Find your nearest Puma Energy Fuel station or 24-hour diesel site in Australia with our service station finder now! 8:09 pm Bourke. You are a gem Birgit, I love your site and am so grateful for all the energy you (and others) put into it. After that, you can pop into the Purple Pub, a classic Outback tavern, before checking out the giant Salmon statue which is also in the town. Although you will still see petrol stations along the way, during good weather the owners may go fishing. Being the halfway point on this particular . Heres our 14-day adventure itinerary outlining the why, what and where of this eastern half of the trans-continental Savannah Way. June to November. Best Places to Stay in Darwin:Argus Hotel Darwin Oaks Elan Darwin Ramada Suites Darwin. Campervan hire: the best way to see Australia. Some people drive to the Cape in 2-3 days from Cairns. Chevron Australia Products Leveraging global experience in fuels and lubricants, convenience marketing and supply. Karumba is a great spot to charter a fishing boat. DISTANCE: 3,500 - 4,500 kms. Also an espresso coffee machine in the morning before the big drive. Note: This itinerary is part of a much longer Melbourne to Darwin road trip. Animals thrive when theyre left to their own devices, instincts and natural environment. May 2014, Please advise which is the best month to drive, also. to go. 2023 Road Affair, LLC. Show only these on map. Driving north from South Australia, take the Stuart Highway from Adelaide through Coober Pedy into the Northern Territory. Join in and write your own page! stay for about 1 hour. The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen works just as well as a regular sunscreen but without all the harmful chemicals. 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. Good luck to you all. Cairns to Darwin. Darwin is Australia's smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. Direct. The train journey starts from the town of Cairns and goes through the village of Kuranda and further on through the Savannah country. Check out the 8-meter long saltwater crocodile replica, which is a monument dedicated to Krys, one of the largest crocs ever captured in Australia. Check out my favorite travel credit card for free luxury travel, Savannah Way Itinerary - from Cairns to Katherine, A Sightseeing Day Trip to Ayia Napa and Famagusta, From Larnaca to Paphos in the footsteps of Aphrodite, Experience the world's most unique hotel made of ice - ICEHOTEL Jukkasjrvi. Keep your distance from the rivers and streams by at least 3-5 metres. All station information is added and edit by users like yourself. There are accommodations along the road in most villages as well as in Cape Crawford, 100 kilometres South-West of Borroloola. Best Places to Stay in Tennant Creek:Goldfields Hotel Motel. This does not account for any stops and detours you might want to make. Or, you can say yes to adventure, stock up the 4WD with spare tyres and a puncture repair kit, and brave the Gibb River Road.. Find local inspiration and start planning your next road trip with our simple interactive journey planner. Learn how your comment data is processed. Katherine to Darwin. First of all many thanks for the whole web site of yours and all very useful informations. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). Along the way, call in at the beautiful Mataranka Hot Springs to relax in natural, thermal waters. On the 45-Minute guided helicopter ride, you will tour the breathtaking Tybee Lighthouse and the Old Fort Jackson before the sun sets.A sightseeing boat cruise is another exciting way to tour Savannah Way, with food and drinks included. Darwin to Perth road trip is one of the great Australian journeys. Camping in the bush, the real outback experience - Secluded in the bush, the nearest house is 500km away. While leaving Cairns, I would like to travel the Savanah but would also like other suggestions. All Rights Reserved. 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. Rest every two hours for at least 15 minutes. 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. Ingham, Queensland. Wherever there is some water left, plants, trees, and flowers grow, Bush fires are part of nature and beneficial for the environment, Between Burketown and Borroloola, there is the Queensland-Northern Territory border, approx. You should be traveling with nothing but a good four-wheel drive vehicle. Day 17 Arrive in Darwin! After just spending a day in the outback, your 4WD will get a new image luckily we managed to find a "car wash facility" :). A Cairns to Darwin road trip isnt for the inexperienced traveler, but if you are looking to see real Outback Australia and the vast emptiness of the Top End, then this is the adventure you need. 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. The next stop in the Northern Territory is 400 kilometers north along the highway to Daly Waters. 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. Great, thanks for all the adive on this site! I am driving in August. Good luck to anyone that's going to do it and you'll be knackered at the end of it, take plenty of water and beer and food, and a few spare wheels. Yes, there are helicopter rides and boat cruises that will take you along the Savannah Way, the Lost City, Hell's Gate Roadhouse. You need a 4WD, as sections of road on this route are unsealed. Thinking of a family self drive hire vacation - then search here for a one way rental . Check road conditions before visiting. On the way to Katherine gorge, the Lost-City rock formations are especially worth seeing. There are just so many things to do here that youll want to stay for at least two days. You can stop for fuel in Jabiru, Mataranka, Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Burketown, Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine, Cairns, Mareeba, Chillagoe, and Darwin. 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. Due to the size, a road trip across Western Australia can include long stretches of driving. Some interesting little stops every 50-100kms. Sailing at night time can be risky, as the huge mammals sleep on the surface, completely oblivious to cruising vessels. Georgetown Pioneer Walk. In 2021, they were between $1.49/L and $2.05/L. See amazing Aboriginal artwork at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. Darwin to Melbourne 3757km = $383.20; VS. Total airfares for 4 people = minimum $796, one way; A beautiful, 2-day drive straight through the red centre of Australia. Not a pleasant experience for you, and certainly not for the whales. Whiz on west, filling up with petrol at Hells Gate Roadhouse and passing over the border into the Northern Territory. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox. Turn onto Route 52 into the rainforest-clad Atherton Tablelands. Darwin is the bustling hub of the Top End. There are plenty of waterfalls and waterholes in Litchfield National Park that are accessible via sealed roads: Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole are popular among both locals and visitors. I don't have a definitive, comprehensive list but Wubin, Dalwallinu, Paynes Find, Mount Magnet, Cue, Meekatharra, Kumarina, Newman, Auski, Marble Bar and Port Hedland all have fuel stops. Cooktown is quiet and laidback, but with its history, environment and beach side location it has a lot to offer. However, dont attempt to cross if the water is fast-flowing or at a greater depth than the height of your cars middle wheel. Fuel will likely be your biggest expence besides tours/activites with the average price being around $1.49 per litre for unleaded and $1.30 for diesal. Crocodiles are everywhere and just because you cannot see them does not mean they are not there. Get the latest travel news, reviews, offers and more, direct to your inbox. WE'RE HERE AND WE'RE LOCAL. Make sure you give yourself at least two weeks or more to fully enjoy this itinerary on Australias Adventure Drive. On the way to Katherine Gorge, there is the first Overland Telegraph Station (via Knotts crossing, 5 km east of Katherine via Gorge Road).You can also see Edith Falls (in Leilyns Nitmiluk National Park) or swim there. Plan a route. Your Savannah travel route can start from Cairns through the deep outback gorges and end in the historic town of Broome or even in Kakadu National Park. #2 Good Walking Shoes There will be a lot of walking around in Australia, so a good pair of shoes is really essential. Qantas has been operating direct Australia-to-London flights since March 2018. Towing a small jayco :), Two friends and I are planning to go in two weeks, any advice appreciated. In July 2020, Chevron re-entered the Downstream market in Australia through the acquisition of Puma Energy (Australia) Holdings. No wonder Australias colonial father Captain James Cook chose to land here. The Direct Route from Cairns to Darwin covers 3,138 kilometres and takes 34 hours of non-stop driving. Return to Outback Australia Travel Guide home page. Real Fuel Costs. . The route makes use of sealed and unsealed roads, so youll need one of our awesome 4WDsor 4WD Campervans. You might discover waterfalls, thermal springs, rock art and fossils. If you have extra time for your trip, there are plenty of places to stop and check out and spend the night, especially in the Atherton Tablelands. Only swim at safe swimming spots, and be careful around waterways and rivers, as Australias biggest saltwater crocodiles are found in the Top End. Never stay at Three Ways. This Top End Explorer is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey along the "Savannah Way" between Darwin and Cairns. Distance: 113km's from Adelaide River, about 1hr, 15 mins. Your email address will not be published. Just beware of the saltwater crocodiles and do not get too close to the water. For details see the Fuel on the Kimberley Coast page. In Georgetown, you can visit the excellent TerrEstrial Centre, a museum dedicated to the geological history of Australia, where you can find one of the largest collections of rocks and minerals in the country, and enough stories and information to keep even the least scientifically inclined of travelers mesmerized. After snorkeling or diving the coral reefs, exploring white sandy beaches, and enjoying the tropical weather, its time to begin the journey inland. The final leg of your journey will see you traveling for just over an hour to Darwin, where you can relax in comparative comfort in the big city. Feel the magic of Uluru. The Outback Way is one of Australia's great four wheel drive odysseys. Distance: 68km's from Pine Creek, about 50 mins. Driving 384 km in 4 hrs 25 mins, stay over in Daly Waters. Since the petrol station owners in the Outback dont really have many customers, it may well be that nobody is there. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers). Roads will turn red with dust as you drive from Queensland into the Northern Territory, but despite the distances involved and time it takes to get between destinations, youll be seeing a part of Australia that few ever venture into, with stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, deep canyons, and remote national parks. Many people are apprehensive about whether they'll run out of fuel somewhere along the vast expanses of the . Simply click here to return to Australian Outback Travel Questions. You can visit the local museums, take sunset cruises out into the harbor, and if you have a few days to spare, head out into nearby Kakadu National Park to experience more of the Northern Territorys stunning natural scenery. Avoid the wet season, as roads may be impassable and you risk getting stranded. Group in Undara Lava tubes. Gear up for an ultimate driving adventure holiday in Savanna Way, with 5 World Heritage sites and 15 national parks waiting to be explored. My road trip experience from Darwin to Cairns (Click pic to see full size) The route sets from Darwin through the Daly Waters and turns into 66 highways at Warumungu. We stopped at Pine Creek and Adelaide River, both worthy of a leg stretch and wander around. Home. Those seeking more unsealed adventure can travel to Lorella Springs for a night and Roper Bar to Mataranka (588km, about 9 hours). Semi- retired I will have plenty of time, my idea was to fly back in April or May, first to Darwin. I plan to go through June school holidays. stay for about 1 hour. Estimated Travel Period: 17 Days including Kakadu National Park. In the NT, you'll drive through the major centres of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine before arriving in Darwin. Fuel Map also shows real-time fuel prices for WA, NSW, and QLD sourced from . Though do watch out for those Kangaroos between dusk and dawn. Day 13 Katherine (276 kms, about 3 hours). Currently (2019) fuel in the roadhouses (service stations/gas stations) along the Stuart Highway is anywhere from $1.80 - $2.40 per litre. Be sure to fuel up with . For example, the lost city in Cape Crawford can only be reached by helicopter. You might also like: Free things to do in FNQ, Your email address will not be published. Your most adventurous driving day will take you to a remote bush camp at Robinson River Crossing.. Alternatively you can stay at the Aboriginal owned Seven Emu Station, about another 80km. This is a 671km/417mi stretch. Thanks, awesome road trip, yippie. Estimated Travel Period: 17 Days including Kakadu National Park. After all, tap water is drinkable in Australia, plus its free. 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. drive for about 6 hours. This is the eastern half of the Savannah Way, if you are considering doing it all, then you will also need our itinerary and guide to the western half, Darwin to Broom. 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. Your destination is in sight, but you might also consider stopping at Berry Springs Nature Park for a swim and Territory Wildlife Park to see the full range of outback animals, including nocturnal creatures seldom seen in the wild. Theres no denying that fact, but its still easy to underestimate the kilometers involved. Tennant Creek was interesting, we found it not to be as bad as its reputation. Now youre getting closer to Darwin than Cairns. It is worth splashing out on a scenic flight, which offers breathtaking views over the stunning countryside. Tennant Creek is best known for the Devils Marbles, an unusual rock formation, but youll have to drive 100 kilometers south and then another 100 kilometers back again to see them. Day 1 Cairns to Yungaburra (68kms, about 1 hour). Prices and availability are subject to change. Your email address will not be published. If you've got more time, the Alice Springs Route covers all the wonders of the Direct Route plus a detour to Alice Springs. We decided to stay in Tennant Creek which was 25km south of the turn off. Even during the dry season, you may need to cross some rivers using your 4x4 vehicle. The eccentric outback pub features bras hanging from the ceiling, and great beef-and-barramundi barbecues during the dry season. To help you to plan your Outback experience, heres our guide to road tripping from Cairns to Darwin! It's essentially a big country town with some really beautiful places and fun attractions. Tip: Download the Savannah Way map on your smartphone and save it as image. It's easy to do. I'm not sure whether I'd be best going via Townsville, Mount Isa as opposed to the Savannah Way. The weather in the Top End can be extreme, with the year divided into wet and dry seasons. For this reason, red buoys are set up in various places in the river where saltwater crocodiles would bite them out of curiosity. In the dry season, many rivers and falls have dried up just like the Leichhardt Falls, for example, hence the reason Savanna Way becomes passable, In the dry season, not everything is dried up. However, for the best Outback experience, we recommend camping along the road, where you can watch the passing kangaroos at night, drink a beer or two, and enjoy cooking from your own camp oven. Finish your day in accommodation at Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield National Park, or camp in the park itself. This isnt a road trip for first-time travelers to Australia. How to get half price tickets for the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. from 181. The Emerald Pool, Lorella Springs from above. Birdwatchers should detour to Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, keen anglers to King Ash Bay, renowned for its barramundi. day 1 driving 10 hours. Distance: 94km's from Palmerston, about 1hr, 15 mins. Any advice you have would be most appreciated Regards,PS. Each time I read through it I become more and more inspired. Our tour recommendation can be shortened or extended depending on how much time you have available. Suggested Time: 4 days. Roads are mostly unsealed. Take a sunset cruise or stargazing tour with indigenous-owned Yagurli Tours. Oct. You would normally see the welcome to the Northern Territory sign (which has since been removed) and cross the border, being welcomed by speed signs allowing you to drive at 130km/h. The famous Outback service began in Cloncurry, and you can learn more at the John Flynn Place Museum in town. Its super lightweight, compact, and the image quality is amazing. The loneliest stretch is between Camooweal and the Threeways. Canoe the majestic gorge and discover fossils at Riversleigh World heritage site. 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