Animals thrive when theyre left to their own devices, instincts and natural environment. Myself and teenager. Good luck to anyone that's going to do it and you'll be knackered at . 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. The barge comes from Darwin to Truscott about every 2 weeks. Australian Traveller Media 2023. 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. to go. 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. After spending the past 4 months in Queensland, we decided to take road trip from Cairns to Darwin. Other popular stops include Mission Beach, Historic Village Herberton, and Katherine Outback Experience. Visit the fascinating Barramundi Discovery Centre and enjoy an evening meal at the Sunset Tavern. This great personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than 12 people. Keep your distance from the rivers and streams by at least 3-5 metres. The Alice Springs Route covers 4,154 . 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. 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. This is a great tour to do during the dry season, generally between May and October. This does not account for any stops and detours you might want to make. 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. PO Box 5244, Cairns, QLD 4870 / 24 Hour FREECALL 1800 645 832 / Ph (07) 4035 5888 / Fax (07) 4035 6777. This is the last place you will finding anything resembling a supermarket or department store for hundreds of kilometres. #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. This remote crossing from east to west across the bottom of Australia is a must-do journey. You can always use it offline whenever you need to. 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. As with many sections on the Savannah Way, plan your fuel stops with hundreds of kilometres between roadhouses. Fuel prices in the Cape vary and are generally cheapest closer to Cairns. Just beware of the saltwater crocodiles and do not get too close to the water. and all the way to Katherine Gorge and beyond. 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. With an all-new Poolside Bar and a myriad of experiences to be had, The Anchorage Hotel & Spa is worth a road trip to Port Stephens. Also an espresso coffee machine in the morning before the big drive. Feel the magic of Uluru. Ingham, Queensland. With an average flight time of 2h 30min from Cairns to Darwin, you'll be exploring the city in no time. Day 11 King Ash Bay (153 kms, about 2 hours). Katherine Gorge consists of 13 impressive canyons, which can be explored by boat, helicopter or on foot. The Adventurous Cairns to Darwin Trip Via Savannah Way. 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. End: Darwin. Seven Emu Station is accessible by 4WD only. 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. Stock up on supplies in Mount Isa, because with a population of 20,000, this is the largest town youll be visiting for a while. Cairns is home to many of the natural wonders found in Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef. #4 Good Water Bottle The sun can be brutal in Australia, so make sure to always carry a refillable water bottle with you. May 2014, Please advise which is the best month to drive, also. If youre traveling from Queensland to the Northern Territory, there are so many places to see and things to do that you will want to be on the road for a long time. The loneliest stretch is between Camooweal and the Threeways. This is the eastern half of the Savannah Way, if you are considering doing it all, then you will also need our itinerary and guide to the western half, Darwin to Broom. Some of the top Savannah Way highlights include the amazing rock formations of the Lost City, the ancient Australian aborigines rock art where you can learn more about the Australian aboriginal culture, the impressive waterfalls, and much more. You can have a unique rail experience in the Outback by catching the famous Kuranda Scenic train that departs Cairns weekly. 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. The best part of the Broome to Darwin road trip traverses the astonishingly beautiful Kimberley region, which is known as 'Australia . Its a beautiful drive from Cairns to Darwin by car and we are confident you will love it as much as we did. Powered by Google, this filter shows congestion across WA roads. There is never any wood on campgrounds so its best that you collect it on the way before you get there. 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. In July 2020, Chevron re-entered the Downstream market in Australia through the acquisition of Puma Energy (Australia) Holdings. This is really just a refreshment stop, as Daly Waters is famous for its roadhouse, the Daly Waters Pub. 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 . Day 7 Burketown (292 kms, about 4 hours). This one though includes a COVID 19 Border stop at the Queensland/Northern Territory Border. Really appreciate any advice including rest/fuel stops. Lorella Springs waterhole. 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). Fishing is great fun and locals will help with advice regarding bait and the best spots (or maybe the second best spots!) Cairns. A variety of factors go into the cost of a . The Savannah Way skirts the Gulf of Carpentaria, but this is one of a few chances to see the coast. In Cooktown you can get both ocean sunrises and sunsets; not too many places where thats possible. On the way to Katherine gorge, the Lost-City rock formations are especially worth seeing. For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. drive for about 6 hours. You can hike to natural swimming pools, camp out under the stars, and see the unusual, giant termite mounds. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Freshwater crocodiles, however, are considered to be "harmless". The adventure doesnt end here. After that, you can pop into the Purple Pub, a classic Outback tavern, before checking out the giant Salmon statue which is also in the town. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). There are just so many things to do here that youll want to stay for at least two days. Stock up in the frontier outpost of Borroloola, and head to another fishing hot spot, King Ash Bay. June to November. In the dry season, many rivers and falls have dried up just like the Leichhardt Falls, for example, hence the reason Savanna Way becomes passable, In the dry season, not everything is dried up. Although we could have gone straight from Cairns, having never been to Cooktown before, we decided to start our journey with a 2 day pit stop in Cooktown (a 700km/435mi detour). The distance from Melbourne to Darwin by car is 3,740km. Hoping to get there in with 3 overnight stops - 4 at the most as on a time limit with work. Can anyone tell me if the roads are ok? Another long stretch of around 661km/411mi. The Savannah highway is Australias longest and most interesting route that connects to major roads across the northern Australia. Good luck to anyone that's going to do it and you'll be knackered at the end of it, take plenty of water and beer and food, and a few spare wheels. Croydon, in the heart of the Gulf Savannah has a lot to offer. Be sure to top up with fuel/gas here, the next stop is at Barkly Homestead and prices are very steep. 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. How to plan a drive from Darwin to Perth including must visit attractions. The first stop is into the Atherton Tablelands, with a great choice of the lovely towns to stay in. 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. Choose one of the eight weekly flights with Qantas or Jetstar . 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. No wonder Australias colonial father Captain James Cook chose to land here. Start: Cairns. 260km west of Camooweal, is the only fuel stop before you reach the Stuart Highway just north of Tennant Creek. Do I need to take fuel on a Darwin to Cairns road trip? There are fuel stops at Victoria River Roadhouse and Timber Creek in the Northern Territory. Thanks! The location and details of places to stop during your trip are provided to help ensure a safer journey. Throughout our whole 4wd road trip around Australia, it's definitely the section from Cairns to Darwin that sticks out most in our minds. Just get a bucket and attach a string to it for throwing in the water. Rest areas are a place where you can stop and rest, making your journey safer and more enjoyable. With three peaceful pools and a sprawling picnic area, Berry Springs is a wonderful morning excursion about 50 minutes from Darwin's CBD. 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. Continue west to former gold-mining settlement Georgetown and check out the mineral collection at The Terrestrial Centre. Can you please let me know places of interest to see along the way. Best Places to Stay in CairnsCairns City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Southern Cross Atrium Apartments. The eccentric outback pub features bras hanging from the ceiling, and great beef-and-barramundi barbecues during the dry season. Could you recommend places to spend the night, and if there is something interesting to visit on the route, about nature. Bundaberg is a surprising stop that is great for visiting with kids. How? Karumba is a great spot to charter a fishing boat. (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. Only take a caravan if it is suitable for off-road. Best time to travel: in the dry season from May to September. Dont swim without authoritative local advice, since waterways may be inhabited by saltwater crocodiles. 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. Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours - at least ONE overnight stop is recommended. For more of the best in travel sign up to our newsletter! Any info on the trip from Cairns to Darwin 2nd week in August? You might also like: Free things to do in FNQ, Your email address will not be published. If you have a four by four you have more options to explore along the way and to take more remote detours. Chevron Australia Products Leveraging global experience in fuels and lubricants, convenience marketing and supply. Australias Northern Territory is a breathtaking scenery that stretches along the Western coastline. Does it sounds like a very crazy plan to you or could be this done? It begins in . Never stay at Three Ways. Laverton to Uluru. I am driving in August. The Emerald Pool, Lorella Springs from above. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. Cant get enough fishing? Stay overnight at the luxury Cicada Lodge. Stay at The Daly Waters Pub, which has motel, cabins, budget rooms and camping. Usually this would not be the case. Sailing at night time can be risky, as the huge mammals sleep on the surface, completely oblivious to cruising vessels. Watch the scenery change from one day to the next as you leave Darwin and drive through . Stop off at Florence Falls (40 minutes from Batchelor) followed by a quick pit stop at Tolmer Falls, which is merely 12 minutes from Wangi Falls. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus its free. 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. The Barkly Highway ends and joins up with the Stuart Highway at Three Ways. Yes. Campervans selection from spacious hightop campervan with shower and toilet to Budget campervans for couples. See amazing Aboriginal artwork at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. Alternatively: around 10 days from Cairns to Katherine and from Katherine to Darwin via Kakadu.In total = 3,700 kmFrom Cairns to Katherine= 2,130 km.From Cairns to Darwin drive via Kakadu = 2,680 km. The ferry operates from 08.00-12.00 and then from 13.00 - 17.00, daily in the dry season. 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. Your road trip from Cairns to Darwin starts in Far North Queensland, at the tourist hub renowned as the access point to the Great Barrier Reef. Save. Cairns to Adelaide 2974km = $202.20 in petrol; VS. Total airfares for 4 people: $756, one way You can get a quick quote below. 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. In northern Australia, there are more crocodiles than humans, so you should not be their next meal. In 2021, they were between $1.49/L and $2.05/L. Distances are approximate; add on detours. It also said Darwin-based customers would be able to book seats on board the flight and travel non-stop to London. 44 hours. Then you hit the Stuart Highway that runs from Darwin to Adelaide. We even hiked up multiple mountains/volcanoes with them. Any advice you have would be most appreciated Regards,PS. Check the weather and road conditions in Queensland and the Northern Territory before your journey. Hard to resist pausing in Normanton for a photo of its eight-metre crocodile. Cairns to Darwin. 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. Join in and write your own page! Quickly locate Shell fuels, products and services around Australia. Oct. 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. When you come to Croydon you will feel part of the outback and its relaxing lifestyle. Required fields are marked *. It's easy to find camping spots, or there is some accommodation along the way. Fuel Map also shows real-time fuel prices for WA, NSW, and QLD sourced from . Day 17 Arrive in Darwin! Katherine to Darwin. Also, the travelling time depends heavily on how many miles you want to drive every day.If you want to start your Savannah Way drive from Cairns and go to Katherine before heading over to Broome or pass the Kakadu National Park to Darwin, then you should allow at least 7-9 days.The distance from Cairns to Katherine is 2,100 kilometres. (The West Australian border is currently under a hard closure due to COVID 19 concerns, while this is our home state, we wont be travelling to WA till borders are opened). Yes, there are helicopter rides and boat cruises that will take you along the Savannah Way, the Lost City, Hell's Gate Roadhouse. Distance from Brisbane 362 KM | Distance from Cairns 1354 KM. Rockhampton marks, roughly, the halfway point between Townsville and Brisbane along the Bruce Highway. Even during the dry season, you may need to cross some rivers using your 4x4 vehicle. You should be traveling with nothing but a good four-wheel drive vehicle. 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. There is a maximum of 300km between fuel stops in Laverton and Tjukayirla Roadhouse, so carry extra fuel. You will see no roads, people, houses just pure nature. And there you have it the ultimate road trip itinerary. From the tropical, touristy, sunny Cairns, youll be heading west into the interior, where long stretches of seemingly endless road are punctuated by quirky small towns with resident populations that barely break out of the hundreds, where there are more kangaroos than people, and where life is truly a world away from the big cities of the east coast. Simply click here to return to, Australian Tourist Attractions in the Outback, Travelling Outback Australia with camels and gypsy caravans. Atrium Apartments Centre and enjoy an evening meal at the Sunset Tavern operates from 08.00-12.00 and then from 13.00 17.00... 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