Darwin to Adelaide

Darwin to Adelaide 20 Day route itinerary 2wd for campervan hire and motorhome rentals from Australia4wdrentals

Darwin to Alice Springs

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Darwin to Alice Springs photo gallery of each location along this 1500 klm highway

A travel tourist self drive visitors guide and information on Northern, Territory Australia.

Darwin to Alice Springs | Explorers Way - This section is of the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Alice Springs.

.. : Access driving via the sealed Stuart Highway south from Darwin or north from Alice Springs

Need a 4wd camper for 2 to 5 people with the camping gear included to do some of the unselaled offroad track from the Stuart Highway on your trip from Darwin to Alice Sprrings or our best price of the day 2-4-6 berth economy campervans and premiuem luxury motorhomes.

If you do you own quote allow us to then reply with availability.

Darwin to Adelaide (4x4 options) and 2wd Stuart Highway self drive route

Site Disclaimer: Please read before continuing

Day 1

• (Optional activity) Take a short flight or a ferry from Darwin to Bathurst Island and join an organised Tiwi Tour to experience life in a modern-day Aboriginal community. Wonder at the dense rainforest, secluded waterfalls and purchase beautiful arts and crafts. Overnight accommodation in Darwin. Note that Tiwi Tours don’t operate any tours in the three months of December to February. Darwin to Bathurst Island, part of the Tiwi Islands to Darwin: 80 km (each way)/20 mins

• Enjoy your first glimpse of the Arafura Sea by following the Explorer’s Way right into the heart of Darwin.

Link Out:
Aboriginal Cultural Tours instant booking:
• http://www.tourstogo.com.au/search/northern-territory/darwin/aboriginal-culture/

Darwin and Litchfield Day Tours instant booking:
• Sightseeing and adventure tours from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

Alice Springs and Uluru Day Tours instant booking:
• Sightseeing and adventure tours from Alice Springs, Northern Territory

• Jim Jim Falls and Katherine Gorge

• Litchfield National Park

• Kakadu national Park

• Tropical- Darwin guide

• Darwin 4wd Rentals

• Australia 4 Wheel Drive Rentals

• Australia 4wd Hire

• Self Drive Australia - suggestive scenic routes

• Kakadu Camping Tours

Day 2

• Head south on the Explorer’s Way to explore the Territory Wildlife Park, a world class conservation park with magnificent bird and animal life. Set in 400 hectares of natural bushland, a free shuttle links the 26 major exhibits. Travellers may also wish to visit Mount Bundy and the Adelaide River Pub today. Drive to Lake Bennett Wilderness Resort, where travellers can go fishing, canoeing, bushwalking or swimming. Overnight accommodation at Lake Bennett. Darwin to Lake Bennett: 65 km/1 hour

Day 3

• Visit nearby Litchfield National Park and see stunning waterfalls and amazing termite mounds – and swim safely in crystal-clear swimming holes.

Link: http://litchfieldnationalpark.com/

Litchfield Park to Darwin: 129 km/1.5 hours

Litchfield Day Tours instant booking:
• Sightseeing and adventure tours from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

Day 4-9

Kakadu National Park - back track some 60klm to Arnhem Highway and explore Kakadu National Park

Link: http://kakadunationalparkaustralia.com/ click here for self drive itineraries.

Link: http://www.australia4tours.com/ click here for guided scheduled tours to and from Darwin.

Day 10

• Re-join the Explorer’s Way and continue south to Katherine.

Katherine Gorge - Nitmiluk National Park

This 292,800 hectare National Park is owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people and jointly managed with the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory. Some of the Park's features include spectacular dissected sandstone country, broad valleys and numerous, significant cultural sites. The deep gorge carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River is the central attraction of the Park.

How to Get There
Nitmiluk National Park is located in the Top End of Australia's Northern Territory. The Park has two main points of visitor access. The Park's main entrance is located 30 km northeast of Katherine via a sealed road. Katherine is located 310 km south of Darwin along the Stuart Highway. Leliyn (Edith Falls) on the western side of the Park, is reached by turning off the Stuart Highway 42km north of Katherine then following a sealed road for a further 19km.

When to Visit
The most comfortable months to visit the Park are from May to September. The wet season causes flooding of the Katherine River and restrictions on some of the activities available. The access road may be cut off for short periods during peak flooding times.

Visitor Facilities
The picnic area provides gas barbecues, picnic furniture and toilet facilities. The launch tour boat jetty and canoe hire are located adjacent to the boat ramp. A public swimming area is provided in the picnic area. Information on the flora, fauna, geology, walks, activities, and other points of interest can be found in the Nitmiluk Centre at Katherine Gorge.

Walking
Numerous walking tracks offer a variety of experiences from riverbank strolls to spectacular overnight walks. Overnight walkers are required to book and register with Rangers at the Nitmiluk Centre.

Jawoyn art
Jawoyn art can be seen along the base of the sandstone escarpment in the Gorge system. Other evidence of Jawoyn activities are located throughout the Park. More detailed information about the Southern Walks and the Jatbula Trail is available in the Nitmiluk Centre, from Park information sheets, on the website or by calling Rangers at the Park.

Canoeing
Canoes can be hired at the Gorge by the hour, half day, full day or overnight. Private canoes can be used in the Gorge. For your safety, you must register and pay a refundable deposit at the Nitmiluk Visitor Centre. A small fee also applies. The upper gorges are accessible to canoes, by carrying them over the rocks separating gorges.

Camping
There are powered sites at the Gorge or unpowered, sites at Leliyn (Edith Falls). Campsite bookings are required for overnight canoeing and camping as numbers are restricted. A deposit applies to private canoes and bushcamping. Check at the Nitmiluk Centre for the availability of drinking water and location of toilets. Only fuel stoves are permitted.

NT Govt. site: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/

En route visit the historic township of Adelaide River, then turn right into the picturesque Douglas Daly Region, home to the Douglas Hot Springs and Butterfly Gorge Nature Park (4x4 only).

Leliyn Edith Falls

Leliyn (Edith Falls) on the western side of the Park, is reached by turning off the Stuart Highway 42km north of Katherine then following a sealed road for a further 19km.

Swimming is the most popular pastime at Leliyn. Both the lower and upper pools are excellent swimming spots, as is Sweetwater Pool. They are open year round, but may be closed due to dangerous conditions at times during the wet season.

Picnic and camping facilities are provided at the Falls. Limited gas barbecues, tables and an ablution block with toilet and shower facilities are provided for your use. There is a kiosk where you can obtain your permit for camping at Sweetwater, purchase food and drinks and pay your camping fees.

Camping - Leliyn has a landscaped campground with unpowered sites. Generators are not permitted. Camping fees apply and should be paid at the kiosk near the picnic area. When the kiosk is open, campers should pay fees before setting up camp. After hours visitors should find a site and pay fees at the kiosk the next day. The campground does become full during the peak tourist season (June to Sept), and sites are issued on a ‘first in first served’ basis.

Walking - There are two walks at Leliyn.

• Leliyn Trail - a 2.6 km, 2 hour circuit that ascends a hill then goes down to cross the upper pool above the falls. It then climbs up the other side of the falls before descending to the level of the main pool where there is a river crossing. Views of the waterfalls and Edith River from two lookouts, on one each side of the river, feature in this walk. So does swimming in the upper pool. Wet season conditions can limit access, reducing the walk to a return trip to the first lookout and top pool.

• Sweetwater Pool - an 8.6km return walk to a fantastic swimming spot. This can be done as a day or overnight walk. There are toilets at the Sweetwater Pool camping area. Overnight walkers must obtain a permit from the Edith Falls kiosk - bookings are recommended. A small fee and deposit applies to the bush campsites.

Return to the Explorer’s Way and take the Northern Goldfields Loop Road (4x4 only) and visit the Grove Hill Heritage Hotel and Museum. This area, once the heart of the goldfields, is dotted with historic sites and ruins set amongst shady creeks and rocky outcrops. Stop off at the mining town of Pine Creek and look around its intriguing museum displays.

Overnight accommodation in Katherine. Lake Bennett to Katherine (via above route): 360 km/ 4 hours

Day 11

• Explore the Katherine region and be sure to stop at Nitmiluk National Park. Enjoy a canoe adventure or a boat cruise and marvel at the magnificent landscape and ancient Aboriginal rock art. Travellers can also book a guided tour of Edith Falls at the visitor centre.

The Central Arnhem Highway begins 50 km south of Katherine (4x4 only) – the Aboriginal-owned Manyallaluk community can be reached from here - arrang in advance and permit required.

Continue south on the Explorer’s Way to the township of Mataranka and Elsey National Park, home to the Mataranka Thermal Pool, ideal for a refreshing swim.

Overnight accommodation in Mataranka. Katherine to Mataranka: 110 km/1 hour

Bitter Springs Cabins or Campground
http://www.bitterspringscabins.com.au/
and
http://www.bitterspringscabins.com.au/caravan-park-campground.html

Day 12

• Depart Mataranka and travel along the Explorer’s Way to Tennant Creek. Discover World War II heritage at Larrimah and have lunch at the Daly Waters Pub, a fascinating rustic bush pub crammed with unusual memorabilia. Continuing on, pass through Dunmarra, Elliott, Renner Springs and Newcastle Waters, an historic droving town before arriving in Tennant Creek. This area is known as the Golden Heart owing to its central location, gold mining history and friendly locals.

Overnight accommodation in Tennant Creek. Mataranka to Tennant Creek: 555 km/6 hours

Day 13

• Before leaving Tennant Creek, visit the Nyinkka Nyunyu Cultural Centre featuring artefacts, paintings, bush tucker and dance performances.

Just over 100 km south of Tennant Creek is the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve where travellers will marvel at the gigantic granite boulders precariously balanced on top of one another.

Wycliffe Well, famous for its UFO sightings, is worth a visit and enjoy a photographic moment at the Tropic of Capricorn marker, 35 km north of Alice Springs.

Overnight accommodation in Alice Springs or try a station stay at Bond Springs – an outback retreat 25 km from Alice Springs.

Tennant Creek to Alice Springs: 505 km/5 hours

Day 13 - 14

Explore Alice Springs.

Day 15

Take 3 to 5 days and explores the Western Macdonnell ranges and go via the famous Red Centre Way and Mereenie Loop (as previously the section from Kings Canyon to Glen Helen was known as). The onto Kata Tjuta (previously known as The Olgas) and into Yulara Resort (sometimes referred as Ayers Rock Resort) and see the sunset and sunrise at Uluru (previosuly known as Ayers Rock)

Link: http://www.macdonnellranges.com/ click here for self drive itineraries around the Red Centre Way.

Link: http://www.australia4tours.com/ click here for guided scheduled tours to and from Darwin.

Day 16 - 17

• Head south out of Coober Pedy on the Explorer’s Way from Alice Springs.

Pass through Glendambo, a resort designed on a homestead and woolshed theme that offers travellers modern comforts and services.

Woomera, a town established in 1947 as a site for launching experimental rockets, also makes an interesting stop. Woomera is in the 'outback' desert area of South Australia, approximately 488km north of Adelaide.

Link: http://www.woomera.com/

Link: https://southaustralia.com/ Woomera - South Australia Tourism

Link: https://southaustralia.com/ Oodnadatta - South Australia Tourism

Link: http://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/stuart-highway.html

Link: http://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/OodnadattaTrack.html

Link: http://www.ritas-outback-guide.com/Sitemap.html

Permits Information Link: http://www.exploroz.com/TripPlanning/Permits/SA.aspx

Woomera Prohibited Area - 8Klm a detour off the highway from Pimba

Link: http://www.whereis.com/sa/woomera/pimba-rd#session=MTE=

You must also have a permit to traverse and visit locations within the Woomera Prohibited Area (away from the Stuart Highway) which is controlled by the Department of Defence.

Contact details are: Defence Support Centre
Postal Address: Woomera Test Range, PO Box 157, Woomera, SA 5270
Phone: +61 (0) 8674 3370 Fax: +61 (8) 8674 3217
Email: woomera.enquiries@defence.gov.au

The permits are free.

Note please when traveling through Mabel Creek Station which is located at the Coober Pedy end of the Anne Beadell Highway, ensure you observe the signs and leave all gates exactly as you find them.

An optional side trip can be made to Roxby Downs – built to support the nearby Olympic Dam mine (a giant ore mining operation). Continue north through Woomera for 90km (sealed road) and you'll hit Roxby Downs (population 4,500; www.roxbydowns.com), a unique affluent desert town.

Take a night tour of the Arid Recovery Project that has seen native animals reintroduced into a reserve from which introduced species have been eradicated.

Stay overnight in the modern city of Port Augusta. Coober Pedy to Port Augusta: 535 km/7 hours

Day 18

• Take some time to explore Port Augusta. Visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and learn about the incredible history of the Flinders Ranges and outback at Wadlata Outback Centre. You can also enjoy a boat cruise through the scenic waters of the upper Spencer Gulf. Alternatively, head north-east to the Flinders Ranges, a highlight for bushwalkers, budding geologists and wildlife enthusiasts. Here, the rugged wilderness of Wilpena Pound and Arkaroola is particularly good for exploring. On your return to Adelaide, take a detour though the picturesque Clare Valley wine region.

Overnight accommodation in Adelaide. Port Augusta to Adelaide: 305 km/4 hours

Day 19

• Kangaroo Island is one of the best places to see Australian native animals in their natural environment. To get to the island, drive 1.5 hours south-west of Adelaide to Cape Jervis. Join the 45-minute vehicle and passenger ferry service to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. Alternatively, fly from Adelaide to Kingscote and take a tour of the island by coach, smaller bus or four-wheel-drive vehicle. Set out and discover this island, but travellers will need at least a couple of days to experience the highlights. There is a variety of accommodation on the island, from wilderness resorts to backpacking hostels and campsites. Travellers staying right on the coast are likely to see Little Penguins at night, especially in Kingscote and Penneshaw. Adelaide to Kangaroo Island – Road: 130 km/1.5 hours Ferry: 20 km/45 mins

Tours to Kangaroo Island: http://goholi.tourstogo.com.au/search/south-australia/all/

Day 20

• The amazing experiences continue on Kangaroo Island with a visit to Flinders Chase National Park, with the unusual rock formations known as Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, the latter being home to a large colony of New Zealand Fur Seals. Seal Bay is arguably Kangaroo Island’s most famous attraction, where you can enjoy a walk amongst rare Australian sea lions. Kangaroo Island also has a eucalyptus distillery, honey farms, wineries and sheep dairy. Returning to the mainland, consider extending your stay to explore the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Kangaroo Island to Adelaide – Ferry: 20 km/45 mins, Road: 130 km/1.5 hours

Explorers Way - the Northern Territory section from Darwin

• Darwin - End or Start of the Explorers Way
• Berrimah
• Palmerston
• Howard Springs
• Turn off onto the Arnhem Highway to Kakadu National Park
• Berry Springs
• Noonamah
• Lake Bennett
• Turn off to Batchelor then onto Litchfield National Park
• Adelaide River - On the Explorers Way
• Hayes Creek - On the Explorers Way
• Emerald Springs Roadhouse - On the Explorers Way
• Pine Creek - On the Explorers Way
• Katherine - On the Explorers Way
• Mataranka - On the Explorers Way
• Larrimah - On the Explorers Way
• Daly Waters - On the Explorers Way
• Hi-Way Inn - On the Explorers Way
• Dunmurra - On the Explorers Way
• Newcastle Waters - On the Explorers Way
• Elliott - On the Explorers Way
• Renner Springs - On the Explorers Way
• Sturt memorial - On the Explorers Way
• John Flynn Memorial - On the Explorers Way
• Three Ways - On the Explorers Way
• Tennant Creek - On the Explorers Way
• Devils Marbles reserve - On the Explorers Way
• Wauchope - On the Explorers Way
• Wycliffe Well - On the Explorers Way
• Barrow Creek - On the Explorers Way
• TiTree - On the Explorers Way
• Aileron - On the Explorers Way
• Alice Springs - On the Explorers Way

• One day sightseeing and adventure tours from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
• One day sightseeing and adventure tours from Alice Springs, Northern Territory

• One day sightseeing and adventure tours from Hobart, Tasmania
• One day sightseeing tours from Sydney, New South Wales
• One day sightseeing and adventure tours from Perth Western Australia
• One day sightseeing and adventure tours from Cairns and Brisbane, Queensland
• One day sightseeing and adventure tours from Adelaide, South Australia
• One day sightseeing and adventure tours from Canberra, Australia

Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway travel information for self drive visitors guide. 1500 klm a jouney to remember and you have never really known Australian until you visit both Uluru (Ayers Rock), Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) and Kakadu.

• Travel from Darwin to Litchfield National Park back track to the Arnhem Highway onto Jabiru and then down the Kakadu Highway onto Pine Creek then Katherine and straight through another approximate 1200klm to Alice Springs stopping at Katherine and Katherine Gorge, Tennant Creek, Devils Marbles and the many road houses, wayside inns, hotels and fuel stops along the way and really enjoy true outback hospitality and the flavour of our territory. Option 2 do the reverse from Alice Springs to Darwin and which is better the choice is yours.

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  • Tropical Darwin capital city

  Once a sleepy outback town now a small city now a thriving industrial and tourism hub. Darwin city sits on a peninsula, next the outer city of Palmerston 30klm away and outer Darwin small farm lots of 5 acres to 320 acres agricultural lands.

  Darwin Australia
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  • Kakadu National Park

  Visit Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. 2 different access sealed highways into Kakadu it's a desintaion for tourists on vacation seeking a 5 day experience. Visit pristine waters, wildlife cruises and ancient Aboriginal rock art.

  Kakadu National Park
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  • Litchfield National Park

  Visit Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. Visit nearby Litchfield National Park and see stunning waterfalls and amazing termite mounds – and swim safely in crystal-clear swimming holes such as Buley Rock Holes and Lower Cascades.
  
  Litchfield National Park

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  Katherine Gorge Nitmiluk

  Visit Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park,Northern Territory, Australia. The most comfortable months to visit the Park are from May to September. The wet season causes flooding of the Katherine River and restrictions on some of the activities available.

  Katherine Gorge
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  Katherine south of Darwin

  Visit Katherine in Northern Territory, Australia! With a population of over 9,804 people Katherine is a modern thriving regional center and excellent town to setup your camp at with it's caravan parks in the town and at Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park.

  Katherine
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  Mataranka Thermal Springs

  Visit Mataranka township and just off Stuart Highway in Elsey National Park.the famous Mataranka Thermal Springs is fed by spring water from the Daly and Georgina basins ata volume of 30.5 million litres per day. Surrounded by a palm forest 34C degrees.

  Mataranka Thermal Springs

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  The Devils Marbles

  Karlu Karlu known Devils Marbles. The Karlu Karlu Conservation Reserve, stretches 1,802 hectares and is home to a wide variety of desert flora and fauna, including goannas and finches. Located just approximately 100 kilometers south of Tennant Creek.

  Devils Marbles
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  Town of Alice Springs

  Alice Springs known just as Alice has both western and Aboriginal influences. The town's central Todd Mall has numerous Aboriginal art galleries. Alice Springs desert lifestyle has several unique events such as the Camel Cup and Henley-on-Todd Regatta.

  Alice Springs
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  Uluru Kata Tjuta Park

  Uluru wasn't always known as Uluru actually it was named Ayers Rock and the same for Kata Tjuta was The Olgas. Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park though around 6 hours comfortable 2wd drive from Alice Springs is 452km away southwest of the town.

  Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park