Australia's Ultimate North-South Crossing
The Stuart Highway between Darwin and Alice Springs is one of Australia's great road trips—1,500 km through landscapes that shift from tropical wetlands to red desert. Named after explorer John McDouall Stuart, who made the first south-to-north crossing of Australia in 1862, this route passes through some of the country's most iconic Territory.
Compare one-way Darwin to Alice Springs campervan rentals to find the best deal for this classic outback drive.
Day 1-2: Darwin and Kakadu (250 km)
Before leaving Darwin, visit the Mindil Beach Sunset Market (Thursday and Sunday evenings in dry season) for laksa, crocodile sliders, and mango smoothies as the sun sets over the Timor Sea.
Head east on the Arnhem Highway to Kakadu National Park, a dual World Heritage site spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres. Must-sees include:
- Ubirr Rock Art — Aboriginal rock art dating back 20,000+ years. Climb to the lookout for sunset views over the Nadab floodplain—one of Australia's most photographed vistas.
- Yellow Water Billabong Cruise — $99 for a 2-hour cruise through paperbark-lined waterways teeming with saltwater crocodiles, jabirus, sea eagles, and lotus lilies. The sunrise cruise is best.
- Jim Jim Falls — A 200-metre waterfall accessed via a 4WD track (60 km). Seasonal—flows from January to June.
Kakadu Camping
- Merl Campground (Ubirr) — Unpowered sites, $15/adult/night. Walk to Ubirr rock art. No generators.
- Gunlom Campground — Idyllic plunge pool at the top of a waterfall. $15/adult/night. 4WD access only.
Day 3: Katherine and Nitmiluk Gorge (320 km from Kakadu)
Drive south to Katherine, the Territory's third-largest town. The main attraction is Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, a series of 13 sandstone gorges carved by the Katherine River. Take a two-gorge canoe hire ($69/two-person canoe, full day) to paddle through towering orange cliffs reflected in emerald water. It's one of the Territory's most beautiful experiences.
Alternatively, join a cruise or walk the Jatbula Trail (62 km, 4-5 days) for one of Australia's premier multi-day bushwalks.
Day 4-5: Katherine to Tennant Creek (670 km)
This is the long outback stretch. Stop at Mataranka Thermal Pool, a crystal-clear spring-fed pool surrounded by palm forest where the water stays at a constant 34°C year-round. It's like nature's hot tub—perfect after a long drive.
Continue past Daly Waters and stop at the Daly Waters Pub—one of the oldest pubs in the Territory (est. 1930s), famously decorated with bras, underwear, and business cards left by passing travellers. The barramundi and chips is reliable.
Tennant Creek was the site of Australia's last gold rush in the 1930s. Visit the Battery Hill Mining Centre and the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre, which provides insight into Warumungu culture.
Day 6: Devils Marbles and Ti Tree (290 km)
The Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve is one of the Territory's most striking geological formations. Massive granite boulders, some balanced impossibly on tiny contact points, are scattered across a shallow valley. At sunrise and sunset they glow deep red. The small campground ($6.60/adult/night) offers front-row seats to the spectacle.
Continue south through Ti Tree and Aileron, where a giant Anmatjere Man statue (17 metres tall) marks the gateway to Central Australia.
Day 7-8: Alice Springs
Arrive in Alice Springs, nestled in a gap between the MacDonnell Ranges. Spend a day exploring:
- Alice Springs Desert Park — Walk through three desert habitats. The nocturnal house reveals bilbies, bettongs, and owls.
- Simpsons Gap — A 15-minute drive west. Walk to a red rock gorge where black-footed rock wallabies perch on ledges.
- Anzac Hill — 360-degree sunset views over Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges.
- Todd Mall Markets — Fortnightly Sunday markets with Aboriginal art, bush tucker, and crafts.
Stuart Highway Essentials
- Speed limit: 130 km/h on open stretches—one of the highest default limits in the world.
- Road trains: Triple-trailer road trains up to 53 metres long. Never try to overtake unless you have clear visibility for at least 1 km.
- Fuel: Plan fuel stops carefully—gaps between servos can be 200+ km. Always fill up when you can.
- Season: May-September only. The wet season (Nov-Apr) brings floods, cyclones, and road closures.
