You should spend 7 days from Cairns to Katherine and another 7 days from Katherine to Broome. Also an espresso coffee machine in the morning before the big drive. (Image: Tourism NT/Mitch Cox). Contrary to what Cape York horror stories will tell you, there are fuel stations and roadhouses stocking both petrol and diesel along the way (in fact, the longest distance between bowsers is 140km). The roads from Hells Gate and beyond are really tough so take it easy and have an extra spare tyre. Limmen National Park has excellent estuary and river fishing locations.Another popular stop for canoeing and fishing is the Elsey Cemetery in Mataranka.Katherine Low Level National Park is great for fishing.And finally, Mary River National Park provides excellent opportunities for bushwalking and fishing. Due to popular demand, we've compiled an Interactive Map of fuel stops across the Nullarbor a complete list of Eyre Highway fuel stops! The Direct Route from Cairns to Darwin covers 3,138 kilometres and takes 34 hours of non-stop driving. For travel insurance we recommend SafetyWing. It is always hot here. to go. However, due to ongoing COVID19 concern and we were required to go through a pretty easy border process controlled by the Northern Territory police. There are camping sites along Savannah Way, such as Borroloola Caravan Park and Burketown Caravan Park located at the Gulf of Carpentaria. Another long stretch of around 661km/411mi. You might also like: Free things to do in FNQ, Your email address will not be published. Now youre getting closer to Darwin than Cairns. Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone, as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent. Enjoy a days R&R at Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, which is surrounded by Indigenous land and Limmen National Parks abundant waterways, savannah, beach-scalloped coast, gorges and rocks formations such as the rusted columns nicknamed the Lost City. and all the way to Katherine Gorge and beyond. PO Box 5244, Cairns, QLD 4870 / 24 Hour FREECALL 1800 645 832 / Ph (07) 4035 5888 / Fax (07) 4035 6777. Distance: 68km's from Pine Creek, about 50 mins. A roadhouse basically is a fuel station with add-ons. Stay at the Barklay Homestead on the Barklay highway. But what makes Ingham particularly interesting is Lee's Hotel (formerly known as the . This great personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than 12 people. Burketown has plenty of fishing holes and you can even join the annual Barramundi Fishing Competition held every Easter. For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. However, make sure you have adequate insurance and roadside assistance which covers remote locations. During the wet season, torrential streams can be seen here, and during the dry season these falls are almost completely dried up. Cost of Driving from Cairns, Australia to Darwin, Australia Rest every two hours for at least 15 minutes. Fuel is cheaper in towns such as Port Augusta and Alice Springs, and much cheaper in capital cities. Direct. And there you have it the ultimate road trip itinerary. Learn how your comment data is processed. Note: This itinerary is part of a much longer Melbourne to Darwin road trip. Throughout our whole 4wd road trip around Australia, it's definitely the section from Cairns to Darwin that sticks out most in our minds. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. Cairns to Darwin. Some interesting little stops every 50-100kms. The Outback Way is one of Australia's great four wheel drive odysseys. Just get a bucket and attach a string to it for throwing in the water. Thinking of a family self drive hire vacation - then search here for a one way rental . How to get half price tickets for the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. This Top End Explorer is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey along the "Savannah Way" between Darwin and Cairns. Stop off at Florence Falls (40 minutes from Batchelor) followed by a quick pit stop at Tolmer Falls, which is merely 12 minutes from Wangi Falls. Suggested Time: 4 days. Our itinerary will take you along sealed roads only, making this a more accessible trip for those who dont have four by four access or arent ready to get really remote. 44 hours. I'm not sure whether I'd be best going via Townsville, Mount Isa as opposed to the Savannah Way. You need a 4WD, as sections of road on this route are unsealed. Morning fog at Litchfield National Park. In 2022, with global fuel price rises, Cape York fuel costs were between $2.11/L and 2.89/L. Heres everything youll ever need to know Pamela Wright takes a dip with a movie star, Burt the crocodile, in Darwin's Cage of Death. drive for about 6 hours. Road trip route from Brisbane to Darwin. Crocodiles are everywhere and just because you cannot see them does not mean they are not there. Avoid the wet season, as roads may be impassable and you risk getting stranded. 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. Beware of crocodiles as they lurk into waterholes and creeks in northern Australia. Your email address will not be published. Cairns to Darwin // Your 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary. Turn onto Route 52 into the rainforest-clad Atherton Tablelands. Isa from there, but it's a bit more off the beaten track and parts may flood in March. However, to get a first-hand experience of the Outback, you can park your caravan in a remote area and enjoy the starry skies of Savannah Way at night. No wonder Australias colonial father Captain James Cook chose to land here. Fuel prices in the Cape vary and are generally cheapest closer to Cairns. Alternatively, you can drive through the sealed road. Our minimum recommended time for this itinerary is 10 days, but you may want to add a few extra days to spend in Cairns and Darwin. It's essentially a big country town with some really beautiful places and fun attractions. We decided to stay in Tennant Creek which was 25km south of the turn off. According to Motorhome Republic, a 2-berth campervan rental in Cairns booked for summer costs around $223 per night and winter sits at roughly $177. I have worked several years in Europe and am now planning to move back home, Melbourne. within the past 7 days were AU$166 for one-way flights and AU$332 for return flights for the period specified. No, you don't need to take fuel, but it is advisable to refuel at every roadhouse and town along the route. Unfortunately I will have to make the trip in late March which is not ideal with respect to the weather.I may also be travelling alone and as a young female would prefer a route with plenty of stops and sealed roads. Continue west to Undara Experience try to arrive in time for a sunset wildlife tour. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. Darwin is Australias smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. From Cairns to Darwin, our suggested route covers a minimum of 2800 kilometers. Aerial view of someone swimming at Florence Falls. Sailing at night time can be risky, as the huge mammals sleep on the surface, completely oblivious to cruising vessels. The first stop is into the Atherton Tablelands, with a great choice of the lovely towns to stay in. Camping in the bush, the real outback experience - Secluded in the bush, the nearest house is 500km away. There is a maximum of 300km between fuel stops in Laverton and Tjukayirla Roadhouse, so carry extra fuel. With a population of over 1000 residents, Normanton is a real hub in the Outback, and this is where the landscapes turn from green to red. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Especially around September when the 'Carnival of Flowers' takes place. Wildlife can be a danger this far north too, so avoid driving at night if you dont want a run-in with a kangaroo or a herd of cattle or camel on the road. (319 kms, about 4 hours). Many thanks, Rick, Rick, that does not sound crazy at all to me but rather like a great trip :-), Did they get a lift? The easiest way to Cape York is via Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR), Telegraph Road, Bamaga Road, Jardine Ferry and the final bit on Bamaga Road to the tip. 24/7 operation. Example: during our trip, in the Roper Bar Store Roadhouse, diesel cost about AUD2 per gallon, which at the time was 40% more expensive than in Cairns. This is the quintessential NT wilderness experience. Before you reach the Outback youll drive west into the Atherton Tablelands, where youll find a cooler climate and a welcome break from the humidity of the coast. Your next stops should be former gold-rush town Pine Creek and Adelaide River, famous for its jumping crocodile cruises. Remember that saltwater crocodiles inhabit many of the Gulf Savannahs waterways, so stay back from the waters edge, avoid repetitive Cape Crawford through Roper Bar to Mataranka (unsealed route) This is remote 4WD country with some spectacular spots. Head on to the Undara Volcanic National Park, where you can discover many natural wonders. Clustering. There are fuel stops at Victoria River Roadhouse and Timber Creek in the Northern Territory. Go canoeing on Katherine Gorge, and make friends with the wildlife at Nitmiluk National Park on scenic walking tracks. Karumba is a great spot to charter a fishing boat. by: Ann Wareing . Laverton to Uluru. (Image: Tourism NT/Jackson Groves). For example you could head north to Port Douglas, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation (sealed road) or you could travel west up into the Atherton Tablelands and over into the outback after visiting the Undara Lava Tubes. Mount Isa is an Outback crossroad where, if you arent already sick of mines from Cloncurry, you can check out the Hard Times Mine exhibition. While leaving Cairns, I would like to travel the Savanah but would also like other suggestions. Rule of thumb: The further out and the more abandoned you drive to, the more expensive is the fuel. Choose one of the eight weekly flights with Qantas or Jetstar . Katherine to Darwin. Just beware of the saltwater crocodiles and do not get too close to the water. Estimated Travel Period: 17 Days including Kakadu National Park. You can stop for fuel in Jabiru, Mataranka, Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Burketown, Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine, Cairns, Mareeba, Chillagoe, and Darwin. However, the roads are not sealed completely so unless your caravan is a 4WD and in top condition, you will face problems on these roads. Welcome to the Northern Territory! Stay overnight at the luxury Cicada Lodge. Yes there are car and motorbike tours on offer, especially between Darwin and Cairns. It's 187km from Barkly Homestead to the Threeways . The Savannah highway is Australias longest and most interesting route that connects to major roads across the northern Australia. Estimated Fuel Cost: $250-$300 depending on vehicle and whether you're towing. You need four-wheel drive to complete this journey. (Image: David Hancock), Youll want to spend the day in this series of spectacular gorges in Nitmiluk National Park and stay for sunset, when the cliffs glow red. Mount Isa is a big mining town, just 2 hours from the Northern Territoy border. The Barkly Highway is the only sealed road between Queensland and the Northern Territory. Recommended Driving Time: 16 hours - at least ONE overnight stop is recommended. Fuel Map is a crowd-sourced database of petrol stations and fuel prices from all across Australia. 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