Darwin to Alice Springs
A travel tourist self drive visitors guide and information
on Northern, Territory Australia.
Darwin to Alice Springs | Explorers Way - This section is of
the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Alice Springs.
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Access driving via the sealed Stuart Highway south from Darwin or north
from Alice Springs.
Darwin to Alice Springs photo gallery of each location along this 1500 klm highway
Darwin to Adelaide (4x4 options) and 2wd Stuart Highway self drive route
Site Disclaimer: Please read before continuing
Day 1
(Optional activity) Take a short flight or a ferry from Darwin to
Bathurst Island and join an organised Tiwi Tour to experience life in
a modern-day Aboriginal community. Wonder at the dense rainforest, secluded
waterfalls and purchase beautiful arts and crafts. Overnight accommodation
in Darwin. Note that Tiwi Tours dont operate any tours in the three
months of December to February. Darwin to Bathurst Island, part of the
Tiwi Islands to Darwin: 80 km (each way)/20 mins
Enjoy your first glimpse of the Arafura Sea by following the Explorers Way right into the heart of Darwin.
Link Out:
Aboriginal Cultural Tours instant booking:
http://www.tourstogo.com.au/search/northern-territory/darwin/aboriginal-culture/
Darwin and Litchfield Day Tours instant booking:
Sightseeing
and adventure tours from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Alice Springs and Uluru Day Tours instant booking:
Sightseeing
and adventure tours from Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Day 2
Head south on the Explorers Way to explore the Territory Wildlife
Park, a world class conservation park with magnificent bird and animal
life. Set in 400 hectares of natural bushland, a free shuttle links
the 26 major exhibits. Travellers may also wish to visit Mount Bundy
and the Adelaide River Pub today. Drive to Lake Bennett Wilderness Resort,
where travellers can go fishing, canoeing, bushwalking or swimming.
Overnight accommodation at Lake Bennett. Darwin to Lake Bennett: 65
km/1 hour
Day 3
Visit nearby Litchfield National Park and see stunning
waterfalls and amazing termite mounds and swim safely in crystal-clear
swimming holes.
Link: http://litchfieldnationalpark.com/
Litchfield Park to Darwin: 129 km/1.5 hours
Litchfield Day Tours instant booking:
Sightseeing
and adventure tours from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Day 4-9
Kakadu National Park - back track some 60klm to Arnhem Highway and explore Kakadu National Park
Link: http://kakadunationalparkaustralia.com/ click here for self drive itineraries.
Link: http://www.australia4tours.com/ click here for guided scheduled tours to and from Darwin.
Day 10
Re-join the Explorers Way and continue south to Katherine.
Katherine Gorge - Nitmiluk National Park
This 292,800 hectare National Park is owned by the Jawoyn Aboriginal people and jointly managed with the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory. Some of the Park's features include spectacular dissected sandstone country, broad valleys and numerous, significant cultural sites. The deep gorge carved through ancient sandstone by the Katherine River is the central attraction of the Park.
How to Get There
Nitmiluk National Park is located in the Top End of Australia's Northern
Territory. The Park has two main points of visitor access. The Park's
main entrance is located 30 km northeast of Katherine via a sealed road.
Katherine is located 310 km south of Darwin along the Stuart Highway.
Leliyn (Edith Falls) on the western side of the Park, is reached by
turning off the Stuart Highway 42km north of Katherine then following
a sealed road for a further 19km.
When to Visit
The most comfortable months to visit the Park are from May to September.
The wet season causes flooding of the Katherine River and restrictions
on some of the activities available. The access road may be cut off
for short periods during peak flooding times.
Visitor Facilities
The picnic area provides gas barbecues, picnic furniture and toilet
facilities. The launch tour boat jetty and canoe hire are located adjacent
to the boat ramp. A public swimming area is provided in the picnic area.
Information on the flora, fauna, geology, walks, activities, and other
points of interest can be found in the Nitmiluk Centre at Katherine
Gorge.
Walking
Numerous walking tracks offer a variety of experiences from riverbank
strolls to spectacular overnight walks. Overnight walkers are required
to book and register with Rangers at the Nitmiluk Centre.
Jawoyn art
Jawoyn art can be seen along the base of the sandstone escarpment in
the Gorge system. Other evidence of Jawoyn activities are located throughout
the Park. More detailed information about the Southern Walks and the
Jatbula Trail is available in the Nitmiluk Centre, from Park information
sheets, on the website or by calling Rangers at the Park.
Canoeing
Canoes can be hired at the Gorge by the hour, half day, full day or
overnight. Private canoes can be used in the Gorge. For your safety,
you must register and pay a refundable deposit at the Nitmiluk Visitor
Centre. A small fee also applies. The upper gorges are accessible to
canoes, by carrying them over the rocks separating gorges.
Camping
There are powered sites at the Gorge or unpowered, sites at Leliyn (Edith
Falls). Campsite bookings are required for overnight canoeing and camping
as numbers are restricted. A deposit applies to private canoes and bushcamping.
Check at the Nitmiluk Centre for the availability of drinking water
and location of toilets. Only fuel stoves are permitted.
NT Govt. site: http://www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/
En route visit the historic township of Adelaide River, then turn right into the picturesque Douglas Daly Region, home to the Douglas Hot Springs and Butterfly Gorge Nature Park (4x4 only).
Leliyn Edith Falls
Leliyn (Edith Falls) on the western side of the Park, is reached by turning off the Stuart Highway 42km north of Katherine then following a sealed road for a further 19km.
Swimming is the most popular pastime at Leliyn. Both the lower and upper pools are excellent swimming spots, as is Sweetwater Pool. They are open year round, but may be closed due to dangerous conditions at times during the wet season.
Picnic and camping facilities are provided
at the Falls. Limited gas barbecues, tables and an ablution block with
toilet and shower facilities are provided for your use. There is a kiosk
where you can obtain your permit for camping at Sweetwater, purchase
food and drinks and pay your camping fees.
Camping - Leliyn has a landscaped campground with unpowered
sites. Generators are not permitted. Camping fees apply and should be
paid at the kiosk near the picnic area. When the kiosk is open, campers
should pay fees before setting up camp. After hours visitors should
find a site and pay fees at the kiosk the next day. The campground does
become full during the peak tourist season (June to Sept), and sites
are issued on a first in first served basis.
Walking - There are two walks at Leliyn.
Leliyn Trail - a 2.6 km, 2 hour circuit that ascends
a hill then goes down to cross the upper pool above the falls. It then
climbs up the other side of the falls before descending to the level
of the main pool where there is a river crossing. Views of the waterfalls
and Edith River from two lookouts, on one each side of the river, feature
in this walk. So does swimming in the upper pool. Wet season conditions
can limit access, reducing the walk to a return trip to the first lookout
and top pool.
Sweetwater Pool - an 8.6km return walk to a fantastic
swimming spot. This can be done as a day or overnight walk. There are
toilets at the Sweetwater Pool camping area. Overnight walkers must
obtain a permit from the Edith Falls kiosk - bookings are recommended.
A small fee and deposit applies to the bush campsites.
Return to the Explorers Way and take the Northern Goldfields Loop Road (4x4 only) and visit the Grove Hill Heritage Hotel and Museum. This area, once the heart of the goldfields, is dotted with historic sites and ruins set amongst shady creeks and rocky outcrops. Stop off at the mining town of Pine Creek and look around its intriguing museum displays.
Overnight accommodation in Katherine. Lake Bennett to Katherine (via above route): 360 km/ 4 hours
Day 11
Explore the Katherine region and be sure to stop at Nitmiluk National
Park. Enjoy a canoe adventure or a boat cruise and marvel at the magnificent
landscape and ancient Aboriginal rock art. Travellers can also book
a guided tour of Edith Falls at the visitor centre.
The Central Arnhem Highway begins 50 km south of Katherine (4x4 only) the Aboriginal-owned Manyallaluk community can be reached from here - arrang in advance and permit required.
Continue south on the Explorers Way to the township of Mataranka and Elsey National Park, home to the Mataranka Thermal Pool, ideal for a refreshing swim.
Overnight accommodation in Mataranka. Katherine to Mataranka: 110 km/1 hour
Bitter Springs Cabins or Campground
http://www.bitterspringscabins.com.au/
Day 12
Depart Mataranka and travel along the Explorers Way to Tennant Creek.
Discover World War II heritage at Larrimah and have lunch at the Daly
Waters Pub, a fascinating rustic bush pub crammed with unusual memorabilia.
Continuing on, pass through Dunmarra, Elliott, Renner Springs and Newcastle
Waters, an historic droving town before arriving in Tennant Creek. This
area is known as the Golden Heart owing to its central location, gold
mining history and friendly locals.
Overnight accommodation in Tennant Creek. Mataranka to Tennant Creek: 555 km/6 hours
Day 13
Before leaving Tennant Creek, visit the Nyinkka Nyunyu Cultural Centre
featuring artefacts, paintings, bush tucker and dance performances.
Just over 100 km south of Tennant Creek is the Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve where travellers will marvel at the gigantic granite boulders precariously balanced on top of one another.
Wycliffe Well, famous for its UFO sightings, is worth a visit and enjoy a photographic moment at the Tropic of Capricorn marker, 35 km north of Alice Springs.
Overnight accommodation in Alice Springs or try a station stay at Bond Springs an outback retreat 25 km from Alice Springs.
Tennant Creek to Alice Springs: 505 km/5 hours
Day 13 - 14
Explore Alice Springs.
Day 15
Take 3 to 5 days and explores the Western Macdonnell ranges and go via the famous Red Centre Way and Mereenie Loop (as previously the section from Kings Canyon to Glen Helen was known as). The onto Kata Tjuta (previously known as The Olgas) and into Yulara Resort (sometimes referred as Ayers Rock Resort) and see the sunset and sunrise at Uluru (previosuly known as Ayers Rock)
Link: http://www.macdonnellranges.com/
click here for self drive itineraries around the Red Centre Way.
Link: http://www.australia4tours.com/ click here for guided scheduled tours to and from Darwin.
Explorers Way - the Northern Territory sectIon from Darwin
Darwin - End or Start of the Explorers Way
Berrimah
Palmerston
Howard Springs
Turn off onto the Arnhem Highway to Kakadu National Park
Berry Springs
Noonamah
Lake Bennett
Turn off to Batchelor then onto Litchfield National Park
Adelaide River - On the Explorers Way
Hayes Creek - On the Explorers Way
Emerald Springs Roadhouse - On the Explorers Way
Pine Creek - On the Explorers Way
Katherine - On the Explorers Way
Mataranka - On the Explorers Way
Larrimah - On the Explorers Way
Daly Waters - On the Explorers Way
Hi-Way Inn - On the Explorers Way
Dunmurra - On the Explorers Way
Newcastle Waters - On the Explorers Way
Elliott - On the Explorers Way
Renner Springs - On the Explorers Way
Sturt memorial - On the Explorers Way
John Flynn Memorial - On the Explorers Way
Three Ways - On the Explorers Way
Tennant Creek - On the Explorers Way
Devils Marbles reserve - On the Explorers Way
Wauchope - On the Explorers Way
Wycliffe Well - On the Explorers Way
Barrow Creek - On the Explorers Way
TiTree - On the Explorers Way
Aileron - On the Explorers Way
Alice Springs - On the Explorers Way
Photographs Courtesy Of :NTTC - Northern Territory Tourism
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Our Mission Statement
As one of Australia's largest groups specializing in Northern Territory
4wd campers and motorhomes rentals and adventure safaris. From Darwin
and Alice Springs just perfect to travel on the Explorers Way - Stuart
Highway from Alice Springs to Darwin some 1450 klm. We also specialize
in Northern Territory guided camping and accommodated safaris whether
premium, luxury, backpackers, sightseeing, personalized or customized
we hope to have the right guided camping adventure for you. We are experienced
and dedicated for especially Northern Territory campervan and motorhome
hire and rentals as we are currently based in Darwin. We will source
the different options for you. We will look at all the extras and find
the best vehicle package for you or even a multiple option for you to
choose from. With our head Office in the heartland of the Top End of
Darwin we can advise you of the current situations of Kakadu National
Park, Uluru - Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta - The Olgas, in Western Australia
and Yulura Resort - Mereenie Loop - Odnadatta Track - West MacDonnell
and East MacDonnell ranges.
Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway travel information for self drive visitors guide. 1500 klm a jouney to remember and you have never really known Australian until you visit both Uluru (Ayers Rock), Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) and Kakadu.
- Travel from Darwin to Litchfield National Park back track to the Arnhem Highway onto Jabiru and then down the Kakadu Highway onto Pine Creek then Katherine and straight through another approximate 1200klm to Alice Springs stopping at Katherine and Katherine Gorge, Tennant Creek, Devils Marbles and the many road houses, wayside inns, hotels and fuel stops along the way and really enjoy true outback hospitality and the flavour of our territory. Option 2 do the reverse from Alice Springs to Darwin and which is better the choice is yours.
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Tropical Darwin capital cityOnce a sleepy outback town now a small city now a thriving industrial and tourism hub. Darwin city sits on a peninsula, next the outer city of Palmerston 30klm away and outer Darwin small farm lots of 5 acres to 320 acres agricultural lands.
Darwin Australia -
Kakadu National ParkVisit Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. 2 different access sealed highways into Kakadu it's a desintaion for tourists on vacation seeking a 5 day experience. Visit pristine waters, wildlife cruises and ancient Aboriginal rock art.
Kakadu National Park -
Litchfield National ParkVisit Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory, Australia. Visit nearby Litchfield National Park and see stunning waterfalls and amazing termite mounds and swim safely in crystal-clear swimming holes such as Buley Rock Holes and Lower Cascades.
Litchfield National Park
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Katherine Gorge NitmilukVisit Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park,Northern Territory, Australia. The most comfortable months to visit the Park are from May to September. The wet season causes flooding of the Katherine River and restrictions on some of the activities available.
Katherine Gorge -
Katherine south of DarwinVisit Katherine in Northern Territory, Australia! With a population of over 9,804 people Katherine is a modern thriving regional center and excellent town to setup your camp at with it's caravan parks in the town and at Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park.
Katherine -
Mataranka Thermal SpringsVisit Mataranka township and just off Stuart Highway in Elsey National Park.the famous Mataranka Thermal Springs is fed by spring water from the Daly and Georgina basins ata volume of 30.5 million litres per day. Surrounded by a palm forest 34C degrees.
Mataranka Thermal Springs
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The Devils MarblesKarlu Karlu known Devils Marbles. The Karlu Karlu Conservation Reserve, stretches 1,802 hectares and is home to a wide variety of desert flora and fauna, including goannas and finches. Located just approximately 100 kilometers south of Tennant Creek.
Devils Marbles -
Town of Alice SpringsAlice Springs known just as Alice has both western and Aboriginal influences. The town's central Todd Mall has numerous Aboriginal art galleries. Alice Springs desert lifestyle has several unique events such as the Camel Cup and Henley-on-Todd Regatta.
Alice Springs -
Uluru Kata Tjuta ParkUluru wasn't always known as Uluru actually it was named Ayers Rock and the same for Kata Tjuta was The Olgas. Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park though around 6 hours comfortable 2wd drive from Alice Springs is 452km away southwest of the town.
Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park