Alice Springs to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary

As your plane descends over the vast red outback, you know you have arrived somewhere special where adventure awaits. 

Situated in Australia's geographic centre, Alice Springs is surrounded by gorges and stark desert plains. At 1,500 kilometres from the nearest city, it's certainly remote. But Alice brims with local colour you can't find anywhere else. You won't forget your visit in a hurry.

Alice Springs Desert Park: Nocturnal Tour
As the sun sets, you will see the desert springing to life: it's time for a fascinating night-time adventure in Alice Springs Desert Park. The Mulga Walk is a large predator-proof enclosure in the foothills of the park. Join an expert guide to spotlight the region's incredible endangered animals including bilby, echidna, and mala.

Accommodation: Alice Springs - 2 Nights

Experience an unforgettable full-day journey to one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. The tour offers an immersive exploration of Uluru, one of the Red Centre’s most revered natural wonders. 

Embark on two guided walks that reveal the rock’s striking features, ancient geology, and profound cultural significance to the local Anangu people. Then visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to gain deeper insight into Aboriginal culture, traditions, and stories and learn about Dreamtime legends, bush foods, and art while appreciating the spiritual connection of the land. The day concludes in style with a relaxed BBQ and a glass of bubbly as the sun sets over Uluru, casting vibrant reds and oranges across the landscape.

Included Meals: Dinner

Continue your outback expedition to Tennant Creek in the Barkly Tablelands. Pass through tiny Northern Territory townships along the way including Wycliffe Well, a UFO sighting hotspot!

Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) Conservation Reserve
Be sure to stop at the Devils Marbles, 100km south of Tennant Creek. These famous rocks have formed over millions of years; they are a sacred site for the traditional landowners, who believe them to be the eggs of the Rainbow Serpent, an important Dreamtime figure in Aboriginal culture.

Tennant Creek
Break your journey tonight at Tennant Creek, known for its million-acre cattle stations, gold mining history, iconic rock formations and Aboriginal heritage. Explore the Tennant Creek Telegraph Station to get a feel for life here 140 years ago. Built in 1872, it formed part of the Overland Telegraph Line linking Australia with the rest of the world.

Approximate Distance: 510 km | 317 miles   Total Driving Time: 5 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Tennant Creek - 1 Night

Make your way up to the town of Daly Waters surrounded by vast outback landscapes. 

No Top End experience is complete without a trip to the multi-award winning Daly Waters Pub, whose comfortable hotel rooms will host you tonight. Feast on hearty "pub grub" and listen to the locals telling legendary tales of the town's early days. From cattle stampedes to murders and shootouts, this now-quiet location has had a colourful past!

Approximate Distance: 410 km | 255 miles   Total Driving Time: 4 hours 30 mins

Accommodation: Daly Waters - 1 Night

Head to the Katherine region to experience the incredible scenery of Nitmiluk National Park.

Also known as Katherine Gorge, the 13 gorges of Nitmiluk are hugely significant to their traditional owners, the Jawoyn people, as home to the spirits of creation.

Enjoy a relaxing Dinner Cruise in front of the magnificent Nitmiluk Gorge as it changes colour with the setting sun. Over a three-course candlelit dinner, you will discover the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people. With fresh local produce cooked on board and a glass of sparkling wine, you will soak up your tranquil surroundings in style.

Included Meals: Dinner

Approximate Distance: 2305 km | 190 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours 15 mins

Accommodation: Nitmiluk National Park - 2 Nights

For a different perspective of Nitmiluk and breathtaking photo opportunities embark on an unforgettable helicopter tour deep into Nitmiluk National Park. 

You will explore all 13 majestic sandstone gorges sculpted by the Katherine River. As you soar over the mouth of the Gorge, you’ll follow its 17-kilometer expanse, marveling at breathtaking views of ancient sandstone cliffs and crystal-clear rock pools that showcase nature’s stunning artistry.

This afternoon you are free to enjoy Nitmiluk at your leisure: canoe the gorges, seek out your perfect swimming hole, or simply wander the park and take in your beautiful surroundings.

Discover spiritually significant waterfalls, ancient rainforest and unspoilt woodland in abundance at Litchfield National Park. Known for its cascading waters, natural spas and whirlpools, this is the ideal place for a refreshing swim.

Litchfield is also famous for its bizarre landscape of giant termite mounds. Standing up to two metres tall, they are astounding feats of architecture not to be missed.

Don't miss the Lost City, a dramatic gathering of 500 million-year-old rocky outcrops looking very much like a sandstone town.

Approximate Distance: 265 km | 164 miles   Total Driving Time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Litchfield National Park - 1 Night

Experience Darwin Harbour from a unique perspective as you cruise past the city's stunning waterfront and hidden natural treasures.

Leaving other vessels behind, enjoy close-up views of the harbour while hearing fascinating local stories from the crew. Venture into the quieter reaches of the harbour, where mangrove forests provide a sanctuary for birdlife against a backdrop of the city skyline at twilight. Soak up a spectacular Darwin sunset aboard Charles Darwin, with allocated sundeck seating, a gourmet grazing platter, locally made mango ice cream, and uninterrupted views of the harbour's sparkling waters and vibrant evening colours.

Included Meals: Dinner

Approximate Distance: 100 km | 62 miles   Total Driving Time: 1 hour 15 mins

Accommodation: Darwin - 1 Night

Return your rental vehicle to Darwin Airport and meet your onward flight.

We know you will enjoy your 8 Day Alice Springs to Darwin Self Drive Tour and take wonderful memories with you as you journey home. We hope you will return soon to discover even more highlights of this incredible continent.