When you come to Croydon you will feel part of the outback and its relaxing lifestyle. Really appreciate any advice including rest/fuel stops. For my birthday next year I'm planning a trip in April and just plucked Cairns out of a hat and then typed it in and here your page came up. Due to popular demand, we've compiled an Interactive Map of fuel stops across the Nullarbor a complete list of Eyre Highway fuel stops! For our road trip Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully loaded little blue car. Why not participate in a 3-week guided motorbike riding tour from Cairns to Broome along some of the most secluded tracks in Australia, where you can experience the most scenic Outback. For example, the lost city in Cape Crawford can only be reached by helicopter. Day 7 Burketown (292 kms, about 4 hours). On the 45-Minute guided helicopter ride, you will tour the breathtaking Tybee Lighthouse and the Old Fort Jackson before the sun sets.A sightseeing boat cruise is another exciting way to tour Savannah Way, with food and drinks included. At 860km/534mi, this was a big day; although Cooktown to Mareeba was a 300km stretch of backtracking. Distance from Brisbane 362 KM | Distance from Cairns 1354 KM. We pretty wear them all the time. You can stop for fuel in Jabiru, Mataranka, Borroloola, Cape Crawford, Burketown, Dumadgee, Normanton, Katherine, Cairns, Mareeba, Chillagoe, and Darwin. drive for about 3 hours. Check the weather and road conditions in Queensland and the Northern Territory before your journey. Cairns is home to many of the natural wonders found in Australia, including the Great Barrier Reef. For example you could head north to Port Douglas, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation (sealed road) or you could travel west up into the Atherton Tablelands and over into the outback after visiting the Undara Lava Tubes. Know what to expect when travelling long distances across WA. Yes, definitely! We stopped at Pine Creek and Adelaide River, both worthy of a leg stretch and wander around. All rights reserved. . These comments give me peace of mind as I am about to drive to perth from Cairns in a 2wd as a 27 year old female, also single. However, never go into the water as there are crocodiles everywhere. Once you reach Cloncurry and join onto the Barkly Highway you will start to notice a lot more traffic, this is the main traffic route between Townsville and Mount Isa. 10 Day / 9 Night Savannah Way Tour (Cairns to Darwin or Darwin to Cairns) Fully Accommodated. Best Places to Stay in Katherine:Pine Tree Motel Beagle Motor Inn Knotts Crossing Resort. Be sure to fuel up with . Allow around $1.70 per litre for fuel. See amazing Aboriginal artwork at Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr. Travel in the dry season (from May to October). With the state of travel around the world, it looks like travelling within our own backyard will become more and more popular. But what it lacks in terms of human population, this part of Australia more . As you head north, generally the prices increase. With plenty of detours and side trips . Note: This itinerary is part of a much longer Melbourne to Darwin road trip. From: 1 traveler 2 travelers 3 travelers 4 travelers 5 travelers 6 travelers. Consider detouring to Cobbold Gorge for an afternoon cruise surrounded by sculpted red sandstone cliffs. The drive from the Jardine ferry to Bamaga is about 42 km and Seisia is 6km north of Bamaga. Important to note: Stop, revive, survive. A variety of factors go into the cost of a . Leave early and follow the Bruce Highway south from Cairns. Turn onto Route 52 into the rainforest-clad Atherton Tablelands. Katherine Gorge consists of 13 impressive canyons, which can be explored by boat, helicopter or on foot, In Mataranka and Katherine you can bathe in the 34 C natural hot springs surrounded by palm tree, North Australia's most spectacular Lost-City rock formations at Cape Crawford can only be seen by helicopter, The Lost-City rock formations at Caranbirini Conservation Reserve can be explored on foot, Cook with a camp-oven on an open fire somewhere in the bush, Evening visits from kangaroos are not uncommon, especially at sunrise and sunset when they are most active, Enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning whilst watching the sunrise and wildlife, Although the fridge is small, there is nothing missing as long as everythings well planned, A shovel is an absolute must-have tool in the outback, and not just for the bush toilet. Laverton to Uluru. The is where the sealed road heading west ends, and instead our itinerary has you traveling south along the paved road for 400 kilometers to Cloncurry. Though do watch out for those Kangaroos between dusk and dawn. The Savannah Way skirts the Gulf of Carpentaria, but this is one of a few chances to see the coast. Good luck to you all. Simply click here to return to Australian Outback Travel Questions. It is not uncommon to drive for 560km before finding a petrol station, so best to take an extra fuel canister. From Katherine you can head west towards Kununurra in Western Australia or continue heading north to Darwin. You can fish almost anywhere along Savannah Way, but the following are the best spots for fishing:Borroloola is best known for its barra fishing.The waters around Barranayi National Park are also excellent for fishing. #2 Good Walking Shoes There will be a lot of walking around in Australia, so a good pair of shoes is really essential. There are camping sites along Savannah Way, such as Borroloola Caravan Park and Burketown Caravan Park located at the Gulf of Carpentaria. Dont swim without authoritative local advice, since waterways may be inhabited by saltwater crocodiles. Myself and teenager. For the ultimate adventurous experience, we highly recommend that you drive through the Savannah Way by hiring a 4x4. Nice pool, cold beer and clean rooms or camping facilities. Lake Mary Ann make sure for a nice spot to cool of fresh just a couple of minutes from town. Chevron Australia Products Leveraging global experience in fuels and lubricants, convenience marketing and supply. There is fuel at well-spaced stops, generally about 250km to 300km apart, at Laverton, Cosmo Newberry, Tjukayirla Roadhouse, Warburton, Warakurna Roadhouse and Docker River. When driving on unsealed roads, fine dust particles can conceal the deep potholes so it is imperative to drive a 4x4 vehicle. Best Places to Stay in CairnsCairns City Palms Holiday Inn Cairns Harbourside Southern Cross Atrium Apartments. Our tour recommendation can be shortened or extended depending on how much time you have available. There is never any wood on campgrounds so its best that you collect it on the way before you get there. The first stop is into the Atherton Tablelands, with a great choice of the lovely towns to stay in. As with many sections on the Savannah Way, plan your fuel stops with hundreds of kilometres between roadhouses. How to plan a drive from Darwin to Perth including must visit attractions. Contact one of our regional offices or depots, or find the depot closest to you on the map and arrange a bulk fuel delivery. By keeping our speed between 100-116km/h we kept our fuel costs down to less than $300AUD for the entire journey. Contrary to what Cape York horror stories will tell you, there are fuel stations and roadhouses stocking both petrol and diesel along the way (in fact, the longest distance between bowsers is 140km). This is mining country, and you can visit the remnants of an abandoned copper mine on the edge of town or take tours of working mines in the area. It's home to excellent beaches, Litchfield National Park and some of Australia's best weekend markets. and leave at 1:59 pm. They can be reached either on foot or by helicopter. Darwin to Cairns - The Grey Nomads Forum Perth To Darwin Road Trip (10-Day Itinerary!) You have a great website. Just stay as far away from the water as you can when you camp at night, but also avoid taking photos alongside the river or go swimming. If you intend to road trip more of Australias east coast, make sure to also check out our other itineraries: Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, and Cairns to Darwin. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland). Mon, 6 Mar DRW - CNS with Jetstar. For travel insurance we recommend SafetyWing. The peaceful pools of Berry Springs. You should spend 7 days from Cairns to Katherine and another 7 days from Katherine to Broome. Our minimum recommended time for this itinerary is 10 days, but you may want to add a few extra days to spend in Cairns and Darwin. Day 8 and 9 Boodjamulla National Park (214 kms, about 3 hours). Alternatively: around 10 days from Cairns to Katherine and from Katherine to Darwin via Kakadu.In total = 3,700 kmFrom Cairns to Katherine= 2,130 km.From Cairns to Darwin drive via Kakadu = 2,680 km. Any advice you have would be most appreciated Regards,PS. Contact the Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council for further information - phone 07 4090 4100. It's 187km from Barkly Homestead to the Threeways . Group in Undara Lava tubes. Thanks! Start: Cairns. Answer 1 of 12: We will be driving from Cairns to Darwin this November and were wondering why Google maps says that the trip on highway 1, Cairns > Normanton > Borroloola > Darwin, is about 48 hours where as it is only 32 hours going the southern route. Roads are mostly unsealed. This quirky Outback pub has cold drinks and roadhouse food, and for years, travelers passing through have been leaving behind mementoes from their journeys, filling the establishment with a ramshackle collection of bizarre souvenirs from across the world. Darwin is Australia's smallest state capital, but compared to the stops on the way from Cairns, Darwin will seem like a veritable metropolis. Good luck to anyone that's going to do it and you'll be knackered at the end of it, take plenty of water and beer and food, and a few spare wheels. Having been together for over 7 years now, if we had to point out one mutual interest, without a doubt it would be travel, and in particular spending life on cruise ships. The outback scenery of Nitmiluk (Katherine) gorge. The route may look simple on the map, but youll need to factor in which roads are sealed and unsealed, which are four by four only, and which have supply stops along the way. The best thing about Bundaberg is how much you can do on a budget. A Cairns to Darwin road trip isnt for the inexperienced traveler, but if you are looking to see real Outback Australia and the vast emptiness of the Top End, then this is the adventure you need. Flannel as the next shower may be a few hundred kilometres away, Savannah Way Borroloola to Burketown = 492km, Borroloola - Katherine = 655km (Limmen National Park), Katherine - Jabiru = 297km (Kakadu National Park), Savannah Way Normanton to Burketown = 230km. Learn how your comment data is processed. Day 1 Cairns to Yungaburra (68kms, about 1 hour). Once you follow this route, it'll take 31 . Hi, I drove from Port Douglas to Darwin in 1991 and it'll be a trip I'll never forget, it was an absolutely brilliant time and I would love to do it again. This great personalised tour is fully accommodated and you will travel in a group of no more than 12 people. Your most adventurous driving day will take you to a remote bush camp at Robinson River Crossing.. Alternatively you can stay at the Aboriginal owned Seven Emu Station, about another 80km. Then head into the 4000-square-kilometre Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, which has a choice of camping or air-conditioned cabins. We don't recommend it as this means driving fast and unsafe. Fuel is cheaper in towns such as Port Augusta and Alice Springs, and much cheaper in capital cities. This is really just a refreshment stop, as Daly Waters is famous for its roadhouse, the Daly Waters Pub. This Top End Explorer is a fantastic way to experience a memorable journey along the "Savannah Way" between Darwin and Cairns. Stopping places include parking, toilets and even picnic areas. Cairns to Townsville Depart this morning and take the National Highway A1 to the Bruce Highway/ State Route 14 in Burdell. Warakurna operates on NT time - 1.5 hours ahead of WA. With a population of over 1000 residents, Normanton is a real hub in the Outback, and this is where the landscapes turn from green to red. Thinking of a family self drive hire vacation - then search here for a one way rental . Bundaberg. Again making it a good spot to stop for fuel and other supplies, particularly if you've not stocked up and are doing the trip in the other direction. 12:59 pm Katherine. Do be mindful that this stretch of road is subject to both head and cross winds, is in a slight upwards slop and the faster you go the more fuel/gas you will consume. Starting in Tropical North Queensland and finishing in the Top End, this epic 3500-kilometre journey of a lifetime from Cairns to Darwin cuts through a sensational swathe of northern Australia's tablelands, savannah, cattle stations and rust-red outback. Some of the top Savannah Way highlights include the amazing rock formations of the Lost City, the ancient Australian aborigines rock art where you can learn more about the Australian aboriginal culture, the impressive waterfalls, and much more. Adventure by: Doug Hi, I drove from Port Douglas to Darwin in 1991 and it'll be a trip I'll never forget, it was an absolutely brilliant time and I would love to do it again. On the way to Katherine gorge, the Lost-City rock formations are especially worth seeing. Throughout our whole 4wd road trip around Australia, it's definitely the section from Cairns to Darwin that sticks out most in our minds. Book 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary cheese board, bottle of wine, decadent bath soak, relaxed late checkout & more! Home. How? Some people drive to the Cape in 2-3 days from Cairns. Ingham is the second major township along Bruce Highway between Cairns and Townsville. This is a great tour to do during the dry season, generally between May and October. Where are Savannah Way fuel stops? (Image: Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo). During the wet season, torrential streams can be seen here, and during the dry season these falls are almost completely dried up. However, if youre pressed for time, drive further through the Kakadu National Park and skip the Edith Falls as there are several similar waterfalls on the way. Suggested Time: 4 days. The drive to Cooktown is very scenic and switches from Rainforest to drier climates. You will find turquoise spring water pools perfect for a plunge in adjacent Elsey National Park, a landscape patchworked with savannah woodland, stone country and monsoon rainforest. Tip: Download the Savannah Way map on your smartphone and save it as image. Whiz on west, filling up with petrol at Hells Gate Roadhouse and passing over the border into the Northern Territory. Finish your day in accommodation at Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield National Park, or camp in the park itself. 230km to Burketown, There is no shortage of fun with this activity :). Our truck stops offer facilities such as: B-double access and parking. June to November. You can also learn about the Aboriginal culture and Rock Art by visiting the local museums here. Filter. The train journey starts from the town of Cairns and goes through the village of Kuranda and further on through the Savannah country. Katherine to Darwin. The weather is cooler during the dry season too which will make the trip much more enjoyable. The Emerald Pool, Lorella Springs from above. Check out escapes in each state, explore travel advice, activities, accommodation, car hire, fuel information, maps and much more on the NRMA trip planner. The Alice Springs Route covers 4,154 . From Georgetown, carry along Highway 1 for another 300 kilometers until you reach Normanton, the last stop on the sealed northern road before it turns to gravel. Museums here Tablelands, with a great choice of camping or air-conditioned cabins Creek and Adelaide,. Way tour ( Cairns to Darwin, in total we travelled just under 3000km in our fully little... Before you get there, plan your fuel stops with hundreds of kilometres roadhouses! Dust particles can conceal the deep potholes so it is not uncommon to drive a vehicle. Camp in the Park itself day ; although Cooktown to Mareeba was a 300km stretch backtracking. 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