Travel
Road trip Australia: Drive the unforgettable Explorers Way
From tropical sunsets in Darwin to the red heart of Alice, this iconic Top End to Red Centre drive delivers.
By Jess & Luke Riddle
This unforgettable road trip takes you through the heart of Australia. Travelling along the Stuart Highway, you’ll visit the vibrant outback towns and breathtaking landscapes that make the Northern Territory so unique.
You start in the Top End in Darwin/Garramilla, where there are fascinating galleries and a famous food market where you can watch the sun dip into the ocean. You then travel south to the town of Katherine, where you can take a dip in one of the many natural hot springs.
Further south again, past quirky outback pubs and balancing boulders, you continue towards the centre of Australia where you’ll witness the land turn a striking shade of red as you approach Alice Springs/Mparntwe.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to add on other NT road trips to make this one big outback adventure.
Traditional owners
Darwin/Garramilla is the traditional land of the Larrakia People. Katherine is the traditional land of the Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman Peoples. Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles is the traditional land of the Warumungu, Kaytete, Warlpiri and Alyawarra Peoples. Alice Springs/Mparntwe is the traditional land of the Arrernte People.
How long to wander
Around seven days would be ideal for this road trip. If you are adding on Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and the Red Centre Way, give yourself three weeks.
How far
It’s just under 1500km from Darwin/Garramilla to Alice Springs/Mparntwe.
→ Darwin/Garramilla to Katherine 317km (3.5hr)
→ Katherine to Alice Springs/Mparntwe (via Daly Waters and Karlu Karlu/ Devils Marbles) 1190km (12hr)
When to wander
Our favourite time for this road trip is July to September but anytime during the dry season from May onwards is good for travel. Just be mindful that after a large wet season (Oct–April), it can sometimes take a while for swimming holes in the Top End to open.
Why we love it
The red dirt and dusty outback scenes are so beautiful, and experiencing sunrise and sunset in the desert is indescribable.
Best wanderings: Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Driving tips
The Stuart Highway has a speed limit of 130km/h and is a major route for road trains. It’s a good idea to travel with a UHF radio and make sure to have it set to channel 40 in case a truck driver needs to contact you. If you are towing a caravan, remember to not exceed 100km/h.
Get planning at northernterritory.com and find inspiration for your trip on their socials.
Feature image: Jess and Luke Riddle
Images and text from As We Wander: Road Trip Australia by Jess and Luke Riddle, photography by Jess and Luke Riddle. Murdoch Books RRP $49.99.
Citro may receive a small commission at no cost to you on any orders placed using the book link in this article.
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