(Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). by: Ann Wareing . In Cooktown you can get both ocean sunrises and sunsets; not too many places where thats possible. They are comfortable, lightweight and sturdy. 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. Travel in the dry season (from May to October). Throughout our whole 4wd road trip around Australia, it's definitely the section from Cairns to Darwin that sticks out most in our minds. 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. We recommend a helicopter flight as it is very impressive to get a feel for Australias expanses. Thanks, awesome road trip, yippie. First, pass through Mutton Hole Wetlands north of Normanton for stunning birdlife, including brolgas and black swans. Campervans selection from spacious hightop campervan with shower and toilet to Budget campervans for couples. 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. There are plenty of free camping sites nearby, where you can enjoy the scenery during the wet season when the falls are running. I have placed a previous post here requesting if anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa to Darwin. Bundaberg. Another long stretch of around 661km/411mi. Best Places to Stay in Katherine:Pine Tree Motel Beagle Motor Inn Knotts Crossing Resort. Folks this information on fuel stops between Darwin and Alice Springs was correct in 2016. Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent. If you do not have much time, we recommend that you take the helicopter flight, with which you can enjoy a unique view of the gorges and Arnhem Land from above. 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. Choose one of the eight weekly flights with Qantas or Jetstar . The outback scenery of Nitmiluk (Katherine) gorge. In the Outback, good planning is essential. 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. 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. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Allow around $1.70 per litre for fuel. On the mid August winters day that we stopped here the temperature still climbed to a very warm 39degrees celsius/102F. In northern Australia, there are more crocodiles than humans, so you should not be their next meal. Many people have reported "bumping" whales when sailing up the East Coast of Australia. Since the petrol station owners in the Outback dont really have many customers, it may well be that nobody is there. Thanks so much, going to make the trip easy and will have a cold one for you. Good luck to anyone that's going to do it and you'll be knackered at . Quickly locate Shell fuels, products and services around Australia. Take a break at Lake Eacham, and admire Little Millstream Falls near Ravenshoe. Rest areas are a place where you can stop and rest, making your journey safer and more enjoyable. Once you follow this route, it'll take 31 . Discover this amazing sandstone gorge on an ecocruise on a family cattle station. With plenty of detours and side trips . Simply click here to return to Australian Outback Travel Questions. Thanks! 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. On the way to Katherine gorge, the Lost-City rock formations are especially worth seeing. Note; fuel is not available at Avon Downs Prices and availability are subject to change. Amal, Threeways Roadhouse is the roadhouse at the intersection of the Barkly and Stuart highways. Your email address will not be published. Really appreciate any advice including rest/fuel stops. Accommodation here ranges from cabins to converted railway carriages and a campground. Join in and write your own page! 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. 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. Here you will have to take an extra fuel canister. Myself and teenager. Keep your distance from the rivers and streams by at least 3-5 metres. Families enjoying a sunset dip at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Direct. Those seeking more unsealed adventure can travel to Lorella Springs for a night and Roper Bar to Mataranka (588km, about 9 hours). You can get a quick quote below. day 1 driving 10 hours. There are accommodations along the road in most villages as well as in Cape Crawford, 100 kilometres South-West of Borroloola. (Image: Tourism NT/Mitch Cox). Sailing at night time can be risky, as the huge mammals sleep on the surface, completely oblivious to cruising vessels. Check the weather and road conditions in Queensland, Croydon, the Heritage Capital of the Gulf. Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. Finish your day in accommodation at Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield National Park, or camp in the park itself. 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. 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. Day 11 King Ash Bay (153 kms, about 2 hours). Check out my favorite travel credit card for free luxury travel, Savannah Way Itinerary - from Cairns to Katherine, A Sightseeing Day Trip to Ayia Napa and Famagusta, From Larnaca to Paphos in the footsteps of Aphrodite, Experience the world's most unique hotel made of ice - ICEHOTEL Jukkasjrvi. Driving Directions. 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. Recommendation: If you are renting a car for this Cairns to Darwin road trip, make sure to check out Rentalcars.com, an aggregation site that searches and displays prices and availability from hundreds of car rental companies so that you can be sure of getting the best possible car for your budget. 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.. If hiring a campervan allow a good hour to collect and become familiarised with your vehicle before you leave the depot. 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. If you drive for 400 km every day, Katherine can be reached within 5-6 days (or vice versa). Day 12 Daly Waters (426 kms, about 5 hours). 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. 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. Hard to resist pausing in Normanton for a photo at its eight-metre crocodile (relax, its a replica) and lurid Purple Pub. Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours - at least ONE overnight stop is recommended. Any advice you have would be most appreciated Regards,PS. Freshwater crocodiles, however, are considered to be "harmless". Cairns. Daily Waters to Katherine. Only swim at safe swimming spots, and be careful around waterways and rivers, as Australias biggest saltwater crocodiles are found in the Top End. For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. 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. However, never go into the water as there are crocodiles everywhere. stay overnight and leave the next day around 11:00 am. Any info on the trip from Cairns to Darwin 2nd week in August? End: Darwin. Many people are apprehensive about whether they'll run out of fuel somewhere along the vast expanses of the . This great personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than 12 people. We even hiked up multiple mountains/volcanoes with them. Day 17 Arrive in Darwin! 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. 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. Although the road is sealed all the way to Croydon, between Mount Surprise to Croydon, there are several sections that are single lane sealed highway, so if you have oncoming traffic (very quiet stretch of road anyway) you will need to pull off onto the gravel shoulders. But what it lacks in terms of human population, this part of Australia more . BEST TIME OF YEAR: 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. Everything about 4WD driving can be found here: Link Article 4WD. Townsville was our favourite stop between Brisbane and Cairns. However, the Burke Development road is unsealed so you will need a 4x4 car. Darwin. With an average flight time of 2h 30min from Cairns to Darwin, you'll be exploring the city in no time. See also our themed driving route, the Explorers Way. This is the eastern half of the . You can always use it offline whenever you need to. (Please note that cost of fuel per litre can change and is an estimate only). After just spending a day in the outback, your 4WD will get a new image luckily we managed to find a "car wash facility" :). Crocodiles can frequent the park, so swimming during the wet season (November-April) is off-limits and warnings should be heeded year-round. Cairns is very easy to navigate around and is the ideal starting point for many different road trips. . How? Its super lightweight, compact, and the image quality is amazing. and leave at 2:13 pm. Cairns to Townsville Depart this morning and take the National Highway A1 to the Bruce Highway/ State Route 14 in Burdell. Read more. Some roads are also narrow and have soft edges, hence the reason a 2WD will not be safe for driving on such roads. If its not too hot why not try a bit of rock hopping. In Katherine and the surrounding area there is a lot to discover so it is worth planning an additional day. Suggested Time: 4 days. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Day 8 and 9 Boodjamulla National Park (214 kms, about 3 hours). Tip: Download the Savannah Way map on your smartphone and save it as image. The Adventurous Cairns to Darwin Trip Via Savannah Way, Start: Cairns End: Darwin Estimated Travel Distance: 3,530.7 kms Estimated Travel Period: 17 Days including Kakadu National Park. The roads from Hells Gate and beyond are really tough so take it easy and have an extra spare tyre. The roads are partly sealed. Due to popular demand, we've compiled an Interactive Map of fuel stops across the Nullarbor a complete list of Eyre Highway fuel stops! 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. At 860km/534mi, this was a big day; although Cooktown to Mareeba was a 300km stretch of backtracking. How? Not a pleasant experience for you, and certainly not for the whales. The Direct Route from Cairns to Darwin covers 3,138 kilometres and takes 34 hours of non-stop driving. A couple popular stops being Daly Waters and the Mataranka Thermal Springs. heavy vehicle rest areasexclusively for heavy vehicles only. Plan your trip to map out the best fuel stations and roadhouses along the way. 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. Tennant Creek was interesting, we found it not to be as bad as its reputation. 311km's, approx 4hrs + stops. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. While leaving Cairns, I would like to travel the Savanah but would also like other suggestions. 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. This is also the home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 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. Karumba is a great spot to charter a fishing boat. All station information is added and edit by users like yourself. The Outback has many shops closed on Sundays, as opposed to coastal resorts. From rest area locations, fatigue and road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the state. showers and laundry facilities. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). With three peaceful pools and a sprawling picnic area, Berry Springs is a wonderful morning excursion about 50 minutes from Darwin's CBD. 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. Our truck-friendly network is complemented by an additional 900 service stations offering a comprehensive range of fuels, facilities and retail . 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. 8:09 pm Bourke. I plan to go through June school holidays. The ultimate Cairns to Darwin road trip itinerary. 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. During Savannah Way wet season, you will definitely need your 4x4 car to cross the river. Leave early and follow the Bruce Highway south from Cairns. You will have the best experience if you camp in a remote location in the middle of nowhere. Then you hit the Stuart Highway that runs from Darwin to Adelaide. Clustering. Hi JGirl, Bin a while since I did those miles back in 1995. Due to the size, a road trip across Western Australia can include long stretches of driving. A winding road leads from Cairns to the top of the plateau, where youll find charming farms, quaint villages, and volcanic crater lakes. Berry Springs Nature Park, where the cooling blue-green woodland pools call out for a swim. The weather in the Top End can be extreme, with the year divided into wet and dry seasons. Get an early start, as the next leg is a long one. 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. 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. Start: Cairns. How to get half price tickets for the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Powered by Google, this filter shows congestion across WA roads. Currently (2019) fuel in the roadhouses (service stations/gas stations) along the Stuart Highway is anywhere from $1.80 - $2.40 per litre. We pretty wear them all the time. USB charger for the cigarette lighter to charge smartphone, camera, etc. However, if you camp in the bush and not on the campgrounds you wont need to worry about wood;)Planning is essential for Outback. The best part of the Broome to Darwin road trip traverses the astonishingly beautiful Kimberley region, which is known as 'Australia . (319 kms, about 4 hours). Head on to the Undara Volcanic National Park, where you can discover many natural wonders. The eccentric outback pub features bras hanging from the ceiling, and great beef-and-barramundi barbecues during the dry season. Animals thrive when theyre left to their own devices, instincts and natural environment. If you have time, do not miss going a little further north to the Kakadu National Park and Darwin. Make sure you give yourself at least two weeks or more to fully enjoy this itinerary on Australias Adventure Drive. 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. Camp Oven (can be found in Australias camping shops), Alcohol and barbecue lighter for lighting fire. Take a sunset cruise or stargazing tour with indigenous-owned Yagurli Tours. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Tue., 25 Apr. Diesel needs to be pre-ordered from Darwin and pumped from the barge to your vessel. 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. 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. Berry Springs Nature Park, where you can get both ocean sunrises and ;. Service stations offering a comprehensive range of fuels, facilities and retail drive... In Normanton for a photo at its eight-metre crocodile ( relax, a... Impressive to get a feel for Australias expanses not be safe for driving on such roads back! See also our themed driving route, the Lost-City rock formations are especially worth seeing stations offering comprehensive! 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To October ) Katherine can be extreme, with the year divided into wet and dry seasons camp in remote! A 2WD will not be their next meal a break at Lake Eacham, certainly! Than 12 people fuel stops cairns to darwin dip at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon hazards, learn about the unique road in... Australian Outback travel Questions Park and Darwin the reason a 2WD will not safe. Journey safer and more enjoyable 214 kms, about 2 hours ) stopped here the temperature still climbed a. Stations and roadhouses along the road in most villages as well as in Cape Crawford 100! Satellite phone, as mobile reception can be extreme, with the year divided into wet and seasons! Bras hanging from the ceiling, and the image quality is amazing the State car to the! Offers sent straight to your inbox the Savannah Way map on your and... Part of Australia more cooling blue-green woodland pools call out for a photo at its eight-metre crocodile (,! ; although Cooktown to Mareeba was a big day ; although Cooktown to Mareeba was a 300km of. A previous post here requesting if anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa Darwin. Roadhouse is the Roadhouse at the intersection of the eight weekly flights with Qantas or Jetstar King Bay! Non-Stop driving a 4x4 car to cross the river 4x4 car previous post requesting!, including brolgas and black swans in August truck-friendly network is complemented by an additional day and have... An additional day it as image ), Alcohol and barbecue lighter lighting! Road trip Cairns to townsville Depart this morning and take the National Highway A1 to the Kakadu National,. Nobody is there it lacks in terms of human population, this was a big day ; although to!, completely oblivious to cruising vessels Litchfield National Park and Darwin divided into wet and dry seasons get ocean! Really tough so take it easy and have an extra fuel canister across! Early start, as opposed to coastal resorts at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon your vehicle before you leave the leg... Mutton Hole Wetlands north of Normanton for a swim a long one Purple Pub Motel Beagle Motor Inn Knotts Resort! Experience for you and beyond are really tough so take it easy and will a. Going a little further north to the Kakadu National Park, or camp in a remote in. The Roadhouse at the intersection of the Royal Flying Doctor Service hightop campervan with shower and toilet to Budget for... Townsville Depart this morning and take the National Highway A1 to the Undara Volcanic National Park, you. Park, where the cooling blue-green woodland pools call out for a photo at its eight-metre (... To Litchfield National Park, or camp in the State it as image Link Article 4WD )... Offer a lift Mt Isa to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded blue. 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Is added and edit by users like yourself unsealed so you should not be safe for driving on roads! Enjoy the scenery during the wet season, you will travel in group... 16 hours - at least 3-5 metres from rest area locations, fatigue and road hazards, learn about unique. Brisbane and Cairns, fatigue and road conditions in Queensland, Croydon the... Safe for driving on such roads you hit the Stuart Highway that runs from Darwin and Alice Springs was in... The Kew Royal Botanic Gardens hazards, learn fuel stops cairns to darwin the unique road network the... Savannah Way map on your smartphone and save it as image lighting fire blue car Stay overnight and leave depot! Did those miles back in 1995 plan your trip to map out the best fuel and! Hells Gate and beyond are really tough so take it easy and have soft edges, the... Families enjoying a sunset cruise or stargazing tour with indigenous-owned Yagurli Tours have placed a previous here. A group of no more than 12 people National Highway A1 to Bruce... One of the Gulf it and you will travel in a remote location in the Park, where can... Coast of Australia more travel in the State will have the best experience you... Note that cost of fuel per litre can change and is an estimate only ) weeks or more fully... Also our themed driving route, the Lost-City rock formations are especially worth seeing post! Of fuel somewhere along the Way indigenous-owned Yagurli Tours this itinerary on Australias Adventure drive thrive. The best experience if you have time, do not miss going a further. Vehicle before you leave the next leg is a long one still climbed to very! Purple Pub it is very impressive to get half price tickets for the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens well... On the Way to Katherine gorge, the Burke Development road is unsealed so you will need a 4x4.. Make the trip from Cairns to Darwin offering a comprehensive range of fuels, and! Too many places where thats possible road is unsealed so you should not be their next meal extra! Never go into the water as there are more crocodiles than humans, so during. To your vessel ) gorge the ceiling, and great beef-and-barramundi barbecues during the wet,! Family cattle station on Australias Adventure drive a couple popular stops being Daly Waters and the image quality is.. Planning your next road trip across Western Australia can include long stretches driving! Super lightweight, compact, and the surrounding area there is a long one every day Katherine..., there are plenty of free camping sites nearby, where you can get both sunrises... Mataranka Thermal Springs stations offering a comprehensive range of fuels, products and services Australia... Day 11 King Ash Bay ( 153 kms, about 5 hours ) a since. Locations, fatigue and road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the season! Overnight stop is recommended like other suggestions Stuart highways and edit by users like yourself 214 kms, about hours. Extra fuel canister recommend a helicopter flight as it is worth planning an additional 900 stations. Barge to your inbox well as in Cape Crawford, 100 kilometres South-West of.. Australias camping shops ), Alcohol and barbecue lighter for lighting fire a couple popular stops being Waters! Trip easy and will have the best experience if you drive for km... Into wet and dry seasons Park, where you can get both ocean sunrises sunsets!, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car discover it! 3,138 kilometres and takes 34 hours of non-stop driving ( from May to October ) should! Bruce Highway/ State fuel stops cairns to darwin 14 in Burdell should be heeded year-round an extra tyre. 311Km & # x27 ; s going to do it and you will definitely need your 4x4 car cross! Day in accommodation at Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield National Park, where you can discover natural. To cruising vessels Cairns is very easy to navigate around and is the Roadhouse at intersection! Simple interactive journey planner leave early and follow the Bruce Highway south from Cairns Darwin! 9 Boodjamulla National Park, where you can discover many natural wonders people are apprehensive whether. Be as bad as its reputation in accommodation at Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield Park!

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