posted on January 24, 2024
Keen to explore the great Australian outback and venture between welcoming Aussie towns and heritage national parks? The drive from Darwin to Alice Springs is one of the best road trips you can make nationwide. Check out our ultimate drive itinerary and prepare for an unforgettable trip from Darwin to Alice Springs below!
An overview of the Darwin to Alice Springs road trip
The trip from Darwin to Alice Springs is one of the most iconic drives you can make across the Northern Territory, taking anywhere from 16 hours to five days, depending on the stops you make. Here’s a quick overview of your typical Darwin to Alice Springs road trip.
- Driving time: 15 hours 21 minutes (direct)
- Driving distance: 1,497 km
- Day-by-day itinerary:
- Day 1: Darwin to Katherine (3hr 20min, 317 km)
- Day 2: Katherine to Nitmiluk National Park (21min, 28 km)
- Day 3: Katherine to Mataranka (1hr 9min, 108 km)
- Day 4: Mataranka to Tennant Creek (5hr 53min, 567 km)
- Day 5: Tennant Creek to Alice Springs (5hr 8min, 508 km)
The best time to drive from Darwin to Alice Springs
The best time to drive from Darwin to Alice Springs depends on what stops you’d like to make and what kind of season you prefer to drive in. Wet season is usually between October and April while dry season is between May and September. Driving conditions may vary depending on the season, as you may need to drive in the rain or through dry gravel roads.
What you need to know before driving from Darwin to Alice Springs
The drive from Darwin to Alice Springs takes you through vast, remote and rural areas, so it’s important to be as prepared as possible. Here are a few tips to get you started, from outback driving road trip essentials to which petrol stations to visit.
Outback driving road trip essentials
Driving through the outback demands a list of essentials that differ slightly from any other countryside road trip around Australia – especially if you plan to travel for a few days. Make sure you have everything you need (and more) for your Australian outback road trip with our essentials guide below.
- Tyre repair kit: A tyre repair kit is essential for any road trip, but even more so if you’re travelling through the outback and are unfamiliar with the road conditions and rural environment. Your tyre repair kit should include screw plugs, a metal buffer, needles, rubber tyre cords, pliers, and anything else you think you might need to change a tyre. An emergency starting battery may also be helpful to bring along.
- Basic first aid kit: Another essential item to take with you on your road trip is a basic first aid kit. You’ll need band-aids, bandages, non-adhesive dressings, disposable gloves, and tweezers in your kit.
- Footwear: You never know when you’ll want to hop out of your car and explore some of the beautiful walking trails along the way. Having some hiking shoes will come in handy for exploring the national parks in the region.
- Wet wipes: You’ll want to ensure you feel clean and hygienic while travelling for so many hours. Wet wipes are a quick way to refresh your face, hands or body during long days on the road.
- Sunscreen: No matter where you’re travelling in Australia, you’ll be exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays (yes, even in the car). Always put on sunscreen, carry a bottle in your car and keep protective gear like hats and sunglasses handy.
- Water: Always take a few water bottles to keep you hydrated while driving. It’s recommended that you take 6 litres of water per person, especially if you’ll be on the road for more than a day.
- Food and snacks: You’ll want some food to sustain you during your drive, particularly if you’re planning on travelling for several hours at a time. Bring your favourite snacks and more nourishing bites (like muesli bars, fruit and nuts) to keep you fuelled during your road trip.
Petrol stations and EV chargers along the way
The drive from Darwin to Alice Springs is a long one and chances are, you’ll need to refuel or charge your vehicle somewhere along the way. To make sure you have a safe and smooth journey, here is a list of petrol and EV charging stations you can visit between Darwin and Alice Springs:
- Puma Coolalinga – open 24 hours, located on 296 Start Hwy, Coolalinga NT 0835
- BP – open 24 hours, located on 6 Katherine Terrace, Katherine South NT 0850
- United – open 6am to 8pm 7 days a week, located on 13 Roper Terrace, Mataranka NT 0852
- Threeways Roadhouse – open 6am to 11pm 7 days a week, located on Stuart Hwy, Warumungu NT 0852
- Ampol Ti Tree – open 6am to 10pm 7 days a week, located on Stuart Hwy, Ti Tree, NT 0872
- EG Ampol Alice Springs – open 7am to 9pm 7 days a week, located on 1 Wills Terrace, Alice Springs, NT 0870
Darwin to Alice Springs road trip: 5-day itinerary
Day 1: Darwin to Katherine
- Driving time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Driving distance: 317 km
- Top stops and attractions: Adelaide River, Katherine Hot Springs, Katherine Gorge
- Where to stay: Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk Chalets and Campground
Darwin to Katherine is a quick three-hour drive along National Highway 1. Once you get to Katherine, there’s a wealth of things to see and do, especially if you’re a fan of the great outdoors. From swimming in the Katherine Hot Springs to hiking around Nitmiluk National Park to cruising through the Katherine Gorge, there’s something for everyone in this rural town, no matter the time of year you visit.
The Katherine Hot Springs is a thermal spring located on the banks of Katherine River and consists of several clear pools that visitors can swim and bathe in. These blue natural pools are surrounded by native vegetation and scenic walking tracks, making for a great place to relax and explore for a few hours.
Day 2: Katherine to Nitmiluk National Park
- Driving time: 21 minutes
- Driving distance: 28km
- Top stops and attractions: Nitmiluk Gorge, Cutta Cutta Caves, Edith Falls
- Where to stay: Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk Cabins
Situated on the traditional lands of the Jawoyn people, Nitmiluk National Park is famous for its one-of-a-kind rock art sites as well as magnificent natural landmarks such as the Nitmiluk Gorge, Cutta Cutta Caves, and Edith Falls. The national park is located approximately 27 km from Katherine (roughly a 20-minute drive) and covers almost 3,000 square kilometres of land, meaning there’s an endless number of hiking trails and places to explore.
After visiting the 13 impressive gorges at the national park or picnicking at one of the many family-friendly areas, you can spend the night at a private accommodation such as the Cicada Lodge or one of the Nitmiluk Cabins. You can even go glamping at the Gorge View Bush Retreat.
Day 3: Katherine to Mataranka
- Driving time: 1 hour 9 minutes
- Driving distance: 108km
- Top stops and attractions: Stockyard Gallery, Territory Manor
- Where to stay: Mataranka Homestead
The next stop on your Darwin to Alice Springs road trip is Mataranka. Another small rural town in the Northern Territory, Mataranka is about an hour’s drive away (107.8km) and is best known for its surrounding thermal pools and pastoral history. The town is home to Stockyard Gallery, which exhibits local Aboriginal art all year round, as well as Territory Manor, which hosts barramundi fishing tours.
The Mataranka Thermal Pool is located in Elsey National Park and is surrounded by native paperbark and palm plants, making it perfect for swimming. The water is usually calm and crystal clear but can get warm, especially between October and April. You can access the pool via the towering Livistonas and park your vehicle at the nearby car park, which is pram and wheelchair-friendly.
One of the best places to spend a night in Mataranka is the Mataranka Homestead – a budget-friendly hotel located near the Waterhouse River and the Rainbow Springs Thermal Pool. It’s a great accommodation for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Day 4: Mataranka to Tennant Creek
- Driving time: 5 hours 53 minutes
- Driving distance: 567km
- Top stops and attractions: Battery Hill Mining Centre, Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre
- Where to stay: Bluestone Motor Inn, Goldfields Hotel Motel
One of Australia’s most naturally laid-back spots, Tennant Creek is a must-visit stop along your road trip from Darwin to Alice Springs. About a 6-hour drive from Mataranka, Tennant Creek is the seventh largest town in the Northern Territory and is famous for its cattle stations, Battery Hill Mining Centre, and Lake Mary Ann.
One of the top spots to visit while in Tennant Creek is the Tuxworth-Fullwood Museum, a WWII-hospital-turned museum housing gold mining artefacts and memorabilia. The Telegraph Station is another heritage site featuring stone buildings first built in 1872. The Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre is a favourite spot for art lovers and those interested in learning more about Aboriginal culture.
There are several accommodation options around Tennant Creek, including the Bluestone Motor Inn and Goldfields Hotel Motel in the Barkly region. If you’re travelling in a campervan, you may prefer staying overnight at the Outback Caravan Park.
Day 5: Tennant Creek to Alice Springs
- Driving time: 5 hours 8 minutes
- Driving distance: 508 km
- Top stops and attractions: Alice Springs Telegraph Station, ANZAC Hill
- Where to stay: Mercure Alice Springs Resort, Desert Palms
The final day of your road trip consists of a five-hour drive from Tennant Creek to Alice Springs. Luckily, the drive is pretty straightforward, with lots of great stops to break up the last leg of your trip.
Once you reach Alice Springs, be sure to check out ANZAC Hill, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, and the nearby Olive Pink Botanic Garden. Immerse yourself in the culture of the famous central Australian town and learn about the region’s history while you’re at it. You can join local tours and even hop on a hot air balloon to see all the town’s nearby landmarks from the air.
Where to stop between Darwin and Alice Springs
The roads between Darwin and Alice Springs are paved with many beautiful and memorable places to visit, including iconic landmarks, heritage national parks, and unique museums. Discover a few of these top stops between Darwin and Alice Springs below.
Litchfield National Park
Near Batchelor, Litchfield National Park is a park covering approximately 1,500 square kilometres that’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Home to some stunning waterfalls, 4WD-friendly tracks, natural swimming pools, and scenic bushland views, Litchfield National Park has a wealth of family-friendly activities to check out.
Kakadu National Park
One of the largest national parks in Australia, Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listing famous for its exceptional natural habitats and 50,000 years’ worth of Aboriginal history. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometres, the national park is also home to hundreds of rock art sites that date back thousands of years, and showcase indigenous traditions, spiritual beliefs, and language.
Some of the top spots to visit at Kakadu National Park include Ubirr (a rock art destination), the Barramundi Gorge (Maguk) Waterfall, the Mamukala Wetlands, and the Nawurlandja Lookout. You can access most tourist sites by driving up a nearby track or travelling through a nearby walking trail.
Uluru
Almost five hours from Alice Springs is Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock), an enormous sandstone monolith that stands as one of Australia’s miraculous natural wonders. Believed to be over 550 million years old, Uluru is an iconic rock formation that has immense cultural and spiritual significance for Aboriginal Australians. It’s best explored with an Uluru base walk.
Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is a special natural wonder in Australia’s Red Centre, having over 400 million years of history as a red sandstone canyon. About a three and a half hours’ drive from Uluru, Kings Canyon is definitely a sight to see if you’re in the area, iconic for its bright red colour and rimmed rock cliffs. You can tour the canyon and surrounding Watarrka National Park and even watch a Light-Towers show that takes place during sunset at the natural landmark.
Daly Waters
A small town located 620 km south of Darwin, Daly Waters is a settlement that’s best known for its iconic outback establishment – the Daly Waters Pub. A multi-award-winning pub, Daly Waters is a historic venue serving not only wine, beer, and food, but also houses free-roaming animals for visitors to pet and local live entertainment.
Darwin to Alice Springs drive: frequently asked questions
Can you complete the Darwin to Alice Springs drive in reverse?
Yes, you can. The route is exactly the same along Stuart Highway but travelling in the opposite direction.
How long is the Darwin to Alice Springs drive?
How long it takes to drive from Darwin to Alice Springs depends on which route you take and how many stops you make. A direct drive will take around 16 hours, but we recommend breaking this up over at least five days.
How long does it take to drive from Tennant Creek to Alice Springs?
It takes about 5 hours to drive from Tennant Creek to Alice Springs. It’ll take you the same amount of time to drive in reverse from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek.
Is it worth driving from Darwin to Alice Springs?
Yes, driving is part of the adventure and the trip across the Northern Territory from Darwin to Alice Springs takes you through all the best sites and towns that the region has to offer. Rest assured, even if you don’t have a car, you can hire one for the drive of your dreams with Turo.
Final advice for the Darwin to Alice Springs drive of a lifetime
The drive from Darwin to Alice Springs is one of the best across Australia, where you can experience the natural wonders of the great outback while also exploring the friendly and welcoming towns in central Australia.
Taking anywhere between 16 hours and five days, you can plan your drive to suit your interests while also tackling popular tourist destinations. Get ready for your adventure through the famed Australian outback today!
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Lucinda Starr
Lucinda is a Sydney-based content specialist and avid road tripper. Having travelled across Asia, North America and the South Pacific, she's experienced everything from glamping in a Yurt in -30 degrees in The Yukon, snorkelling in the open seas of Vanuatu and hiking the rocky alps of Kamikochi in Japan. She's currently planning her next overseas adventure, a toss-up between a classic #EuroSummer or a multi-day trek through Nepal.
