A Wicked Campervan adventure from Adelaide or Melbourne up to Darwin is one of Australia’s most legendary road trips. This long haul heads through varied landscapes, from red desert plains and quirky outback towns to lush Top End wilderness and rewards you with epic scenery, wildlife, and true Aussie freedom.
Start in Melbourne or Adelaide
Kick off your campervan journey in vibrant Melbourne or classic Adelaide. From Melbourne, you’ll head northwest to Adelaide before turning north along the fabled Stuart Highway, the backbone of this cross-country route. Allow plenty of time: the full Adelaide to Darwin leg alone is over 3,000 km and roughly takes 2-3 weeks with plenty of stops and sightseeing.
Recommended Stops & Sights
Port Augusta & the Outback Gateway
Stop in Port Augusta to stretch your legs, grab supplies, and enjoy views of the Flinders Ranges before you turn inland towards true outback territory.
Coober Pedy – Underground Town
Coober Pedy is an opal mining legend, many homes, cafes, and even churches are built underground to escape the heat. Explore mines, try fossicking, and consider staying in a unique underground campsite.
Alice Springs & the Red Centre
Alice Springs is a cultural hub in the heart of Australia and your gateway to desert landscapes. Nearby the iconic Uluru, red ochre ranges and waterholes of the West MacDonnell Ranges offer standout hiking and natural beauty.
Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park
Further north, Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park delivers towering sandstone walls, riverboat cruises, and powerful scenery worth a couple of days exploring.
Litchfield & Top End Waterfalls
Close to Darwin, Litchfield & Kakadu National Park are Top End favourites. Swim beneath waterfalls, wander through magnetic termite mound fields, and relax in natural plunge pools on hot days.
Extra Tips for the Road
- Take your time: Plan for 14+ days, the trip is long and the best parts are the stops along the way.
- Fuel & water: Fill up whenever you can, remote stretches have limited fuel stops.
- Night driving: Avoid dusk and night driving where possible; wildlife like kangaroos and cattle can appear on the road without warning. This is why we don’t allow remote night driving in our rental contracts.
- Supplies: Carry extra water, snacks, and spare fuel if you can. It's a big, remote country up here.
- Respect cultures: Some parts of the Red Centre and Top End are Indigenous lands, so be respectful at cultural sites.
- Break up the drive: Great overnight stops include Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, and Litchfield (or nearby caravan parks). Each town breaks up the big distances and adds fun local experiences.
Finish in Darwin
Roll into Darwin and celebrate this tropical capital of the Northern Territory offers waterfront dining, museums, vibrant markets, and more after days on the road. From lively sunset markets to outdoor pools, Darwin is a refreshing finish to this epic Aussie trip.