Campervan Roadtrips

Alice Springs to Darwin Top End Roadtrip

 

Alice Springs to Ti Tree (195km, 2h 15m)

You start the day picking up your van nice and early from our Wicked depot in Alice Springs (Shed 1, 45 Ghan Road, Ciccone, Alice Springs, NT) and begin on your roadtrip to discover the Top End.

Ti Tree just looks like one more roadhouse on the Stuart Highway, yet like so many places in the Territory, this deceptive exterior hides an interesting history which includes the Overland Telegraph Line, the problems of water in the desert, and the struggle to develop agricultural activities on marginal land. A good landmark to visit in the area would be Central Mount Stuart which is the dead centre point of Australia! It is possible to climb the mountain in around one and a half hours. See if you can find the plaque erected by the first Europeans to sight the mountain, John McDouall Stuart and William Kekwick. Camp overnight in Ti Tree.

DAY 2

Ti Tree to Tennant Creek (315km, 3h 30m)

If you believe in the power of alcohol, then Tennant Creek and the history of it’s formation could be of interest to you. Legend has it, that the mining town of Tennant Creek grew round a spot 500km north of Alice Springs where a beer wagon destined for the nearby Overland Telegraph Station broke down in 1934. Pioneer Joe Kilgariff built a store at the breakdown site, a pub went up alongside it and a town was born! Visit Nyinkka Nyunyu Cultural Centre, near an Aboriginal sacred site. The cultural centre offers an insight into the culture of the local Aboriginal people, including Aboriginal artifacts, paintings, bush tucker and dance performances. Camp overnight in Tennant Creek.

DAY 3

It is a slightly longer drive today from Tennant Creek to Daly Waters so an earlier start is advised. Travellers and locals alike will tell you that a trip to the Top End wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Daly Waters Pub, which is full of typical outback Australia memorabilia and humorous nicknacks. Enjoy a few cold ones with locals and fellow travellers and if you’re really lucky (and single), you might make it in time for the annual Batchelor and Spinster Ball that is held at the pub. Also, you can visit Stuart’s Tree (John McDouall Stuart, see above), a tree marked with the letter ‘S’ about 1km north of the township. There is also the original Qantas hanger in the town, an airport museum that is about 1km north-east of the town and well worth a look. Camp overnight in Daly Waters.

DAY 4

Daly Waters to Katherine (275km, 3h 20m)

Katherine in a small town in the Top End but it is definitely worth a visit if only for the sincere hospitality of the warm and welcoming local residents. There is a RAAF base in Katherine which may be of interest to some or you could explore the nearby natural hot springs in Katherine Nature Park. A visit to Nitmiluk National Park that boasts the breathtaking Katherine Gorge is also very popular with tourists to the area. Camp overnight in Katherine.

DAY 5

Katherine to Kakadu National Park (230km, 2h 50m)

The Gagudju people have given their name to this famous National Park, a World Heritage Area, comprising part of the western Arnhem Land plateau and the flood plains of the Alligator Rivers. It is Australia's largest National park, measuring almost 20 000 square kilometres. There is so much to see and do in Kakadu National Park so don’t exhaust yourselves too much on day 5, as day 6 will be spent further exploring the park. Camp overnight in Kakadu National Park.

DAY 6

Kakadu National Park

Why not make the most of this beautiful park and take a 4WD to visit Jim Jim Falls or nearby Mary River? Jim Jim Falls is an awesome natural attraction that can be seen in several books and on T.V. Set in the red ochre of the Arnhem Land escarpment, and boasting white sandy beaches and crystal clear water, it is worth the 900 metre walk across rocks to appreciate this special area. Mary River is best viewed from a boat tour given the large number of salt water crocodiles that populate the surrounding areas. The area is also a popular fishing destination, and offers some of the best barramundi fishing in the Northern Territory.

DAY 7

Kakadu National Park to Darwin (245km, 3h 30m)

Take your time today and reflect upon you Top End adventure! Please make sure that you have returned your van to our Wicked Darwin depot (Unit 3/34, Bishop Street, Woolner, NT 0820) by 2.30pm. Have a safe and above all, Wicked, onward journey!