They can be reached either on foot or by helicopter. You can stop for fuel in Jabiru, Mataranka, Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Burketown, Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine, Cairns, Mareeba, Chillagoe, and Darwin. If its not too hot why not try a bit of rock hopping. Laverton to Uluru. Both are on the doorstep of Judburra National Park (formerly the Gregory National Park) and have a motel . The famous Outback service began in Cloncurry, and you can learn more at the John Flynn Place Museum in town. Head on to the Undara Volcanic National Park, where you can discover many natural wonders. Dont forget to stop for a photo at the peculiar looking magnetic termite mounds along the way, which take on an orange glow at sunset. Thanks! You can stop for fuel in Jabiru, Mataranka, Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Burketown, Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine, Cairns, Mareeba, Chillagoe, and Darwin. With big distances between towns, make sure you carry extra water and petrol, and while you can mostly stay in hotels or roadhouses along the way, if you are willing to camp youll have a lot more flexibility. Road trip route from Brisbane to Darwin. Darwin is Australia's smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. A winding road leads from Cairns to the top of the plateau, where youll find charming farms, quaint villages, and volcanic crater lakes. . You can get a quick quote below. Buy a second hand minivan there, bit fixed and get bed and all necessary gear and drive slowly to Townsville, Cairns, Brisbane, Byron Bay and continue up to Melbourne and there sell the minibus. Distance: 68km's from Pine Creek, about 50 mins. I plan to go through June school holidays. The final leg of your journey will see you traveling for just over an hour to Darwin, where you can relax in comparative comfort in the big city. Embark on your Outback Way adventure by purchasing The Outback Way Atlas and . The Savannah Way is Australia's Adventure Drive and connects Cairns in the tropical North of Queensland with Broome in West Australia, across the countrys tropical Australian savanna and the upper end of the Northern Territory. Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours - at least ONE overnight stop is recommended. It's home to excellent beaches, Litchfield National Park and some of Australia's best weekend markets. #3 Good Guidebook Lonely Planet guidebooks are still our favorites and their Australia edition is very thorough and a must for anybody traveling around Australia. The distances involved on a journey from Cairns to Darwin are vast, and youll need to be comfortable driving for long periods of time with few breaks to the monotony. There are plenty of free camping sites nearby, where you can enjoy the scenery during the wet season when the falls are running. Know what to expect when travelling long distances across WA. On the 45-Minute guided helicopter ride, you will tour the breathtaking Tybee Lighthouse and the Old Fort Jackson before the sun sets.A sightseeing boat cruise is another exciting way to tour Savannah Way, with food and drinks included. 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. 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. Cairns is home to many of the natural wonders found in Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef. Visit the fascinating Barramundi Discovery Centre and enjoy an evening meal at the Sunset Tavern. Not a pleasant experience for you, and certainly not for the whales. This is the quintessential NT wilderness experience. day 5 driving 6 hours. Other popular stops include Mission Beach, Historic Village Herberton, and Katherine Outback Experience. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Mount Isa is an Outback crossroad where, if you arent already sick of mines from Cloncurry, you can check out the Hard Times Mine exhibition. 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. Our itinerary takes you along sealed roads, meaning that you can rent cars and campervans to complete the journey without worrying about your rental companys off-road policy. On the mid August winters day that we stopped here the temperature still climbed to a very warm 39degrees celsius/102F. . Only swim at safe swimming spots, and be careful around waterways and rivers, as Australias biggest saltwater crocodiles are found in the Top End. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. These hot springs can also be visited in Katherine. Turn it into a road trip over the course of a week or so - preferably at least two weeks - and things get . How? The Savannah Way skirts the Gulf of Carpentaria, but this is one of a few chances to see the coast. Stay at The Daly Waters Pub, which has motel, cabins, budget rooms and camping. It's easy to do. Australia is a huge country. within the past 7 days were AU$166 for one-way flights and AU$332 for return flights for the period specified. Best Places to Stay in Tennant Creek:Goldfields Hotel Motel. Roads are mostly unsealed. With an average flight time of 2h 30min from Cairns to Darwin, you'll be exploring the city in no time. There are also some walking tours and water activity options, such as canoe rides. You will have the best experience if you camp in a remote location in the middle of nowhere. If you have time, do not miss going a little further north to the Kakadu National Park and Darwin. The best thing about Bundaberg is how much you can do on a budget. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). Hi JGirl, Bin a while since I did those miles back in 1995. 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. Daily Waters to Katherine. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo). As well as being a good place to stock up on any supplies you might need, Normanton has a curious collection of quirky giant statues. First of all many thanks for the whole web site of yours and all very useful informations. In Cooktown you can get both ocean sunrises and sunsets; not too many places where thats possible. As with many sections on the Savannah Way, plan your fuel stops with hundreds of kilometres between roadhouses. Day 1 Cairns to Yungaburra (68kms, about 1 hour). Hard to resist pausing in Normanton for a photo of its eight-metre crocodile. Hoping to get there in with 3 overnight stops - 4 at the most as on a time limit with work. This one though includes a COVID 19 Border stop at the Queensland/Northern Territory Border. There is fuel at well-spaced stops, generally about 250km to 300km apart, at Laverton, Cosmo Newberry, Tjukayirla Roadhouse, Warburton, Warakurna Roadhouse and Docker River. In the Outback, good planning is essential. Lake Mary Ann make sure for a nice spot to cool of fresh just a couple of minutes from town. If you drive for 400 km every day, Katherine can be reached within 5-6 days (or vice versa). Do I need to take fuel on a Darwin to Cairns road trip? Early morning is perfect for admiring the abundant birdlife. In 2022, with global fuel price rises, Cape York fuel costs were between $2.11/L and 2.89/L. For the timeframe we had, we needed to do one big section. Join in and write your own page! Day 1. Another stop on the way should be at Mataranka, where you can bathe in the 34 C warm, natural thermal springs, surrounded by crystal clear waters and tropical plants with palm trees. The bite marks on the buoys would indicate whether a new saltwater crocodile is in the river or not. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). I am driving in August. Day 12 Daly Waters (426 kms, about 5 hours). showers and laundry facilities. Those seeking more unsealed adventure can travel to Lorella Springs for a night and Roper Bar to Mataranka (588km, about 9 hours). Check road conditions before visiting. Enjoy birdwatching, fishing for trevally and mackerel, and chatting to the Shadforth family about their traditional Garawa culture. The quickest route, in terms of the shortest number of kilometers covered, takes you right along the Top End from Cairns to Darwin, but halfway across Outback Queensland the road turns from bitumen to gravel, and unless you have a four by four, youll need to follow the sealed road to the south, adding many more kilometers to your journey. Your most adventurous driving day will take you to a remote bush camp at Robinson River Crossing.. Alternatively you can stay at the Aboriginal owned Seven Emu Station, about another 80km. Theres no denying that fact, but its still easy to underestimate the kilometers involved. The majority of it is on very quiet long stretches of road, again some single lane sections. The Savannah highway is Australias longest and most interesting route that connects to major roads across the northern Australia. stay for about 1 hour. #1 Good Camera Chances are you will be snapping pictures pretty much non-stop in Australia, so you really need a good camera to do its beauty justice. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Make Croydon Your Own Adventure!!! If you wish, you can leave Katherine from Savannah Way and head for Darwin through Kakadu National Park for a total of 2,680 km.How much time you need to explore the sights depends on which places of interest you want to stop by. Welcome to the Northern Territory! Day 6 Normanton and Karumba (225 kms, about 3 hours). 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. Your destination for the night, Croydon, also has a gold-mining history and has an interesting heritage precinct. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you have extra time while in the Cairns region, why not give Cooktown a go? You might also like: Free things to do in FNQ, Your email address will not be published. Good luck to you all. Roads will turn red with dust as you drive from Queensland into the Northern Territory, but despite the distances involved and time it takes to get between destinations, youll be seeing a part of Australia that few ever venture into, with stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, deep canyons, and remote national parks. Even during the dry season, you may need to cross some rivers using your 4x4 vehicle. For details see the Fuel on the Kimberley Coast page. (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. Cairns to Darwin // Your 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary. Contact one of our regional offices or depots, or find the depot closest to you on the map and arrange a bulk fuel delivery. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). You will be driving 300 kilometers from Atherton to Georgetown and entering the heart of cattle country. Yes. Distance: 113km's from Adelaide River, about 1hr, 15 mins. Book 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak, relaxed late checkout & more! Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent. Day 8 and 9 Boodjamulla National Park (214 kms, about 3 hours). Driving north from South Australia, take the Stuart Highway from Adelaide through Coober Pedy into the Northern Territory. from 181. Great site! Darwin to Perth road trip is one of the great Australian journeys. The wet season runs from November to April, and youll want to avoid this time of year completely. The top stops along the way from Darwin to Cairns (with short detours) are Paronella Park, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, and Nourlangie Creek. Really appreciate any advice including rest/fuel stops. All Rights Reserved. ). Rest every two hours for at least 15 minutes. From Brisbane you will need to join the A2 and head towards Toowoomba. The drive from Cairns to Darwin is a long one. Your next stops should be former gold-rush town Pine Creek and Adelaide River, famous for its jumping crocodile cruises. See amazing Aboriginal artwork at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. Travelling from Rockhampton to Darwin in the next couple of days (August 2016) and also wondering where are the best places to stay the night and space out driving times. Another long stretch of around 661km/411mi. You should be traveling with nothing but a good four-wheel drive vehicle. Day 4 Cobbold Gorge (237 kms, about 3 hours 20 mins). 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 first stop is into the Atherton Tablelands, with a great choice of the lovely towns to stay in. A kangaroo can suddenly come on the road from nowhere and cattle standing in the middle of the road can be poorly visible from the distance at night. The locals are always on the lookout for them and try to find new crocs via red buoys. The adventure doesnt end here. Nice pool, cold beer and clean rooms or camping facilities. Being the halfway point on this particular . We even hiked up multiple mountains/volcanoes with them. Klean Kanteen Classic Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 10 Best Hostels in Amsterdam, Netherlands, How to Buy Tickets to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, How to Buy Tickets to the Royal Alczar of Seville. Home. This great personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than 12 people. Yes. Sections of the route are closed during the wet season (December to March) and access in April and May depends on the rain easing. Fishing, swimming, bushwalking and birdwatching will also keep you occupied. Cooktown is quiet and laidback, but with its history, environment and beach side location it has a lot to offer. Fuel Finder. I will be ducking down to check out Uluru though and then over to Broome (already done Darwin). Find A Service Station. The roadhouse is instantly recognised by the plane sitting in its driveway. Our Adelaide to Darwin road trip itinerary is the ultimate guide to exploring an iconic outback experience that includes stops in Coober Pedy, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Kakadu by driving right up the middle of Australia on the Stuart Highway.. As you head north, generally the prices increase. Filter by 'AmpolCash Digital Accepted' for a location near you. Semi- retired I will have plenty of time, my idea was to fly back in April or May, first to Darwin. 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. stay overnight and leave the next day around 11:00 am. You can camp where you want as no one cares or forbids it. 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. Along the way, call in at the beautiful Mataranka Hot Springs to relax in natural, thermal waters. Due to popular demand, we've compiled an Interactive Map of fuel stops across the Nullarbor a complete list of Eyre Highway fuel stops! In Katherine and the surrounding area there is a lot to discover so it is worth planning an additional day. Hard to resist pausing in Normanton for a photo at its eight-metre crocodile (relax, its a replica) and lurid Purple Pub. Remember that saltwater crocodiles inhabit many of the Gulf Savannahs waterways, so stay back from the waters edge, avoid repetitive Cape Crawford through Roper Bar to Mataranka (unsealed route) This is remote 4WD country with some spectacular spots. Overnight in Katherine or 20 minutes away at Katherine Gorge, where youll find campgrounds and the luxury Cicada Lodge. The loneliest stretch is between Camooweal and the Threeways. The easiest way to Cape York is via Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR), Telegraph Road, Bamaga Road, Jardine Ferry and the final bit on Bamaga Road to the tip. The Outback Way. We pretty wear them all the time. Stateroom Review Enchanted Princess Obstructed Balcony L103. For example, the lost city in Cape Crawford can only be reached by helicopter. . Join in and write your own page! No, you don't need to take fuel, but it is advisable to refuel at every roadhouse and town along the route. Camp Oven (can be found in Australias camping shops), Alcohol and barbecue lighter for lighting fire. Plan your trip to map out the best fuel stations and roadhouses along the way. Warakurna operates on NT time - 1.5 hours ahead of WA. It's essentially a big country town with some really beautiful places and fun attractions. The Savannah Way, which links Cairns and Broome by way of 3,700km of sealed and unsealed roads, is broadly regarded as Australia's greatest adventure drive.What to expectThe journey will take travellers through five world heritage sites and no less than 15 national parks, all the while showcasing the Top End's natural, historical and cultural essence. 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