The location and details of places to stop during your trip are provided to help ensure a safer journey. Although the road is sealed all the way to Croydon, between Mount Surprise to Croydon, there are several sections that are single lane sealed highway, so if you have oncoming traffic (very quiet stretch of road anyway) you will need to pull off onto the gravel shoulders. Where are Savannah Way fuel stops? A Cairns to Darwin road trip isnt for the inexperienced traveler, but if you are looking to see real Outback Australia and the vast emptiness of the Top End, then this is the adventure you need. #4 Good Water Bottle The sun can be brutal in Australia, so make sure to always carry a refillable water bottle with you. Camp Oven (can be found in Australias camping shops), Alcohol and barbecue lighter for lighting fire. Cooktown is quiet and laidback, but with its history, environment and beach side location it has a lot to offer. If you love flowers the 'Garden City' should be one of your first stops, as it features a number of stunning parks, botanic gardens and other floral displays. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lorella Springs is a 4WD wonderland but make sure you go there before the waterholes dry out. This is a great tour to do during the dry season, generally between May and October. The roadhouse is instantly recognised by the plane sitting in its driveway. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). This is a great tour to do during the dry season, generally between May and October. The Barkly Highway is the only sealed road between Queensland and the Northern Territory. Mon, 6 Mar DRW - CNS with Jetstar. Darwin is Australias smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. You will see no roads, people, houses just pure nature. In its heyday, it was the third largest town in northern Queensland and Chillagoe is on an Alternate Route of the Savannah Way and well worth a detour. Its a beautiful drive from Cairns to Darwin by car and we are confident you will love it as much as we did. Australia is a huge country. Darwin lays claim to more crocodiles than any other city With its unparalleled beauty and endless reaches, the Aussie outback holds its own. The Outback Way is one of Australia's great four wheel drive odysseys. Filter. Driving north from South Australia, take the Stuart Highway from Adelaide through Coober Pedy into the Northern Territory. From Cairns to Darwin, our suggested route covers a minimum of 2800 kilometers. PO Box 5244, Cairns, QLD 4870 / 24 Hour FREECALL 1800 645 832 / Ph (07) 4035 5888 / Fax (07) 4035 6777. Allow around $1.70 per litre for fuel. Animals thrive when theyre left to their own devices, instincts and natural environment. If you do not have much time, we recommend that you take the helicopter flight, with which you can enjoy a unique view of the gorges and Arnhem Land from above. The Emerald Pool, Lorella Springs from above. Aerial view of someone swimming at Florence Falls. The route covers 2,610mi (4,200km) from the Great Ocean Road (near Melbourne) to Cairns, the best base to explore the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Take a river cruise, paddle a hired kayak and take to the hiking trails. The famous Outback service began in Cloncurry, and you can learn more at the John Flynn Place Museum in town. Throughout our whole 4wd road trip around Australia, it's definitely the section from Cairns to Darwin that sticks out most in our minds. Best stops along Darwin to Cairns drive. This is a 671km/417mi stretch. Head on to the Undara Volcanic National Park, where you can discover many natural wonders. 8:09 pm Bourke. You can camp where you want as no one cares or forbids it. It's easy to do. Join in and write your own page! This Top End Explorer is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey along the "Savannah Way" between Darwin and Cairns. It's home to excellent beaches, Litchfield National Park and some of Australia's best weekend markets. Why not participate in a 3-week guided motorbike riding tour from Cairns to Broome along some of the most secluded tracks in Australia, where you can experience the most scenic Outback. . This does not account for any stops and detours you might want to make. Georgetown is located on the wide banks of the Etheridge River, and with a population of just 250 people, this is a small town in Australia. 24/7 operation. But what it lacks in terms of human population, this part of Australia more . Fishing is great fun and locals will help with advice regarding bait and the best spots (or maybe the second best spots!) You can visit the local museums, take sunset cruises out into the harbor, and if you have a few days to spare, head out into nearby Kakadu National Park to experience more of the Northern Territory's . The barge comes from Darwin to Truscott about every 2 weeks. The same applies to going along the sealed route from Cairns to Darwin. I have travelled on at least three routes from Cairns to Darwin. stay for about 1 hour. Though do watch out for those Kangaroos between dusk and dawn. Required fields are marked *. Those seeking more unsealed adventure can travel to Lorella Springs for a night and Roper Bar to Mataranka (588km, about 9 hours). How to plan a drive from Darwin to Perth including must visit attractions. The route starts from Cairns and leads along the Burke Development Road from Mareeba to Normanton. Home. Katherine to Darwin. We decided to stay in Tennant Creek which was 25km south of the turn off. Dont swim without authoritative local advice, since waterways may be inhabited by saltwater crocodiles. How? Mount Isa is a big mining town, just 2 hours from the Northern Territoy border. Daily Waters to Katherine. I find each one is interesting but if I were travelling by myself in March I would go to Townsville, Mount Isa, The Three Ways then on to Darwin bearing in mind you are travelling during the Wet The road is all sealed and most of it is double lane and carries a lot of traffic. Make Croydon Your Own Adventure!!! to go. Cairns to Townsville Depart this morning and take the National Highway A1 to the Bruce Highway/ State Route 14 in Burdell. I was hoping you could advise me of the best route to take from Cairns to Darwin in a conventional 2WD. Australian Traveller Media 2023. 05. Discover this amazing sandstone gorge on an ecocruise on a family cattle station. Journey through the heart of Australia experiencing the iconic outback, stunning flora and fauna, topped off with the tropical and lush top end and world renowned food and wine destinations. It's easy to do. 311km's, approx 4hrs + stops. Stopping places include parking, toilets and even picnic areas. Flannel as the next shower may be a few hundred kilometres away, Savannah Way Borroloola to Burketown = 492km, Borroloola - Katherine = 655km (Limmen National Park), Katherine - Jabiru = 297km (Kakadu National Park), Savannah Way Normanton to Burketown = 230km. Or, you can say yes to adventure, stock up the 4WD with spare tyres and a puncture repair kit, and brave the Gibb River Road.. (Image: Tourism NT/Jackson Groves). Thanks! See amazing Aboriginal artwork at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. Learn how your comment data is processed. Really appreciate any advice including rest/fuel stops. If you have extra time while in the Cairns region, why not give Cooktown a go? I will be ducking down to check out Uluru though and then over to Broome (already done Darwin). Since the petrol station owners in the Outback dont really have many customers, it may well be that nobody is there. Check out the 8-meter long saltwater crocodile replica, which is a monument dedicated to Krys, one of the largest crocs ever captured in Australia. Croydon, in the heart of the Gulf Savannah has a lot to offer. We deliberately chose the Burke Development Road as it gives a unique and memorable outback feeling all secluded in the bush where you can stay overnight. Suggested Time: 4 days. Best Places to Stay in AthertonLilly Pilly House Atherton Hotel Bike And Bird. There is never any wood on campgrounds so its best that you collect it on the way before you get there. Sailing at night time can be risky, as the huge mammals sleep on the surface, completely oblivious to cruising vessels. Sealed roads from Borroloola onwards. For travel insurance we recommend SafetyWing. Note; fuel is not available at Avon Downs During the wet season, torrential streams can be seen here, and during the dry season these falls are almost completely dried up. You can hike to natural swimming pools, camp out under the stars, and see the unusual, giant termite mounds. Day 10 4WD and Bush Camping (391 kms, about 6 hours). Pick up camper van from Mighty Campers Darwin - Left at 10:45 am. Do I need to take fuel on a Darwin to Cairns road trip? Wildlife can be a danger this far north too, so avoid driving at night if you dont want a run-in with a kangaroo or a herd of cattle or camel on the road. Alternatively: around 10 days from Cairns to Katherine and from Katherine to Darwin via Kakadu.In total = 3,700 kmFrom Cairns to Katherine= 2,130 km.From Cairns to Darwin drive via Kakadu = 2,680 km. On the way to Katherine gorge, the Lost-City rock formations are especially worth seeing. For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. For example, the lost city in Cape Crawford can only be reached by helicopter. Turn onto Route 52 into the rainforest-clad Atherton Tablelands. The distance from Cairns to Darwin is long and youll want to ensure that youve got plenty of time on your hands, otherwise, youll be driving endlessly and will have no time to stop off and enjoy the sights along the route. day 1 driving 10 hours. Oct. Stateroom Review Enchanted Princess Obstructed Balcony L103. Go for a refreshing swim at Edith Falls. Feel the magic of Uluru. Before you reach the Outback youll drive west into the Atherton Tablelands, where youll find a cooler climate and a welcome break from the humidity of the coast. Discover the magic of Wilpena Pound with a glamping experience in the cultural heartland of the Flinders Ranges. If you intend to road trip more of Australias east coast, make sure to also check out our other itineraries: Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, and Cairns to Darwin. Great site! Keep watch on the fuel gauge, as petrol stations are infrequent. In Georgetown, you can visit the excellent TerrEstrial Centre, a museum dedicated to the geological history of Australia, where you can find one of the largest collections of rocks and minerals in the country, and enough stories and information to keep even the least scientifically inclined of travelers mesmerized. The roads from Hells Gate and beyond are really tough so take it easy and have an extra spare tyre. Enjoy a days R&R at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, which is surrounded by Indigenous land and Limmen National Parks abundant waterways, savannah, beach-scalloped coast, gorges and rocks formations such as the rusted columns nicknamed the Lost City. The Alice Springs Route covers 4,154 . Direct. You will have the best experience if you camp in a remote location in the middle of nowhere. However, never go into the water as there are crocodiles everywhere. You can spend a long day driving, or you can break the journey up by overnighting at a roadhouse, the Barkly Homestead, before finishing the last 200 kilometers the following day. Make sure you give yourself at least two weeks or more to fully enjoy this itinerary on Australias Adventure Drive. Continue west to Undara Experience try to arrive in time for a sunset wildlife tour. Best Places to Stay in Katherine:Pine Tree Motel Beagle Motor Inn Knotts Crossing Resort. Go canoeing on Katherine Gorge, and make friends with the wildlife at Nitmiluk National Park on scenic walking tracks. Fuel stops; Threeways, Barkly Homestead, Camooweal, Mt Isa. By keeping our speed between 100-116km/h we kept our fuel costs down to less than $300AUD for the entire journey. Campervan hire: the best way to see Australia. Go for a swim in Lake Eacham or take a cruise at Lake Barrine, and sample the local produce like coffee and mango wine. How? Check the weather and road conditions in Queensland and the Northern Territory before your journey. Folks this information on fuel stops between Darwin and Alice Springs was correct in 2016. Hoping to get there in with 3 overnight stops - 4 at the most as on a time limit with work. Head north, pausing at Larrimah, which has another historic bush pub and Second World War museum, and at Mataranka, made famous in the 1908 Jeannie Gunn novel, We of the Never-Never. . Just beware of the saltwater crocodiles and do not get too close to the water. Yes there are car and motorbike tours on offer, especially between Darwin and Cairns. This is another long stretch of around 638km/396mi. End: Darwin. There may be more. Heres our 14-day adventure itinerary outlining the why, what and where of this eastern half of the trans-continental Savannah Way. Distance: 113km's from Adelaide River, about 1hr, 15 mins. But please check with the Alice Springs Vistors Information Centre or the Darwin Visitors Information Centre before leaving town on this route. Get an early start, as the next leg is a long one. I have placed a previous post here requesting if anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa to Darwin. This is why most travelers choose to drive the east coast. Some of the top Savannah Way highlights include the amazing rock formations of the Lost City, the ancient Australian aborigines rock art where you can learn more about the Australian aboriginal culture, the impressive waterfalls, and much more. The city of Rockhampton in Central Queensland is one of the oldest cities in Queensland and in Northern Australia, formed during the gold rush, making it an interesting place to stop on the road trip. After yesterdays long drive, relax in Undara Volcanic National Park, where the outback begins and 164 ancient volcanoes pepper the landscape. You are a gem Birgit, I love your site and am so grateful for all the energy you (and others) put into it. When driving on unsealed roads, fine dust particles can conceal the deep potholes so it is imperative to drive a 4x4 vehicle. Darwin to Perth road trip is one of the great Australian journeys. You can stop for fuel in Jabiru, Mataranka, Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Burketown, Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine, Cairns, Mareeba, Chillagoe, and Darwin. Embrace the steamy weather for a Northern Territory Christmas youll never forget. Group in Undara Lava tubes. This was our shortest day by far, just 315km/196mi. Take a break at Lake Eacham, and admire Little Millstream Falls near Ravenshoe. Each time I read through it I become more and more inspired. Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent. ). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Our truck stops offer facilities such as: B-double access and parking. Cairns is home to many of the natural wonders found in Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef. (nitmiluktours.com.au). It's 187km from Barkly Homestead to the Threeways . (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). We stopped at Pine Creek and Adelaide River, both worthy of a leg stretch and wander around. Explore Maguk Find a great campsite in Jim Jim before setting out for a tour of Maguk Gorge. Travel to Mataranka and stop for a refreshing swim at Bitter Springs before heading to Katherine where you can stay in town or at Nitmiluk National Park beside the mighty Katherine Gorge. Georgetown Pioneer Walk. Not a pleasant experience for you, and certainly not for the whales. You can stop for fuel in Jabiru, Mataranka, Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Burketown, Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine, Cairns, Mareeba, Chillagoe, and Darwin. Enter your name and email and get a FREE70 page Outback Guide! Our truck-friendly network is complemented by an additional 900 service stations offering a comprehensive range of fuels, facilities and retail . Could you recommend places to spend the night, and if there is something interesting to visit on the route, about nature. Contrary to what Cape York horror stories will tell you, there are fuel stations and roadhouses stocking both petrol and diesel along the way (in fact, the longest distance between bowsers is 140km). Adventure by: Doug Hi, I drove from Port Douglas to Darwin in 1991 and it'll be a trip I'll never forget, it was an absolutely brilliant time and I would love to do it again. Check out escapes in each state, explore travel advice, activities, accommodation, car hire, fuel information, maps and much more on the NRMA trip planner. (Image: David Hancock), Youll want to spend the day in this series of spectacular gorges in Nitmiluk National Park and stay for sunset, when the cliffs glow red. Rule of thumb: The further out and the more abandoned you drive to, the more expensive is the fuel. Take your time in visiting the historic Burns Philp Traders Building and jump aboard the historic Gulflander Train in Normanton and try your luck at catching barramundi in Karumba. The drive from the Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km north of Bamaga. However, dont attempt to cross if the water is fast-flowing or at a greater depth than the height of your cars middle wheel. The route may look simple on the map, but youll need to factor in which roads are sealed and unsealed, which are four by four only, and which have supply stops along the way. Flinders Ranges, Barkly Homestead, Camooweal, Mt Isa to Darwin by car and motorbike tours on,. Going along the Burke Development road from Mareeba to Normanton the roads from Hells Gate and beyond really... Sitting in its driveway cruising vessels crocodiles than any other city with its history environment. 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