Adelaide to Darwin: An Epic Road Trip Itinerary

Day One: Adelaide to Port Augusta

Distance: ~310 km
Drive time: ~3.5–4 hrs
Vibe: Kickstart your outback roadie – city to small town via wineries and salt lakes

First day behind the wheel and you’re straight into the good stuff. You’ll roll out of Adelaide’s city streets, wind your way past wineries, pink lakes, and cute country towns before finishing up in Port Augusta, the gateway to the outback. It’s a shorter driving day compared to what’s ahead, which means plenty of time to ease into roadie mode.

What to do 

Barossa Valley

One of Aussie’s most famous wine regions and only an hour or so out of Adelaide. If you’re a vino fan, a stop here for a cheeky tasting or long lunch is a proper vibe. Big names like Jacob’s Creek or smaller boutique wineries – both slap.

Adelaide Hills / Hahndorf

Germany in the middle of South Australia? Yep. Hahndorf is a quirky historic town packed with German bakeries, pubs and gift shops. Perfect for a coffee stop, pretzel, or just a wander down the main street.

Lake Bumbunga (Lochiel) – The Pink Lake

Depending on the light, this one changes colour from bubblegum pink to bright purple. It’s Insta-famous, but still feels like a wild little roadside gem. Park up, snap the shot, stretch the legs.

Arrive in Port Augusta

This is where things get real – the Stuart Highway starts here and it’s basically the start line for the outback.

• Wadlata Outback Centre: Perfect intro to Aussie outback history.
  
• Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden: Wander the desert gardens and catch views over the gulf – peaceful arvo spot.

Where to eat

Altura Coffee (Adelaide)

Kickstart your roadie with a proper caffeine fix at this slick Adelaide café. Great coffee, tasty brekkie bites, and easy takeaway options for the road.

Otto’s Bakery (Adelaide Hills)

An old-school Aussie bakery that’s perfect for your brunch stop. The pies and sausage rolls are unreal, plus there’s fresh bread, cakes, and coffee to fuel you up before heading north.

JM Deli (Port Augusta)

A local favourite that’s become a bit of a cult stop – the pies here are next-level. The chunky beef with mushroom is a standout, and they’ve got curry and veggie options too. Proper hearty, proper tasty.

Little Squeeze Café (Port Augusta)

If you want something fresher, this spot does banging smoothies, loaded nachos, and tacos with heaps of flavour. Generous portions, laid-back vibe, and a nice change from servo food.

Where to sleep

Discovery Parks – Port Augusta

Classic roadie base with powered sites, cabins, and a pool to cool off after a day on the highway. Clean facilities, good for both campervans and bigger rigs.

Shoreline Caravan Park

Set right by the water, this one’s got killer views and a relaxed feel. Powered and unpowered sites plus cabins, and it’s an easy spot to catch a sunset stroll along the foreshore.

Econo Lodge Port Augusta

Solid mid-range motel option – comfy rooms, air con, and walking distance to a few pubs and shops. Perfect if you’re swapping van life for a proper bed for a night.

Costello Hotels Port Augusta

Newer accommodation with clean, modern rooms. Great if you’re chasing a bit more comfort before diving into the outback stretches ahead.

The Hotel Flinders

Pub-style stay right in the heart of town. Cheap and cheerful, with the bonus of being close to the bar – ideal if you fancy a cold one with your bed for the night.

Day Two: Port Augusta to Coober Pedy

Distance: ~540 km
Drive time: ~5.5–6 hrs
Vibe: Welcome to the outback! Long red roads, quirky roadhouse stops, salt lakes, and rolling into the underground opal capital of the world – nowhere else like it.

This is your first proper big driving day and the scenery shift is unreal – think salt flats, missile relics, roadhouses with big outback energy, and that first real taste of remote Australia. By the time you roll into Coober Pedy, you’ll be buzzing to explore its underground world.

What to do

Pimba / Spud’s Roadhouse

Classic outback stop about two hours north of Port Augusta. Cheap eats, hot coffee, fuel, and quirky memorabilia – the perfect place for your first proper roadie pit stop.

Woomera

This old rocket testing town has big Cold War vibes. Check out the Rocket Park, where missiles, planes, and space gear are on display. 15–20 minutes is enough for a wander, but it’s a unique slice of Aussie history.

Lake Hart (Salt Lake Lookout)

Just past Woomera, pull over at this glowing white salt lake for a leg stretch and photos. Depending on the time of day, it looks either bright white or soft pink – either way, it’s a beaut little stop.

Glendambo Roadhouse

Halfway to Coober, this roadhouse is famous for its welcome sign: “Population – 30 Humans, 2,000 Sheep, 50,000 Flies.” Fuel, burgers, cold drinks, and a proper laugh at outback humour.

Arrive in Coober Pedy

The underground opal capital is straight-up wild – dugout homes, mines, and a Mad Max vibe. A few must-sees:

• Old Timers Mine: Fantastic tour that shows how opals form and how miners lived underground back in the day.
• Serbian Orthodox Church: Beautifully carved directly into the stone – one of the most photogenic spots in town.
• Faye’s Underground Home: Built by hand by three women, complete with a pool – an epic example of dugout living.

Where to eat

JM Deli (Port Augusta)

Load up before you leave with pies, sandwiches, or wraps – road snacks are a must for this stretch, as options are limited.

CK Confectionaire (Coober Pedy)

This quirky underground bakery serves up fusion-style food, baked goods, and coffee – proper unique to Coober.

Sunset Drinks at Big Winch 360

Perched high above town, this is the spot for sunset. Order a cold one, watch the colours change over the outback, and soak in those desert vibes.

John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant

Backpacker legend – massive pizzas, pasta, and pub-style feeds. Cheap, cheerful, and always buzzing with travellers swapping roadie stories.

Where to sleep

Coober Pedy Experience Motel

Stay underground in converted old mines. Unique, budget-friendly, and super central.

The Underground Motel

One of the originals – peaceful, cool (literally), and cosy. Great mid-range option with proper dugout charm.

Lookout Cave Underground Motel

Rooms carved deep into the rock plus a killer lookout above town for sunrise or stargazing.

Desert Cave Hotel

The fancy option – underground rooms, a restaurant, and even a gaming room. Perfect if you’re craving a bit of comfort.

BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort

Perfect for campervans. Clean facilities, powered/unpowered sites, and plenty of space to park up and reset.

👉 RatPack Tip: Coober Pedy is unlike anywhere else in the world. If you’ve got time, stay two nights – one to explore the town itself, and another to check out the Breakaways and Moon Plain nearby. Both look straight out of a movie set (and plenty have been filmed there!).

Day Three: Coober Pedy to Marla

Distance: ~230 km
Drive time: ~2.5 hrs
Vibe: Short ‘n sweet. Desert skies, red dirt, and a pit stop town to set you up for crossing into the NT.

Compared to the mission yesterday, today’s a total cruise. Which is perf, because Coober Pedy’s got plenty left to keep ya buzzing in the morning before you roll out. Then it’s just you, the open road, the odd emu bombing across the highway, and a big red horizon that goes on forever. Marla itself? Tiny roadhouse town – but it’s got everything you need to fuel up, feed up, and kick back under a billion stars.

What to do 

Morning in Coober Pedy

Didn’t squeeze in all the underground madness yesterday? Use the morning to tick off a few more gems. This is also your last proper supermarket stop for ages so grab water, snacks, and maybe even that cheeky opal souvenir before sending it north.

Cadney Homestead

About halfway – classic roadhouse vibes. Fuel, food, and a yarn with the locals. The kind of spot where time slows down, and the schnitzels come out bigger than ya head.

Soak up the nothingness

This drive is all about vibes, not sights. Park up at a rest stop, make yourself a coffee, and just look around. Red dirt. Empty skies. Silence. Welcome to the middle of nowhere – and you’re smashing it.

Arrive in Marla

Not much to write home about, but it’s a key base camp. Think fuel pumps running 24/7, servo grub, a general store, pub, and motel. You’ll sleep well here knowing Uluru’s on tomorrow’s hit list.

Where to eat

CK Confectionaire (Coober Pedy)

Grab a brekkie roll, coffee, and a bag of goodies for the drive. Nothing better than a croissant in the middle of the desert.

DIY Picnic

Pick up fresh bits before you leave Coober and turn a roadside stop into a full-on desert picnic. Throw down a blanket, whack on a playlist, and tell me it ain’t the best lunch spot you’ve ever had.

Marla Traveller’s Rest

The one-stop shop in Marla – burgers and cold drinks that taste 10x better after a day in the dry desert heat.

Where to sleep

Marla Traveller’s Rest

Simple but solid. Powered sites for the van, a patch of grass for your tent, and motel rooms if you’re over vanlife for the night. Hot showers, decent food, and a sky full of stars – does the job nicely.

Day Four: Marla to Uluru (Yulara)

Distance: ~495 km
Drive time: ~5.5–6 hrs
Vibe: Big day. You’re crossing into the NT and rolling straight into Aussie bucket list territory – your first Uluru sunset.

This is where the road trip goes from epic to next-level. You’ll hit that classic NT border sign for the photo op, fuel up at some properly quirky roadhouses, and then BOOM – roll into Yulara just in time to watch Uluru glow every shade of red, pink, and purple. Honestly, this sunset is goosebump stuff.

What to do 

NT Border Sign

Say hello to the NT with the ultimate roadie photo. Group shot, cheesy grin, or handstand in front of the sign – your call.

Kulgera Roadhouse

The “first pub in the NT” – and yep, it’s a rite of passage to stop. Grab a beer, fuel up, and check out the random collection of hats and memorabilia inside.

Erldunda Roadhouse

The “Centre of the Centre” – basically the middle of Oz. There’s an emu farm out back (yes, actual emus), plus fuel, food, and a chance to break up the long stretch before Uluru.

Arrive in Yulara (Uluru Resort Town)

Chuck your bags in, grab your camera, and head straight to the sunset viewing platforms. Uluru changing colour in front of you is one of those “yep, I’m in Australia” moments.

Where to eat

Brekkie at Marla Traveller’s Rest

Smash a cooked brekkie before you roll out – nothing fancy, just good old road trip fuel.

Kulgera + Erldunda Roadhouses

Both slap for lunch stops – expect giant schnitties, burgers, hot chips, and roadhouse banter. Exactly what you want mid-drive.

Mangata Bistro & Bar (Yulara)

By the time you land in Yulara, you’ll be buzzing for a proper feed. Mangata does a mix of Aussie-inspired dishes with a bit of style. Pair it with a cold drink and call it a day well done.

Where to sleep

Longitude 131°

If you’re feeling boujee – this is the splurge. Luxury tents with insane Uluru views. Unreal if the budget allows.

The Lost Camel Hotel

Stylish, modern, and central. Good mid-range spot with comfy beds and a pool to chill by.

Desert Gardens Hotel

Solid all-rounder – landscaped gardens, decent rooms, and some with partial Uluru views.

Ayers Rock Resort / Campground

For vanlifers and budget travellers – powered/unpowered sites, showers, and all the basics you need. Plus, it keeps you close to all the action.

Day Five: Explore Uluru & Kata Tjuta

Distance: Local exploring
Time: N/A
Vibe: Sunrise, base walks, ancient culture, and maybe even a cheeky chopper ride – this is a bucket list day through and through.

You’ve arrived at the crown jewel of the outback, and today’s all about soaking it up at your own pace. Uluru’s spiritual energy hits different when you’re standing at its base, and the sheer size of Kata Tjuta will have you saying “holy sh*t” more than once. No long drives, just pure exploring.

What to do 

Catch sunrise at Uluru

It’s early, but trust us – watching the rock glow from black silhouette to fiery red is unreal. Bring a hoodie, a coffee, and let the magic do its thing.

Ranger Guided Uluru Walk

Join a free guided walk with the park rangers to learn the cultural stories, geology, and history of Uluru. It’s way more than just a big rock – this is sacred Anangu land and the stories will stay with you.

Bush-tucker experience

Taste native foods, learn how the Anangu people live off the land, and get a real sense of how to survive off-grid. Kangaroo, bush tomatoes, and wattleseed damper = delish.

Scenic chopper flight (if you’ve got the cash 💸)

Fancy a splurge? A helicopter ride over Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunset is next level. Seeing the scale of these formations from the air is an experience you’ll never forget.

Explore Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Right next door to Uluru and just as epic in its own way. The Valley of the Winds hike is our top pick – massive domes, hidden valleys, and jaw-dropping views around every corner. A bit of a workout, but 100% worth it.

Where to eat

Geckos Café

Casual, backpacker-friendly, and good vibes. Easy spot to fuel up for a big day of exploring with pizza, burgers, or takeaway feeds if you’re on the run.

Pira Pool Bar

Sun-kissed, poolside vibes = exactly what you want after a morning hike. Grab a casual lunch, a cold beer or cocktail, and kick back in the sunshine.

Ilkari Restaurant (Sails in the Desert)

On the fancier side – buffet brekkies, fresh seafood, and proper big feeds. Great for a treat night if you’re feeling boujee.

Waḻpa Lobby Bar

Perfect for winding down in the evening. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and cocktails infused with native ingredients. Plus, the wine list slaps.

Where to sleep

Same setup as last night – you’ve got plenty of options in Yulara:

• Longitude 131° – the dream if you’ve got $$$ (luxury tents, insane views).
  
• The Lost Camel Hotel – stylish, mid-range, central.
  
• Desert Gardens Hotel – comfy rooms, lush gardens, some Uluru views.
  
• Ayers Rock Resort Campground – budget-friendly, powered/unpowered sites, perfect for campervans.

Day Six: Uluru to Kings Canyon

Distance: ~300 km
Drive time: ~3.5 hrs
Vibe: The Red Centre keeps delivering – canyon hikes, outback stations, and starry skies incoming.

Today’s drive is cruisy compared to some of the big hauls you’ve done already. You’ll roll out of Yulara, cruise past wide open desert, and pull into Kings Canyon by early arvo – just in time to smash out a hike or kick back at a sunset bar. Out here it’s all about the landscapes: soaring cliffs, ancient creek beds, and skies so full of stars it’ll blow your mind.

What to do

Curtin Springs Station

First leg-stretch of the day – classic working cattle station with fuel, food, and a few quirky bits to check out. It’s a solid spot to break up the drive before the quiet desert roads take over.

Outback Rest Stops

This stretch is simple but magic – think red dirt, termite mounds, and emptiness. Pull over at one of the roadside stops, make a coffee, and just soak up the “nothingness” vibes.

Arrive in Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park)

• Kings Canyon Rim Walk: The star of the show. A 6 km loop that’ll take you 3–4 hrs, climbing up to the rim for insane views over the gorge. Don’t miss the Garden of Eden waterhole or the Lost City domes – next level.
  
• Canyon Creek Bed Walk: Easier option if you’re short on time or energy. 2 km return stroll along the base of the canyon – short, sweet, and beautiful.
  
• Kings Creek Station: 30 km down the road, this working station offers camel encounters, 4WD tours, and a look into station life.
  
• Biggy Station Tour: Learn about the history of this wild old station, plus outback life then vs now.
• Luritja Lookout Sunset Bar: End the day with a cold one and watch the cliffs turn fire-red as the sun drops. Big vibe.

Where to eat

Kings Canyon Bar & Grill

Casual and easy. Pub-style meals (burgers, schnitzels, pizzas) with live music some nights. Always buzzing with roadies and a good place to swap stories.

Under a Desert Moon

If you wanna go boujee, this is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. Canapés, sparkling wine, and a five-course feast under the stars. Seasonal and not cheap – but mate, it’s unforgettable.

Carmichael’s Restaurant

Open March–October for buffet brekkie and à la carte dinners. Contemporary dishes with a focus on local produce, plus a decent Aussie beer and wine list. Chill setting and good quality feeds.

Where to sleep

Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon

The main resort and the closest base to the canyon. Range of options: powered sites, motel rooms, and comfy lodge-style stays. Pool, bar, and the all-important sunset lookout.

Kings Creek Station

More rustic but super authentic. Safari tents, glamping, and camping under the stars. About 30 km away, but the vibe is next-level – campfires, starry skies, and the feel of a working cattle/camel station.

👉 RatPack Tip: Smash out the Rim Walk early the next morning if it’s too hot when you arrive. Sunrise light on the canyon walls is chef’s kiss, and it’ll save you from cooking in the midday sun.

Day Seven: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Distance: ~475 km
Drive time: ~5–6 hrs
Vibe: Wind your way into the capital of the outback – arty, quirky, and super chill.

Leaving the canyon cliffs behind, today’s drive takes you back into civilisation… well, outback civilisation anyway. Alice Springs is one of those places that surprises travellers: arty, creative, full of history, and surrounded by insane desert scenery. It’s a longer drive, but the stops along the way break it up nicely.

What to do 

Henbury Meteorite Craters Conservation Reserve

About halfway back to Alice, this is where a meteorite smashed into Earth 4,700 years ago and left 12 craters scattered across the desert. There’s a short walking trail with info signs – quirky little detour to stretch the legs.

Stuart’s Well Roadhouse (Jim’s Place)

Classic outback roadhouse famous for its camel rides and random memorabilia. Grab a cold drink or feed, pat the camels, and chat with the locals – it’s a bit of a must.

Arrive in Alice Springs

• Alice Springs Telegraph Station: The original site of the first European settlement here and where the first telegram from Australia was sent. Lots of history, trails, and a good intro to the town.
• Simpsons Gap (West MacDonnell Ranges): Absolutely stunning. A short walk brings you into a narrow gorge with towering red cliffs. Sunrise and sunset here are unreal, and it’s only 20 minutes from town.
• Alice Springs Desert Park: A mix of botanic garden, cultural centre, and wildlife park. See desert birds up close, learn about Aboriginal culture, and understand the desert ecosystem.

Where to eat

Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar

Backpacker fave. Cool rooftop vibes, banging tacos, and the kangaroo schnitzel is a must-try. Big portions, good cocktails, live music some nights – the perfect place to start your Alice nights.

Warung Makan Alice

Hidden gem for Indonesian food. Cheap, tasty, and packed with flavour – satay skewers and nasi goreng are winners.

Sporties Restaurant

Feels like a classic American diner but with Aussie charm. Giant burgers, squid plates, and portions big enough to share. Good for a casual, hearty meal after a long drive.

Where to sleep

YHA Alice Springs

Social, budget-friendly, pool vibes, and a good spot to meet other travellers.

Alice Lodge

Small, clean, chilled atmosphere – a cosy hostel option with a pool.

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

If you want more comfort, this hotel brings the goods: big pool, fitness centre, and proper beds to reset.

Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn

Quirky, colourful, and a little gem of a hostel. Relaxed energy, nice gardens, and a favourite for RatPackers.

Discovery Parks – Alice Springs

Campervan heaven. Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, a pool, and loads of space to chill.

Alice Springs Tourist Park

Another solid choice if you’re camping or in a van. Clean, central, and easy setup.

👉 RatPack Tip: Alice is worth at least 2 nights if you’ve got time. Spend a full day checking out the West MacDonnell Ranges (Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge) – one of the most underrated roadie side trips in Oz.

Day Eight: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek

Distance: ~510 km
Drive time: ~5.5 hrs
Vibe: Classic outback highway day – quirky UFO stops, giant rock formations, and rolling into a gold-mining town with proper desert energy.

You’re deep in the Stuart Highway run now – it’s straight roads, wide horizons, and iconic Aussie pit stops all the way. From alien murals to ancient boulders, today’s drive is packed with the kind of random, unforgettable moments that make road trips magic.

What to do 

Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve

This is the highlight of the day. Massive granite boulders stacked like marbles in the middle of the desert – some balancing on top of each other like nature’s Jenga. Take the short loop walk through the reserve and get your camera ready – they glow bright red at sunset if you time it right.

Arrive in Tennant Creek

A town with real-deal outback grit and history. Worth checking out:

• Battery Hill Mining Centre: Learn about Tennant Creek’s gold-mining days with underground mine tours and heritage displays.
• Lake Mary Ann (Tingkkarli): A peaceful local hangout just outside town – perfect for a swim or picnic after the long drive.

Where to eat

Page 27 Café (Alice Springs)

Before you leave Alice, grab a final coffee hit at this hip little café. Best brews in town and tasty breakfast plates if you’re rolling out later in the morning.

Bay Leaf Café (Tennant Creek)

Absolute gem – fresh, delicious food and seriously good coffee (they use Bear and the Beard beans from Manly). Dinner options like the Crying Tiger Bowl hit the spot, and the brekkie corn fritters or omelettes are next-level. A must-visit in Tennant Creek.

Woks Up (Tennant Creek)

Craving Asian? This spot does it right – big portions, fresh flavours, and super friendly owners. The stir-fries and noodle dishes slap after a few days of roadhouse grub.

Where to sleep

Safari Lodge Motel

Central, comfy, and a solid no-fuss option if you’re after a motel bed.

Outback Caravan Park

Powered sites, cabins, and shaded areas. Clean amenities and friendly staff – perfect for campervans.

Tennant Creek Caravan Park

Budget-friendly park with all the basics. Handy if you’re just pulling in for the night.

Bluestone Motor Inn

One of the more popular stays in town – motel rooms, pool, and an on-site restaurant (Stones Grill). A little more comfort without blowing the budget.

Day Nine: Tennant Creek to Katherine

Distance: ~670 km
Drive time: ~7 hrs
Vibe: Big day behind the wheel, but the payoff is worth it. From the most iconic pub in the outback to floating in palm-fringed hot springs, today’s got some proper road trip magic.

It’s a long one, no denying it – but this stretch of the Stuart Highway has a few absolute bucket list stops that break up the drive perfectly. By the time you roll into Katherine, you’ll be in full Top End mode – palm trees, tropical heat, and waterfalls just around the corner.

What to do 

Daly Waters Historic Pub

This is THE stop of the day. Think bras hanging from the ceiling, license plates covering the walls, random memorabilia everywhere you look, and live music pumping in the dry season. It’s an outback institution – grab lunch here, soak in the chaos, and tick it off your Aussie roadie bucket list.

Mataranka Thermal Pool & Bitter Springs (Elsey National Park)

The dream end to a long drive. Both spots are fed by warm underground springs at a perfect 34°C.

• Mataranka Thermal Pool: The classic – turquoise water under a canopy of palms.
• Bitter Springs: A bit more natural – float down the slow-moving creek with goggles on, spotting fish and turtles as you drift.

Arrive in Katherine

Welcome to the Top End. Katherine’s the gateway to Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge) and packed with tropical vibes. If you’ve got an extra day up your sleeve, this is the place to slow down and explore.

Where to eat

Daly Waters Historic Pub

Come hungry – the parmi, barra burgers, and cold beers all slap. Bonus points for the entertainment value.

Maidens Lane (Katherine)

Hidden gem in an industrial area – but the coffee is unreal and the breakfast plates are some of the best in the NT. Worth hunting down.

RJ’s Bar & Bhoj Restaurant (Katherine Motel)

Perfect dinner spot if you’re craving something different. Delicious Indian curries, crispy fish, vegan options, and a fully licensed bar. Butter chicken + naan = dream combo after a big driving day.

Where to sleep

BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Katherine

Great for campervans – powered sites, cabins, a pool, and all the road trip essentials.

Gorge View Bush Retreat

Eco-friendly and rustic, with epic starry skies. A peaceful option if you want something different.

The Stuart Hotel

Central and simple – good budget motel if you just want a bed and a shower.

Old Stuart Highway (free camp via WikiCamps)

About 30 minutes north of Katherine. Dog-friendly, loads of space, riverfront spots if you’re lucky, and close to Edith Falls. If you’re happy to rough it a little, this is one of those wild camping gems.

👉 RatPack Tip: Stay at least 2 nights in Katherine if you can. Use one day to hit Nitmiluk Gorge – canoe, hike, or cruise through those towering cliffs. It’s one of the Top End’s most underrated highlights.

Day Ten: Katherine to Darwin

Distance: ~320 km
Drive time: ~3.5 hrs
Vibe: Last leg! Tropical weather, saltwater lagoons, crocs, and sunset markets – welcome to the Top End.

It’s a short, sweet drive today, which means plenty of time for detours, swims, and wildlife along the way. By the arvo, you’ll be rolling into Darwin – the laid-back tropical capital where life runs at chill mode and sunsets are a nightly ritual.

What to do 

Edith Falls / Leliyn

If you skipped it yesterday, make time this morning. Swim at the base pools or do the short hike to the upper falls for a more secluded dip. Lush, refreshing, and the perfect start to your final day.

Adelaide River Jumping Croc Cruise

One of those iconic NT experiences – massive saltwater crocs launching out of the river right next to your boat. Safely run, super informative, and an adrenaline rush.

Berry Springs Nature Park (alternative to Litchfield)

Shaded natural pools, perfect for floating and picnicking. Less driving than Litchfield but just as chill if you’re short on time.

Roll into Darwin

You made it! Celebrate with a swim at the Waterfront Lagoon, wander the city, or dive straight into some of these local highlights:

• Crocosaurus Cove: Swim next to crocs (in a safe tank!) or check out reptiles up close.
  
• Stokes Hill Wharf: Food, views, and a classic Darwin hangout.
  
• Mindil Beach Sunset Market (dry season): Live music, food from every corner of the world, and a sunset that’ll stop you in your tracks.
  
• Wave Lagoon: Perfect cool-off spot in town.
  
• Sunset Cruise: End your trip on a boat, drink in hand, watching the sky turn purple and orange.

Where to eat

Alfonsino’s

Casual Italian vibes – wood-fired pizza and house-made pasta that’ll hit the spot after weeks of roadie food. Great patio for a relaxed dinner.

Snapper Rocks

Seafood lovers, this is your place. Fresh-as dishes, quality wines, and a menu stacked with share plates. Perfect for a slightly fancier night out.

Darwin Sailing Club

One of the most stunning sunset dining spots in town. Pub-bistro style feeds (big portions), ice-cold drinks, and a front-row seat to the Top End’s fiery skies.

Moorish Café

Tapas-style dining with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. Spiced beautifully, perfect for sharing, and always buzzing. A Darwin fave.

Where to sleep

Cullen Bay Resorts

Ocean views and apartments with space to spread out. Great mid-range choice near the marina.

Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Modern, comfy, and right in the middle of the waterfront action. Poolside cocktails guaranteed.

Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront

Perfect if you want a little more space – apartment-style living with resort vibes.

Coconut Grove Holiday Apartments

Budget-friendly and self-contained, good for longer stays or if you want to cook for yourself.

BIG4 Hidden Valley Holiday Park

Camper-friendly, big pool, tropical gardens – the classic road trip choice.

Discovery Parks – Darwin

Another RatPack fave for vanlifers. Powered/unpowered sites, cabins, and all the facilities you need to finish your roadie in style.

Other Things to Consider on Your Road Trip from Adelaide to Darwin

Is the Adelaide to Darwin road trip worth it?

Without a doubt, YES. This isn’t just a drive – it’s an outback adventure through the heart of Australia. Think desert sunrises, wild rock formations, natural wonders, Indigenous culture, and that real red dirt vibe.

Whether you’re chasing Uluru, roadtrip freedom, or want to say you’ve conquered the Red Centre – this one’s the real deal.

How long should I take for this trip?

Minimum? 9–10 days.

Ideal? 2 weeks if you wanna throw in chill days and a few detours like Litchfield or Kakadu.

It’s a solid 3,000 km – so give yourself time to enjoy it, not just smash out the drive.

Can you do this trip in one go?

Technically, yeah.

Should you? Hell no.

Sure, you could blast it out in 3–4 days… but you’d be skipping Uluru, Kings Canyon, and basically all the bucket list stops. This route is about the journey just as much as the destination.

When’s the best time of year to go?

🔥 May to September is peak roadie season for this one.

• Dry season = clear skies, cooler nights, no mozzies.
• You’ll avoid the sweaty build-up & wet season up north, and the outback heat won’t melt you.
  

Pro tip: July & August are the most popular months, so get in early for camper bookings (that’s where we come in 😉).

What’s the weather like along the way?

You’re crossing a whole chunk of Australia, so expect it to shift:

• Adelaide: Cooler start if you’re leaving in winter.
• Uluru & Alice: Sunny days, cold nights (bring a hoodie!)
• Katherine & Darwin: Tropical AF. Warm year-round.

Pack smart – layers are key!

Camper, car, or 4WD – what’s the best ride?

Camper all day long.

Here’s why:
✅ Sleep under the stars without booking hotels
✅ Cook up feeds at remote campsites
✅ Ultimate freedom to stop when & where you want
✅ Save $$$ (and spend more on adventures)

You can do it in a car, but you’ll need to book motels or hostels and deal with unpacking every night. If you’re keen on the full Aussie roadie buzz – go the camper. We’ve got options for every budget, from 2-seater campers to full-blown motorhomes.

What should I pack for this trip?

Here’s your no-BS packing list:

✅ Layers (desert = hot days, cold nights)

✅ Reusable water bottle (hydration is KEY)

✅ Bug spray (especially for the Top End)

✅ Offline maps (no reception in the middle of nowhere)

✅ Sunnies, sunscreen & hat (the sun’s no joke)

✅ Comfy shoes (you’ll wanna do some hikes)

✅ Torch/headlamp (some camps are off-grid)

✅ Power bank or solar charger

Oh – and don’t forget your camera or GoPro, you’ll want to remember this one.

Where are the best free camping spots?

Free camping is 100% the move on this trip – you’ll find some absolute gems in the outback. A few solid options:

• Kanku-Breakaways (near Coober Pedy): Epic scenery, totally unique
• Curtin Springs (near Uluru): Free unpowered sites + views for days
• Devils Marbles: Camp right among the boulders = next level
• Barrow Creek Rest Area: One of many chill overnight stops along the Stuart Highway

Use WikiCamps or CamperMate to scope out the best spots as you go. Those apps will be your ride-or-die on this roadie.

Is this a good trip for first-time travellers?

Yep – and it’s a rite of passage for backpackers and adventurers. You’ll get a real taste of the Aussie outback, and while it feels remote, it’s a well-travelled route with plenty of stops, petrol stations, and fellow roadtrippers along the way.

Just be prepared for:

• Long distances between towns
• Limited phone signal at times
• Epic stories and sunsets you’ll never forget
  

First time or not, this one’s a bucket list experience from start to finish.

And there ya have it. Adelaide to Darwin, done and dusted. Yeeeeew! 🙌

From pink lakes to opal mines, desert canyons, and finally the tropical vibes of the Top End, this route is an absolute rite of passage for any traveller keen to see the real Australia. It’s long, it’s raw, and it’ll test your snack supplies – but trust us, every single kilometre is worth it.

Whether you’re chasing sunsets at Uluru, floating in Bitter Springs, or smashing a parmi at Daly Waters Pub, this roadie is all about the freedom, the laughs, and the memories you’ll be talking about for years.

So pack smart, line up a banging playlist, and let us at RatPack hook you up with the perfect camper for the ride. 🚐💨 100% personalised, and backed by a crew who’ve been there, done it, and know all the secret stops.

This is more than a road trip – it’s an adventure through the heart of Australia. Ready to send it? Yeeeeew! 🌅🐊🔥