Two girlfriends taking a selfie at Anzac Hill in Alice Springs

Explorers WayDrive Adelaide to Darwin

Map showing the Darwin and Surrounds region in the NTAliceSpringsDarwinKatherineUluruKingsCanyon
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Visit the Territory’s star attractions driving from Adelaide to Darwin (or reverse) – explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the Red Centre, stop overnight at Karlu Karlu and be sure to head out to Nitmiluk Gorge and Litchfield in the Top End.

Red Centre highlights

Kick back and enjoy the sunset over the mighty formation of Uluru and choose from one of the walks to get a closer look at the wonder of Kata Tjuta in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Head to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park to take the early morning rim walk for spectacular views across the desert.

Outback towns

Stayin Alice Springs, the Territory’s second-largest city and the Aboriginal art capital of Australia. For stunning outback waterholes to take a dip in, visit the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Stop at Tennant Creek to brush up on gold rush history, see the Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles and learn about Aboriginal culture.

Visit the town of Katherine – the perfect base to explore the nearby gorge country of Nitmiluk National Park. Jump on a cruise down the river, hire a canoe or take a helicopter flight for more epic views of the ancient gorge system.

Top End highlights

Camp out under starry skies and sink into the popular waterholes of Litchfield National Park before pushing north one last time to the tropical capital of Darwin where you’ll have plenty left to explore – think markets, art galleries and waterfront dining experiences.

The Explorers Way extends from Adelaide to Darwin and is a drive that’s different in every sense.

Remember to plan your trip with these road safety tips before starting your Northern Territory drive adventure.

Download the Explorers Way itinerary

 

Suggested itinerary

Day

Destination

Distance

Days 1–4

Adelaide to Coober Pedy

846km

Day 5

Coober Pedy to Uluru

734km

Day 6

Uluru to Kings Canyon

300km

Day 7

Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

474km

Day 8

West MacDonnell Ranges

130km

Day 9

Alice Springs to Tennant Creek

510km

Day 10

Tennant Creek to Daly Waters

400km

Day 11

Daly Waters to Mataranka

167km

Day 12

Mataranka to Katherine

106km

Day 13

Katherine to Litchfield National Park

265km

Day 14

Litchfield to Darwin

130km

Explore by map

What’s nearby

What’s nearby

Explore the NT
Driving routesFlight paths

Explorers Way highlights

Drive routes in the NT

Sunrise_over_Katherine_Gorge.jpg

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