posted on September 17, 2024
Experience the adventure of a lifetime with the Darwin to Cairns drive, a thrilling Northern Territory to Queensland road trip that takes you through the heart of Australia’s wild landscapes and outback towns.
In this guide, you’ll find our top driving tips, must-see attractions, and hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring ancient gorges, or meeting the friendly locals, this epic route promises unforgettable memories at every turn.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Darwin to Cairns drive: Overview
- Your road trip map from Darwin to Cairns
- Top tips for driving from Darwin to Cairns
- Your stop-by-stop Darwin to Cairns drive itinerary
- Top places to stop between Darwin and Cairns
- Frequently asked questions about the Darwin to Cairns drive
The Darwin to Cairns drive: An overview
- Drive time: ~30 hours
- Drive distance: ~2770 kms
- Suggested road trip length: 7 days
- Recommended itinerary:
- Day 1: Darwin to Katherine
- Day 2: Katherine to Mataranka
- Day 3: Mataranka to Daly Waters
- Day 4: Daly Waters to Tennant Creek
- Day 5: Tennant Creek to Mount Isa
- Day 6: Mount Isa to Hughenden
- Day 7: Hughenden to Cairns
- Top stops: Katherine Gorge, Litchfield National Park, Kakadu, Undara Lava Tubes and Mataranka Thermal Pools
- Best time to drive from Darwin to Cairns: Hit the road from June to August for mild, dry winter temperatures. Alternatively, depart between September and November for the quieter spring period.
The best Darwin to Cairns route
- If you’re driving a 2WD, take the sealed inland route: Darwin → Stuart Highway (A1) → Barkly Highway (A2) → Flinders Highway (A6) → Cairns
- If you’re driving a 4WD, you can plan for off-roading via The Plenty Highway and Diamantina Developmental Road: Darwin → Stuart Highway (A1) → Plenty Highway (C86) → QLD’s Diamantina Developmental Road → Flinders Highway (A6) → Cairns
The best stopover between Darwin and Cairns
A great stopover between Darwin and Cairns is Mount Isa. Nestled in the heart of Queensland’s outback, you’ll get a fascinating glimpse into mining history with attractions like the Outback at Isa and the underground mine tours.
Popular overnight stays between Darwin and Cairns include:
- Mount Isa City Caravan Park offers powered and unpowered sites with basic facilities like laundry, nearby restaurant and camp kitchen.
- Discovery Parks – Mount Isa offers well-maintained facilities including cabins and powered sites.
- Redearth Boutique Hotel provides modern rooms and a convenient location with all the comfort of a shower and beds.
Petrol stations and EV chargers from Darwin to Cairns
If you’re tackling the Darwin to Cairns road trip in an electric car, download the app PlugShare ahead of time. It’ll show all charging locations and costs and lets you bookmark each location.
There are many more charging locations available now due to a new partnership with the Commonwealth and NRMA!
To avoid getting caught short on fuel, keep this petrol station itinerary in mind:
- Darwin to Katherine (~320 km): Ample petrol stations along the way.
- Katherine to Mataranka (~106 km): Both towns have petrol stations and EV chargers.
- Mataranka to Daly Waters (~162 km): Limited petrol; fill up in Mataranka. EV charger on Homestead Rd.
- Daly Waters to Tennant Creek (~411 km): Few petrol stations; fill up at BP in Elliott. EV charger at Midland Caravan Park.
- Tennant Creek to Mount Isa (~661 km): Long stretch; refuel at Barkly Homestead and Camooweal. Limited EV chargers are available.
- Mount Isa to Hughenden (~515 km): Stock up in Mount Isa. Petrol stations and EV chargers in Cloncurry and Julia Creek.
- Hughenden to Cairns (~530 km): Plenty of petrol stations and chargers approaching Cairns.
Your Darwin to Cairns road trip map
Road trip essentials: What you need to know before driving from Darwin to Cairns
Before you hit the road for an outback adventure from Darwin to Cairns, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Check your car health
A well-maintained car is going to make the biggest difference when driving long distances. Change your oil, air filters, tyre pressure, and all fluids and refit your tyres if needed. Don’t forget to pump up the spare too! Get some Rain-X for your windows for anti-fog and water-repelling. Give your vehicle a good clean too—it’ll make your trip a lot more comfortable.
Darwin to Cairns road conditions
The best thing you can do is to find out what the road conditions are at the time of year you go. You can download the QLDTraffic app or use RACQ to check road closures and 4WD suitable routes ahead of time.
Outback driving essentials
In the Northern Territory outback, avoid driving at dawn and dusk due to kangaroos, cattle, feral pigs, and emus on the roads. For EVs, bring a cable for socket chargers and use an app like PlugShare to plan stops. Charge during meals, overnight stays, and rest stops to save sightseeing time.
Don’t forget to pack:
- Sunscreen, bug bite cream and mosquito repellant
- Comfortable footwear, hat and backpack
- Hoodie or parka if you’re camping, it can get really cold
- Case of water
- Food
- Cash
- Essential road kit, including: a tyre plug kit, 12V air pump, car jack, battery jumper cables, and spare oil
How much does a Darwin to Cairns road trip cost?
Below, we’ve provided a rough estimate of basic costs for a 7-day itinerary from Darwin to Cairns.
- Fuel: ~ $560 at approx $2/L
- Accommodation
- Camping
- Cost per Night: $10-30 per night at campsites.
- Total Cost: For a 7-night trip, costs would range from $70 to $210.
- Caravanning
- Cost per Night: $20-60 per night for a powered site.
- Caravan Rental: $60-150 per day (if renting).
- Total Cost:
- For a powered site: $140 to $420.
- Caravan rental (optional): $420 to $1,050.
- Total: $560 to $1,470 (including rental).
- Motels
- Cost per Night: $80-120 per night.
- Total Cost: For a 7-night trip, costs would range from $560 to $840.
- Camping
- Food
- Self-Catering: Cooking your meals can cost around $10-20 per day per person.
- Eating Out: Expect to spend $20-50 per day per person.
- Total Cost:
- Self-catering: $70 to $140 for 7 days.
- Eating out: $140 to $350 for 7 days.
- Total Cost:
Total Costs
- Camping: ~ $640 to $850.
- Caravanning: ~ $1,060 to $1,960 (including caravan rental).
- Budget Motels: ~ $1,200 to $1,690.
Best type of car for the Darwin to Cairns drive
There are many great car options for a self-drive road trip from Darwin to Cairns. Think about how much off-roading you’d like to do and if you need to bring extras like bikes and canoes. Lastly, factor in how many passengers there’ll be and where your must-see sites are.
4WDs – suitable for off-roading
- Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Built for off-roading on tough terrains with heaps of space to bring extra gear.
2WDs – suitable for the inland route
- Toyota Camry, Mazda 6, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage. Pick between sedans and SUVs for a comfy and fuel efficient ride. Plus these cars can handle inland routes comfortably.
Find the perfect car for your road trip with Darwin car rental on Turo.
The perfect Darwin to Cairns road trip itinerary (7 days)
Day 1: Darwin to Katherine (~320 km, about 3.5 hours)
Head down the Stuart Highway until you get to Litchfield National Park to make friends with native animals, then go for a swim at Wangi Falls and explore the stunning Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge.
Day 2: Katherine to Mataranka (~106 km, about 1.5 hours)
Continue along the Stuart Highway to relax in the soothing Mataranka Thermal Pools. Don’t miss exploring Elsey National Park, and take a dip in its 34C water holes and the serene Botanic Walk.
Day 3: Mataranka to Daly Waters (~162 km, about 2 hours)
Get back on Stuart Highway and make your next stop at Larrimah Pink Panther Hotel for a coffee and a homemade pie or sausage roll. Make your way to the iconic Daly Water Pub for some live music, a good pub feed and some cool memorabilia. Head back on the road and make a quick stop at the Stuart Tree Historical Reserve for a history lesson.
Day 4: Daly Waters to Tennant Creek (~411 km, about 4.5 hours)
Make your way to Newcastle Waters for a quick off-roading adventure before you drive to Dunmarra Wayside-Inn Roadhouse. Stop here to stretch your legs and grab a famous vanilla slice or pie. Finally, head to Tennant Creek to explore the Battery Hill Mining Centre and learn about the gold rush.
Day 5: Tennant Creek to Mount Isa (~661 km, about 7 hours)
Today, it’s time for your off-roading adventure to cross the border! You’re in for a big drive, so make sure to fuel up at Barkly Homestead before you go. If you’ve got enough time, check out the ancient limestone caves in Camooweal before heading to Mount Isa to see the mining museum and settle in for the night.
Day 6: Mount Isa to Hughenden (~515 km, about 5.5 hours)
For your first day in QLD, head west to Hughenden via Barkly Highway towards Flinders Highway. Stop in Cloncurry for some outback history and stop by the John Flynn Place Museum. Check out the “Little Grand Canyon” at Porcupine National Park before exploring the dinosaur fossils at Flinders Discovery when you arrive in Hughenden.
Day 7: Hughenden to Cairns (~530 km, about 6 hours)
This is your last leg of the journey before making it to gorgeous Cairns! Take a journey down the Flinders Highway towards Kennedy Highway, making your first stop at The Crystal Caves in Atherton. Check out 600+ crystals before you get to Cairns to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and more!
Haven’t got seven days to spare? Try a Darwin day trip instead!
Top places to stay between Darwin and Cairns
- Mount Isa – Redearth Boutique Hotel $$–$$$: Modern and comfortable rooms with excellent amenities including Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant.
- Tennant Creek – Ibis Styles Tennant Creek $$–$$$: Offers comfortable rooms with modern facilities, a pool, and a restaurant.
- Daly Waters – Daly Waters Pub $–$$: Quirky outback pub with basic but comfortable accommodation options and a unique atmosphere.
- Katherine – Cicada Lodge $$–$$$: Upscale lodge offering luxury accommodation with great views and easy access to the gorge.
- Hughenden – Hughenden Motel $–$$: Budget-friendly with clean, simple rooms and a convenient location.
- Mount Isa – Discovery Parks – Mount Isa $–$$: Well-equipped caravan park with powered sites, amenities, and a relaxed environment.
Top food stops between Darwin and Cairns
- Black Russian Caravan (< 5km from Katherine town) ~ $1-20
- The Xtra Mile Cafe (< 5km from Mount Isa City) ~$20-40
- Daly Waters Pub (< 5km from Daly Waters town) ~$20-40
- Samgasat Thai Cuisine (< 5km from Cairns City) ~ $20-40
- Rusty’s Markets (< 5km from Cairns City) ~ $10-30
Drooling over these foodie spots? There’s a perfect Darwin rental car waiting for you on Turo to get you there.
Top stops along the road trip from Darwin to Cairns
If you’re coming from outside of the Northern Territory, you’ll need to purchase a once-off parks pass from Parks Australia to gain access to some of the national parks. Remember to check beforehand if the stop you’re visiting requires a walking fee, too.
Litchfield National Park
Entry fee: No
Litchfield National Park, about 100 km from Darwin, is known for its stunning waterfalls and giant termite mounds that can only be found in the Far North. Check out natural swimming spots like Florence and Wangi Falls. There are no saltwater crocodiles in these wild swimming holes.
Wangi Falls
Entry fee: No
130 km from Darwin in Litchfield, featuring a double waterfall and a swimming hole with picnic areas and camping nearby.
Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge)
Entry fee: No
Famous for the mighty Katherine Gorge, check out the series of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the river. Stay here for the sunset to see the sandstone walls transform pink, purple, and orange as it gets dark. Travel by boat cruises, kayaks, or hiking trails. Entry to the national park is free, but some activities, like boat tours and camping, have fees.
Bitter Springs & Mataranka Hot Springs
Entry fee: No
Just 3km shy of Mataranka town, you’ll be able to find Bitter Springs and Mataranka Springs. These natural wonders are some of the most beautiful swimmable water holes in Australia.
Daly Waters Historic pub
Entry fee: No
This is the Northern Territory’s most famous pub to tick off your list. Built in the 1930s, it was the small town watering hole for the aviation race following World War 2. The place is plastered with memorabilia left by travellers from around the world. You’ll find classic pub meals, cold drinks and live music.
Elsey National Park
Entry fee: ~$10-60
Another gorgeous waterhole you’ll find about 2kms from Mataranka town. Take the Botanic Walk, a 1.5km beginner-friendly track. The park is known for being the setting of the classic Australian novel ‘We of the Never Never‘.
Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve (Karlu Karlu)
Entry fee: ~$10-60
This is the region’s most famous and sacred Aboriginal landmark where you can find massive, granite boulders scattered across the landscape. Spend some time appreciating the sunrise and sunset watching the rocks glow in vibrant colours. Take the self-guided walking trail with plenty of signage to learn about the history! It’s roughly 100 kms south of Tennant Creek.
Tennant Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
Entry fee: No
The Tennant Creek Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, roughly 3km from Tennant Creek, showcases 19th-century telegraph buildings and early outback life. Learn about the gold rush of 1925 and the Overland Telegraph Line, NT’s first telegraph connection to Britain.
Barkly Tableland
Entry fee: No
If you want to get a real taste of the outback away from the tourists, put this on your list. You’ll see flat open plains, cattle stations and some of the best sunsets you can find. This is our recommendation for off-roading, especially because it’s remote.
Mount Isa Mines
Entry fee: No
About 700 kms from Tennant Creek, is a key mining hub known for its copper, lead, zinc, and silver mines. Visit the Underground Hospital and the take the Hard Mines tour to get a firsthand experience at being a miner.
Riversleigh Fossil Fields
Entry fee: ~ $9-39
Located in Mt Isa, this is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases fossils of marsupials, reptiles and birds. Interactive displays make it easy to navigate, but you can also take a guided tour if you wish. Check admission fees and opening hours here.
Undara lava tubes
Entry fee: ~ $45-90
Travel off the beaten path into the outback Savannah country, where you’ll find a 190,000-year-old lava tunnel where lava flowed for over 160 km. Situated within Undara Volcanic National Park, the drive is 270 km from Cairns, and the only way to see the tubes is via a tour. Don’t forget to try the Bush Breakfast served daily at Ringers’ camp.
Have a few extra days? Check out everything to do in Savannah Way.
Atherton Crystal Caves
Entry fee: ~$12.50-65
Head to this jaw-dropping crystal and fossil collection with man-made caves covering over 300 sq metres. There are 600+ crystals to get lost in, and our highlight is definitely the Empress of Uruguay, the world’s largest amethyst geode. These caves are roughly 90 km southwest off the east coast of Cairns, so you can make this stop in half a day during your final leg of the journey.
Kakadu National Park
Entry fee: ~ $20-100
About 150 kms southeast of Darwin, this is Australia’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is rich with Indigenous culture. It’s the perfect place to explore rivers, wetlands, ancient rock art over 20,000 years old.
Tip from the author: Slip slop slap beforehand, there are some pretty harsh rays here, so don’t forget a hat and long sleeve clothing and even an umbrella for plenty of protection.
Frequently asked questions about the Darwin to Cairns road trip
Can you drive from Darwin to Cairns in a 2WD?
Absolutely. If you’re worried about how your car will go across beaches, gravel roads and boggy areas, don’t worry, you can opt for the inland route that still takes you across all the major sites. Make sure to bring car recovery tracks in case your car gets stuck.
Is the road from Darwin to Cairns sealed?
Yes, the road from Darwin to Cairns is fully sealed. The route primarily follows major highways such as the Stuart National Highway in the Northern Territory and the Savannah Way in Queensland. These roads are paved and in good condition, making them suitable for standard vehicles, including sedans and 2WD cars.
However, while the main route is on sealed roads, some detours or side trips off the main highways might have unsealed roads.
Can you fly from Darwin to Cairns?
Yes. Direct flights from Darwin to Cairns take around 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Is a caravan suitable for the Darwin to Cairns drive?
Yes. We suggest road-tripping inland where sealed roads are available.
Can you complete this road trip in reverse?
Definitely, simply reverse this itinerary to tackle the Cairns to Darwin road trip itinerary. You’re travelling during the dry season (May to October); either direction works. However, if you’re going during the wet season (November to April), heading from Cairns to Darwin might be better so you can drive away from the heavy rains.
Ready to experience the Darwin to Cairns road trip? Discover car rental Darwin on Turo now.
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.
