Northern Territory | Explorer's Way Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary

One of the great Australian road trips!

Day 1:  Adelaide to Port Augusta 

Travel time: 3-3.5 hours  

Distance: Approx. 300 km 

Kick off your Explorer’s Way road trip by picking up your Apollo camper in Adelaide. It’s also a good place to pick up and stock your camper, grab a proper coffee and make sure you’ve got everything you need before you turn the key north. 

Today aims to get you to Port Augusta, sitting at the top of Spencer Gulf and often called the “crossroads of Australia”. It’s an easy first driving day, mostly on good highways, so you can ease into the trip. 

Stops on the way: 

Pull into Port Germein to stretch your legs on the historic jetty and grab a snack before the last short hop into Port Augusta. 

Things to do in Port Augusta 

• Visit the Wadlata Outback Centre to get your head around the Outback and its history. 

• Walk the foreshore or lookout and get your first proper views of the Flinders Ranges in the distance. 

Where to stay: 

A holiday park or caravan park in Port Augusta with powered sites and easy access back to the highway. 

Image: SATC Media Gallery

Day 2: Port Augusta to Woomera / Glendambo 

Travel time: 3–3.5 hrs driving (flexible) 

Distance: 270–300 km total, depending on side trips 

Today you leave the gulf behind and start to feel the Outback properly. The road becomes quieter and the horizon stretches right out. 

Stops on the way 

• Drive into Woomera township to see the open-air rocket and aircraft displays and pop into the small heritage centre. It’s a neat peek into Australia’s rocket testing history. 

• If you plan to stay in Glendambo, keep an eye out for the Lake Hart rest area along the way for a quick look at the salt lake. 

Things to do  

• Take one or two short walks or scenic drives into the ranges for views of rock formations and wide valleys. 

• Keep an eye out for roos, emus and wedge-tailed eagles as you drive. 

Where to stay 

You can stay overnight in Woomera or Glendambo at a caravan park or campground, depending on how far you feel like driving. 

Day 3: Woomera / Glendambo to Coober Pedy 

Travel time: 3.5–4 hrs 

Distance: 360–380 km 

Today, you head firmly into outback country as you drive to Coober Pedy. Once you’re back on the Stuart Highway, the land opens up into long, straight sections and low scrub – classic “big sky” driving. 

Stops on the way 

Drop into one of the salt lake lookouts or rest areas (if you didn’t manage Lake Hart yesterday) for a photo and a quick stretch. The white, flat expanse is a good reminder of how different this landscape already is from Adelaide. 

Things to do in Coober Pedy (late afternoon) 

• Walk through town to spot your first underground homes and churches. 

• Duck into an opal shop or gallery to see the stone this town is built around. 

• Chat to the park reception or visitor centre about mine and dugout tours for tomorrow. 

Where To Stay 

BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort or another Coober Pedy holiday park, with powered sites and tour pick-up options 

Image: SATC Media Gallery

Day 4: Coober Pedy – explore underground, then on to Marla 

Travel time: 2.5–3 hours (Coober Pedy → Marla) 
Distance: 230–250 km 

Slow the pace this morning and give Coober Pedy some proper time, then make a short move north in the afternoon to Marla so tomorrow’s drive to Uluru stays comfortable. 

Things to do in Coober Pedy 

• Join an opal mine and dugout tour to see how people live and work below the surface.  

• Visit an underground church and a few local galleries.  

• Take a late-afternoon tour or self-drive (where allowed) out to the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park and the Dog Fence for wide desert views. 

Where To Stay 

Stay at Marla Travellers Rest – a classic roadhouse stop with a simple caravan park, fuel, food and wide-open night skies. 

Day 5: Marla to Uluru (Yulara) 

Travel time: 4–4.5 hours 

Distance: 420–450 km 

Today you cross the border into the Northern Territory and head for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It’s a bigger driving day, but with a clear goal: seeing Uluru appear on the horizon. 

Stop on the way 

• Stop at the South Australia / Northern Territory border sign for the classic photo and a leg stretch. 

• Break at Erldunda Roadhouse where the Stuart Highway meets the Lasseter Highway. It’s a good spot to refuel, grab something to eat and, if you’re travelling with kids, say hello to the emus in the enclosure. 

Things to do at Uluru (late afternoon/evening): 

• Check into the Ayers Rock/Yulara campground and take a moment to settle in. 

• Head out to a sunset viewing area for your first proper look at Uluru as the colours shift through the evening. 

Where to stay 

Ayers Rock Resort campground or nearby holiday park at Yulara, with powered sites and shared facilities. 

Day 6: Uluru & Kata Tjuta – full day in the park 

Travel time: Local driving only 

Today is all about exploring Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.  

Things to do 

• Catch sunrise over Uluru if you’re happy to set an early alarm – it’s a very different feel from sunset. 

• Walk a section of the base track, stopping at rock art sites and waterholes and reading the interpretation signs as you go. 

• Spend some unhurried time at the Cultural Centre to understand the stories and significance of this place. 

• Drive across to Kata Tjuta and walk into Walpa Gorge (or further into the Valley of the Winds if conditions and your fitness allow). 

• If you’d like a special experience, book a camel ride, stargazing or a dinner under the stars. 

Where To Stay 

Stay a second night in Yulara at Ayers Rock Resort, so you can be well rested for the next day. 

Day 7: Uluru to Kings Canyon 

Travel time: 3–3.5 hours 

Distance: 300–320 km 

Leave Uluru behind and drive towards Kings Canyon, watching the desert and ranges change shape as you go. With a shorter driving day, you can take your time getting organised and still arrive with daylight to spare. 

Stops on the way 

Use one of the scenic rest areas for a drink, photos and a quick wander; it’s a nice way to break up the drive and really look at the country you’re travelling through. 

Things to do at Kings Canyon (afternoon/evening) 

• Take a short walk near the canyon floor or to a lookout to get a first sense of the scale of the gorge. 

• Check the latest track and temperature information for tomorrow’s Rim Walk so you can plan your start time. 

Where To Stay 

Kings Canyon campground or a nearby camping area with powered sites. 

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

Day 8: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs 

Travel time: 3.5–4 hrs 

Distance: 330–380 km (route-dependent) 

If you’re keen and the weather’s right, start early and tackle the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk, which will take around 3 – 4 hours. The initial climb is steep, but once you’re on the rim, the views out across the canyon and the surrounding desert are a highlight of the whole trip. If you’d rather a shorter and more gentle walk, the Kings Creek Walk along the base is a relaxing option. 

After brunch or a late breakfast, drive on towards Alice Springs. Depending on your vehicle and conditions on the day, you can either stick to the sealed Lasseter and Stuart Highways, or take a 4WD route like the Mereenie Loop if your rental agreement allows, although you would require a permit to drive there. 

Things to do in Alice Springs (late afternoon/evening) 

• Grab dinner in town and wander through a couple of Aboriginal art galleries. 

• Head up to Anzac Hill for a simple but impressive view over Alice and the West MacDonnell Ranges. 

• Top up fuel, food and water ready for tomorrow. 

Where To Stay 

Alice Springs has multiple options of holiday parks and campgrounds with powered sites. Treat yourself to some rest and, ideally, a pool during this leg of your trip. 

Day 9: West MacDonnell Ranges (from Alice Springs) 

Travel time: 2–3 hours total driving (short hops) 

Distance: 130–150 km round trip 

Spend today exploring the West MacDonnell Ranges at a relaxed pace. It’s a nice change of rhythm – lots of short drives and time out of the vehicle. 

Stops on the way 

• Simpsons Gap – a short walk leads you into the gap and a shady waterhole. 

• Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) – visit around the middle of the day to see the light coming into the chasm; there’s a small café here too. 

• Ellery Creek Big Hole or Glen Helen Gorge – great spots for a picnic and, when conditions allow, a swim with red cliffs as a backdrop. 

Things to do in Coober Pedy (late afternoon) 

• Mix easy walks, swim stops (if safe and permitted) and simple picnic breaks so the day feels more like exploring than “ticking boxes”. 

• Keep an eye out for birdlife and the way the rock colours deepen as the sun moves. 

Where To Stay 

Stay a second night at your Alice Springs holiday park or campground. Get some much needed rest before the next day’s long drive. 

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

Day 10: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek – longest driving day 

Travel time: 5 hours 

Distance: 510 km 

Today is your longest driving day, so it’s worth getting away reasonably early, sharing the driving and planning a proper mid-way stop. 

You’ll be back on the Stuart Highway heading north to Tennant Creek, passing roadhouses, open plains and low ranges. 

Stops on the way 

Spend a decent break at Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve. Park the camper, wander the walking tracks between the huge rounded boulders and take your time with photos – it’s one of the most distinctive rock formations on the Explorer’s Way and a great way to break up the drive. 

Things to do in Tennant Creek 

• If you have the energy, visit a local attraction that talks about the town’s gold mining and telegraph history. 

• Otherwise, enjoy a slow evening – dinner, a sunset sky and an early night at the campground. 

Where To Stay 

Choose a holiday park or caravan park in Tennant Creek with powered sites. 

Day 11: Tennant Creek to Daly Waters 

Travel time: 4 hours 
Distance: 400 km 

The road keeps pulling you north and you’ll notice the country gradually getting greener. Today’s destination is Daly Waters, a tiny town with a big personality. 

Stops on the way 

Pause around Newcastle Waters or another historic stop along the old stock route. It’s a simple way to stretch your legs and get a feel for how long this corridor has been used for travel. 

Things to do in Tennant Creek 

• Settle in at the Daly Waters Historic Pub for the afternoon and evening. 

• Browse the walls and ceilings covered with travellers’ notes, currency and mementos. 

• Enjoy the mix of locals, seasonal workers and fellow road trippers – and, in peak season, live music under the stars. 

Where To Stay 

Camp at the pub’s own campground or at nearby camping grounds; both are very popular with road trippers. 

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

Day 12: Daly Waters to Katherine via Mataranka 

Travel time: 4–4.5 hours total (Daly → Mataranka → Katherine) 

Distance: 370–380 km 

Today you’re aiming for Katherine, with a very welcome soak at Mataranka along the way. The shift to the Top End is obvious now with more trees, more birdlife and often more humidity. 

Stops on the way 

Aim to reach Mataranka around late morning or lunchtime so you can enjoy a couple of unrushed hours there. 

Things to do 

• Float in the Mataranka Thermal Pools, where clear, warm water flows gently beneath the palms. 

• If time allows, visit Bitter Springs as well for a slightly wilder-feeling thermal creek. 

• Continue to Katherine in the afternoon and ease into your campground for the evening. 

Where To Stay 

Holiday park or caravan park in Katherine with powered sites, shade and a pool. 

Image: Tourism Northern Territory

Day 13: Katherine and Nitmiluk, then on to Litchfield / Batchelor 

Travel time: 3–3.5 hours total 

Distance: 260–280 km 

Spend the morning enjoying Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge), then move on towards Litchfield National Park and Batchelor. 

Things to do in Katherine & Nitmiluk (morning) 

• Join a cruise through Katherine Gorge if you like the idea of commentary and a more relaxed pace. 

• Hire a canoe and paddle yourself between the sandstone walls. 

• Walk to one of the gorge lookouts for a different angle if you prefer to stay on land. 

In the afternoon, drive north towards Batchelor, the small town that makes a handy gateway to Litchfield. 

Stops on the way 

• You might pull into Pine Creek to see the old railway and gold-mining heritage, or simply treat it as a short break en route. 

Where To Stay 

Batchelor Holiday Park or a similar campground near Litchfield, with powered sites and easy access to the park. 

Day 14: Litchfield National Park to Darwin 

Travel time: 2–2.5 hours driving (plus time exploring) 

Distance: 150–180 km 

Finish your Explorer’s Way journey with a day in Litchfield National Park, then roll on to Darwin for your final night before you drop off your campervan the next day. 

Things to do in and around Litchfield (morning/early afternoon) 

• Stop at the magnetic termite mounds and walk the short boardwalk to see these strange-looking structures lined up across the plains. 

• Cool off at Florence Falls, Buley Rockhole or Wangi Falls (always check current conditions and signage before swimming). 

• For some 4WD only locations, check out Tjaynera (Sandy Creek) Falls or Surprise Creek Falls 

• Pair one or two short walks with swim stops so the day stays fun rather than rushed. 

Later in the day, drive into Darwin to close out the trip. 

Things to do in Darwin (evening) 

• Wander the Darwin Waterfront and cool off in the Wave Lagoon or lagoon pool. 

• If your timing’s right, head to the Mindil Beach Sunset Market for food stalls, live music and a pretty special sunset over the water. 

• Visit the Darwin Military Museum or the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory if you’re staying on. 

• Celebrate the end of your Explorer’s Way road trip with dinner and a drink along the waterfront. 

Where To Stay 

Hidden Valley Holiday Park, or another Darwin holiday park with powered sites and tropical gardens. 

FAQs and quick answers 

1. How many days do I need for the Explorer’s Way? 
   14 days is a good minimum if you want to drive from Adelaide to Darwin and enjoy the big stops without rushing. If you’d like more rest days or extra time in places like Uluru, Alice Springs or Litchfield, stretching it to 16–18 days makes the trip feel very relaxed. 

2. Do I really need a 4WD for the Explorer’s Way? 
   A 2WD can travel the main Stuart Highway, but we recommend a 4WD camper to make the most of this itinerary. 

3. What’s the best time of year to do the Explorer’s Way road trip? 
   Most travellers aim for the cooler, drier months from May to September. Daytime temperatures are more comfortable in the Red Centre and Top End, nights are cooler for sleeping, and road conditions are usually more predictable than in the summer wet season. Note: Apollo’s Northern Territory branches are closed 1 December – 31 March for the wet season.  

4. Can I free camp along the Explorer’s Way? 
   There are some rest areas and basic camp spots along the Stuart Highway, but rules vary by state, territory and local council. Always follow local council guidance. 

5. Is the Explorer’s Way suitable for kids and first-time road trippers? 
   Yes – if you’re happy with a bit of Outback driving and keep your days to the kind of lengths we’ve planned here. 

Ready to drive the iconic Explorer’s Way with Apollo? 

From Port Augusta’s gulf views and the salt lakes of South Australia to Coober Pedy’s underground homes, Uluru and Kings Canyon, the West MacDonnell Ranges, Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles, the Mataranka hot springs, Katherine Gorge and Litchfield’s waterfalls, this 14-day Explorer’s Way itinerary gives you a realistic, road trip friendly way to watch Australia change from south to north. 

Hire a 4WD campervan or motorhome from Apollo in Adelaide, check the latest road and park conditions, and start locking in your dates. Once that’s done, all that’s left is to pack the camper, cue your playlist – and follow the Stuart Highway into the heart of the Northern Territory.