the halfway mark along the track from Alice Springs to Darwin and back, or coming west from Mt. Isa.
Bluestone Motor Inn Tennant Creek

8

Tennant Creek to Daly Waters

Enjoy the vast outback scenery as you make your way up to the town of Daly Waters.

A Night At The Historic Daly Waters Pub

No visit to the Top End would be complete without a visit to the historic, multi-award winning Daly Waters Pub, and you'll stay here in comfortable accommodation tonight. Feast on hearty "pub grub" and listen as the locals spin legendary yarns of the town's early settler days.

From cattle stampedes to murders and shootouts, this now-quiet location has had a colourful past!

Approximate Distance: 410 km | 255 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Daly Waters - 1 Night

Tennant Creek to Daly Waters
The historic multi-award winning Daly Waters Pub is an iconic Australian outback pub. There are a variety of accommodation styles to select for your stay ranging from new deluxe 2 bedroom cabins of a high quality that have their own en-Suite and large Shared Veranda, They sleep up to 2 people 1 X extra-large double Bed, split system Air-Conditioning, Flat Screen sat TV, Vast Box, Tea, and Coffee.
Daly Waters Pub Accommodation

9

Daly Waters to Katherine/Nitmiluk National Park

Make your way to the Katherine region to experience the incredible scenery of Nitmiluk National Park by canoe.

Also known as Katherine Gorge, the 13 gorges of Nitmiluk are hugely significant to their traditional owners, the Jawoyn people, as home to the spirits of creation.

Self Guided Nitmiluk Canoe Adventure

Your self-guided canoe adventure tour begins with a scenic journey by boat through Nitmiluk's first gorge. Then you will take to the waters to explore the second gorge and beyond.

Exploring the gorge system at a relaxed pace, you will have ample time to admire the scenery & wildlife, take a swim, and enjoy a bushwalk or picnic.

Accommodation: Katherine - 2 Nights

Approximate Distance: 305 km | 190 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Nitmiluk Canoe Adventure
Accommodation:
Nitmiluk Cabins places you steps from Nitmiluk National Park and within a short 5-minute stroll to Katherine Gorge. Highlights at this campsite include 2 restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, and free self-parking. All 10 accommodations feature TVs with digital channels, and you can enjoy free WiFi, balconies or patios, and coffee/tea makers. Fridges, microwaves, and hobs make in-room dining convenient.
Nitmiluk Cabins

10

Nitmiluk Scenic Flight & Adventure Swim Tour

Soar over the 13 Gorges of Nitmiluk on a breathtaking helicopter journey, ending with a swim at your own private water hole.

Nitmiluk Scenic Flight & Adventure Swim Tour

Fly over all 13 Gorges and continue via the Katherine River into the rugged rock country of Nitmiluk National Park. Here you will discover one of the most remote and beautiful waterfall swim sites in Australia.

Enjoy a swim at this pristine wilderness rock pool, which is yours exclusively.

helicopter journey

11

Nitmiluk to Darwin via Litchfield National Park

Your final leg of the journey takes you to Darwin via the woodlands and waterfalls of Litchfield National Park.

Litchfield National Park

Known for its cascading waterfalls, natural spas and whirlpools, this is the ideal place for a refreshing swim.

Litchfield is also famous for its bizarre landscape of giant termite mounds. Standing up to two metres tall, they are astounding feats of architecture not to be missed.

Darwin

Darwin is nearer to Singapore than it is to Sydney, which gives you an idea of the sheer size Australia. This multicultural, fast-developing city has a chilled-out feel and a beautiful climate.

Between cyclones and bombing by the Japanese in World War Two, Darwin has been rebuilt several times in its history. While the architecture is modern and stylish, it's still very much a "frontier town" with a small-town feel.

Relax and see a movie at the outdoor Deckchair Cinema, catch sunset over the Timor Sea, or try street food at the Mindil Beach Markets. You'll feel like a laid-back local in no time.

Approximate Distance: 345 km | 214 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Darwin - 1 Night

Litchfield National Park
Set in the midst of luxury waterfront residences, Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin is surrounded by seafront promenades, boutiques and restaurants. Some apartments feature views of the world-class Darwin city waterfront. Guests can relax in the spa, take a dip in the swimming pool or work-out in the fully equipped fitness centre. The apartments offer modern décor and most feature views over the beach, boating lagoon or the park. Free WiFi is provided.
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

12

Return rental car and depart Darwin

Enjoy the city of Darwin and all it has to offer. On your last day of touring, you have free time to spend it how you like! Visit Crocosaurus Cove for a chance to hold a crocodile, feed them or simply watch some of the largest saltwater crocodiles in Australia as they interact with each other. Explore Cullen Bay Marina or cruise the Adelaide River (all at own expense). Your Northern Territory adventure ends here in Darwin.

Croc

Profile picture for user Gina
What Gina says about this tour: "Follow the legendary Overland Telegraph route in the footsteps of John McDouall Stuart, the first pioneer to cross Australia from South to North (and live to tell the tale!). The Explorers Way must be one of Australia's most rewarding road trips - crossing the Outback is no mean feat, but with plenty of support and a well-planned itinerary from First Light Travel, you'll be driving through the deserts like a pro in no time."
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