During my 3 years as a backpacker in Australia, I had the chance to do a few road trips around the country, one of which was crossing the Red Centre through the Sturt Highway (or the Explorer Way) from Adelaide to Darwin.
The Explorer Way linking Adelaide with Darwin, is one of the greatest long-distance drives in the world. The main road, the Stuart Highway, crosses many important sites of Australia, such as the capital of South Australia (Adelaide), the very odd town of Coober Pedy, Uluru National Park, the most central city in Australia Alice Spring, Litchfield National Parks, a few natural hot springs, until you reach the city of Darwin.
How many days do I need for a complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin?
Adelaide to Darwin is 3.030km apart, so if you want to do this trip in one day, 24 hours of driving won’t be enough to cover this distance, in fact, you will need to drive 31 hours – no stop – in case you are considering this crazy option.
The Explorer Way itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin offers so many beautiful places to visit along the way, people often prefer to fly to see one of the most important sights of Australia, Uluru, but they miss so many landscapes and experiences this way. Consider driving the Stuart Highway and take your time if you can to see as much as you’d like.
This complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin stretches over 21 days, to make your road trip worth it the most. This way you will be able to avoid very long hours driving and have some good rest between the two longer drives you might need to do, but mostly enjoy and experience the wonder you are going to encounter along this way.
Can I manage to do the Adelaide to Darwin itinerary in 14 days?
Yes, you can! If you are not really a hiker lover or you are in a rush to reach one city or the other but still want to see some things along the way, you can do this road trip from Adelaide to Darwin or vice versa even in 7 days itinerary. It’s crazy I know, but I did it on my way back to Adelaide. Keep reading, you will find a quicker itinerary at the end of this post.
21 days Adelaide to Darwin itinerary | the Explorer way
This complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin on Explorers Way will see you transition from coastal, to mountainous, to desert and tropical climates all within one journey.
Get ready with these top 10 tips for the best road trip in Australia and start planning your next moves with the complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin in 21 days.
Day 1 – 2 | Adelaide to Flinders Ranger
Distance from Adelaide: 440km or 5.50 hours drive
After your few days wandering around Adelaide, perhaps following my 5-day itinerary in Adelaide, it is time now to leave the biggest city you will encounter on this complete itinerary of the Explorer way and make your way to the “edge of the outback”, the Flinders Ranges.
The Flinders Ranges are the largest mountain range in South Australia. Ancient and rugged mountain landscapes, together with the multitude of trees and wildlife, this semi-arid National Park it’s an imposing and spectacular sight you don’t want to miss.
Spend at least one night here staying in Wilpena Pound Resort choosing the best accommodation that suits you the most; from glamping to resort rooms or camping. Most of the hiking trails are around this area, as the resort sits in the Ikara National Park of the Flinders Rangers. From hikes to 4×4 drives and Aboriginal cultural tours, there’s plenty to do in the national park. Don’t forget to look at the stars at night and the wildlife that surrounds you.
Prices at Wilpena Pound Resort range for Camping sites from 10$ to 50$ the other options are between 200$ and 500$. The prices depend as well on high and low season.
Day 3 | Flinders Ranger to Coober Pedy
Distance from Wilpena Pound Resort: 700km or 7.20 hours
This complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin couldn’t be a proper one without a stop in Coober Pedy, one of the weirdest places I have visited in Australia. Dry, hot and quiet during the day almost as if it seemed uninhabited. As soon as you leave your Air conditioned vehicle you will understand why there is no one around. Most of the houses and shops are underground to protect from the high temperatures.
It’s well known as the Opal Capital of the World, as you approach Coober Pedy from the South you’ll start to see mounds of soil and holes in the ground, odd road signals advise you to take extra care while walking as you might fall and disappear into dug holes.
Make sure to visit the Old Timer’s Mine to learn a bit about the history of this Opal town and to see what houses look like in this area. To have a clearer idea of what Coober Pedy look like visit Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, go back to town for the sunset at The Big Winch and stay in an underground hotel or stay for free in the resting area just outside the Old Timer’s Mine.
Underground accommodation at Coober Pedy ranges between 100$ to 300$ per night
Day 4 | Coober Pedy to Erldunda / or Curtain Spring
Distance from Coober Pedy: 487 km or 5 hours or 648 km or 6.30 hours
Coober Pedy sits only 400 km from the border between South Australia and Nothern Territory. This drive doesn’t offer any particular sight to stop, except if you want to take a photo or stretch your legs at the border crossing monument that’s pretty much the main thing to see.
So you can leave Coober Pedy without rushing, reaching the Ghan area by late afternoon and stopping for the night in Erldunda Roadhouse. This popular roadhouse is an ideal place to stop for the night on the Stuart Highway, as it’s at the turnoff for the Lasseter Highway which leads to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Prices at Erldunda range from 16$ to 28$ for campsites per night, or 174$ to 272$ for Motel rooms.
If you are still keen on driving, less than 2 hours, to stay closer to Yulara and reach the National Park at a specific time the day after, consider spending the night at Curtain Spring. Here you can sleep for free and still have plenty of facilities around: the roadhouse offers showers, good food and a petrol station.
Day 5 – 6 | Erldunda to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Yulara)
Distance from Erldunda: 251 km or 2.40 hours
Distance from Curtain Spring: 87 km or 55 minutes
Doesn’t matter how long your road trip from Adelaide to Darwin will be, Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park is beyond doubt the first main sight you think of when you talk about the Explorer Way. As the complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin extends for 21 days crossing the Red Centre of Australia, I suggest you spend two full days and 2 nights in Yulara, this can be once lifetime experience, and you are going to love it.
Arrive at Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park entrance, pay the fees of 38$ for 3 days and start to drive within the Park.
Spend these days walking the base of Uluru, 10 km with wonders such as waterholes and lush woodlands around the world’s largest single rock monolith. Join the free Mala walk tour and learn about traditional Anangu culture, rock art and how the park is managed. The walk departs from the Mala car park at 8.00 am from October to April and 10.00 am from May to September.
Don’t miss the free presentation at the Cultural Centre during weekdays from 11.30, here you will be guided through the gallery and learn about the Anangu culture and the importance of the National Park.
Sunset and sunrise are a must-experience in Uluru, they both give different energy to this rock and the surroundings.
Kata Tjuta is usually forgotten by most tourists, but on my point of view, it is even more breathtaking than Uluru. From the hiking that offers to the significance for the Indigenous woman, this was certainly my favourite within this National Park. Kata Tjuta is made up of 36 giant domes spread over more than 20km reaching the tallest dome 1066 mt height.
So much more can be done in Yulara and its resort, there are shops, pubs, restaurants, petrol stations, supermarket and everything you need here. If you are keen on other experiences such as exploring the Field of Light art installation, dining under the outback sky, riding a camel, joining a free Bush Food Experience and much more, just visit this website or at the time of your check-in at Ayes Rock Resort and ask for information.
Ayes Rock Resort offers various options, from low-budget hotel rooms to luxurious options, apartments and lodges. Prices for these accommodations range from 200$ up to 1200$ per night. While the good and best, for me, powered and unpowered camping sites from 30$ to 50$ per night
Day 7 | Yulara to Kings Canyon
Distance from Kata Tjuta sunrise spot: 334 km 3.30 hours
Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing sunrise spot is a must-see before leaving, so set your alarm and have your coffee here, absorbing all the colours you can during this spectacular gift from nature.
As you leave Yulara, remember you will encounter only two more petrol stations: Curtain Springs at 87 km and Discovery Kings Canyon at 330 km; so fill up your tank and Jerry can and make your way to another stunning natural sight: Watarrka-Kings Canyon National Park.
To be honest I wasn’t really aware of all the beauty I could come across in this complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin because not a lot of people are willing to drive long hours in the middle of the outback. I highly recommend this road trip on the Explorer Way of Australia. You will appreciate things you didn’t even know you would have liked – not the millions of flies tho.
Once you reach Watarrka-Kings Canyon National Park get ready for the hiking you are going to do. The sounds of nature, the majestic mesmerizing Canyon, the evergreen trees and their smell, the bright orange colours of the rocks and the thousands of shades it has will let you feel like this walk will never end.
The main walks can be done, in my experience, all in one day. They respectively are 6km Kings Canyon Rim walk, 2.6km Kings Creek walk, and 2.6km Kathleen Springs walk. Make sure to avoid walking during the hottest hours, wear sunscreen and a hat, and carry enough water and some snacks. Watch the sun go down from Kings Canyon Resort’s viewing platform.
Camp at King’s Creek Station for as little as 27.50$ or 32.50$, or consider other outback accommodations offered raging from 200$ up to 700$
Day 8 9 10 | Kings Canyon to West Mac Donnel Nation Park
Distance from King’s Creek Station on the unsealed Red Centre Way: 224 km or 2.30 hours | Distance on Stuart Highway: 300 km or 3.20 hours
Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park is the 6th stop of the complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin. This Park offers so much beauty and relaxation you need to spend three nights to see it properly and enjoy every little of it. Camping, swimming, 4-wheel driving, hiking and cycling are the main things to do here.
The main Park attractions can be divided into 2 to 3 days, there are much of hiking and you want to avoid doing them in the hottest hours maybe chilling in the swimming holes between walks.
Entering the Park from the West side, the sites you shouldn’t miss on a journey here include Redbank Gorge, Ormiston Gorge, Serpentine Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole (my favourite) Hugh Gorge, Birthday Waterhole, Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap.
The park stretches 161km and requires visitors to the NT to have a park pass. Before you make your way there check on the NT website if the park is gonna be open.
Camping is only permitted in designated campsites and you can book them through this website – always book in advance mainly because you won’t have a connection – the fees go from as little as 4$ for most of the camping sites except the Stanly Chasm range between 18.50$ to 60$ (family) and include the access to the Chasm.
Day 11 | WMDNP to Alice Spring and Devils Marble
Distance from Simpsons Gap: 24 km or 20 minutes
If you have camped at Simpsons Gap, take a last look around the orange and green National Park and make your way to Alice Spring to have a good breakfast at Page 27 Cafe, then walk around the city to reach Anzac Hill and enjoy the view of this bizarre city in the middle of the Australian outback.
As you won’t drive through big cities for the next few days, do your groceries here, fill up the car and get anything you might need for the following days.
Distance from Alice Springs to Devils Marble: 410 km or 4 hours
Leave Alice Spring at a decent time to reach the destination for the night and make sure you are there for the sunset because you are going to love it at Devils Marble.
Camping fees at Karlu Karlu/Devils Marble need to be booked in advance from the website, fees are 7.70$ per night for 2 adults
Day 12 13 | Devils Marble to Mataranka Thermal Pool
Distance from Devil’s Marbles: 660 km or 6.50 hours
Wake up early to see the sunrise changing the colorous of the surroundings, perhaps from the rocks following the design path. Take a few moments to reset yourself and get ready for the last very long drive of this complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin.
After less than 3 hours you will find a petrol station to stretch your legs and fill up the tank. Drive for 2 and a half hours and make a detour to visit the famous pub in the middle of nothing: Daly Water. Make sure you arrive before 2 pm if you want to grab a bite and enjoy your cold beer listening to live country music in this bizarre pub built in 1930.
When you are ready jump in your car and drive for the last 2 hours to reach Elsey National Park in Mataranka, camp for the night and rest floating in this pleasant natural spring pool called Bitter Spring.
Fees for camping in Elsey National Park are around 15$ per night, book in advance through the NT website. National Park fees apply.
Day 14 | Mataranka to Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park
Distance from Mataranka: 115 km or 1.5 hour drive
Katherine is one of the largest towns in the Northern Territory, while it doesn’t have much to offer other than the Katherine Hot Springs – where you can have your morning dip as soon as you arrive – it does make a great base for exploring Nitmiluk National Park.
Distance from Katherine: 28 km or 20 minutes
Nitmiluk National Park is a must-see for the complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin, stay one-night camping at the park and explore it with ease. As the temperature here gets higher avoid walking during the hottest hours, wear sunscreen and a hat and carry ALWAYS enough water (tho some paths have water tanks available). Sitting on the banks of the Katherine River and the outskirts of the expansive Nitmiluk National Park, it’s perfectly described as where the outback meets the Top End tropics.
If you are doing this road trip without time limits there are actually plenty of things to do that you could explore for at least two days or longer, natural swimming holes and waterfalls, a boat tour, plenty of hiking and Aboriginal rock art.
Spend the night at Edith Falls, Lelyin Campground. Booking in advance through the NT website for as little as 8.80$ per night.
Day 15 16 17 | Nitmilut to Kakadu National Park
Distance from Edith Falls: 130 km or 1.20 hour
Kakadu National Park is one of 20 UNESCO World Heritage-listed places in Australia, in recognition of both its natural and cultural values. This Park is one of the largest national parks in Australia, covering almost 20.000 square kilometres.
Rocky gorges, serene swimming pools, breathtaking waterfalls, floodplains offering magnificent horizons, and the oldest Aboriginal rock art in the world. It’s also one of the most biodiverse places in the country, with millions of migratory birds and wonderful, yet scary, saltwater crocodiles. The wildlife in Kakadu National Park is so impressive that you will want to extend your stay just to spot one more wild horse, camel, water buffalo or intimidating crocodile.
Divide the park into 3 sections and spread the visit over these 3 days, starting from the southern part and driving towards the North. Following this way, these are the most beautiful places within the park you have to explore:
- Gunlom plunge pool (Waterfall Creek Falls).
- Soak in Maguk swimming hole and waterfall. (4wd only, check conditions)
- Graveside Gorge (Bilkbilkmi) Area, for bush camping and hiking.
- Jim Jim & Twin Falls, for spectacular hiking, swimming and 4wdriving. (4wd only check conditions)
- Cooinda area for cruising the Yellow Waters billabong, Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Cooinda Lodge and other many adventures.
- Mirrai lookout.
- Stop at the most important site, Burrungkuy (Nourlangie) 20.000 years old rock art, shelter walk and lookout.
- Ubirr Walk and Cahills Crossing are a must-visit, especially if you love to spot so many crocodiles in one spot.
- Take a short walk if you are a bird-watcher at Mamukala wetlands.
- See the sunset or sunrise at Merl Campground
Before you enter the park, make sure you have a Kakadu National Park ticket, because Kakadu is not included in the NT Park pass. This ticket will allow you to visit the Park for three days.
Always check if the park is fully accessible or not, the website is updated with all the news you need and will tell you the details you need to know about this marvellous National Park.
You still need to book your camping in advance sometime or just drive to the campgrounds: you will be charged usually in the morning by the Park Rangers. 6$ is the usual fee to pay on the campgrounds, while Kakadu Loodge has price up to 400$ per night.
Day 18 19| Jumping Crocodile Cruise in Adelaide River and Darwin
Distance from Merl Campground: 225 km or 2.15 hours
For this complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin book your Jumping Crocodile cruise experience in Adelaide River for the morning and comfort one of the most dangerous creatures on heart: the estuarine crocodile.
I choose to book the Aboriginal-owned cruise experience, Spectacular Jumping Crocodiles, they give you a good amount of information about the land around, the river and these extraordinary animals you are going to see in their natural habitat. The Adelaide River is well known for its high concentration of saltwater crocodiles, white-bellied sea eagles, whistling kites, freshwater crocodiles, bull sharks and Black Flying-fox. You will see most of this wildlife during the boat tour. The price for the cruise is 35$ each.
Opt for the morning cruise as you will likely spot more wildlife and also you can reach Darwin for lunch.
Distance to Darwin: 65 km or 50 minutes
After almost 10 days without crossing a “city” here you are in the big town of Darwin, or a small city. This is definitely something completely different from the other cities of Australia, but the culture and the atmosphere are probably the strongest and the vibes during the dry season are good and full of things do to.
My favourite things to do in Darwin include:
- Mindil Beach Sunset Market on Thursday and Sunday from the afternoon
- Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
- Parap Market on Saturday mornings
- George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens
- Darwin Waterfront Lagoon
- East Point Reserve and the mangrove walk
Depending on your budget the options for your accommodations are many, from campgrounds at Lee Point to the Hostel and Hotel in the city.
Day 20 21 | Darwin to Litchfield National Park
Distance from Darwin: 130 km or 1.30 hours
Leave Darwin in the morning and make the last stop of this complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin. Drive to Litchfield National Park, another mesmerizing Park of Northern Territory, many people’s favourite national park in this Territory. The ancient sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range is carved out by tumbling waterfalls, natural swimming holes and magnetic termite mounds.
You can then make a loop through the national park, stopping off at some of the popular spots like Magnetic Termite Mounds, Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls, the Lost City, Tjaetaba Falls, Wangi Falls and The Cascades.
If you feel like you have explored Litchfield National Park enough, you can then continue driving around through Berry Springs ( another wonderful natural spring pool) and back onto the Stuart Highway just south of Darwin.
I personally stayed at Florence Falls Campground and Wangi Falls Campground, the area is perfect if you are looking to relax and if you want to jump into the water as soon as you wake up. Campground fees are 10$ to 15$, book in advance before get into the Park as there is no connection.
This is the end of the complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin, in 21 days you can be able to see as many places as possible on the Sturt Highway.
Do I need a 4WD for this itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin?
No, you don’t. Most of the sights of the Explorer Way can be done with a 2WD, a van and similar. But if you are considering driving all around the Flinders Ranger, Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and other dirt roads that require a high clearance 4WD, or do off-road tracks while driving from Adelaide to Darwin, then you might strongly consider having a good and high clearance 4WD.
This way you won’t be stopped by “small flooded roads” or 4WD trucks and you will have almost full access to all the listed sites of the 21-day complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin.
Things to know before hitting the road from Adelaide to Darwin
Because this complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin will take you to quite remote places in the Red Centre, here are some good tips to know before hitting the road.
- Always carry a full jerry can of fuel and one of water.
- Avoid driving at night, the wildlife here is plentiful and comes from each direction. Because of the high temperature, the animals usually come out early morning or just after sunset and at night.
- Be careful of road trains and other large trucks. Especially when you cross the border; the Northern Territory has a higher speed limit compared to South Australia. Road trains here run faster and they are much larger than what you are used to.
- Much of the Stuart Highway is remote with few facilities along the way, so plan each day to be aware of stops, toilets, and fuel.
- Don’t forget about obtaining national park passes both for South Australia and Northern Territory, plus the extra one for Uluru and Kakadu (this last needs to be bought in advance, cause no entry station sells tickets here).
- Don’t forget to make frequent stops to rest and stretch your legs.
- Don’t force yourself to drive if you are tired, in case you are with someone who can drive swap with them; if you are doing this trip solo don’t risk it. Take a break.
Come read the Top 10 tips for the best road trip in Australia.
Best time of the year to drive the Explorer way from Adelaide to Darwin
If you are planning on doing the complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin and you are wondering when is the best time to be on the road for this amazing experience, consider the fact that you can drive on Stuart Highway all year round without many problems.
However, I believe the main reason why you are driving from Adelaide to Darwin is to enjoy most of the spots without suffering and struggling to reach one place or the other. The Australian desert gets very hot during the summer months, same for the Top End, plus the Northern Territory experiences monsoons and flooding during the wet season.
Considering these very important facts about this itinerary, I’d recommend planning this road trip for the dry season (winter months) from April to October. I did it in June, I left Adelaide – as it was getting too cold for me – and driving everywhere was pleasant and not too hot yet.
Obviously, some hiking had to be done early morning and the beautiful feeling of sweating for the hike until you finally jump into a waterfall or water hole was the best. So it will be still quite hot but not as humid and wet as it is between November to March.
You’ll have to be prepared for all temperatures when travelling in winter, as the desert in the night and early morning gift you with lower temperatures than you imagine.
7-day itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin, quick and efficient.
As promised this is the quickest itinerary to drive from Adelaide to Darwin, this is the case you only have limited time but you still want to be able to see some of the main sights of the complete itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin.
Day 1 – Leave Adelaide early morning and drive to Coober Pedy, wander around the opal shops, museum and others, watch the sunset and sleep in an underground Hotel.
Day 2 – Drive from Cobber Pedy to Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park and spend the 2 days within the park. Make sure you have plenty of rest during the night.
Day 3 – Leave Yulara and spend a day hiking Kings Canyon and the night in Alice Springs.
Day 4 – Drive from Alice Spring, passing by Devil’s Marble and stay overnight at Daly Water
Day 6 – Arrive at Litchfield National Park and chill in the cool water of Floorence Falls and Bluey Rockhole.
Day 7 – Arrive in Darwin and spend a day in the city, visiting the museums, Mindil Beach and Lee Point Reserve.
7 days for this itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin is a very short time to enjoy, try to have at least 2 weeks to drive the Explorer Way through the Red Centre.
If you want to know how many kilometres and how much money I have spent for this 21 days itinerary from Adelaide to Darwin come and check my Instagram reels.
