heavy vehicle rest areasexclusively for heavy vehicles only. Being the halfway point on this particular . 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. Filter. Tennant Creek was interesting, we found it not to be as bad as its reputation. 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. 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. On this expedition, you will enjoy the true Outback of the Northern Territory and Queensland along the way. From Cairns to Darwin drive via Kakadu = 2,680 km. high-flow diesel pumps. Stay at luxe Gilberton Outback Retreat and explore rock art, gold-mining history and wildlife. 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. Australian Traveller Media 2023. Whiz on west, filling up with petrol at Hells Gate Roadhouse and passing over the border into the Northern Territory. 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. Darwin is Australias smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. Our favorite is the Klean Kanteen Classic Stainless Steel Water Bottle. Where are Savannah Way fuel stops? Direct. Burketown has plenty of fishing holes and you can even join the annual Barramundi Fishing Competition held every Easter. The peaceful pools of Berry Springs. All Rights Reserved. 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. Group in Undara Lava tubes. Keep watch on the fuel gauge, as petrol stations are infrequent. Your email address will not be published. You have a great website. This is also the home of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 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. 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. 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). Camping in the bush, the real outback experience - Secluded in the bush, the nearest house is 500km away. This remote crossing from east to west across the bottom of Australia is a must-do journey. There are accommodations along the road in most villages as well as in Cape Crawford, 100 kilometres South-West of Borroloola. My son and his girlfriend were driving from Gold Coast to Darwin but have had an accident outside Mt Isa and are now stranded in Mt Isa. Check the weather and road conditions in Queensland and the Northern Territory before your journey. This one though includes a COVID 19 Border stop at the Queensland/Northern Territory Border. See amazing Aboriginal artwork at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. . It becomes quite hilly with a lot of very long trucks (road trains), so patience is a must for the last hour or so. Watch the scenery change from one day to the next as you leave Darwin and drive through . This is an easy drive, where the majority of the time you have the open road all to yourself. Other popular stops include Mission Beach, Historic Village Herberton, and Katherine Outback Experience. Then Camooweal (A2 highway), Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Hughenden, Townsville (Transfer Point), head north to Cairns along sea highway. (319 kms, about 4 hours). 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. There are plenty of waterfalls and waterholes in Litchfield National Park that are accessible via sealed roads: Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole are popular among both locals and visitors. The Emerald Pool, Lorella Springs from above. The famous Outback service began in Cloncurry, and you can learn more at the John Flynn Place Museum in town. Animals thrive when theyre left to their own devices, instincts and natural environment. 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. Our truck-friendly network is complemented by an additional 900 service stations offering a comprehensive range of fuels, facilities and retail . to go. 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. First of all many thanks for the whole web site of yours and all very useful informations. By keeping our speed between 100-116km/h we kept our fuel costs down to less than $300AUD for the entire journey. In Katherine and the surrounding area there is a lot to discover so it is worth planning an additional day. Distance: 2858km. 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. Just beware of the saltwater crocodiles and do not get too close to the water. No wonder Australias colonial father Captain James Cook chose to land here. 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. 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. Also an espresso coffee machine in the morning before the big drive. Yes. Only take a caravan if it is suitable for off-road. Wherever there is some water left, plants, trees, and flowers grow, Bush fires are part of nature and beneficial for the environment, Between Burketown and Borroloola, there is the Queensland-Northern Territory border, approx. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. Continue west to former gold-mining settlement Georgetown and check out the mineral collection at The Terrestrial Centre. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours - at least ONE overnight stop is recommended. 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. Does it sounds like a very crazy plan to you or could be this done? There are 3 different rest areas available to help you manage your fatigue: motorist rest areasfor general and recreational vehicles (including caravans and motorhomes) only. 1:13 pm Mudgee. 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. Explore Maguk Find a great campsite in Jim Jim before setting out for a tour of Maguk Gorge. Cairns to Darwin // Your 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary. Another long stretch of around 661km/411mi. Best Places to Stay in AthertonLilly Pilly House Atherton Hotel Bike And Bird. Stay safe on your road trip. 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. 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. 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. Turn it into a road trip over the course of a week or so - preferably at least two weeks - and things get . This makes for a driving time of around 39 hours, which obviously no-one is going to attempt in one stint behind the wheel. Cairns to Darwin. 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. Avoid the wet season, as roads may be impassable and you risk getting stranded. Estimated Travel Distance: 3,530.7 kms. Driving north from South Australia, take the Stuart Highway from Adelaide through Coober Pedy into the Northern Territory. Darwin. Estimated Travel Period: 17 Days including Kakadu National Park. Example: during our trip, in the Roper Bar Store Roadhouse, diesel cost about AUD2 per gallon, which at the time was 40% more expensive than in Cairns. Day 6 Normanton and Karumba (225 kms, about 3 hours). Check out the newly reopened Baruwei Lookout for jaw-dropping views over the ancient gorge system. Its a beautiful drive from Cairns to Darwin by car and we are confident you will love it as much as we did. There are fuel stops at Victoria River Roadhouse and Timber Creek in the Northern Territory. Rest every two hours for at least 15 minutes. For travel insurance we recommend SafetyWing. The weather in the Top End can be extreme, with the year divided into wet and dry seasons. I have placed a previous post here requesting if anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa to Darwin. With three peaceful pools and a sprawling picnic area, Berry Springs is a wonderful morning excursion about 50 minutes from Darwin's CBD. 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. First, pass through Mutton Hole Wetlands north of Normanton for stunning birdlife, including brolgas and black swans. Fishing, swimming, bushwalking and birdwatching will also keep you occupied. Day 10 4WD and Bush Camping (391 kms, about 6 hours). You would normally see the welcome to the Northern Territory sign (which has since been removed) and cross the border, being welcomed by speed signs allowing you to drive at 130km/h. Katherine is known for its spectacular canyon, the Nitmiluk Gorge, which is found in the nearby national park. Each time I read through it I become more and more inspired. Katherine to Darwin. Head to Wangi Falls where you can take a short rainforest walk or book a scenic heli flight year-round. drive for about 4 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. Bundaberg is a surprising stop that is great for visiting with kids. For this reason, red buoys are set up in various places in the river where saltwater crocodiles would bite them out of curiosity. Check the weather and road conditions in Queensland, Croydon, the Heritage Capital of the Gulf. From Cairns to Darwin, our suggested route covers a minimum of 2800 kilometers. There are plenty of free camping sites nearby, where you can enjoy the scenery during the wet season when the falls are running. Be sure to fuel up with . Could you recommend places to spend the night, and if there is something interesting to visit on the route, about nature. USB charger for the cigarette lighter to charge smartphone, camera, etc. Pick up camper van from Mighty Campers Darwin - Left at 10:45 am. Take a break at Lake Eacham, and admire Little Millstream Falls near Ravenshoe. Spend the night in Atherton, before preparing yourself to travel inland. Day 17 Arrive in Darwin! Check road conditions before visiting. drive for about 3 hours. We don't recommend it as this means driving fast and unsafe. You can also add current fuel prices which are then shared with other users of Fuel Map. 8:09 pm Bourke. Just stay as far away from the water as you can when you camp at night, but also avoid taking photos alongside the river or go swimming. Good luck to you all. There are just so many things to do here that youll want to stay for at least two days. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). Cairns is very easy to navigate around and is the ideal starting point for many different road trips. Book 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak, relaxed late checkout & more! You are a gem Birgit, I love your site and am so grateful for all the energy you (and others) put into it. How? The weather is cooler during the dry season too which will make the trip much more enjoyable. Towing a small jayco :), Two friends and I are planning to go in two weeks, any advice appreciated. 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. Explore the historic town of Croydon, a living museum where gold was discovered in the late 1800s. 10 Day / 9 Night Savannah Way Tour (Cairns to Darwin or Darwin to Cairns) Fully Accommodated. I will be in a sedan 2 wheel drive car in July 2016 next year. . However, dont attempt to cross if the water is fast-flowing or at a greater depth than the height of your cars middle wheel. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Head on to the Undara Volcanic National Park, where you can discover many natural wonders. Currently (2019) fuel in the roadhouses (service stations/gas stations) along the Stuart Highway is anywhere from $1.80 - $2.40 per litre. We highly recommend the Sony RX100 III. BEST TIME OF YEAR: 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. You will have the best experience if you camp in a remote location in the middle of nowhere. Rest areas are a place where you can stop and rest, making your journey safer and more enjoyable. Watch the sunset in Charles Darwin National Park or just enjoy a nice warm evening in one of the many accommodation options in Darwin. Google traffic. Distance from Brisbane 362 KM | Distance from Cairns 1354 KM. Consider detouring to Cobbold Gorge for an afternoon cruise surrounded by sculpted red sandstone cliffs. This is a bit more interesting than the previous day, with changing landscape and a couple of interesting spots worth stopping at. by: Ann Wareing . From Brisbane you will need to join the A2 and head towards Toowoomba. In Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, the limestone rock formations are worth a visit. Additional terms apply. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. #5 Good Reef-Safe Sunscreen Conventional sunscreen damages the reefs, so please make sure to get a good reef-safe sunscreen instead. Simply click here to return to, Australian Tourist Attractions in the Outback, Travelling Outback Australia with camels and gypsy caravans. Day 15 Kakadu Gunlom Campground (196 kms, about 2 hours 30 mins). and leave at 2:13 pm. This is a great tour to do during the dry season, generally between May and October. 311km's, approx 4hrs + stops. #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. Day 4 Cobbold Gorge (237 kms, about 3 hours 20 mins). Cairns is home to many of the natural wonders found in Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef. The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen works just as well as a regular sunscreen but without all the harmful chemicals. Days 2-3 Undara Lava Tubes (225 kms, about 3 hours). In 2022, with global fuel price rises, Cape York fuel costs were between $2.11/L and 2.89/L. Located in West Bay, east Kimberley. The best part of the Broome to Darwin road trip traverses the astonishingly beautiful Kimberley region, which is known as 'Australia . They are comfortable, lightweight and sturdy. 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. Rockhampton marks, roughly, the halfway point between Townsville and Brisbane along the Bruce Highway. Only swim at safe swimming spots, and be careful around waterways and rivers, as Australias biggest saltwater crocodiles are found in the Top End. Katherine Gorge consists of 13 impressive canyons, which can be explored by boat, helicopter or on foot, In Mataranka and Katherine you can bathe in the 34 C natural hot springs surrounded by palm tree, North Australia's most spectacular Lost-City rock formations at Cape Crawford can only be seen by helicopter, The Lost-City rock formations at Caranbirini Conservation Reserve can be explored on foot, Cook with a camp-oven on an open fire somewhere in the bush, Evening visits from kangaroos are not uncommon, especially at sunrise and sunset when they are most active, Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning whilst watching the sunrise and wildlife, Although the fridge is small, there is nothing missing as long as everythings well planned, A shovel is an absolute must-have tool in the outback, and not just for the bush toilet. With a population of over 1000 residents, Normanton is a real hub in the Outback, and this is where the landscapes turn from green to red. (Image: Tourism NT/Mitch Cox). (nitmiluktours.com.au). This can be a blessing and a curse. 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. Chevron Australia Products Leveraging global experience in fuels and lubricants, convenience marketing and supply. Cairns to Darwin. There is never any wood on campgrounds so its best that you collect it on the way before you get there. Folks this information on fuel stops between Darwin and Alice Springs was correct in 2016. 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. 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. If you have extra time for your trip, there are plenty of places to stop and check out and spend the night, especially in the Atherton Tablelands. This is an easy drive, where the majority of the time you have the open road all to yourself. I didn't bother including them south of Wubin as I assume you'll have filled up . But what it lacks in terms of human population, this part of Australia more . If you have time, do not miss going a little further north to the Kakadu National Park and Darwin. Journey through the heart of Australia experiencing the iconic outback, stunning flora and fauna, topped off with the tropical and lush top end and world renowned food and wine destinations. Everything about 4WD driving can be found here: Link Article 4WD. Accommodation here ranges from cabins to converted railway carriages and a campground. Though do watch out for those Kangaroos between dusk and dawn. Simply click here to return to Australian Outback Travel Questions. For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. DISTANCE: 3,500 - 4,500 kms. The Outback has many shops closed on Sundays, as opposed to coastal resorts. Or, you can say yes to adventure, stock up the 4WD with spare tyres and a puncture repair kit, and brave the Gibb River Road.. Diesel needs to be pre-ordered from Darwin and pumped from the barge to your vessel. The Outback Way is one of Australia's great four wheel drive odysseys. 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. 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. Bundaberg. Crocodiles can frequent the park, so swimming during the wet season (November-April) is off-limits and warnings should be heeded year-round. Cooktown is quiet and laidback, but with its history, environment and beach side location it has a lot to offer. Note: This itinerary is part of a much longer Melbourne to Darwin road trip. A 10-day 4WD safari tour will take you and your friends (maximum 4 people) through East Darwin, Litchfield National Park, Mataranka, the Lost City, and all the way to Cairns with meals included as well as overnight stays in Savannah Way motel accommodations. (Image: Tourism NT/Jackson Groves). Prices and availability are subject to change. Overall, the Savannah Way is 3,700 km long so our recommended route starts from Cairns to Katherine for a total of 2130 km. Dont swim without authoritative local advice, since waterways may be inhabited by saltwater crocodiles. The best time of year to travel is the dry season, with the optimum period being from June to early September, when theres no risk of rainfall. In northern Australia, there are more crocodiles than humans, so you should not be their next meal. Thanks, awesome road trip, yippie. 260km west of Camooweal, is the only fuel stop before you reach the Stuart Highway just north of Tennant Creek. Darwin lays claim to more crocodiles than any other city With its unparalleled beauty and endless reaches, the Aussie outback holds its own. Be sure to have good tires and drive below the speed limit during the wet conditions. Show only these on map. Its super lightweight, compact, and the image quality is amazing. Leichhardt Falls are 70 km south of Burketown. 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. Thinking of a family self drive hire vacation - then search here for a one way rental . A roadhouse basically is a fuel station with add-ons. Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent. from 181. You can fish almost anywhere along Savannah Way, but the following are the best spots for fishing:Borroloola is best known for its barra fishing.The waters around Barranayi National Park are also excellent for fishing. (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo). Do I need to take fuel on a Darwin to Cairns road trip? Due to the size, a road trip across Western Australia can include long stretches of driving. There are camping sites along Savannah Way, such as Borroloola Caravan Park and Burketown Caravan Park located at the Gulf of Carpentaria. Karumba is a great spot to charter a fishing boat. Fuel is cheaper in towns such as Port Augusta and Alice Springs, and much cheaper in capital cities. Heres our 14-day adventure itinerary outlining the why, what and where of this eastern half of the trans-continental Savannah Way. Darwin is Australia's smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. Your email address will not be published. Distance: 68km's from Pine Creek, about 50 mins. Seven Emu Station is accessible by 4WD only. You'll have the time of your life's. There may be more. Fuel Map is a crowd-sourced database of petrol stations and fuel prices from all across Australia. It appears the car will be written off. I want emails from Road Affair with travel updates and marketing. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus its free. 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. Gear up for an ultimate driving adventure holiday in Savanna Way, with 5 World Heritage sites and 15 national parks waiting to be explored. 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.
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