Take a Wicked Campervan from Darwin and set out on one of Australia’s most iconic cross-country adventures, down the Stuart Highway, through the Red Centre and all the way to Adelaide, then continue south to Melbourne. This epic route blends tropical Top End stops, rugged desert landscapes, outback towns and classic southern cities for the ultimate Aussie road trip.
Top End Start — Darwin & Kakadu
Kick off in Darwin, with its tropical vibes, markets and waterfront scene. Before you hit the long highway, consider a side trip to Kakadu National Park to see dramatic wetlands, Aboriginal rock art and waterfalls if you’ve got the time.
Down the Stuart — Katherine & Daly Waters
Head south on the Stuart Highway. Your first bigger stop is Katherine, where Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge offers scenic walks, river cruises and cool waterholes. Not long after, the historic Daly Waters Pub is a great place to stretch your legs and get a feel for outback road culture.
Alice Springs — Heart of the Red Centre
Continue to Alice Springs, the desert hub with galleries, local history and desert landscapes. This is a great base for exploring more of Central Australia.
Uluru & Kings Canyon Optional Loop
From Alice Springs, plan a memorable side trip out to Uluru / Kata Tjuṯa National Park, where sunrise and sunset over the giant sandstone monolith are unforgettable. Nearby Kata Tjuṯa and walks like Valley of the Winds offer rugged views. On your way back, stop at Kings Canyon, its rim walk rewards you with sweeping desert vistas.
South Along the Stuart — Coober Pedy & Outback Highlights
Continue south toward Adelaide. Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world, is a quirky must-visit town where many homes and attractions are underground. Don’t miss The Breakaways nearby for otherworldly outback scenery.
Along the Stuart, stops like Erldunda Roadhouse and other roadhouses are handy for fuel and rest before you reach South Australia.
Adelaide — Southern City Life
Arrive in Adelaide, South Australia’s elegant coastal capital. It’s a great place to take a few days off the road, enjoy wine regions like the Barossa Valley, explore beaches or relax before heading further south.
Final Leg — Adelaide to Melbourne
From Adelaide, head into Victoria toward Melbourne. If you want scenic coastal views, you can loop via the Great Ocean Road and see landmarks like the Twelve Apostles before rolling into the cultural buzz of Melbourne.
Road Trip Tips
- Plan plenty of time: From Darwin to Melbourne via this route is a massive journey — aim for 3–6+ weeks so you can enjoy highlights without rush.
- Fuel & supplies: Top up fuel, water and snacks whenever you can — remote stretches of the Stuart Highway have limited services.
- NO night driving: Especially in remote zones, wildlife like kangaroos can be active at dawn/dusk.
- Park passes: National parks like Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa require passes — book ahead online or at visitor centres.
- Mobile coverage: Expect patchy mobile signal on long outback stretches — download maps offline or bring backups.
- Weather: Northern seasonal conditions can affect access to some parks — check local info before you go.
This Darwin to Adelaide and Melbourne adventure delivers tropical starts, red desert drives, quirky outback towns and iconic southern cities. Load up your Wicked Campervan, embrace the open road and make it yours!