Travelling full time around Australia? Or just looking for a ‘different’ kind of road trip? Australia’s Northern Territory is definitely a state not to be missed.

A good old road trip through Australia is always a good idea. But there is more than the standard West Coast route from Perth to Darwin, Sydney to Cairns or Melbourne to Brisbane. 

A road trip from Darwin to Alice Springs is one that we recommend to everyone that wants to see true Australia. The outback. The remote places. Red dust like nowhere else. Outback pubs. Swimming holes that look like an oasis. And the list continues. 

Let’s take you on a road trip from Darwin to Alice Springs. There are plenty of places along the way to stop and take in the unique scenery. 

If you start in Darwin, make sure you read this article about the top things to do in Darwin

After exploring Darwin, it’s time for the first stop: 

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a sight to be seen and world known for it’s amazing nature, flora and fauna. 

Getting to Kakadu National Park is an easy drive from Darwin. You can choose to drive yourself or catch a coach which runs to the Park. You need a vehicle to get around the park, so either book in on a tour or drive your 4WD around. There is plenty to do and see whilst at the National Park and everyone will be kept occupied for hours on end.

There are a number of different tracks and views to be seen whilst in Kakadu National Park. Some of these are a shorter drive than others and depending on how much time you have and how long you are staying will depend on what you will be able to see. Remember Kakadu is BIG. You can easily spend a few days here. 

If you have a 2WD or a van, you can still drive the main roads of Kakadu National Park, but doing this part of Australia we definitely recommend a 4WD so you can access all the amazing side tracks as well. 

East Alligator River

Visiting the East Alligator River will see you at the border of Kakadu and Arnhem Land.

If you time your visit right, you can drive across the river when the tide is down. Take the time to visit the Cahill Crossing and see the river from this view. You can watch the cars driving across the river with crocodiles swimming right underneath them.

Ubirr Rock

Ubirr Rock is home to an art gallery full of indigenous artworks and crafts. Guided tours can be done of the area and educate you on the rock art that has been preserved on the rocks. The tours explain the different arts and the reasoning behind them. You can learn so much about the local area and the local people.

Nawurlandja Lookout

If you are looking for the perfect spot to see a sunset than Nawurlandja Lookout is the place to be. It’s a bit  of a hike and a short 600m climb which then gives you a view of the lands surrounding you. It is also a great area for the kids to explore and enjoy the environment with lots of rocks to climb on and places to hide.

Jim Jim Falls

Jim Jim Falls is known to be one of the most popular waterfalls in the Kakadu area. It is a deep plunge pool at the bottom of 150m cliff tops.  If visiting the area than your trip according to the season in which you are visiting. If you are visiting during the wet season there is the chance that the road will not be able to be driven on and if you are going during the dry season than you will need to head out at the start of the dry season as the falls may have dried up by the end of the season.

Koolpin Gorge

For the thrill seekers Koolpin Gorge is the place to visit. You will need a permit in order to access and a high clearance 4WD but with those two things you will have an amazing adventure. Through the 4WD track you will find yourself in a secluded area surrounded by rocks and trees. You can hike and camp in the area and you may even have the waterfalls and swimming holes to yourself.

Mamukala Wetlands

On your way to Kakadu, a stop in at Mamukala Wetlands is advised. It is a short 3km walk to explore the wetlands. You are surrounded by amazing wetlands, trees and an array of different species of birds. The birds flock to the wetlands and settle in at the billabong. You can view the birds from the observation platform so that they are not scared away.

These are just a few of the highlights of things you can do whilst at Kakadu. If you an organise a week in the area, this should give you enough time to visit these areas and a few additional ones. Remember though that crocodiles do call the waters around here home, so always check for signs and use your common sense. 

Take lots of photos, preserve the environment and make lots of memories.

Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is home to several stunning waterfalls that cascade into crystal clear pools which can be viewed from different points around the park. There is also a number of magnetic termites moulds that can be viewed and clusters of weathered sandstone pillars.

There are many walking tracks, swimming locations and campgrounds within the National Park – so you will have plenty to do during your stop.

Katherine Hot Springs

The Katherine Hot Springs are located on the banks of the Katherine River and are a perfect way to cool down and relax before you start on the next leg of your trip road trip from Darwin to Alice Springs. 

Mataranka & Bitter Springs 

The Mataranka & Bitter Springs are one of our favourite places in the Northern Territory. They are little tropical oases to cool down in during a hot Northern Territory day. Read all about it right HERE

The Daly Waters Pub

The Daly Waters Pub is a historic pub that was built in the 1930’s. It is a great place to not only eat but also stay over the night if you are ready for a rest night. The pub has kept its historic look whilst still coming into the modern day. 

Not only will the atmosphere and the history of the pub not disappoint – either will the food.  But one of the most interesting things about the Daly Waters Pub is the Interior. 

Read all about it right HERE

Threeways Roadhouse

The Threeways Roadhouse is a great place to stop for the night and spend a bit of quality time (outside of the car) with the family. The Roadhouse itself is open throughout the day and evening so that you can have a good quality meal and not have to cook!

There is the option for staying in one of the rooms attached to the roadhouse for the night. The rooms are located away from the highway so that you are able to get a good, quiet night sleep.

There are also camping grounds and caravan options available.

Devil’s Marble’s

Devils Marbles is another iconic stop along the way from Darwin to Alice Springs. The Aboriginal people believe that the Devils Marbles are the fossilized eggs of the rainbow serpent. The granite boulders stand over 6m high and are a beautiful piece of history to see. You can even camp in the area and have a view of the marbles over the sunset or sunrise.

UFO hunting at Wycliffe Well

You heard that right! You can go searching for UFOs at Wycliffe Well. The area is the the self proclaimed UFO capital of Australia. The area is full of happy and friendly locals who are more than happy to tell you their UFO stories.

It is said that if you stay up all night you have a higher chance of seeing a UFO than not seeing one 😉 

After Wycliffe Well, it’s time for the rest of the stretch to Alice Springs. 

Read what to do and see around Alice Springs and Uluru/Ayers Rock right HERE

Are you doing the road trip the other way around and go from Alice Springs to Darwin? Read more about Darwin right HERE 

Need a car for your road trip through the Northern Territory? Rentalcars.com compares the best car rental companies for you, so you don’t have to search for hours to get the best car rental deals in Australia. Search now below ↓

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