Show only these on map. It is not uncommon to drive for 560km before finding a petrol station, so best to take an extra fuel canister. Your email address will not be published. I have placed a previous post here requesting if anyone can offer a lift Mt Isa to Darwin. Although you will still see petrol stations along the way, during good weather the owners may go fishing. Just stay as far away from the water as you can when you camp at night, but also avoid taking photos alongside the river or go swimming. Savannah Way map from Cairns to Katherine. Other popular stops include Mission Beach, Historic Village Herberton, and Katherine Outback Experience. Lake Mary Ann make sure for a nice spot to cool of fresh just a couple of minutes from town. It's 187km from Barkly Homestead to the Threeways . Avoid the wet season, as roads may be impassable and you risk getting stranded. It becomes quite hilly with a lot of very long trucks (road trains), so patience is a must for the last hour or so. Join in and write your own page! Pick up camper van from Mighty Campers Darwin - Left at 10:45 am. . Then head into the 4000-square-kilometre Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, which has a choice of camping or air-conditioned cabins. In the Outback, good planning is essential. A winding road leads from Cairns to the top of the plateau, where youll find charming farms, quaint villages, and volcanic crater lakes. 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. Discover the magic of Wilpena Pound with a glamping experience in the cultural heartland of the Flinders Ranges. It begins in . drive for about 4 hours. The eccentric outback pub features bras hanging from the ceiling, and great beef-and-barramundi barbecues during the dry season. 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. However, avoid swimming in the gorges because even if saltwater crocodiles have been removed for tourism purposes, there is still the danger of one or two lurking in the gorge. Carry on north for another 300 kilometers to reach Litchfield National Park, a beautiful area of lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls which stand in stark contrast to the dusty red landscapes youre leaving behind. It is worth splashing out on a scenic flight, which offers breathtaking views over the stunning countryside. Days 2-3 Undara Lava Tubes (225 kms, about 3 hours). The roads are partly sealed. Towing a small jayco :), Two friends and I are planning to go in two weeks, any advice appreciated. #2 Good Walking Shoes There will be a lot of walking around in Australia, so a good pair of shoes is really essential. Known as 'Australia's Longest Shortcut', the route runs from Perth, Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland. Hi JGirl, Bin a while since I did those miles back in 1995. . (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). As you head out the next day, Leliyn (Edith Falls) is another Nitmiluk National Park must-see just north of Katherine, where you can enjoy a swim or hike. The barge comes from Darwin to Truscott about every 2 weeks. I didn't bother including them south of Wubin as I assume you'll have filled up . 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. Journey through the heart of Australia experiencing the iconic outback, stunning flora and fauna, topped off with the tropical and lush top end and world renowned food and wine destinations. Prices and availability are subject to change. See also our themed driving route, the Explorers Way. Travelling from South Australia. The Aussie Christmas you never thought of, The only Alice to Uluru itinerary youll ever need, Swim with crocodiles at Crocosaurus Cove Darwin, 8 tips for travelling (& surviving) the outback as a family, How to road trip Kakadu and itineraries for visiting, 2 nights in a Ikara Safari tent for two people, Access to all the resort facilities including complementary Welcome to Country each evening. The quickest route, in terms of the shortest number of kilometers covered, takes you right along the Top End from Cairns to Darwin, but halfway across Outback Queensland the road turns from bitumen to gravel, and unless you have a four by four, youll need to follow the sealed road to the south, adding many more kilometers to your journey. Your email address will not be published. #4 Good Water Bottle The sun can be brutal in Australia, so make sure to always carry a refillable water bottle with you. Morning fog at Litchfield National Park. Hi, I will be driving my Ford XR6 to Cairns from Darwin in late April. Day 7 Burketown (292 kms, about 4 hours). If you love flowers the 'Garden City' should be one of your first stops, as it features a number of stunning parks, botanic gardens and other floral displays. SUGGESTED TIME FRAME: 14 days minimum. For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. Learn how your comment data is processed. Day 6 Normanton and Karumba (225 kms, about 3 hours). Discover this amazing sandstone gorge on an ecocruise on a family cattle station. (nitmiluktours.com.au). Real Fuel Costs. #5 Good Reef-Safe Sunscreen Conventional sunscreen damages the reefs, so please make sure to get a good reef-safe sunscreen instead. 24/7 operation. As you head north, generally the prices increase. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This remote crossing from east to west across the bottom of Australia is a must-do journey. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Stay at The Daly Waters Pub, which has motel, cabins, budget rooms and camping. I plan to go through June school holidays. Road trip route from Brisbane to Darwin. 185 per passenger.Departing Tue, 2 May, returning Wed, 3 May.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Tue, 2 May, arriving in Darwin.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Darwin on Wed, 3 May, arriving in Cairns.Price includes . Stopping places include parking, toilets and even picnic areas. The lowest prices to Darwin Intl. Hailed as Australia's wildest road trip, the journey from tropical Darwin to coastal Broome will also take you along a stretch of the Savannah Way, through a contrast of palm-fringed gorges and vast grasslands, towards pristine beaches and surreal sunsets. Shell can also help you stay in touch with your local area. The 3700 km route links Queenslands Cairns with the historic town of Broome as well as to 15 National Parks and 5 World Heritage sites. Head Office. DISTANCE: 3,500 - 4,500 kms. The Adventurous Cairns to Darwin Trip Via Savannah Way, Start: Cairns End: Darwin Estimated Travel Distance: 3,530.7 kms Estimated Travel Period: 17 Days including Kakadu National Park. Embrace the steamy weather for a Northern Territory Christmas youll never forget. This isnt a road trip for first-time travelers to Australia. As with many sections on the Savannah Way, plan your fuel stops with hundreds of kilometres between roadhouses. Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent. This makes for a driving time of around 39 hours, which obviously no-one is going to attempt in one stint behind the wheel. The cheapest fuel in Cape York is generally Palmer River Roadhouse, Cooktown or . A free shower is also available at the boat ramp.From Normanton, the distances between places are shorter so you can stock up with food supplies daily. 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. showers and laundry facilities. Day 12 Daly Waters (426 kms, about 5 hours). Yes there are car and motorbike tours on offer, especially between Darwin and Cairns. The large town of Katherine, 300 kilometers north, is the next port of call. From Cairns to Darwin drive via Kakadu = 2,680 km. Search for sites that accept Shell Card, including Liberty service stations, plan your trip and get directions. Day 8 and 9 Boodjamulla National Park (214 kms, about 3 hours). This was our shortest day by far, just 315km/196mi. Those seeking more unsealed adventure can travel to Lorella Springs for a night and Roper Bar to Mataranka (588km, about 9 hours). Your next stops should be former gold-rush town Pine Creek and Adelaide River, famous for its jumping crocodile cruises. Another stop on the way should be at Mataranka, where you can bathe in the 34 C warm, natural thermal springs, surrounded by crystal clear waters and tropical plants with palm trees. There is never any wood on campgrounds so its best that you collect it on the way before you get there. ). Yes. You'll have the time of your life's. On the 45-Minute guided helicopter ride, you will tour the breathtaking Tybee Lighthouse and the Old Fort Jackson before the sun sets.A sightseeing boat cruise is another exciting way to tour Savannah Way, with food and drinks included. If you have extra time for your trip, there are plenty of places to stop and check out and spend the night, especially in the Atherton Tablelands. The locals are always on the lookout for them and try to find new crocs via red buoys. Real outback feeling: stay secluded in the bush, the nearest house is 500km away, Experience wildlife up close, from kangaroos to crocodiles, dingoes, camels, cattle and more, Cook with a camp-oven on an open fire somewhere in the bush (Link: here you will find our most popular camp-oven recipes), Experience real 4WD driving on unpaved roads and cross the 1-metre deep streams and rivers, Endless and secluded expanses that you will seldom experience, Crystal-clear waters with impressive plants, birdlife and lurking crocodiles, North Australia's most spectacular Lost-City rock formations, Splash in hot, natural hot springs with crystal clear water, surrounded by palm trees and in the middle of the outback, Impressive waterfalls with splash pools, gorges and caves. Freshwater crocodiles, however, are considered to be "harmless". When you come to Croydon you will feel part of the outback and its relaxing lifestyle. 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