Amazing Adelaide To Darwin Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

Experience the magic of heading north through the Australian Outback with our Adelaide to Darwin road trip itinerary!

The Outback is one of the first things that comes to mind when people think of Australia. If you want to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and Indigenous history of the Outback, consider an Adelaide to Darwin road trip!

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, and is a vibrant tourist city at the bottom of the continent. Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory, located at the very top of the continent.

So a road trip between these two major cities takes you right through the middle of Australia, in the heart of the Outback!

Road trips through the center of Australia allow you to escape the crowds and witness some truly awe-inspiring landscapes.

You can stop at famous landmarks like Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Katherine Gorge, and more. You can camp amidst the untouched wilderness or spend the night in charming country towns.

Australia’s beautiful coastlines have much to offer, but adventurous travellers should definitely try breathtaking road trips through the Outback!

Plan your trip to Darwin with our ultimate 7-day itinerary!

How many days does it take to drive from Adelaide to Darwin?

We recommend 14 days for your Adelaide to Darwin road trip.

If you drive direct from Adelaide to Darwin with no stops, it’s about 31 hours of driving and over 3,000km! So if you were to just drive for 8 hours a day with no activities, you would need about 4 days for the whole trip.

But the whole point of taking on this massive journey is to see the wonders of the Australian Outback! So the more time you have, the better. There will be long stretches of desert road with nothing to see, but you will encounter some amazing places where you’ll want to spend a couple of days.

So we recommend 2 weeks for your road trip through Central Australia, at the very least. This gives you time to have some flexibility on your long trip, plus some time for fun activities and tours in addition to just driving the whole time.

From Coober Pedy, to Uluru, to Alice Springs, to Katherine, Kakadu, and more, this entire road trip could easily take months if you really wanted to take your time. But most travellers don’t have an unlimited time frame, so try to spend at least 2 weeks. 3 or 4 weeks is even better!

What is the best time of the year to travel from Adelaide to Darwin?

The best time to road trip from Adelaide to Darwin is during the dry season, which typically runs from May to September. The dry season has little rain, cooler temperatures, and low humidity, making conditions much more suitable for outdoor adventures and long road trips.

The wet season, from October to April, is not ideal for road trips because of the intense heat and humidity. And of course, there are often monsoonal rains during these months, which can cause road closures and national park closures.

Places in the Red Centre, such as Alice Springs, Uluru, Kings Canyon, and more, can be unbearably hot in the middle of summer. Places in the Top End, such as Kakadu National Park, Katherine, and Litchfield National Park, can be very wet and also hot.

So plan your road trips through South Australia and the Northern Territory in the dry season for the best weather and driving conditions!

Plan for your Australia trip with our comprehensive packing list.

Do you need 4WD for Stuart Highway?

You don’t need a 4WD for the Stuart Highway! This iconic road runs through Central Australia, bringing drivers directly from Adelaide to Darwin via Port Augusta, Alice Springs, and Tennant Creek.

It’s one of Australia’s longest roads, and you’ll be driving on this for the majority of your road trip.

The Stuart Highway is sealed and does not require a 4WD. Having a high-clearance 4WD can give you access to some more remote areas of the national parks along the way, but it’s not necessary for the majority of the drive.

Where to start your Adelaide to Darwin road trip itinerary

You can easily start your road trip in Adelaide or Darwin. Feel free to reverse the entire road trip itinerary and drive from Darwin to Adelaide!

Both places are capital cities, meaning they have an international airport and are full of amenities. There are plenty of hotels and places to rent a car in both Adelaide and Darwin.

Consider spending at least a few days in each city before embarking on your road trip, as there is much to do in each place.

But once you’re ready to hit the road, here is our recommended Adelaide to Darwin road trip itinerary!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

The Ultimate Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary

It’s time to drive from Adelaide to Darwin! You’ll see plenty of iconic places in South Australia, such as Port Augusta, the Flinders Rangers, Coober Pedy, and more.

Then you’ll enter the Northern Territory and have the chance to explore delights such as Uluru, Alice Springs, Katherine, Kakadu, and much more as well.

So pick up your rental car in Adelaide and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Adelaide

Before setting off on your road trip, try to spend at least a few days exploring the wonders of Adelaide. There is so much to see and do in this vibrant city at any time of year!

You can shop for fresh food at the Adelaide Central Market, stroll through the Adelaide Botanic Garden, or attend a sports game at the Adelaide Oval. There are also plenty of cool museums, parks, and shopping streets in Adelaide.

Or venture outside the city center and take a day trip to Kangaroo Island, or go wine tasting in the Barossa Valley.

Just don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible city before you set off towards your first stop, Port Augusta!

Port Augusta

• Distance from Adelaide: 308km
• Driving time: 3 hours and 20 minutes

Head north along the coast of South Australia to Port Augusta, known as the “Gateway to the Outback.” This regional hub serves as a crossroads for travellers heading to iconic destinations like the Flinders Ranges, the Nullarbor Plain, and the Red Centre.

Port Augusta offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions, making it a worthwhile stop on your road trip.

The Wadlata Outback Centre provides an engaging introduction to the region’s Indigenous heritage and the development of South Australia’s outback, complete with interactive displays and stories about the pioneering days.

Another highlight of Port Augusta is the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, and the town’s waterfront area along the Spencer Gulf.

Flinders Ranges

• Distance from Port Augusta: 151km
• Driving time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

From Port Augusta, you can take a slight detour east from the Stuart Highway if you want to explore the famous Flinders Ranges of South Australia.

This majestic mountain range will add around 3-4 hours to the road trip, so it’s only recommended for real nature lovers who have a flexible time schedule.

If you’re skipping the Flinders Ranges, you can just continue north, passing Lake Hart and Island Lagoon Lookout on the way.

But if you do have time to head out to the Flinders Ranges, there are some amazing towns, hikes, lookouts, and attractions for outdoor enthusiasts.

Highlights include hiking to Wangara Lookout at Wilpena Pound, stargazing in Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, hiking sections of the Heysen Trail, seeing fossils along the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail, and camping in Wilpena Pound or Arkaroola.

You can also see ancient rock art of the Adnyamathanha people at Sacred Canyon, admire the sunset at Stokes Hill Lookout, or explore the historic town of Quorn. There is honestly so much to do in the Flinders Ranges, you could spend days here!

So just fit it into your itinerary how you see fit, or skip it if you’re keen to get into the Northern Territory.

Coober Pedy

• Distance from Flinders Ranges: 690km
• Driving time: 7 hours and 10 minutes

It’s a big drive through South Australia to get to your next stop (unless you skipped the Flinders Ranges, then it’s just 5.5 hours from Port Augusta).

You’re really getting into the heart of the Outback, so the driving times will get longer!

Coober Pedy is a unique town known for its underground lifestyle and rich opal mining history. Located in the midst of the desert, the town is almost entirely underground! You’ll find homes, churches, and shops carved into the earth in order to escape the heat above ground.

Visitors can explore the fascinating opal mines and museums, such as the Old Timers Mine, or check out cool underground landmarks like the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Nearby, the Moon Plain and the Painted Desert offer surreal, otherworldly landscapes, while the Breakaways Conservation Park features striking sandstone formations and breathtaking views.

Coober Pedy is one of the most famous places in the Outback of South Australia, and you can even spend the night in an underground hotel!

Yulara and Uluru

• Distance from Coober Pedy: 733km
• Driving time: 7.5 hours

Next on your Adelaide to Darwin road trip is one of Australia’s most iconic places: Uluru! This sacred monolith is a world-famous natural landmark in the heart of the Red Centre, and you simply cannot miss it.

Uluru is very much in the middle of nowhere, so you’ll probably want to spend a night or two here during your road trip. You can’t stay within Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park itself, so the closest place to stay overnight is the nearby town of Yulara.

Yulara is only a 25-minute drive to Uluru, so you can easily do day trips and walks at Uluru while staying in Yulara.

If you have time you can take on the full-day Uluru Base Walk, which circumnavigates the entire rustic red rock. Those who prefer shorter walking trails can try the Mala Walk, Liru Walk, or Walpa Gorge Walk.

And don’t forget to wake up early to see the sunrise over Uluru! It’s a must-do in the Australian Outback. This guided Uluru tour from Yulara includes the Uluru sunrise, Walpa Gorge, and the unique natural domes of Kata Tjuta.

Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park

• Distance from Yulara: 272km
• Driving time: 3 hours

Pack up and hit the road again! Continue driving through the Red Centre to reach your next destination. Kings Canyon, located in Watarrka National Park, is a breathtaking natural wonder with red sandstone walls, lush vegetation, and sweeping views of the outback.

The highlight is the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a 6-kilometer circuit that rewards hikers with spectacular vistas, dramatic cliffs, and unique rock formations like the “Lost City” domes.

For those seeking a shorter option, the Creek Bed Walk offers an easier path along the canyon floor.

The canyon is rich in cultural significance to the Luritja people, and guided tours provide insights into their stories and the area’s ancient geology. You can also admire the canyon from above on a scenic helicopter tour!

There are a few campgrounds and resorts near Kings Canyon. You’ll likely want to stay the night here after hiking all day, and it’s a 3-hour drive to Alice Springs, your next destination.

Alice Springs

• Distance from Watarrka National Park: 308km
• Driving time: 3 hours and 15 minutes

From Kings Canyon, you’ll drive east to Alice Springs in the heart of the Red Centre. On the way, you’ll pass right through the West Macdonnell Ranges and it’s worth stopping to admire the beauty of these mountains.

This ancient mountain range has some incredible natural attractions, including the breathtaking gorges of Ormiston, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and Simpsons Gap, perfect for swimming, hiking, and photography.

You can also visit the West Macdonnell Ranges on day trips from Alice Springs, but it makes sense to explore the area before you get to Alice Springs as its right on the way. Upon arriving in Alice Springs, settle into your accommodation and take your pick of the local activities!

Ride over the desert in a hot air balloon, discover Indigenous art at Araluen Cultural Precinct, or learn about desert ecosystems at Alice Springs Desert Park.

Mingle with local wildlife at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre or the Kangaroo Sanctuary, or soak in some panoramic views at ANZAC Hill.

Learn some history at Alice Springs Telegraph Station, or learn about the remote healthcare system at Royal Flying Doctor Service. There is so much to do in Alice Springs for travellers of all ages!

Devils Marbles

• Distance from Alice Springs: 412km
• Driving time: 4 hours and 10 minutes

From Alice Springs, hop back on the Stuart Highway and continue up through the Northern Territory. After about 4 hours, you’ll reach another incredible natural landmark just in time for a well-deserved driving break.

The Devils Marbles, known as Karlu Karlu to the local Warumungu people, are massive, rounded granite boulders in a wide desert valley. It’s a surreal, otherworldly landscape that must be seen to be believed.

Formed over millions of years through weathering and erosion, the marbles glow in stunning hues of red and orange during sunrise and sunset, making them a photographer’s dream.

Visitors can take self-guided walks around the area, learn about its cultural importance through interpretive signage, or simply enjoy the awe-inspiring natural beauty. Camping facilities nearby make it an excellent spot for stargazing under the outback’s clear night skies.

Tennant Creek

• Distance from Devils Marbles: 95km
• Driving time: 1 hour

If you don’t want to camp out near Devils Marbles, it’s only an hour until Tennant Creek which has some inns, motels, and caravan parks.

If you’re interested in the gold mining history and Indigenous culture of the Northern Territory, you can also spend some time exploring the attractions in Tennant Creek.

Once the site of Australia’s last major gold rush in the 1930s, the town’s history is celebrated at the Battery Hill Mining Centre, where visitors can explore gold mining relics and take underground mine tours.

Tennant Creek is also a cultural hub for the Warumungu people, with the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre offering an immersive experience of their traditions, art, and Dreamtime stories.

Nearby attractions include the scenic Lake Mary Ann, perfect for picnics and swimming, and the historic Overland Telegraph Station, a reminder of the region’s role in connecting Australia’s remote interior to the outside world.

Daly Waters

• Distance from Tennant Creek: 407km
• Driving time: 4 hours and 15 minutes

Continue up through the Northern Territory until you reach Daly Waters. This is another small and charming Outback town where you can refuel, stretch your legs, and even stay the night if you want.

The town’s centerpiece is the Daly Waters Pub, a legendary stopover for travellers in the Northern Territory. The pub has lots of decorations from travellers, hearty meals, live music, and a true taste of outback hospitality.

The nearby Daly Waters Airstrip is a famous historic landmark, having served as a refueling stop for pioneering aviation routes and during World War II.

Though Daly Waters is small, it’s a convenient place on your road trip route where you can take a break from driving and explore a quintessential Aussie outback town.

Read next: The Ultimate Guide To Hiking In Australia

Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park

• Distance from Daly Waters: 276km
• Driving time: 3 hours

As you enter Australia’s Top End, there are a few more exquisite national parks that you may want to visit before heading to Darwin. Nitmiluk National Park is one of them!

Nitmiluk National Park is home to Nitmiluk Gorge, also known as Katherine Gorge. This dramatic series of gorges carved by the Katherine River showcases some incredible ancient sandstone cliffs and views.

Get the best views of the gorge on a local boat tour where you can cruise along the Katherine River and learn about the area from your guide.

You can also explore the small country town of Katherine, which has a few accommodation options for those who want to stay overnight. If you are spending some time here, be sure to visit Katherine Hot Springs and soak in the warm thermal waters!

Kakadu National Park

• Distance from Katherine: 152km
• Driving time: 1.5 hours

As you continue north from Nitmiluk National Park, you’ll have to venture slightly off course to visit Kakadu National Park. The famous national park is a bit further east from the more direct route between Adelaide and Darwin. But if you have the time, it’s worth the detour!

Kakadu National Park has some of Australia’s most rugged and untouched wilderness. It’s known for its ancient rock art, incredible waterfalls, and wildlife-filled waterways. This is one of the best places to spot mighty saltwater crocodiles in Australia on a river cruise or at Cahills Crossing.

You could easily spend days on end exploring all the natural wonders here, but most travellers will opt for a day or two. It is a highlight of Australia’s Northern Territory!

Or you can day trip to Kakadu National Park from Darwin once you finish your road trip if you prefer to just get to Darwin more quickly.

Litchfield National Park

• Distance from Kakadu National Park: 197km
• Driving time: 2 hours

Whether you’re stopping in Kakadu or not, Litchfield National Park should be your last stop on the itinerary before you reach Darwin. It’s only an hour south of the city, so it’s a convenient place to explore as you’re driving into the city.

Litchfield National Park is known for its majestic waterfalls and natural swimming holes. It’s an amazing place to escape the heat of the Northern Territory!

Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole, Tolmer Falls, and Wangi Falls are among the most beautiful cascades in the park.

Also be sure to check out the magnificent termite mounds in Litchfield National Park, as they are an impressive natural phenomenon in the Northern Territory. After admiring the lush beauty of this park, drive for just one more hour and you’ve made it to Darwin!

Darwin

• Distance from Litchfield National Park: 106km
• Driving time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Congrats on completing an absolutely epic drive through the heart of Australia! This is not an easy feat, as Australia is simply so massive and the route from Adelaide to Darwin is very remote.

But you’ve seen some of Australia’s most impressive landscapes in South Australia and the Northern Territory, and now you get to relax and enjoy Darwin.

Book a centrally located hotel where you can relax and explore downtown on foot. Or you can keep your rental car for a few more days if you want to have more freedom and flexibility in the city.

While you’re in Darwin, soak in the city’s highlights such as the Darwin Waterfront Precinct, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market, Bicentennial Park, and the various Indigenous art galleries.

Those interested in history and museums can check out the Darwin Military Museum and WWII Tunnels or the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Or you can treat yourself to a sunset dinner cruise, or continue your adventures with some day trips such as to the offshore Tiwi Islands. Either way, it’s time to celebrate because you’ve completed an incredible Adelaide to Darwin road trip through the Australian Outback!

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