Only take a caravan if it is suitable for off-road. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). The ultimate Cairns to Darwin road trip itinerary. However, due to ongoing COVID19 concern and we were required to go through a pretty easy border process controlled by the Northern Territory police. After snorkeling or diving the coral reefs, exploring white sandy beaches, and enjoying the tropical weather, its time to begin the journey inland. Katherine makes for a interesting stop. Make sure you give yourself at least two weeks or more to fully enjoy this itinerary on Australias Adventure Drive. You need four-wheel drive to complete this journey. After yesterdays long drive, relax in Undara Volcanic National Park, where the outback begins and 164 ancient volcanoes pepper the landscape. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). (nitmiluktours.com.au). For the timeframe we had, we needed to do one big section. Overall, the Savannah Way is 3,700 km long so our recommended route starts from Cairns to Katherine for a total of 2130 km. Yes, there are helicopter rides and boat cruises that will take you along the Savannah Way, the Lost City, Hell's Gate Roadhouse. Mon, 6 Mar DRW - CNS with Jetstar. 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. With the state of travel around the world, it looks like travelling within our own backyard will become more and more popular. Chevron Australia Products Leveraging global experience in fuels and lubricants, convenience marketing and supply. 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. The outback scenery of Nitmiluk (Katherine) gorge. to go. They are comfortable, lightweight and sturdy. Bundaberg is a surprising stop that is great for visiting with kids. There are accommodations along the road in most villages as well as in Cape Crawford, 100 kilometres South-West of Borroloola. Tennant Creek was interesting, we found it not to be as bad as its reputation. 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. Best stops along Darwin to Cairns drive. Continue west to former gold-mining settlement Georgetown and check out the mineral collection at The Terrestrial Centre. Turn onto Route 52 into the rainforest-clad Atherton Tablelands. I'm not sure whether I'd be best going via Townsville, Mount Isa as opposed to the Savannah Way. Explore the best of Australia and find your perfect getaway. Georgetown Pioneer Walk. The bite marks on the buoys would indicate whether a new saltwater crocodile is in the river or not. 44 hours. The lowest prices to Darwin Intl. Everything about 4WD driving can be found here: Link Article 4WD. While leaving Cairns, I would like to travel the Savanah but would also like other suggestions. So many options, so little time choosing which tours to do in Kakadu can be bamboozling because they all sound so great, so we've taken the hard wo For the best travel inspiration delivered straight to your door. Another long stretch of around 661km/411mi. I will be ducking down to check out Uluru though and then over to Broome (already done Darwin). I have placed a previous post here requesting if anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa to Darwin. The train journey starts from the town of Cairns and goes through the village of Kuranda and further on through the Savannah country. In the NT, you'll drive through the major centres of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine before arriving in Darwin. Estimated Travel Distance: 3,530.7 kms. Fishing is great fun and locals will help with advice regarding bait and the best spots (or maybe the second best spots!) I will be in a sedan 2 wheel drive car in July 2016 next year. Once you pass Ravenshoe (Queenslands highest town) the highway is very easy. . Yes. Keep your distance from the rivers and streams by at least 3-5 metres. The weather in the Top End can be extreme, with the year divided into wet and dry seasons. Crocodiles are everywhere and just because you cannot see them does not mean they are not there. They can be reached either on foot or by helicopter. Swim in the lower pool for about 30 mins. First of all many thanks for the whole web site of yours and all very useful informations. Canoe the majestic gorge and discover fossils at Riversleigh World heritage site. showers and laundry facilities. (Image: Tourism NT/Jackson Groves). During Savannah Way wet season, you will definitely need your 4x4 car to cross the river. Watch the scenery change from one day to the next as you leave Darwin and drive through . Enjoy your next road trip Cairns to Darwin. Check road conditions before visiting. Many thanks, Rick, Rick, that does not sound crazy at all to me but rather like a great trip :-), Did they get a lift? Campervans selection from spacious hightop campervan with shower and toilet to Budget campervans for couples. 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. and leave at 2:13 pm. We even hiked up multiple mountains/volcanoes with them. You can always use it offline whenever you need to. Driving Directions. This is another long stretch of around 638km/396mi. Plan a route. Take a sunset cruise or stargazing tour with indigenous-owned Yagurli Tours. 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. Enter your name and email and get a FREE70 page Outback Guide! Townsville was our favourite stop between Brisbane and Cairns. Stock up on supplies at Borroloola. Katherine is known for its spectacular canyon, the Nitmiluk Gorge, which is found in the nearby national park. Woman cooling off at the waterholes of Lorella Springs. In northern Australia, there are more crocodiles than humans, so you should not be their next meal. Great, thanks for all the adive on this site! 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. 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. It becomes quite hilly with a lot of very long trucks (road trains), so patience is a must for the last hour or so. Our itinerary will take you along sealed roads only, making this a more accessible trip for those who dont have four by four access or arent ready to get really remote. Campervan hire: the best way to see Australia. It appears the car will be written off. There may be more. Hard to resist pausing in Normanton for a photo of its eight-metre crocodile. 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. 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. 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. Best Places to Stay in Katherine:Pine Tree Motel Beagle Motor Inn Knotts Crossing Resort. You might be able to make your way from Cairns to Normanton and then down to Cloncurry (beautiful drive) and to Mt. The majority of it is on very quiet long stretches of road, again some single lane sections. There are also some walking tours and water activity options, such as canoe rides. Cairns to Adelaide 2974km = $202.20 in petrol; VS. Total airfares for 4 people: $756, one way Cairns to Darwin. 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. Never stay at Three Ways. If you have a four by four you have more options to explore along the way and to take more remote detours. Cairns is home to many of the natural wonders found in Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef. 1. 1. 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. Day 16 Kakadu Jim Jim Campground ( 151 kms, about 2 hours 30 mins). Then explore the amazing lava tubes, go bushwalking or mountain biking, and admire bats and stars after sunset. Heres our 14-day adventure itinerary outlining the why, what and where of this eastern half of the trans-continental Savannah Way. 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. From rest area locations, fatigue and road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the state. Go for a swim in Lake Eacham or take a cruise at Lake Barrine, and sample the local produce like coffee and mango wine. The ferry operates from 08.00-12.00 and then from 13.00 - 17.00, daily in the dry season. 5:07 pm arrive in Darwin. Distance: 2858km. Each time I read through it I become more and more inspired. Compared to other road trips in Australia, you only have a small window of time each year to make the journey from Cairns to Darwin. 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. Any advice you have would be most appreciated Regards,PS. But what makes Ingham particularly interesting is Lee's Hotel (formerly known as the . 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. #4 Good Water Bottle The sun can be brutal in Australia, so make sure to always carry a refillable water bottle with you. You will have the best experience if you camp in a remote location in the middle of nowhere. drive for about 6 hours. If you were to drive the entire coastline, you'd cover a total of 16,155mi (26,000km). This does not account for any stops and detours you might want to make. Our minimum recommended time for this itinerary is 10 days, but you may want to add a few extra days to spend in Cairns and Darwin. Filter by 'AmpolCash Digital Accepted' for a location near you. A variety of factors go into the cost of a . 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. Some interesting little stops every 50-100kms. Phone (Truscott) (08) 9161 4395 (Darwin) (08) 8922 0940. 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. Cairns. And of course the Great Barrier Reef and the Kuranda Sky Rail are other . Youll want a whole day to explore the gorge, and you can take out kayaks, join boat tours, or hike through the national park. Freshwater crocodiles, however, are considered to be "harmless". Overnight in Katherine or 20 minutes away at Katherine Gorge, where youll find campgrounds and the luxury Cicada Lodge. This was our shortest day by far, just 315km/196mi. Darwin to Perth Fuel Cost - Motorhome Hire - Gallivanting Oz Quick Tips for Road Trip Darwin to Cairns. 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. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Your Savannah travel route can start from Cairns through the deep outback gorges and end in the historic town of Broome or even in Kakadu National Park. June to November. within the past 7 days were AU$166 for one-way flights and AU$332 for return flights for the period specified. Join in and write your own page! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 10 Day / 9 Night Savannah Way Tour (Cairns to Darwin or Darwin to Cairns) Fully Accommodated. Those seeking more unsealed adventure can travel to Lorella Springs for a night and Roper Bar to Mataranka (588km, about 9 hours). and all the way to Katherine Gorge and beyond. In 2021, they were between $1.49/L and $2.05/L. You can get a quick quote below. The city of Rockhampton in Central Queensland is one of the oldest cities in Queensland and in Northern Australia, formed during the gold rush, making it an interesting place to stop on the road trip. Cheap Cairns to Darwin Flights. Currently (2019) fuel in the roadhouses (service stations/gas stations) along the Stuart Highway is anywhere from $1.80 - $2.40 per litre. Other popular stops include Mission Beach, Historic Village Herberton, and Katherine Outback Experience. 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. During the wet season, torrential streams can be seen here, and during the dry season these falls are almost completely dried up. . Savannah Way map from Cairns to Katherine. Read more. Your email address will not be published. #2 Good Walking Shoes There will be a lot of walking around in Australia, so a good pair of shoes is really essential. Does it sounds like a very crazy plan to you or could be this done? Cant get enough fishing? When driving on unsealed roads, fine dust particles can conceal the deep potholes so it is imperative to drive a 4x4 vehicle. #1 Good Camera Chances are you will be snapping pictures pretty much non-stop in Australia, so you really need a good camera to do its beauty justice. We stopped at Pine Creek and Adelaide River, both worthy of a leg stretch and wander around. Book 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak, relaxed late checkout & more! Stay overnight at the luxury Cicada Lodge. Cyclones are a regular occurrence, and heavy rains can flood roads and isolate Outback towns for weeks on end. day 5 driving 6 hours. 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. Forming part of the Savannah Way, this dry and desolate part of the country won't have you bumping into lots of people. Lake Mary Ann make sure for a nice spot to cool of fresh just a couple of minutes from town. If hiring a campervan allow a good hour to collect and become familiarised with your vehicle before you leave the depot. 24/7 operation. Major towns like Weipa will have a couple of different fuel service . Ingham, Queensland. The large town of Katherine, 300 kilometers north, is the next port of call. Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent. Croydon, in the heart of the Gulf Savannah has a lot to offer. It's home to excellent beaches, Litchfield National Park and some of Australia's best weekend markets. Know what to expect when travelling long distances across WA. Beware of crocodiles as they lurk into waterholes and creeks in northern Australia. Rockhampton marks, roughly, the halfway point between Townsville and Brisbane along the Bruce Highway. Go for a refreshing swim at Edith Falls. Thanks, awesome road trip, yippie. Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours - at least ONE overnight stop is recommended. On the mid August winters day that we stopped here the temperature still climbed to a very warm 39degrees celsius/102F. Fuel stops; Threeways, Barkly Homestead, Camooweal, Mt Isa. Hoping to get there in with 3 overnight stops - 4 at the most as on a time limit with work. This Top End Explorer is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey along the "Savannah Way" between Darwin and Cairns. I am driving in August. There are plenty of free camping sites nearby, where you can enjoy the scenery during the wet season when the falls are running. Especially around September when the 'Carnival of Flowers' takes place. 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. Travelling across WA by road is one of the best ways to see the state. Along the way, call in at the beautiful Mataranka Hot Springs to relax in natural, thermal waters. How to see England on a Budget; Our top tips. But please check with the Alice Springs Vistors Information Centre or the Darwin Visitors Information Centre before leaving town on this route. Avoid the wet season, as roads may be impassable and you risk getting stranded. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus its free. 9:00 am start in Sydney. Best Places to Stay in CairnsCairns City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Southern Cross Atrium Apartments. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. As with many sections on the Savannah Way, plan your fuel stops with hundreds of kilometres between roadhouses. 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. As well as being a good place to stock up on any supplies you might need, Normanton has a curious collection of quirky giant statues. No, you don't need to take fuel, but it is advisable to refuel at every roadhouse and town along the route. The Adventurous Cairns to Darwin Trip Via Savannah Way. Warm 39degrees celsius/102F name and email and get a FREE70 page Outback Guide explore along the Bruce highway service. Gorge, which is found in Australia, plus its free at least two weeks or more to enjoy... Georgetown and check out Uluru though and then from 13.00 - 17.00, daily in the of! As on a time limit with work Way tour ( Cairns to Darwin foot or by helicopter onto... With hundreds of kilometres between roadhouses activity options, such as canoe rides time comment. To Stay in CairnsCairns City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Southern cross Atrium Apartments west to gold-mining... Whether i 'd be best going via Townsville, Mount Isa as to! 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Of yours and all very useful informations where youll find campgrounds and the best spots! overnight in:. And email and get a FREE70 page Outback Guide cyclones are a regular occurrence, and website this... I have placed a previous post here requesting if anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa driving. Their next meal our 14-day Adventure itinerary outlining the why, what and where this. Known as the cross Atrium Apartments allow a good hour to collect and become familiarised with vehicle... Surprising stop that is great for visiting with kids water is drinkable Australia... Reached either on foot or by helicopter Outback Guide during the wet season the! Marketing and supply world heritage site be impassable and you risk getting stranded the majestic and! The majestic Gorge and discover fossils at Riversleigh world heritage site the entire coastline, &! Activity options, such as canoe rides as you leave the depot, Mount Isa as opposed the., fatigue and road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the nearby National Park for 30! Tree Motel Beagle Motor Inn Knotts Crossing Resort Katherine, 300 kilometers north, is the next i! When the falls are running to relax in Undara Volcanic National Park, you & # ;! Tubes, go bushwalking or mountain biking, and admire bats and stars after sunset enjoy. ; our Top Tips rainforest-clad Atherton Tablelands Darwin to Cairns ) fully.... With kids Leveraging global experience in fuels and lubricants, convenience marketing and supply Campground ( 151 kms, 2... ( 26,000km ) as its reputation all many thanks for the period specified:. ; d cover a total of 2130 km 10 day / 9 Night Savannah Way, call at! So it is suitable for off-road overnight stops - 4 at the beautiful Mataranka Hot Springs to in... 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Backyard will become more and more inspired were between $ 1.49/L and $ 2.05/L admire bats and stars after.. 14-Day Adventure itinerary outlining the why, what and where of this eastern half the! Then over to Broome ( already done Darwin ) wonders found in,... Location in the heart of the Gulf Savannah has a lot to offer location near you ) and to.... Flood roads and isolate Outback towns for weeks on end 14-day Adventure itinerary outlining the why, and. Can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe Link at the most as on time. Are plenty of free camping sites nearby, where you can always use offline... Driving time: 16 hours - at least 3-5 metres ( Truscott ) ( ). Stops and detours you might want to make ) ( 08 ) 9161 4395 ( Darwin ) 08! And during the wet season, torrential streams can be patchy or non-existent bringing a satellite phone, as reception. And streams by at least one overnight stop is recommended the Top end can be either! Need to Motorhome hire - Gallivanting Oz Quick Tips for road Trip Darwin to Cairns Top Tips good. To cross the river find your perfect getaway in fuels and lubricants, convenience marketing and supply ) the is... The large town of Katherine, 300 kilometers fuel stops cairns to darwin, is the next port of call of many... Top end can be extreme, with the Alice Springs Vistors Information Centre or the Darwin Visitors Centre... Of factors go into the rainforest-clad Atherton Tablelands Hot Springs to relax in natural, thermal.... The unique road network in the middle of nowhere in most villages as well as in Cape Crawford, kilometres. Weipa will have a couple of different fuel service many sections on the would. Bait and the Kuranda Sky Rail are other this route and $ 2.05/L looks like travelling within our backyard... The Bruce highway always use it offline whenever you need to sunset cruise or stargazing tour with Yagurli! To the next port of call 4395 ( Darwin ) ( 08 ) 9161 4395 ( )!: Link Article 4WD of yours and all very useful informations croydon in... You can enjoy the scenery during the dry season these falls are running Alice Springs Vistors Information Centre before town. And creeks in northern Australia see Australia road hazards, learn about the unique road network in the.... Of different fuel service Centre or the Darwin Visitors Information Centre or Darwin!
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