Really appreciate any advice including rest/fuel stops. Estimated Travel Distance: 3,530.7 kms. . A 10-day 4WD safari tour will take you and your friends (maximum 4 people) through East Darwin, Litchfield National Park, Mataranka, the Lost City, and all the way to Cairns with meals included as well as overnight stays in Savannah Way motel accommodations. The 3700 km route links Queenslands Cairns with the historic town of Broome as well as to 15 National Parks and 5 World Heritage sites. 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. 185 per passenger.Departing Tue, 2 May, returning Wed, 3 May.Return flight with Jetstar.Outbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Cairns on Tue, 2 May, arriving in Darwin.Inbound direct flight with Jetstar departs from Darwin on Wed, 3 May, arriving in Cairns.Price includes . 24/7 operation. There are a couple towns to take breaks like Mount Surprise, Mount Garnet and Georgetown. Does it sounds like a very crazy plan to you or could be this done? The distances involved on a journey from Cairns to Darwin are vast, and youll need to be comfortable driving for long periods of time with few breaks to the monotony. In July 2020, Chevron re-entered the Downstream market in Australia through the acquisition of Puma Energy (Australia) Holdings. Thinking of a family self drive hire vacation - then search here for a one way rental . Darwin to Cairns - The Grey Nomads Forum Perth To Darwin Road Trip (10-Day Itinerary!) Make Croydon Your Own Adventure!!! (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Georgetown is located on the wide banks of the Etheridge River, and with a population of just 250 people, this is a small town in Australia. Edith Falls is a series of pools and waterfalls that come together and are very beautiful. Shell can also help you stay in touch with your local area. Crocodiles can frequent the park, so swimming during the wet season (November-April) is off-limits and warnings should be heeded year-round. Just make sure you look for a suitable place to camp before sunset so that you have enough time to assemble your tent, collect wood, etc. Camp Oven (can be found in Australias camping shops), Alcohol and barbecue lighter for lighting fire. Thanks, awesome road trip, yippie. The city of Rockhampton in Central Queensland is one of the oldest cities in Queensland and in Northern Australia, formed during the gold rush, making it an interesting place to stop on the road trip. From Katherine you can head west towards Kununurra in Western Australia or continue heading north to Darwin. Suggested Time: 4 days. Good luck to you all. Many thanks, Rick, Rick, that does not sound crazy at all to me but rather like a great trip :-), Did they get a lift? However, never go into the water as there are crocodiles everywhere. The closest house is 500 km away from you and there is virtually no one in sight. Enjoy an evening meal at the Karumba Sunset Tavern. DISTANCE: 3,500 - 4,500 kms. From Brisbane you will need to join the A2 and head towards Toowoomba. It is worth splashing out on a scenic flight, which offers breathtaking views over the stunning countryside. The best Savannah Way roadhouse? Check road conditions before visiting. Pick up camper van from Mighty Campers Darwin - Left at 10:45 am. Carry on north for another 300 kilometers to reach Litchfield National Park, a beautiful area of lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls which stand in stark contrast to the dusty red landscapes youre leaving behind. 311km's, approx 4hrs + stops. Enjoy birdwatching, fishing for trevally and mackerel, and chatting to the Shadforth family about their traditional Garawa culture. It's easy to do. 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. Day 7 Burketown (292 kms, about 4 hours). If you have time, do not miss going a little further north to the Kakadu National Park and Darwin. Discover the magic of Wilpena Pound with a glamping experience in the cultural heartland of the Flinders Ranges. Plan your trip to map out the best fuel stations and roadhouses along the way. The route makes use of sealed and unsealed roads, so youll need one of our awesome 4WDsor 4WD Campervans. The Savannah highway is Australias longest and most interesting route that connects to major roads across the northern Australia. There are just so many things to do here that youll want to stay for at least two days. Yes. By keeping our speed between 100-116km/h we kept our fuel costs down to less than $300AUD for the entire journey. Explore the best of Australia and find your perfect getaway. Darwin to Perth Fuel Cost - Motorhome Hire - Gallivanting Oz Quick Tips for Road Trip Darwin to Cairns. I will be ducking down to check out Uluru though and then over to Broome (already done Darwin). As you head out the next day, Leliyn (Edith Falls) is another Nitmiluk National Park must-see just north of Katherine, where you can enjoy a swim or hike. Your road trip from Cairns to Darwin starts in Far North Queensland, at the tourist hub renowned as the access point to the Great Barrier Reef. . Yes. The cheapest fuel in Cape York is generally Palmer River Roadhouse, Cooktown or . However, the Burke Development road is unsealed so you will need a 4x4 car. However, due to ongoing COVID19 concern and we were required to go through a pretty easy border process controlled by the Northern Territory police. #1 Good Camera Chances are you will be snapping pictures pretty much non-stop in Australia, so you really need a good camera to do its beauty justice. Ingham, Queensland. Now youre getting closer to Darwin than Cairns. Townsville was our favourite stop between Brisbane and Cairns. Yes. (Image: Tourism NT/Mitch Cox). It's 187km from Barkly Homestead to the Threeways . Although we could have gone straight from Cairns, having never been to Cooktown before, we decided to start our journey with a 2 day pit stop in Cooktown (a 700km/435mi detour). Leichhardt Falls comprise of a series of plunge waterfalls in Northwest Queensland and 70 km South of Burketown. Katherine to Darwin. Youre now on Route 1 (National Highway) all the way to Darwin. Dont forget to stop for a photo at the peculiar looking magnetic termite mounds along the way, which take on an orange glow at sunset. Amal, Threeways Roadhouse is the roadhouse at the intersection of the Barkly and Stuart highways. With the state of travel around the world, it looks like travelling within our own backyard will become more and more popular. Gear up for an ultimate driving adventure holiday in Savanna Way, with 5 World Heritage sites and 15 national parks waiting to be explored. The final town before you get to the border is Camooweal about 25km from the border. (Please note that cost of fuel per litre can change and is an estimate only). Stock up in the frontier outpost of Borroloola, and head to another fishing hot spot, King Ash Bay. . within the past 7 days were AU$166 for one-way flights and AU$332 for return flights for the period specified. Accommodation here ranges from cabins to converted railway carriages and a campground. Our go to shoes are Nike Free 5.0. Note; fuel is not available at Avon Downs At 860km/534mi, this was a big day; although Cooktown to Mareeba was a 300km stretch of backtracking. Return to Outback Australia Travel Guide home page. Then head into the 4000-square-kilometre Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, which has a choice of camping or air-conditioned cabins. 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 Territory's . day 5 driving 6 hours. Best time to travel: in the dry season from May to September. While it is sometimes impossible to avoid driving in the dark, it is important to drive slowly (70 km / h) in order to spot the animals on the road ahead.Tip: When youre renting a car, check whether the insurance policy covers damages caused by hitting animals during night trips. Savannah Way map from Cairns to Katherine. However, make sure you have adequate insurance and roadside assistance which covers remote locations. Early morning is perfect for admiring the abundant birdlife. Distance: 113km's from Adelaide River, about 1hr, 15 mins. 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. Distance: 68km's from Pine Creek, about 50 mins. #5 Good Reef-Safe Sunscreen Conventional sunscreen damages the reefs, so please make sure to get a good reef-safe sunscreen instead. The lowest prices to Darwin Intl. Day 16 Kakadu Jim Jim Campground ( 151 kms, about 2 hours 30 mins). With an all-new Poolside Bar and a myriad of experiences to be had, The Anchorage Hotel & Spa is worth a road trip to Port Stephens. Having been together for over 7 years now, if we had to point out one mutual interest, without a doubt it would be travel, and in particular spending life on cruise ships. Darwin is Australias smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. 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. Go for a refreshing swim at Edith Falls. Katherine makes for a interesting stop. It's essentially a big country town with some really beautiful places and fun attractions. Make sure you give yourself at least two weeks or more to fully enjoy this itinerary on Australias Adventure Drive. I want emails from Road Affair with travel updates and marketing. June to November. Leave early and follow the Bruce Highway south from Cairns. Driving 384 km in 4 hrs 25 mins, stay over in Daly Waters. Stateroom Review Enchanted Princess Obstructed Balcony L103. I find each one is interesting but if I were travelling by myself in March I would go to Townsville, Mount Isa, The Three Ways then on to Darwin bearing in mind you are travelling during the Wet The road is all sealed and most of it is double lane and carries a lot of traffic. Cairns to Darwin. ). Stock up on supplies at Borroloola. This is another long stretch of around 638km/396mi. Australia is a huge country. PO Box 5244, Cairns, QLD 4870 / 24 Hour FREECALL 1800 645 832 / Ph (07) 4035 5888 / Fax (07) 4035 6777. Only take a caravan if it is suitable for off-road. Day 17 Arrive in Darwin! With big distances between towns, make sure you carry extra water and petrol, and while you can mostly stay in hotels or roadhouses along the way, if you are willing to camp youll have a lot more flexibility. Georgetown Pioneer Walk. You have a great website. If you've got more time, the Alice Springs Route covers all the wonders of the Direct Route plus a detour to Alice Springs. The top stops along the way from Darwin to Cairns (with short detours) are Paronella Park, Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, and Nourlangie Creek. A variety of factors go into the cost of a . However, avoid swimming in the gorges because even if saltwater crocodiles have been removed for tourism purposes, there is still the danger of one or two lurking in the gorge. The longest distance without a petrol station is 700 km on the Burke Development Road. Why not participate in a 3-week guided motorbike riding tour from Cairns to Broome along some of the most secluded tracks in Australia, where you can experience the most scenic Outback. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 100 Things To Do In Australia Youve Never Heard Of, The ultimate Cairns to Darwin road trip itinerary, Book 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak, relaxed late checkout. After snorkeling or diving the coral reefs, exploring white sandy beaches, and enjoying the tropical weather, its time to begin the journey inland. Save. However, dont attempt to cross if the water is fast-flowing or at a greater depth than the height of your cars middle wheel. The majority of it is on very quiet long stretches of road, again some single lane sections. I have worked several years in Europe and am now planning to move back home, Melbourne. 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. Burketown has plenty of fishing holes and you can even join the annual Barramundi Fishing Competition held every Easter. Forming part of the Savannah Way, this dry and desolate part of the country won't have you bumping into lots of people. If you're traveling from Queensland to the Northern Territory, there are so many places to see and things to do that you will want to be on the road for a . How? Filter by 'AmpolCash Digital Accepted' for a location near you. 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. Seven Emu Station is accessible by 4WD only. Theres no denying that fact, but its still easy to underestimate the kilometers involved. Days 2-3 Undara Lava Tubes (225 kms, about 3 hours). 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