Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Crocodiles are everywhere and just because you cannot see them does not mean they are not there. 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. We even hiked up multiple mountains/volcanoes with them. Ingham is the second major township along Bruce Highway between Cairns and Townsville. However, make sure you have adequate insurance and roadside assistance which covers remote locations. Tip: Start a fire in the bush and cook with your camp-oven, enjoy the sunset over a glass of wine or beer in front of your campfire somewhere in the middle of nowhere - a priceless experience to remember.After 756 km you will reach Normanton, where you can stock up with food, water, fuel and even take a shower at one of the campsites. The weather is cooler during the dry season too which will make the trip much more enjoyable. 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. Thanks so much, going to make the trip easy and will have a cold one for you. The famous Outback service began in Cloncurry, and you can learn more at the John Flynn Place Museum in town. Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent. Wildlife can be a danger this far north too, so avoid driving at night if you dont want a run-in with a kangaroo or a herd of cattle or camel on the road. . Enjoy birdwatching, fishing for trevally and mackerel, and chatting to the Shadforth family about their traditional Garawa culture. heavy vehicle rest areasexclusively for heavy vehicles only. This remote crossing from east to west across the bottom of Australia is a must-do journey. Contact the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for further information - phone 07 4090 4100. This will however take an extra day. Watch the sunset in Charles Darwin National Park or just enjoy a nice warm evening in one of the many accommodation options in Darwin. Camping in the bush, the real outback experience - Secluded in the bush, the nearest house is 500km away. 12:59 pm Katherine. 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. But please check with the Alice Springs Vistors Information Centre or the Darwin Visitors Information Centre before leaving town on this route. In the Outback, good planning is essential. Crocodiles can frequent the park, so swimming during the wet season (November-April) is off-limits and warnings should be heeded year-round. You might be able to make your way from Cairns to Normanton and then down to Cloncurry (beautiful drive) and to Mt. The first stop is into the Atherton Tablelands, with a great choice of the lovely towns to stay in. Both are on the doorstep of Judburra National Park (formerly the Gregory National Park) and have a motel . This is the last place you will finding anything resembling a supermarket or department store for hundreds of kilometres. The barge comes from Darwin to Truscott about every 2 weeks. The weather in the Top End can be extreme, with the year divided into wet and dry seasons. Best Places to Stay in Tennant Creek:Goldfields Hotel Motel. Especially around September when the 'Carnival of Flowers' takes place. A Cairns to Darwin road trip isnt for the inexperienced traveler, but if you are looking to see real Outback Australia and the vast emptiness of the Top End, then this is the adventure you need. I have worked several years in Europe and am now planning to move back home, Melbourne. 10 Day / 9 Night Savannah Way Tour (Cairns to Darwin or Darwin to Cairns) Fully Accommodated. Other popular stops include Mission Beach, Historic Village Herberton, and Katherine Outback Experience. Darwin to Cairns - The Grey Nomads Forum Perth To Darwin Road Trip (10-Day Itinerary!) Do be mindful that this stretch of road is subject to both head and cross winds, is in a slight upwards slop and the faster you go the more fuel/gas you will consume. This means it is very important to ensure that you do not run out of food. 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. Some roads are also narrow and have soft edges, hence the reason a 2WD will not be safe for driving on such roads. But what makes Ingham particularly interesting is Lee's Hotel (formerly known as the . Adelaide to Darwin Itinerary | Britz Campervans AU It took us four days to drive from Cairns to Darwin, a distance of 2850 . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Spend the night in Atherton, before preparing yourself to travel inland. You'll have the time of your life's. With the state of travel around the world, it looks like travelling within our own backyard will become more and more popular. The drive to Cooktown is very scenic and switches from Rainforest to drier climates. 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. The bite marks on the buoys would indicate whether a new saltwater crocodile is in the river or not. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). A roadhouse basically is a fuel station with add-ons. Campervans selection from spacious hightop campervan with shower and toilet to Budget campervans for couples. Stop off at Florence Falls (40 minutes from Batchelor) followed by a quick pit stop at Tolmer Falls, which is merely 12 minutes from Wangi Falls. If you have a four by four you have more options to explore along the way and to take more remote detours. It's home to excellent beaches, Litchfield National Park and some of Australia's best weekend markets. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Nice pool, cold beer and clean rooms or camping facilities. There are fuel stops at Victoria River Roadhouse and Timber Creek in the Northern Territory. Australian Traveller Media acknowledges the traditional custodians of the Country on which we live and work, and pays respect to Elders's past, present and emerging. You can also add current fuel prices which are then shared with other users of Fuel Map. The Barkly Highway is the . It's easy to find camping spots, or there is some accommodation along the way. (The West Australian border is currently under a hard closure due to COVID 19 concerns, while this is our home state, we wont be travelling to WA till borders are opened). This great personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than 12 people. Located in West Bay, east Kimberley. From Cairns to Darwin, our suggested route covers a minimum of 2800 kilometers. Rest every two hours for at least 15 minutes. Although we could have gone straight from Cairns, having never been to Cooktown before, we decided to start our journey with a 2 day pit stop in Cooktown (a 700km/435mi detour). Where are Savannah Way fuel stops? It is worth splashing out on a scenic flight, which offers breathtaking views over the stunning countryside. 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. 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. Usually this would not be the case. Myself and teenager. Distance from Brisbane 362 KM | Distance from Cairns 1354 KM. Campervan hire: the best way to see Australia. Good luck to you all. Road trip route from Brisbane to Darwin. Darwin lays claim to more crocodiles than any other city With its unparalleled beauty and endless reaches, the Aussie outback holds its own. The distance from Cairns to Darwin is long and youll want to ensure that youve got plenty of time on your hands, otherwise, youll be driving endlessly and will have no time to stop off and enjoy the sights along the route. It's essentially a big country town with some really beautiful places and fun attractions. Avoid the wet season, as roads may be impassable and you risk getting stranded. I'm not sure whether I'd be best going via Townsville, Mount Isa as opposed to the Savannah Way. Though do watch out for those Kangaroos between dusk and dawn. USB charger for the cigarette lighter to charge smartphone, camera, etc. day 5 driving 6 hours. You will have the best experience if you camp in a remote location in the middle of nowhere. By keeping our speed between 100-116km/h we kept our fuel costs down to less than $300AUD for the entire journey. Barkly Homestead is the first stop with Camooweal just over the Queensland border a further 250 k's along the road. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Shell can also help you stay in touch with your local area. Can you please let me know places of interest to see along the way. Good luck to anyone that's going to do it and you'll be knackered at the end of it, take plenty of water and beer and food, and a few spare wheels. Your email address will not be published. If you were to drive the entire coastline, you'd cover a total of 16,155mi (26,000km). 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. From Cloncurry, carry on up the road for another 100 kilometers to Mount Isa. It's disgusting and looks like something out of Wolf Creek (Australian horror movie). Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. You should be traveling with nothing but a good four-wheel drive vehicle. Hours refer to driving time only. Fuel is cheaper in towns such as Port Augusta and Alice Springs, and much cheaper in capital cities. Handy table of driving distances between major cities and petrol prices: Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Townsville. Filter. Explore the best of Australia and find your perfect getaway. Good luck to anyone that's going to do it and you'll be knackered at . Enjoy a days R&R at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, which is surrounded by Indigenous land and Limmen National Parks abundant waterways, savannah, beach-scalloped coast, gorges and rocks formations such as the rusted columns nicknamed the Lost City. It also said Darwin-based customers would be able to book seats on board the flight and travel non-stop to London. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). Darwin is Australias smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. 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. Only take a caravan if it is suitable for off-road. 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. Best stops along Darwin to Cairns drive. 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. Many people have reported "bumping" whales when sailing up the East Coast of Australia. I would like to know what are the best accommodation places from Darwin to Townsville to stay overnight. For more of the best in travel sign up to our newsletter! Cairns to Darwin. Youll want a whole day to explore the gorge, and you can take out kayaks, join boat tours, or hike through the national park. There is never any wood on campgrounds so its best that you collect it on the way before you get there. And there you have it the ultimate road trip itinerary. Enter your name and email and get a FREE70 page Outback Guide! Great, thanks for all the adive on this site! Australia is a huge country. from 181. Its cheap price of only $40/month really makes it a no-brainer. Estimated Travel Period: 17 Days including Kakadu National Park. Fuel stops on outback routes and travel | Australia 4 wheel drive rentals from Alice Springs, Adelaide, Brisbane, Broome, Cairns, Darwin, Hobart, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in Australia. and all the way to Katherine Gorge and beyond. 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. The final town before you get to the border is Camooweal about 25km from the border. About Us. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). For travel insurance we recommend SafetyWing. The best thing about Bundaberg is how much you can do on a budget. 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. Then Camooweal (A2 highway), Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Hughenden, Townsville (Transfer Point), head north to Cairns along sea highway. Leave early and follow the Bruce Highway south from Cairns. Stay at luxe Gilberton Outback Retreat and explore rock art, gold-mining history and wildlife. 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. The lowest prices to Darwin Intl. The route starts from Cairns and leads along the Burke Development Road from Mareeba to Normanton. Ingham, Queensland. Roads are mostly unsealed. Return to Outback Australia Travel Guide home page. You might also like: Free things to do in FNQ, Your email address will not be published. Georgetown Pioneer Walk. Remember that saltwater crocodiles inhabit many of the Gulf Savannahs waterways, so stay back from the waters edge, avoid repetitive Cape Crawford through Roper Bar to Mataranka (unsealed route) This is remote 4WD country with some spectacular spots. Be sure to top up with fuel/gas here, the next stop is at Barkly Homestead and prices are very steep. 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. Throughout our whole 4wd road trip around Australia, it's definitely the section from Cairns to Darwin that sticks out most in our minds. I will be in a sedan 2 wheel drive car in July 2016 next year. It's 187km from Barkly Homestead to the Threeways . To get a taste of whats on offer in the outback Savannah, read our Savannah Way review here. No wonder Australias colonial father Captain James Cook chose to land here. 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. 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. The roadhouse is instantly recognised by the plane sitting in its driveway. How? You can have a unique rail experience in the Outback by catching the famous Kuranda Scenic train that departs Cairns weekly. Does it sounds like a very crazy plan to you or could be this done? Allow around $1.70 per litre for fuel. A variety of factors go into the cost of a . We stopped at Pine Creek and Adelaide River, both worthy of a leg stretch and wander around. #2 Good Walking Shoes There will be a lot of walking around in Australia, so a good pair of shoes is really essential. Know what to expect when travelling long distances across WA. You can also learn about the Aboriginal culture and Rock Art by visiting the local museums here. Start: Cairns. 1. This is why most travelers choose to drive the east coast. The large town of Katherine, 300 kilometers north, is the next port of call. There are just so many things to do here that youll want to stay for at least two days. I didn't bother including them south of Wubin as I assume you'll have filled up . About 65 km from Cape Crawford and 46 km to Borroloola at the Caranbirini Conservation Reserve there are also Lost Cities, which can be explored on foot (about 2 km trail). Check out escapes in each state, explore travel advice, activities, accommodation, car hire, fuel information, maps and much more on the NRMA trip planner. Hard to resist pausing in Normanton for a photo of its eight-metre crocodile. Oct. Read more. It's easy to do. Australian Traveller Media 2023. 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. If you've got more time, the Alice Springs Route covers all the wonders of the Direct Route plus a detour to Alice Springs. If you intend to road trip more of Australias east coast, make sure to also check out our other itineraries: Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, and Cairns to Darwin. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus its free. The train journey starts from the town of Cairns and goes through the village of Kuranda and further on through the Savannah country. This is an easy drive, where the majority of the time you have the open road all to yourself. To Cloncurry ( beautiful drive ) and have a motel may be impassable and you travel! 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Around the world, it looks like something out of Wolf Creek ( Australian horror movie ) a... From Brisbane 362 KM | distance from Cairns or there is some accommodation along the and! Way review here Darwin lays claim to more crocodiles than any other with! To Mt as opposed to the border is Camooweal about 25km from border... That youll want to stay in touch with your local Area sign up our! Not run out of food whether i 'd be best going via Townsville Mount! Movie ), Historic Village Herberton, and you risk getting stranded birdwatching, for...