Northern Territory | Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary Offer expired Northern Territory | Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary One of the great Australian road trips! Follow the trail blazed in the 1860s for the Overland Telegraph and drive past striking natural attractions, historic outback pubs and towns brimming with culture and activity. Named after John McDouall Stuart, the first explorer to successfully cross Australia from south to north and return, the Explorers Way extends from Adelaide to Darwin. On your travels, you’ll hit the Territory’s star attractions, including World Heritage-listed Uluru and Kata Tjuta, spectacular Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park), and the waterfalls and waterholes of Litchfield National Park. Itinerary thanks to northernterritory.com. Please note: This route is recommended for 4WD vehicles as some roads are restricted to 4WD campers only. Day 1-4: Adelaide to Coober Pedy Travel time: 8 hours 35 minutes Distance: 841kms Start your driving adventure at Adelaide and make your way to Coober Pedy where along the way you can stop off at Port Augusta and check out the Southern and Central Flinders Ranges. Where to stay: BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort Image: SATC Media Gallery Day 5: Coober Pedy to Uluru Travel time: 7 hours 45 minutes Distance: 755kms Make your way to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and drop in to the spiritual heart of Australia where you can hop on a camel, take part in Indigenous dancing and cultural shows as well as go on one of many guided and self-guided walking tours that take you up close and personal with both Uluru and the stunning surrounds. Image: SATC Media Gallery Day 6: Uluru to Kings Canyon Travel time: 3 hours 30 minutes Distance: 322kms Once you’ve had your fill of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park make the 300km drive to Kings Canyon and explore the 100m sandstone walls that make up Kings Canyon. Take a short hike to the top and take in amazing desert views. Image: Tourism Northern Territory Day 7: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs Travel time: 3 hours 35 minutes Distance: 326kms Hit the road to Alice Springs, the spiritual heart of Australia. You’ll discover stunning landscapes and a fascinating pioneering history. Take time to learn about the ancient Aboriginal culture through its art and stories in galleries in the town and nearby communities. Image: Instagram - @_ourgreatescape Day 8: Alice Springs, West Macs, and Glen Helen Travel time: 2 hours 10 minutes roundtrip Distance: 130kms During your stay in Alice Springs take a drive to the West MacDonnell Ranges where you can explore the many spectacular chasms and gorges. Visit the beautiful waterholes too such as Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen Gorge that are a perfect treat after a long day’s drive. Image: Lachlan Gardiner Day 9: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek Travel time: 5 hours Distance: 508kms While making your way to Tennant Creek stop by the Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles and get up close to these ancient granite boulders. Make sure you stop over in Tennant Creek to meet the outback characters, and learn about life during the gold rush. Image: Tourism Northern Territory Day 10: Tennant Creek to Daly Waters Travel time: 4 hours 5 minutes Distance: 407kms For those wanting to experience real outback hospitality stop over at The Daly Waters Historic Pub where you can get lost in the massive collection of memorabilia that reflects the pub’s colourful history. Stay a night at the pub and mingle with the locals or set up camp for the night at the nearby camping grounds. Image: Tourism Northern Territory Day 11: Daly Waters to Mataranka Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes Distance: 168kms Take part in nature’s day spa at the Mataranka Thermal Pools where fresh constant 34 degrees water and soft sand will soothe even the sorest of muscles. Enjoy the surrounding palm forest too and keep an eye out for native birds. Image: Tourism Northern Territory Day 12: Mataranka to Katherine Travel time: 1 hour 5 minutes Distance: 108kms Katherine has a huge range of activities to keep you busy. Make your way to Nitmiluk National Park and take a canoe down the Katherine Gorge or take a break from driving and hop on one of the many relaxing guided cruises and more! Image: Lachlan Gardiner Day 13: Katherine to Litchfield Travel time: 2 hours Distance: 143kms Only a short distance from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is a must-see stopover on your journey through the Top End. Take on a range of walking tracks as well as fantastic waterholes and camping facilities. For the more adventurous take on the four-wheel-drive tracks and create unforgettable memories. Where to stay: Batchelor Holiday Park Image: Mark Clinton Day 14: Litchfield to Darwin Travel time: 5 hours 45 minutes Distance: 507kms Darwin offers a range of memorable activities in a stunning tropical and urban setting. Drop by the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets for an array of Asian-inspired food or cool off in luxury at the Darwin Wave Pool. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, jump into the cage of death at Crocosaurus Cove. Take in the night air at the Deckchair Cinemas, visit the Darwin War Museum or just stroll through its many bustling streets and restaurant precincts. Where to stay: Hidden Valley Holiday Park. Image: Lachlan Gardiner