Northern Territory | Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary
One of the great Australian road trips!
Day 1-4: Adelaide to Coober Pedy
Travel time: 8 hours 35 minutes
Distance: 841kms
Start your driving adventure at Adelaide and make your way to Coober Pedy where along the way you can stop off at Port Augusta and check out the Southern and Central Flinders Ranges.
Where to stay: BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort
Image: SATC Media Gallery
Day 5: Coober Pedy to Uluru
Travel time: 7 hours 45 minutes
Distance: 755kms
Make your way to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and drop in to the spiritual heart of Australia where you can hop on a camel, take part in Indigenous dancing and cultural shows as well as go on one of many guided and self-guided walking tours that take you up close and personal with both Uluru and the stunning surrounds.
Image: SATC Media Gallery
Day 6: Uluru to Kings Canyon
Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Distance: 322kms
Once you’ve had your fill of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park make the 300km drive to Kings Canyon and explore the 100m sandstone walls that make up Kings Canyon. Take a short hike to the top and take in amazing desert views.
Image: Tourism Northern Territory
Day 7: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Travel time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Distance: 326kms
Hit the road to Alice Springs, the spiritual heart of Australia. You’ll discover stunning landscapes and a fascinating pioneering history. Take time to learn about the ancient Aboriginal culture through its art and stories in galleries in the town and nearby communities.
Image: Instagram - @_ourgreatescape
Day 8: Alice Springs, West Macs, and Glen Helen
Travel time: 2 hours 10 minutes roundtrip
Distance: 130kms
During your stay in Alice Springs take a drive to the West MacDonnell Ranges where you can explore the many spectacular chasms and gorges. Visit the beautiful waterholes too such as Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen Gorge that are a perfect treat after a long day’s drive.
Image: Lachlan Gardiner
Day 9: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek
Travel time: 5 hours
Distance: 508kms
While making your way to Tennant Creek stop by the Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles and get up close to these ancient granite boulders. Make sure you stop over in Tennant Creek to meet the outback characters, and learn about life during the gold rush.
Image: Tourism Northern Territory
Day 10: Tennant Creek to Daly Waters
Travel time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Distance: 407kms
For those wanting to experience real outback hospitality stop over at The Daly Waters Historic Pub where you can get lost in the massive collection of memorabilia that reflects the pub’s colourful history. Stay a night at the pub and mingle with the locals or set up camp for the night at the nearby camping grounds.
Image: Tourism Northern Territory
Day 11: Daly Waters to Mataranka
Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Distance: 168kms
Take part in nature’s day spa at the Mataranka Thermal Pools where fresh constant 34 degrees water and soft sand will soothe even the sorest of muscles. Enjoy the surrounding palm forest too and keep an eye out for native birds.
Image: Tourism Northern Territory
Day 12: Mataranka to Katherine
Travel time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Distance: 108kms
Katherine has a huge range of activities to keep you busy. Make your way to Nitmiluk National Park and take a canoe down the Katherine Gorge or take a break from driving and hop on one of the many relaxing guided cruises and more!
Image: Lachlan Gardiner
Day 13: Katherine to Litchfield
Travel time: 2 hours
Distance: 143kms
Only a short distance from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a must-see stopover on your journey through the Top End. Take on a range of walking tracks as well as fantastic waterholes and camping facilities. For the more adventurous take on the four-wheel-drive tracks and create unforgettable memories.
Where to stay: Batchelor Holiday Park
Image: Mark Clinton
Day 14: Litchfield to Darwin
Travel time: 5 hours 45 minutes
Distance: 507kms
Darwin offers a range of memorable activities in a stunning tropical and urban setting. Drop by the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets for an array of Asian-inspired food or cool off in luxury at the Darwin Wave Pool. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, jump into the cage of death at Crocosaurus Cove. Take in the night air at the Deckchair Cinemas, visit the Darwin War Museum or just stroll through its many bustling streets and restaurant precincts.
Where to stay: Hidden Valley Holiday Park.
Image: Lachlan Gardiner
days | 14 |
kms | 4,215 |
stops | 10 |
LabelField4 | 2 |
Field4 | World Heritage National Parks |