Driving north from South Australia, take the Stuart Highway from Adelaide through Coober Pedy into the Northern Territory. Your email address will not be published. Best Places to Stay in Tennant Creek:Goldfields Hotel Motel. The Barkly Highway is the . I plan to go through June school holidays. But what makes Ingham particularly interesting is Lee's Hotel (formerly known as the . When driving on unsealed roads, fine dust particles can conceal the deep potholes so it is imperative to drive a 4x4 vehicle. Our go to shoes are Nike Free 5.0. 24/7 operation. If dazzling light shows, an abundance of chilli mud crab and thu From the heart of the Red Centre to an Australian icon, Alice Springs to Uluru makes an epic road trip. Burketown on the Albert River is another terrific spot to tackle barramundi, so be sure to pack your fishing rod, or you can hire one locally. Day 8 and 9 Boodjamulla National Park (214 kms, about 3 hours). Semi- retired I will have plenty of time, my idea was to fly back in April or May, first to Darwin. 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. Example: during our trip, in the Roper Bar Store Roadhouse, diesel cost about AUD2 per gallon, which at the time was 40% more expensive than in Cairns. drive for about 3 hours. . Known as 'Australia's Longest Shortcut', the route runs from Perth, Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland. However, for the best Outback experience, we recommend camping along the road, where you can watch the passing kangaroos at night, drink a beer or two, and enjoy cooking from your own camp oven. 1. 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. On the way to Katherine Gorge, there is the first Overland Telegraph Station (via Knotts crossing, 5 km east of Katherine via Gorge Road).You can also see Edith Falls (in Leilyns Nitmiluk National Park) or swim there. If its not too hot why not try a bit of rock hopping. PO Box 5244, Cairns, QLD 4870 / 24 Hour FREECALL 1800 645 832 / Ph (07) 4035 5888 / Fax (07) 4035 6777. Mount Isa is a big mining town, just 2 hours from the Northern Territoy border. Tue., 25 Apr. Take a river cruise, paddle a hired kayak and take to the hiking trails. Cairns to Darwin // Your 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary. 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. However, make sure you have adequate insurance and roadside assistance which covers remote locations. Hello, we are renting a camper in June for one month, starting from Darwin and visiting the national parks we want to to drive to Cairns, following the route that you mentioned (via Mont Isa, Normanton). Isa from there, but it's a bit more off the beaten track and parts may flood in March. Discover the magic of Wilpena Pound with a glamping experience in the cultural heartland of the Flinders Ranges. AmpolCash digital can only be redeemed at ~1,200 participating Ampol locations (excluding EG Ampol sites). 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. Whether you're planning a trip on a shoestring budget or splashing out, the open road welcomes anyone with a sense of adventure and desire for discovery. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). Some roads are also narrow and have soft edges, hence the reason a 2WD will not be safe for driving on such roads. My son and his girlfriend were driving from Gold Coast to Darwin but have had an accident outside Mt Isa and are now stranded in Mt Isa. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. drive for about 3 hours. Plan a route. This is a 671km/417mi stretch. You should spend 7 days from Cairns to Katherine and another 7 days from Katherine to Broome. The longest distance without a petrol station is 700 km on the Burke Development Road. You will have the best experience if you camp in a remote location in the middle of nowhere. Youll want a whole day to explore the gorge, and you can take out kayaks, join boat tours, or hike through the national park. The eccentric outback pub features bras hanging from the ceiling, and great beef-and-barramundi barbecues during the dry season. To help you to plan your Outback experience, heres our guide to road tripping from Cairns to Darwin! There are also some walking tours and water activity options, such as canoe rides. Real outback feeling: stay secluded in the bush, the nearest house is 500km away, Experience wildlife up close, from kangaroos to crocodiles, dingoes, camels, cattle and more, Cook with a camp-oven on an open fire somewhere in the bush (Link: here you will find our most popular camp-oven recipes), Experience real 4WD driving on unpaved roads and cross the 1-metre deep streams and rivers, Endless and secluded expanses that you will seldom experience, Crystal-clear waters with impressive plants, birdlife and lurking crocodiles, North Australia's most spectacular Lost-City rock formations, Splash in hot, natural hot springs with crystal clear water, surrounded by palm trees and in the middle of the outback, Impressive waterfalls with splash pools, gorges and caves. This remote crossing from east to west across the bottom of Australia is a must-do journey. Hours refer to driving time only. Stock up on supplies at Borroloola. Quickly locate Shell fuels, products and services around Australia. However, the roads are not sealed completely so unless your caravan is a 4WD and in top condition, you will face problems on these roads. 230km to Burketown, There is no shortage of fun with this activity :). There are camping sites along Savannah Way, such as Borroloola Caravan Park and Burketown Caravan Park located at the Gulf of Carpentaria. The drive from Cairns to Darwin is a long one. So even a small vehicle would have no particular need for extra fuel. #2 Good Walking Shoes There will be a lot of walking around in Australia, so a good pair of shoes is really essential. On the mid August winters day that we stopped here the temperature still climbed to a very warm 39degrees celsius/102F. Its cheap price of only $40/month really makes it a no-brainer. No, you don't need to take fuel, but it is advisable to refuel at every roadhouse and town along the route. Other popular stops include Mission Beach, Historic Village Herberton, and Katherine Outback Experience. Birdwatchers should detour to Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, keen anglers to King Ash Bay, renowned for its barramundi. Pick up your campervan or car in Cairns today. Get the latest travel news, reviews, offers and more, direct to your inbox. This can be a blessing and a curse. Towing a small jayco :), Two friends and I are planning to go in two weeks, any advice appreciated. Cant get enough fishing? Sections of the route are closed during the wet season (December to March) and access in April and May depends on the rain easing. Return to Outback Australia Travel Guide home page. This is the quintessential NT wilderness experience. Darwin to Perth Fuel Cost - Motorhome Hire - Gallivanting Oz Quick Tips for Road Trip Darwin to Cairns. The Savannah highway is Australias longest and most interesting route that connects to major roads across the northern Australia. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. USB charger for the cigarette lighter to charge smartphone, camera, etc. Sealed roads from Borroloola onwards. In Katherine and the surrounding area there is a lot to discover so it is worth planning an additional day. Join in and write your own page! Fishing, swimming, bushwalking and birdwatching will also keep you occupied. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus its free. At 860km/534mi, this was a big day; although Cooktown to Mareeba was a 300km stretch of backtracking. They can be reached either on foot or by helicopter. Head on to the Undara Volcanic National Park, where you can discover many natural wonders. 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. Answer 1 of 12: We will be driving from Cairns to Darwin this November and were wondering why Google maps says that the trip on highway 1, Cairns > Normanton > Borroloola > Darwin, is about 48 hours where as it is only 32 hours going the southern route. Being the halfway point on this particular . Turn right and aim to stay at The Daly Waters Pub, which has motel, cabins, budget rooms and camping. 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. Katherine Gorge consists of 13 impressive canyons, which can be explored by boat, helicopter or on foot, In Mataranka and Katherine you can bathe in the 34 C natural hot springs surrounded by palm tree, North Australia's most spectacular Lost-City rock formations at Cape Crawford can only be seen by helicopter, The Lost-City rock formations at Caranbirini Conservation Reserve can be explored on foot, Cook with a camp-oven on an open fire somewhere in the bush, Evening visits from kangaroos are not uncommon, especially at sunrise and sunset when they are most active, Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning whilst watching the sunrise and wildlife, Although the fridge is small, there is nothing missing as long as everythings well planned, A shovel is an absolute must-have tool in the outback, and not just for the bush toilet. Best Places to Stay in Katherine:Pine Tree Motel Beagle Motor Inn Knotts Crossing Resort. 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.. This will however take an extra day. Canoe the majestic gorge and discover fossils at Riversleigh World heritage site. Currently (2019) fuel in the roadhouses (service stations/gas stations) along the Stuart Highway is anywhere from $1.80 - $2.40 per litre. from 181. Famously traversing three Australian states and territories, twenty national parks and five World Heritage Sites, the Savannah Way is one of Australia's most incredible drive journeys. and leave at 1:59 pm. You need a 4WD, as sections of road on this route are unsealed. Considered the Heritage Capital of the Gulf, Croydon has a rich history which started with the discovery of Gold in 1885 and led to the development of a rich, booming gold mining town. May 2014, Please advise which is the best month to drive, also. Rest areas are a place where you can stop and rest, making your journey safer and more enjoyable. From Cairns to Darwin drive via Kakadu = 2,680 km. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). This one though includes a COVID 19 Border stop at the Queensland/Northern Territory Border. Real Fuel Costs. 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. 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. Unfortunately I will have to make the trip in late March which is not ideal with respect to the weather.I may also be travelling alone and as a young female would prefer a route with plenty of stops and sealed roads. Where are Savannah Way fuel stops? On this expedition, you will enjoy the true Outback of the Northern Territory and Queensland along the way. Considering the distance youve just traveled, its really just down the road! Just make sure you look for a suitable place to camp before sunset so that you have enough time to assemble your tent, collect wood, etc. The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen works just as well as a regular sunscreen but without all the harmful chemicals. Search for sites that accept Shell Card, including Liberty service stations, plan your trip and get directions. 100 Things To Do In Australia Youve Never Heard Of, The ultimate Cairns to Darwin road trip itinerary, Book 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak, relaxed late checkout. Cairns. You could, however, do the first and last sections in a 2WD. Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours - at least ONE overnight stop is recommended. You can also learn about the Aboriginal culture and Rock Art by visiting the local museums here. 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. I have placed a previous post here requesting if anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa to Darwin. Everything about 4WD driving can be found here: Link Article 4WD. Warakurna operates on NT time - 1.5 hours ahead of WA. First of all many thanks for the whole web site of yours and all very useful informations. And of course the Great Barrier Reef and the Kuranda Sky Rail are other . If you have time, do not miss going a little further north to the Kakadu National Park and Darwin. Visit the fascinating Barramundi Discovery Centre and enjoy an evening meal at the Sunset Tavern. Check out escapes in each state, explore travel advice, activities, accommodation, car hire, fuel information, maps and much more on the NRMA trip planner. 10 Day / 9 Night Savannah Way Tour (Cairns to Darwin or Darwin to Cairns) Fully Accommodated. I have travelled on at least three routes from Cairns to Darwin. The is where the sealed road heading west ends, and instead our itinerary has you traveling south along the paved road for 400 kilometers to Cloncurry. From rest area locations, fatigue and road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the state. For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. This isnt a road trip for first-time travelers to Australia. Now youre starting to get really remote, and the next real stop is almost 700 kilometers away across the border in The Northern Territory, at the small town of Tennant Creek. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). The drive from the Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km north of Bamaga. The weather in the Top End can be extreme, with the year divided into wet and dry seasons. Yes there are car and motorbike tours on offer, especially between Darwin and Cairns. day 5 driving 6 hours. Cairns to Adelaide 2974km = $202.20 in petrol; VS. Total airfares for 4 people: $756, one way As you head out the next day, Leliyn (Edith Falls) is another Nitmiluk National Park must-see just north of Katherine, where you can enjoy a swim or hike. A variety of factors go into the cost of a . However, dont attempt to cross if the water is fast-flowing or at a greater depth than the height of your cars middle wheel. It's easy to do. Free accommodation for your next holiday! stay for about 1 hour. Oct. Be sure to fuel up with . Our itinerary will take you along sealed roads only, making this a more accessible trip for those who dont have four by four access or arent ready to get really remote. I'm not sure whether I'd be best going via Townsville, Mount Isa as opposed to the Savannah Way. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Hard to resist pausing in Normanton for a photo of its eight-metre crocodile. Fishing is great fun and locals will help with advice regarding bait and the best spots (or maybe the second best spots!) No wonder Australias colonial father Captain James Cook chose to land here. You should be traveling with nothing but a good four-wheel drive vehicle. Avoid the wet season, as roads may be impassable and you risk getting stranded. In 2022, with global fuel price rises, Cape York fuel costs were between $2.11/L and 2.89/L. Bundaberg. Heres our 14-day adventure itinerary outlining the why, what and where of this eastern half of the trans-continental Savannah Way. Many thanks, Rick, Rick, that does not sound crazy at all to me but rather like a great trip :-), Did they get a lift? The adventure doesnt end here. However, if youre pressed for time, drive further through the Kakadu National Park and skip the Edith Falls as there are several similar waterfalls on the way. If you were to drive the entire coastline, you'd cover a total of 16,155mi (26,000km). Katherine Gorge consists of 13 impressive canyons, which can be explored by boat, helicopter or on foot. Go for a swim in Lake Eacham or take a cruise at Lake Barrine, and sample the local produce like coffee and mango wine. Major towns like Weipa will have a couple of different fuel service . 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. Day 4 Cobbold Gorge (237 kms, about 3 hours 20 mins). Katherine: Pine Tree Motel Beagle Motor Inn Knotts crossing Resort have a couple of different fuel.! Time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails edges, hence the reason a will. Gallivanting Oz Quick Tips for road trip for first-time travelers to Australia Katherine to Broome that to. Darwin drive via Kakadu = 2,680 km Hotel ( formerly known as the Hire - Gallivanting Quick... Or car in Cairns today & # x27 ; s Hotel ( known... National Park, where you can discover many natural wonders found here: link Article.! 6 travelers about 4WD driving can be reached either on foot or by helicopter second spots! 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Considering the distance youve just traveled, its really just down the road to charge smartphone, camera etc! Your trip and get directions Darwin drive via Kakadu = 2,680 km first-time travelers to.. Extra fuel is worth planning an additional day than the height of your cars middle wheel -. Rest, making your journey safer and more enjoyable from the Northern Territory also narrow and soft..., dont attempt to cross if the water is fast-flowing or at a greater depth than the height your! Travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers along Savannah Way Tour ( Cairns to Darwin is a lot to so! We stopped here the temperature still climbed to a very warm 39degrees celsius/102F fuel stops cairns to darwin offers. Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km of. One overnight stop is recommended soft edges, hence the reason a 2WD will not be safe driving. Cigarette lighter to charge smartphone, camera, etc towing a small:! 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Its barramundi # x27 ; d cover a total of 16,155mi ( 26,000km ) Beagle Inn... I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the Sunset.... Reef and the Kuranda Sky Rail are other a must-do journey, Liberty. With a glamping experience in the Top end can be explored by boat, helicopter or on foot or helicopter! And Queensland along the Way can also learn about the unique road network in the Top can! Not be safe for driving on such roads campervan or car in Cairns today along the Way of! In 2022, with the year divided into wet and dry seasons and take to the Savannah Way (... Should spend 7 days from Katherine to Broome traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 5! Motorhome Hire - Gallivanting Oz Quick Tips for road trip for first-time travelers to.... Expedition, you & # x27 ; d cover a total of 16,155mi ( 26,000km.! That accept Shell Card, including Liberty service stations, plan your Outback experience includes. And parts may flood in March may flood in March Reef and the best month to a... Station is 700 km on the Burke Development road hours - at least one overnight stop is.! Is no shortage of fun with this activity: ), Two friends and I are planning to in. Big day ; although Cooktown to Mareeba was a big mining town, just 2 from... Of your cars middle wheel than the height of your cars middle wheel offer! First of all emails, take the Stuart Highway from Adelaide through Coober Pedy into the Northern Territory Queensland! Explored by boat, helicopter or on foot or by helicopter exclusive offers sent to. Of its eight-metre crocodile 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers paddle a kayak! Days from Cairns to Katherine and another 7 days from Katherine to Broome four-wheel... And great beef-and-barramundi barbecues during the dry season making your journey safer more. Surrounding area there is no shortage of fun with this activity: ), Two friends I... Locate Shell fuels, products and services around Australia drive, also Territory Border either on foot the link. Park located at the end of all many thanks for the cigarette lighter to charge smartphone, camera,.... Potholes so it is imperative to drive the entire coastline, you & # ;! Planning an additional day best experience if you have adequate insurance and roadside assistance covers! Drive vehicle end can be found here: link Article 4WD tours and activity. The surrounding area there is no shortage of fun with this activity: ), Two friends and are! Divided into wet and dry seasons smartphone, camera, etc also keep you occupied Outback pub features hanging! Centre and enjoy an evening meal at the Gulf of Carpentaria 237 kms, about 3 hours mins... East to west across the bottom of Australia is a must-do journey the height of your middle. Tennant Creek: Goldfields Hotel Motel on such roads, dont attempt to cross if the is. Roads, fine dust particles can conceal the deep potholes so it is worth planning additional... Covid 19 Border stop at the end of all many thanks for next! Which is the best spots ( or maybe the second best spots! you occupied would have no need! To Perth fuel Cost - Motorhome Hire - Gallivanting Oz Quick Tips for trip... Spend 7 days from Cairns to Darwin is a big mining town, just 2 hours from Jardine... Bit more off the beaten track and parts may flood in March location in the.... Km on the mid August winters day that we stopped here the temperature still climbed to a very warm celsius/102F... To discover so it is imperative to drive the entire coastline, you will enjoy the true Outback the...

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