Pack up your Wicked Campervan in Darwin and take off on one of Australia’s biggest road adventures, from tropical Top End outback to the heart of the Red Centre and all the way down to Sydney. This epic route blends waterfalls, desert landscapes, iconic landmarks like Uluru, and vibrant cities across the continent.
Darwin to Alice Springs — Outback Start
Kick off from Darwin and head south on the Stuart Highway toward Alice Springs, about 1,500 km of classic Outback road with fun stops along the way. Popular breaks include Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge for river views and hikes, Daly Waters for historic pub vibes, and Tennant Creek for outback history and quirky stops.
Top Tips on this stretch:
- Fill up whenever you see fuel, distances are long between towns.
- Don’t drive at dawn or dusk when wildlife is most active.
- Carry extra water and snacks; phone coverage is patchy in remote spots.
Alice Springs & Red Centre Highlights
Once in Alice Springs, explore desert landscapes and local history before heading southwest toward the Red Centre. Must-see highlights include the towering sandstone of Uluru and the nearby domes of Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas), where sunrise and sunset colour shows are unforgettable.
Other stops near the Red Centre:
- Kings Canyon — dramatic canyon walls and rim walks.
- West MacDonnell Ranges — scenic gorges and waterholes like Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole.
- Arltunga Historical Reserve — a glimpse into early Outback goldrush history.
Top Centre Tips:
- Buy park entry passes for Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa before you arrive.
- Plan time for sunrise and sunset viewpoints — they’re worth it.
- Dust, heat and sun can be intense — shade, water and wide-brimmed hats help.
Down to Sydney — Long Haul South
From Alice Springs, continue south and east through South Australia and into New South Wales before you reach Sydney. This leg covers huge changes in scenery, from vast red plains to rolling farmland and finally coastal plains near Sydney.
Great stops en route:
- Coober Pedy — unique underground town with cool caves and opal vibes.
- Adelaide (optional detour) — great food and wine if you want a city break.
- Murray River towns — historic river stops with camps and waterside views.
- Hay and Wagga Wagga — classic Aussie country towns.
- Blue Mountains — scenic hikes and lookouts close to Sydney.
Tips for the long drive south:
- Spread this leg over several days — distances between key towns can be big.
- Book major stops ahead in peak season.
- Keep a mix of fuel, food and water stocked — regional Australia can still surprise you.
General Road Trip Tips
- Plan 3–5+ weeks so you can enjoy the journey, not just the drive.
- Fuel & water: Top up whenever you can; some stretches are remote.
- Wildlife caution: Don’t drive at dawn or dusk in outback zones.
- Maps: Mobile signals can be patchy — download offline maps or use paper backups.
- Weather: The Top End wet season (Nov–Apr) can change road conditions, so check local info before you travel.
From tropical Darwin and rugged gorges to red desert heartlands and down to coastal Sydney, this route is the ultimate Aussie campervan experience. Load up your Wicked Campervan, enjoy the open road and make it your adventure!