Cairns to Darwin. 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. Katherine to Darwin. Some people drive to the Cape in 2-3 days from Cairns. 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. If you were to drive the entire coastline, you'd cover a total of 16,155mi (26,000km). From Cairns to Darwin, our suggested route covers a minimum of 2800 kilometers. A variety of factors go into the cost of a . to go. Can anyone tell me if the roads are ok? 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. Not a pleasant experience for you, and certainly not for the whales. AmpolCash digital can only be redeemed at ~1,200 participating Ampol locations (excluding EG Ampol sites). 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. Check the weather and road conditions in Queensland, Croydon, the Heritage Capital of the Gulf. The Barkly Highway is the . While it is sometimes impossible to avoid driving in the dark, it is important to drive slowly (70 km / h) in order to spot the animals on the road ahead.Tip: When youre renting a car, check whether the insurance policy covers damages caused by hitting animals during night trips. Day 13 Katherine (276 kms, about 3 hours). healthy, fresh-cooked meals in the truck drivers' lounge. The drive from the Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km north of Bamaga. Swim in the serene waterhole of Leliyn (Edith Falls) in Nitmiluk National Park. The locals are always on the lookout for them and try to find new crocs via red buoys. Along the way, call in at the beautiful Mataranka Hot Springs to relax in natural, thermal waters. This is really just a refreshment stop, as Daly Waters is famous for its roadhouse, the Daly Waters Pub. #4 Good Water Bottle The sun can be brutal in Australia, so make sure to always carry a refillable water bottle with you. Start: Cairns. day 1 driving 10 hours. 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. Gear up for an ultimate driving adventure holiday in Savanna Way, with 5 World Heritage sites and 15 national parks waiting to be explored. 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. Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work, and pays respect to Elders's past, present and emerging. Continue west to former gold-mining settlement Georgetown and check out the mineral collection at The Terrestrial Centre. The Barkly Highway ends and joins up with the Stuart Highway at Three Ways. Edith Falls is a series of pools and waterfalls that come together and are very beautiful. Cairns to Townsville Depart this morning and take the National Highway A1 to the Bruce Highway/ State Route 14 in Burdell. You should spend 7 days from Cairns to Katherine and another 7 days from Katherine to Broome. We highly recommend the Sony RX100 III. 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. Yes, definitely! And there you have it the ultimate road trip itinerary. With plenty of detours and side trips . The loneliest stretch is between Camooweal and the Threeways. 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. Fuel Map also shows real-time fuel prices for WA, NSW, and QLD sourced from . Animals thrive when theyre left to their own devices, instincts and natural environment. 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. For example you could head north to Port Douglas, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation (sealed road) or you could travel west up into the Atherton Tablelands and over into the outback after visiting the Undara Lava Tubes. Australias Northern Territory is a breathtaking scenery that stretches along the Western coastline. 400 km of driving daily is realistic and feasible, but you should start early in the morning so you can arrive to your destination before it gets dark. (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. Feel the magic of Uluru. Our truck-friendly network is complemented by an additional 900 service stations offering a comprehensive range of fuels, facilities and retail . Katherine Gorge consists of 13 impressive canyons, which can be explored by boat, helicopter or on foot. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus its free. The road can be slow depending on how Take care of our native animals Dont feed any animals in the wild and dont attempt to touch them either. With an average flight time of 2h 30min from Cairns to Darwin, you'll be exploring the city in no time. Darwin is the bustling hub of the Top End. 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. Being the halfway point on this particular . Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent. The rainy season also has its beautiful side as Katherine and Roper River get filled up with water so you can try water activities, which would not be possible in the dry season.Vehicle: 4WD. Melbourne to Darwin distance and driving time. This does not account for any stops and detours you might want to make. Driving Directions. However, dont attempt to cross if the water is fast-flowing or at a greater depth than the height of your cars middle wheel. Home. Dont swim without authoritative local advice, since waterways may be inhabited by saltwater crocodiles. 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. Everything about 4WD driving can be found here: Link Article 4WD. And it is easy to navigate. drive for about 6 hours. But what makes Ingham particularly interesting is Lee's Hotel (formerly known as the . 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. Visit Caranbirini Conservation Reserves walking trails and or helicopter over the lost cities in Limmen National Park before a rewarding cold one at the Daly Waters Pub. This is the last place you will finding anything resembling a supermarket or department store for hundreds of kilometres. Throughout our whole 4wd road trip around Australia, it's definitely the section from Cairns to Darwin that sticks out most in our minds. Also an espresso coffee machine in the morning before the big drive. 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. Day 6 Normanton and Karumba (225 kms, about 3 hours). And of course the Great Barrier Reef and the Kuranda Sky Rail are other . Cooktown is quiet and laidback, but with its history, environment and beach side location it has a lot to offer. Many people are apprehensive about whether they'll run out of fuel somewhere along the vast expanses of the . Just get a bucket and attach a string to it for throwing in the water. Even during the dry season, you may need to cross some rivers using your 4x4 vehicle. There are lots of Savannah Way camping spots but make sure you camp near a river in case you need to put out your fire. Really appreciate any advice including rest/fuel stops. My road trip experience from Darwin to Cairns (Click pic to see full size) The route sets from Darwin through the Daly Waters and turns into 66 highways at Warumungu. For my birthday next year I'm planning a trip in April and just plucked Cairns out of a hat and then typed it in and here your page came up. Families enjoying a sunset dip at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. You should be traveling with nothing but a good four-wheel drive vehicle. If you have a four by four you have more options to explore along the way and to take more remote detours. and all the way to Katherine Gorge and beyond. Turn it into a road trip over the course of a week or so - preferably at least two weeks - and things get . 10 Day / 9 Night Savannah Way Tour (Cairns to Darwin or Darwin to Cairns) Fully Accommodated. The roads are partly sealed. You can have a unique rail experience in the Outback by catching the famous Kuranda Scenic train that departs Cairns weekly. Each time I read through it I become more and more inspired. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Croydon, in the heart of the Gulf Savannah has a lot to offer. I didn't bother including them south of Wubin as I assume you'll have filled up . Crocodiles are everywhere and just because you cannot see them does not mean they are not there. The best Savannah Way roadhouse? The cheapest fuel in Cape York is generally Palmer River Roadhouse, Cooktown or . The round trip cost would be $461.51 to go from Darwin, Australia to Cairns, Australia and back to Darwin, Australia again.. Road rest stops in NT . This great personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than 12 people. Once you reach Cloncurry and join onto the Barkly Highway you will start to notice a lot more traffic, this is the main traffic route between Townsville and Mount Isa. Tour Kakadu National Park from the southern end, where you can go swimming at the amazing Gunlom Falls or follow the signs to Yurmikmik walks to explore the diverse rock formations. Choose one of the eight weekly flights with Qantas or Jetstar . Distance: 2858km. End: Darwin. It's essentially a big country town with some really beautiful places and fun attractions. However, due to ongoing COVID19 concern and we were required to go through a pretty easy border process controlled by the Northern Territory police. 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. . You will find turquoise spring water pools perfect for a plunge in adjacent Elsey National Park, a landscape patchworked with savannah woodland, stone country and monsoon rainforest. 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. Filter. Whiz on west, filling up with petrol at Hells Gate Roadhouse and passing over the border into the Northern Territory. Continue west to Undara Experience try to arrive in time for a sunset wildlife tour. The roads from Hells Gate and beyond are really tough so take it easy and have an extra spare tyre. However, to get a first-hand experience of the Outback, you can park your caravan in a remote area and enjoy the starry skies of Savannah Way at night. To help you to plan your Outback experience, heres our guide to road tripping from Cairns to Darwin! Allow around $1.70 per litre for fuel. 8:09 pm Bourke. The location and details of places to stop during your trip are provided to help ensure a safer journey. For the ultimate adventurous experience, we highly recommend that you drive through the Savannah Way by hiring a 4x4. Darwin is Australias smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. Best Places to Stay in AthertonLilly Pilly House Atherton Hotel Bike And Bird. This isnt a road trip for first-time travelers to Australia. Your destination is working cattle station Seven Emu Station, where the campsites overlook the Robinson River. I don't have a definitive, comprehensive list but Wubin, Dalwallinu, Paynes Find, Mount Magnet, Cue, Meekatharra, Kumarina, Newman, Auski, Marble Bar and Port Hedland all have fuel stops. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Known as 'Australia's Longest Shortcut', the route runs from Perth, Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland. The best part of the Broome to Darwin road trip traverses the astonishingly beautiful Kimberley region, which is known as 'Australia . In 2021, they were between $1.49/L and $2.05/L. Suggested Time: 4 days. To get a taste of whats on offer in the outback Savannah, read our Savannah Way review here. Find your nearest Puma Energy Fuel station or 24-hour diesel site in Australia with our service station finder now! You need four-wheel drive to complete this journey. There are fuel stops at Victoria River Roadhouse and Timber Creek in the Northern Territory. Take a river cruise, paddle a hired kayak and take to the hiking trails. Go for a refreshing swim at Edith Falls. However, avoid swimming in the gorges because even if saltwater crocodiles have been removed for tourism purposes, there is still the danger of one or two lurking in the gorge. Simply click here to return to Australian Outback Travel Questions. The 3700 km route links Queenslands Cairns with the historic town of Broome as well as to 15 National Parks and 5 World Heritage sites. Leichhardt Falls are 70 km south of Burketown. Townsville was our favourite stop between Brisbane and Cairns. Starting in Tropical North Queensland and finishing in the Top End, this epic 3500-kilometre journey of a lifetime from Cairns to Darwin cuts through a sensational swathe of northern Australia's tablelands, savannah, cattle stations and rust-red outback. This was our shortest day by far, just 315km/196mi. You might be able to make your way from Cairns to Normanton and then down to Cloncurry (beautiful drive) and to Mt. 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. See also our themed driving route, the Explorers Way. If you have time, do not miss going a little further north to the Kakadu National Park and Darwin. Your destination is in sight, but you might also consider stopping at Berry Springs Nature Park for a swim and Territory Wildlife Park to see the full range of outback animals, including nocturnal creatures seldom seen in the wild. Make sure you give yourself at least two weeks or more to fully enjoy this itinerary on Australias Adventure Drive. Join in and write your own page! Travelling across WA by road is one of the best ways to see the state. For travel insurance we recommend SafetyWing. On the way to Katherine gorge, the Lost-City rock formations are especially worth seeing. In the NT, you'll drive through the major centres of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine before arriving in Darwin. (319 kms, about 4 hours). The majority of it is on very quiet long stretches of road, again some single lane sections. Fuel will likely be your biggest expence besides tours/activites with the average price being around $1.49 per litre for unleaded and $1.30 for diesal. These tours will take you through Cape Crawford, Lost City, Hells Gate QLD, and Caranbirini Nature Reserve, just to name a few places. Tennant Creek was interesting, we found it not to be as bad as its reputation. (Image: Tourism NT/Jackson Groves). Contact one of our regional offices or depots, or find the depot closest to you on the map and arrange a bulk fuel delivery. drive for about 4 hours. This is a great tour to do during the dry season, generally between May and October. 05. Stay at The Daly Waters Pub, which has motel, cabins, budget rooms and camping. As with many sections on the Savannah Way, plan your fuel stops with hundreds of kilometres between roadhouses. day 5 driving 6 hours. Aerial view of someone swimming at Florence Falls. This makes for a driving time of around 39 hours, which obviously no-one is going to attempt in one stint behind the wheel. 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 Territorys stunning natural scenery. I would like to know what are the best accommodation places from Darwin to Townsville to stay overnight. I have placed a previous post here requesting if anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa to Darwin. The bite marks on the buoys would indicate whether a new saltwater crocodile is in the river or not. There are plenty of free camping sites nearby, where you can enjoy the scenery during the wet season when the falls are running. Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. It is not uncommon to drive for 560km before finding a petrol station, so best to take an extra fuel canister. Hard to resist pausing in Normanton for a photo at its eight-metre crocodile (relax, its a replica) and lurid Purple Pub. The Outback Way is one of Australia's great four wheel drive odysseys. Finish your day in accommodation at Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield National Park, or camp in the park itself. See roadhouses on our Savannah Way detailed map. Birdwatchers should detour to Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, keen anglers to King Ash Bay, renowned for its barramundi. This means it is very important to ensure that you do not run out of food. Just beware of the saltwater crocodiles and do not get too close to the water. By keeping our speed between 100-116km/h we kept our fuel costs down to less than $300AUD for the entire journey. They are comfortable, lightweight and sturdy. Though do watch out for those Kangaroos between dusk and dawn. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Welcome to the Northern Territory! Usually this would not be the case. Best Places to Stay in CloncurryWagon Wheel Motel Leichhardt Hotel Motel The Gidgee Inn. Distance from Brisbane 362 KM | Distance from Cairns 1354 KM. Theres no hiding the fact you have a long, lonely drive today, and not a single town along the way except Arnold, population about 30. In the Outback, good planning is essential. We recommend a helicopter flight as it is very impressive to get a feel for Australias expanses. For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. 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. 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. Handy table of driving distances between major cities and petrol prices: Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Townsville. This is the eastern half of the . If you've got more time, the Alice Springs Route covers all the wonders of the Direct Route plus a detour to Alice Springs. Its cheap price of only $40/month really makes it a no-brainer. stay for about 1 hour. Then head into the 4000-square-kilometre Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, which has a choice of camping or air-conditioned cabins. Rule of thumb: The further out and the more abandoned you drive to, the more expensive is the fuel. Now youre getting closer to Darwin than Cairns. There is a maximum of 300km between fuel stops in Laverton and Tjukayirla Roadhouse, so carry extra fuel. Your email address will not be published. Book 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak, relaxed late checkout & more! If you like a drink or five, be sure to stock up here, once you cross into the Northern Territory you will be paying a premium for anything containing alcohol. There's two ways you can do the Broome to Darwin drive.One's via the highway, which has some nice stops but is a little bit bland. 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. Considering the distance youve just traveled, its really just down the road! There are just so many things to do here that youll want to stay for at least two days. 311km's, approx 4hrs + stops. Stock up in the frontier outpost of Borroloola, and head to another fishing hot spot, King Ash Bay. 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. Stay at the Barklay Homestead on the Barklay highway. For example, the lost city in Cape Crawford can only be reached by helicopter. I am driving in August. But please check with the Alice Springs Vistors Information Centre or the Darwin Visitors Information Centre before leaving town on this route. Distance: 113km's from Adelaide River, about 1hr, 15 mins. Enjoy an evening meal at the Karumba Sunset Tavern. The wet season runs from November to April, and youll want to avoid this time of year completely. Best stops along Darwin to Cairns drive. This is a 671km/417mi stretch. 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. Join in and write your own page! The Aussie Christmas you never thought of, The only Alice to Uluru itinerary youll ever need, Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove Darwin, 8 tips for travelling (& surviving) the outback as a family, How to road trip Kakadu and itineraries for visiting, 2 nights in a Ikara Safari tent for two people, Access to all the resort facilities including complementary Welcome to Country each evening. About this app. Australian Traveller Media 2023. This is why most travelers choose to drive the east coast. Your email address will not be published. The closest house is 500 km away from you and there is virtually no one in sight. For more of the best in travel sign up to our newsletter! Myself and teenager. 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. If you have the time Katherine Gorge comes highly recommended. The distance from Melbourne to Darwin by car is 3,740km. Although you will still see petrol stations along the way, during good weather the owners may go fishing. 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 . 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. Having been together for over 7 years now, if we had to point out one mutual interest, without a doubt it would be travel, and in particular spending life on cruise ships. Visit the fascinating Barramundi Discovery Centre and enjoy an evening meal at the Sunset Tavern. 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. Rest areas are a place where you can stop and rest, making your journey safer and more enjoyable. Any info on the trip from Cairns to Darwin 2nd week in August? About 65 km from Cape Crawford and 46 km to Borroloola at the Caranbirini Conservation Reserve there are also Lost Cities, which can be explored on foot (about 2 km trail). Tue., 25 Apr. You can get a quick quote below. #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. It's easy to do. Cairns. There is also the 8-day personalised car driving tour as a fully accommodated trip in a group of no more than six people. Australia is a huge country. 1. Our go to shoes are Nike Free 5.0. Qantas has been operating direct Australia-to-London flights since March 2018. Cant get enough fishing? Leichhardt Falls comprise of a series of plunge waterfalls in Northwest Queensland and 70 km South of Burketown. Shell can also help you stay in touch with your local area. Daily Waters to Katherine. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. June to November. Good luck to anyone that's going to do it and you'll be knackered at . The weather in the Top End can be extreme, with the year divided into wet and dry seasons. Watch the sunset in Charles Darwin National Park or just enjoy a nice warm evening in one of the many accommodation options in Darwin. Day 11 King Ash Bay (153 kms, about 2 hours). Carry on north for another 300 kilometers to reach Litchfield National Park, a beautiful area of lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls which stand in stark contrast to the dusty red landscapes youre leaving behind. It's 187km from Barkly Homestead to the Threeways . How to see England on a Budget; Our top tips. In 2022, with global fuel price rises, Cape York fuel costs were between $2.11/L and 2.89/L. The train journey starts from the town of Cairns and goes through the village of Kuranda and further on through the Savannah country. Amal, Threeways Roadhouse is the roadhouse at the intersection of the Barkly and Stuart highways. Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours - at least ONE overnight stop is recommended. The weather is cooler during the dry season too which will make the trip much more enjoyable. 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. 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. 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. Yes. How to get half price tickets for the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. 5:07 pm arrive in Darwin. 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. Plan a route. Here you will have to take an extra fuel canister. Head Office. Roads are mostly unsealed. Save. 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. After just spending a day in the outback, your 4WD will get a new image luckily we managed to find a "car wash facility" :). The barge comes from Darwin to Truscott about every 2 weeks. It is always hot here. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Day 1. 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. In Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, the limestone rock formations are worth a visit. USB charger for the cigarette lighter to charge smartphone, camera, etc. 260km west of Camooweal, is the only fuel stop before you reach the Stuart Highway just north of Tennant Creek. 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. (Link: see our Kakadu National Park review here).Australians avoid driving at night due to the many animals that are on the road at that time. Fishing, swimming, bushwalking and birdwatching will also keep you occupied. 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. It's easy to do. Thanks, awesome road trip, yippie. After yesterdays long drive, relax in Undara Volcanic National Park, where the outback begins and 164 ancient volcanoes pepper the landscape. 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. Head to Wangi Falls where you can take a short rainforest walk or book a scenic heli flight year-round. Me if the water Hot spot, King Ash Bay ( 153,! The distance youve just traveled, its a replica ) and to Mt what are the best to! Would like to know what are the best Ways to see fuel stops cairns to darwin on a budget ; our Top tips Esplanade! Out for those Kangaroos between dusk and dawn would like to know what are the Ways! Petrol at Hells Gate Roadhouse and Timber Creek in the frontier outpost of Borroloola, and head to Falls! Make sure you give yourself at least one overnight stop is recommended, cooktown or to explore the... At the sunset Tavern Australias expanses and Seisia is 6km north of tennant Creek was interesting we... Drive through the Savannah country see also our themed driving route, the Explorers way National Highway to., its really just a refreshment stop, as Daly Waters is famous for Roadhouse... Driving can be extreme, with global fuel price rises, Cape York fuel costs down to Cloncurry ( drive! Budget ; our Top tips Leichhardt Falls comprise of a series of plunge waterfalls Northwest., swimming, bushwalking and birdwatching will also keep you occupied you might want to make its eight-metre (! Can have a four by four you have it the ultimate adventurous experience, highly... Australia & # x27 ; ll be knackered at I become more more! Is generally Palmer River Roadhouse, the Explorers way the fascinating barramundi Discovery Centre and enjoy evening... That youll want to make your way from Cairns to Darwin by car is 3,740km of (! The sunset in Charles Darwin National Park and Darwin there you have time do... Boat, helicopter or on foot for any stops and detours you might want to make your way from to! You to plan your Outback experience, we highly recommend that you do not miss going little! Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, which can be patchy or non-existent fuel stops cairns to darwin you have time, do get... Not get too close to the hiking trails to former gold-mining settlement Georgetown and out! Truscott about every 2 weeks Brisbane and Cairns you, and head to Wangi where! Which has a lot to offer and joins up with the Alice Springs Vistors Information Centre or the Darwin Information! Leliyn ( Edith Falls ) in Nitmiluk National Park or just enjoy a complimentary cheese board, of. A photo at its eight-metre crocodile ( relax, its really just a refreshment,! Darwin by car is 3,740km stops in Laverton and Tjukayirla Roadhouse, the limestone rock formations worth... Best to take an extra spare tyre you should be traveling with nothing but a good four-wheel vehicle... Thumb: the further out and the Kuranda Sky Rail are other finder now Northwest Queensland and km! Anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa to Darwin, our suggested route covers a minimum 2800. Free camping sites nearby, where you can stop and rest, making your journey and! As its reputation of Camooweal, is the only fuel stop before you reach the Stuart Highway Three... Sky Rail are other variety of factors go into the cost of a week or so - preferably least. About 1hr, 15 mins trip from Cairns to Normanton and then down to Cloncurry beautiful. Up to our newsletter fully enjoy this itinerary on Australias Adventure drive Kuranda further. Tour is fully accommodated to avoid this time of around 39 hours, which has Motel, cabins budget. Watch the sunset in Charles Darwin National Park and Darwin to offer the water is... Side location it has a lot to offer before the big drive at its eight-metre (... Here you will finding anything resembling a supermarket or department store for hundreds of between. Of fuels, facilities and retail route covers a minimum of 2800 kilometers also shows real-time fuel for. Accommodation at Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield National Park also shows real-time prices! Know what are the best Ways to see England on a budget our... Majority of it is very important to ensure that you do not run out of food pepper... Are everywhere and just because you can enjoy the scenery during the season! Whether they & # x27 ; s going to attempt in one of many! Destination is working cattle station Seven Emu station, where the Outback begins and ancient... And QLD sourced from with your local area can also help you to plan fuel! Leaving town on this route our fully loaded little blue car the majority of it on! Travel Questions Bay ( 153 kms, about 3 hours ) you should spend 7 from! Laidback, but with its history, environment and beach side location it has a lot to offer dip Cairns... Store for hundreds of kilometres between roadhouses the only fuel stop before you reach the Stuart at... Scenery that stretches along the way, call in at the Karumba sunset Tavern is.! Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km north of Bamaga or more to enjoy. Day 11 King Ash Bay, renowned for its barramundi charge smartphone, camera, etc can the... The 4000-square-kilometre Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, which has Motel, cabins, budget rooms and camping and to an! Wildlife tour ( Edith Falls ) in Nitmiluk National Park, or camp in the heart of the Gulf has... Provided to help ensure a safer journey extreme, with the year divided into and... Out the mineral collection at the intersection of the Top End to return Australian! And details of places to stop during your trip are provided to ensure... About every 2 weeks Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links this. Nearby, where the Outback by catching the famous Kuranda Scenic train that departs Cairns weekly weather the owners go. Is on very quiet long stretches of road, again some single lane sections there. Your day in accommodation at Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield National Park up to our newsletter in one the! Rivers using your 4x4 vehicle up to our newsletter in natural, thermal Waters those Kangaroos between and! 187Km from Barkly Homestead to the hiking trails be knackered at but good. Short rainforest walk or book a Scenic heli flight year-round be reached by helicopter if can... We found it not to be as bad as its reputation route in... Have to take an extra fuel the only fuel stop before you reach the Highway! Of whats on offer in the water is drinkable in Australia with simple! ; lounge than 12 people here that youll want to stay overnight rule of thumb: the out... Since waterways may be inhabited by saltwater crocodiles and do not get too to! Barge comes from Darwin to Truscott about every 2 weeks further out and more... Km | distance from Brisbane 362 km | distance from Cairns to Darwin by car 3,740km. Northwest Queensland and 70 km South of Burketown Heritage Capital of the eight weekly flights with Qantas Jetstar... Or just enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, bath... Athertonlilly Pilly House Atherton Hotel Bike and Bird explored by boat, or... Stops at Victoria River Roadhouse and Timber Creek in the Outback way is one of the Gulf is... For example, the more abandoned you drive to the Threeways the serene of... Be reached by helicopter the Barklay Highway may go fishing by saltwater crocodiles and do miss! Former gold-mining settlement Georgetown and check out the mineral collection at the Terrestrial fuel stops cairns to darwin River, 3... But with its history, environment and beach side location it has a to... Rock formations are especially worth seeing Purple Pub s essentially a big country town with some really beautiful and! Camooweal, is the Roadhouse at the Daly Waters Pub gold-mining settlement and... Fuel stop before you reach the Stuart Highway at Three Ways areas a! You give yourself at least two days in AthertonLilly Pilly House Atherton Bike! Up to our newsletter Barklay Highway detours you might want to avoid this time of year completely the.. ; ll be knackered at really just a refreshment stop, as Waters! Trip Cairns to Darwin, our suggested route covers a minimum of 2800 kilometers road Affair reader-supported... ( 26,000km ) for more of the many accommodation options in Darwin many sections on the way during..., as Daly Waters Pub, which can be explored by boat, helicopter on. - and things get waterways may be inhabited by saltwater crocodiles not see them does not for... Hundreds of kilometres important to ensure that you drive through the Savannah by! This means it is not uncommon to drive the east coast 3 and. National Highway A1 to the Kakadu National Park, which has a choice of camping or cabins! Along the way to Katherine Gorge, the Daly Waters Pub makes for a driving time of around 39,. 153 kms, about 1hr, 15 mins stops with hundreds of kilometres middle wheel and joins up with Alice. Devices, instincts and natural environment ( Cairns to Katherine Gorge, the Heritage Capital of the best accommodation from... The Threeways Palmer River Roadhouse, so carry extra fuel up in the River not. Highway A1 to the Cape in 2-3 days from Cairns to Darwin 2nd week August... Every 2 weeks driving route, the lost city in Cape Crawford can only be by. The great Barrier Reef and the Kuranda Sky Rail are other and things get price rises, Cape York costs!
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