The ultimate Darwin to Uluṟu road trip guide

By Leah McLennan
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The drive from Darwin to Uluṟu is no ordinary road trip – it’s a bucket list journey through some of Australia’s most unforgettable landscapes. Wind your way past towering termite mounds, lush tropical bush, and that deep red earth the Northern Territory is famous for, with roadhouses, hot springs, art centres and shady plunge pools breaking up the kilometres.

This guide covers the best stops, driving distances, road conditions, accommodation options, and insider tips to help you plan the perfect trip.

Best time to take a Darwin to Uluṟu road trip

a road trip through the Northern Territory

Embark on an epic road trip through the Northern Territory. (Image: Tourism NT/Sam Earp)

The dry season (May to September) is the best time for a Darwin to Uluṟu road trip, offering clear skies, cooler temperatures and fewer road closures. The wet season (November to April) can bring flooding, intense heat and unpredictable road conditions, making travel more challenging.

Darwin to Uluṟu distance and drive time

Total distance: 1,950 km

Recommended duration: 7 to 14 days

Road conditions: Fully sealed highways, with some unsealed detours if you venture off the Stuart Highway

Darwin to Katherine (320 km, about 3.5 hours)

feeding crocodiles during a Jumping Croc Cruise, Adelaide River

See salties up close on a Jumping Croc Cruise. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Wave goodbye to Darwin’s sea breeze and head south – first stop, Litchfield National Park, home to croc-free swimming spots like Wangi Falls and Buley Rockhole, where cool cascades and shady pools deliver instant relief from the heat. Further down the track, the Adelaide River region offers two contrasting pit stops: get your heart racing on a Jumping Croc Cruise, where salties launch from the water just metres from the boat, or slow things down at the beautifully kept Adelaide River War Cemetery, a moving tribute to those who served in WWII.

an aerial view of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

A scenic river cruise past stunning sandstone cliffs at Nitmiluk Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/Nic Morley)

Just before Katherine, take a detour left to Edith Falls (Leliyn) boasting gorgeous swimming holes framed by red cliffs, grassy banks and a series of waterfalls. Once in Katherine, drift through the warm, glassy hot springs, where little turtles paddle alongside and kids launch into the main pool with cannonball flair. Then it’s on to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where towering cliffs and a winding river set the scene for boat cruises, overnight kayaking trips or scenic hikes with views that are well worth the effort.

Where to stay

sunset view at the pool, Cicada Lodge, Darwin

Cicada Lodge at sunset. (Image: Tourism NT/Peter Eve)

For a luxe stay right in the heart of nature, Cicada Lodge delivers – think elegant rooms, stunning views, and a close connection to the surrounding landscape of Nitmiluk National Park. If you’re after something mid-range, Knotts Crossing Resort is a solid pick – comfortable, close to town, and with a pool that’s a lifesaver in the heat. Travelling on a budget or keen to camp? Discovery Parks – Katherine has you covered with shady sites, a relaxed vibe and fresh, well-equipped two-bedroom cabins if you’re after a bit more comfort.

Katherine to Tennant Creek (675 km, about 7 hours)

a 4WD stopping by the Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles

The iconic Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu). (Image: Tourism NT/@betsybiglap)

The drive south leads to Mataranka, home to the stunning thermal pools surrounded by lush palms, where you can float in warm, crystal-clear water before heading to the famous Daly Waters Pub. This legendary outback watering hole is adorned with bras, banknotes, and road trip memorabilia, making it an essential stop for a burger and a cold drink in true Territory style. Further down the highway, Karlu Karlu (Devil’s Marbles) appears as giant, rounded boulders seemingly stacked by nature itself.

Where to stay

the pub exterior of Daly Waters Pub

Daly Waters Pub is a vibey pit stop serving NT beef and barra. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

Accommodation is sparse between Katherine and Tennant Creek, but Daly Waters Pub offers a lively overnight stop with quirky rooms and a classic roadhouse atmosphere. In Tennant Creek, Bluestone Motor Inn is a reliable mid-range option, providing comfortable rooms and a pool. For a more rugged experience, Banka Banka Station offers budget-friendly camping and cabins on a working cattle station.

Tennant Creek to Alice Springs (510 km, about 5 hours)

the Barrow Creek Telegraph Station signage

The Barrow Creek Telegraph Station used to be a staging camp for army convoys. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers)

The vast outback stretches ahead, with Barrow Creek Telegraph Station offering a glimpse into Australia’s early communication history, complete with eerie remnants of the past. Further south, the Tropic of Capricorn Marker signals the transition into the arid heart of the country, where the landscape becomes more dramatic and the horizon stretches endlessly. Closer to Alice Springs, Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges is a must-visit, with towering cliffs framing a peaceful waterhole that often attracts black-footed rock wallabies.

Where to Stay

cocktail drinks by the pool, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Sip on refreshing cocktails by the pool at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

For a dose of top-end comfort, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters delivers with 205 roomy stays, multiple dining spots, a superb pool and a fitness centre that’s basically a gym lover’s dream. Nearby, DoubleTree by Hilton offers 228 sleek rooms and those signature warm cookies on check-in – plus prime access to the casino and convention centre. Travelling light on the wallet? Discovery Parks – Alice Springs has you covered, with a well-equipped, family-friendly caravan park that doesn’t skimp on amenities.

Alice Springs to Kings Canyon (330 km, about 3.5 hours)

a woman walking past sheer red cliffs at Simpsons Gap

Stroll past sheer red cliffs at Simpsons Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

The road west leads into the breathtaking West MacDonnell Ranges, home to the formidable 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail – a demanding, multi-day trek that ranks among Australia’s toughest.

Along the way, you’ll stumble upon some unmissable spots: Simpsons Gap, where sheer red cliffs loom overhead and black-footed rock wallabies dart between shadows; Ellery Creek Big Hole, offering a bracing (read: freezing) dip in its serene waterhole; and Standley Chasm, which blazes fiery red when the midday sun hits just right.

a woman sitting on a rock at Ormiston Gorge

The natural pool at Ormiston Gorge beckons for a dip. (Image: Tourism NT)

The historic Ochre Pits deserve a detour for their vivid earth pigments, while Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen provide a double hit of dramatic cliffs and cool, swimmable waters. Don’t miss the four-hour Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a challenging yet unforgettable hike offering panoramic views over the canyon’s rugged landscape.

Where to stay

three women looking out the scenic landscape at Discovery Resorts - Kings Canyon

Soak up sweeping desert views from Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon. (Image: Tourism NT)

If you’re after a resort-style escape, Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon serves up hotel rooms and glamping tents with outback views that do all the talking. For something more rugged, Kings Creek Station – a working cattle station 36km from Kings Canyon – offers safari tents, cabins and classic camping under the stars, along with buggy tours that kick up some serious red dust.

Kings Canyon to Uluṟu (330 km, about 3.5 hours)

a scenic landscape at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

See another side to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/Lola and Jira/Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park)

The final leg to Uluṟu hums with anticipation, but don’t speed past Mt Conner – this flat-topped giant often fools first-timers, looming large on the horizon before giving way to the real thing. As you near Uluṟu, the landscape shifts, the red earth deepening in tone, the monolith slowly rising into view like something from another world.

Once inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, take your time on the base walk, tracing the rock’s contours and weathered grooves. Then head to Kata Tjuṯa, where the towering domes of Walpa Gorge serve up one of the region’s most dramatic walks. Whether you ride, fly, Segway, cycle, walk or jog – there are plenty of ways to experience this extraordinary place.

Where to Stay

For a luxurious experience, Sails in the Desert offers 228 lavish rooms, fine dining and art displays. Desert Gardens Hotel provides a mid-range option with comfortable rooms and great views of Uluṟu. For those wanting to camp or stay on a budget, Ayers Rock Campground offers powered sites and cabins just a short drive from the rock.

Road conditions and essential supplies

a 4WD driving to Kata Tjuṯa

A road trip in true Northern Territory style. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

  • The Stuart Highway is fully sealed but can be remote in sections, so it’s best to refuel at every major town to avoid running low.
  • Phone reception is limited outside of main stops, so consider carrying a satellite phone or UHF radio for emergencies.
  • Supplies are available in larger towns like Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, but carrying extra water, snacks and a first-aid kit is essential for a safe and smooth journey.

Discover the best things to do when you’re in Uluṟu

Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Can you swim at any beaches in Darwin? Here’s what you need to know

    By Leah McLennan
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    Darwin’s beaches stretch out in shades of soft turquoise, easy on the eyes and tempting in the heat. In the dry season, locals and visitors alike wade in, but swimming here comes with a few caveats best not ignored.

    The risks? Crocs and stingers – because, well, this is the Top End. But on a dry season weekend, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve teleported to Bondi Beach, with 30 or so people splashing about at Nightcliff Beach and plenty more braving the ocean at Casuarina for a proper swim.

    Swimming at the beach in Darwin is a personal call. Weigh up the risks, get informed, stick to patrolled areas when surf lifesavers are on duty, wear protective gear if it makes you feel better – and jump in if it feels right.

    Here’s the lowdown on where you can swim, where to stay dry and how to enjoy Darwin’s blue waters safely.

    Where’s the safest place to swim in Darwin?

    people swimming in Nightcliff Beach, Darwin

    Nightcliff Beach is one of the patrolled beaches in Darwin that is considered safe for swimming. (Image: Jeremy Simons)

    Zero stress, zero surprises? Head to Darwin Waterfront Lagoon. It’s man-made, croc- and jellyfish-free and patrolled all year. There’s even a netted section and grassy banks for lounging. The Wave Pool is nearby, with timed swells for boogie boarding. It’s the safest splash you’ll find.

    Top beaches for swimming in Darwin

    From June to August, things shift. The water’s clearer, jellyfish numbers drop and locals start dipping their toes – and more – in the ocean.

    Nightcliff Beach

    a scenic view of Nightcliff Beach, Darwin

    The picturesque Nightcliff Beach feels like a hidden gem. (Image: Jeremy Simons)

    At high tide, Nightcliff Beach is magic. The water turns turquoise, locals swim and wade, and confident swimmers jump from the rocks (safely). The Darwin Surf Life Saving Club patrols on Sundays during the dry season, and there’s a laid-back vibe that makes it feel like a hidden gem.

    Early riser? Join the Wednesday Dippers at 6.30am for a group swim and post-dip coffee at The Foreshore Restaurant & Cafe. Want to float instead of swim? Hire a paddleboard from Fun Supply.

    Casuarina Beach

    sunset at Casuarina Beach in Darwin

    Witness a pretty, pink-hued sunset at Casuarina Beach. (Image: Tourism NT/ James Maddock)

    Part of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve, this wide 4.5km beach is home to Darwin Surf Life Saving Club and its little nippers’ training sessions (Sundays, June to September). It’s also where ocean swims happen each August, with lifesavers patrolling on boards and watercraft.

    No rock jumping here – just calm waves and wide-open space. After your swim, refuel at De La Plague Cafe – one of the city’s best spots for post-beach brunch.

    Mindil Beach

    sunset at Mindil Beach, Darwin

    Soak up magnificent sunsets at Mindil Beach. (Image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott)

    People do swim at Mindil Beach during the dry season, but let’s be honest – you’re really here for the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Lifeguards patrol from 2pm to 6pm, Thursday to Sunday (and during incoming tides earlier in the week). Grab a laksa, sit on the sand, and soak up that famous sunset – swimming optional.

    East Point Beach

    an aerial view of East Point Beach in Darwin

    East Point Beach is surrounded by dense and thick mangroves. (Image: Tourism NT)

    Patrolled by Mindil Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Sundays in the dry season, East Point Beach is part of the East Point Recreation Reserve, a curved 1.5km stretch ending in mangroves and rocky outcrops. Bonus: Lake Alexander is right behind the beach, offering a croc-free alternative if you’re not keen on the ocean.

    What about stingrays?

    Box jellyfish and Irukandji are no joke. They’re dangerous, sometimes deadly, and hard to spot. Stinger season runs from October to May, but stings have happened year-round. Kids are more at risk, and since 1975, all 14 recorded stinger-related deaths in the NT have been children.

    Box jellyfish are clear with a boxy body and long venomous tentacles and their stings can be fatal. Irukandji (a group of smaller, highly venomous species) are tiny, but nasty. Some species are only the size of a thumbnail. If stung pour vinegar on the area (not fresh water) and call 000 or find a lifeguard.

    Are there crocs at Darwin beaches?

    a wild saltwater crocodile swimming in the Northern Territory

    Darwin is home to dangerous saltwater crocodiles. (Image: Caroline Brundle Bugge)

    Yes, saltwater crocs live in Darwin’s waters, but there hasn’t been a fatal attack at these beaches in over 120 years. Why? Because lifesavers manage the risks and beaches close immediately if crocs are spotted. But always check the water before you enter when swimming at the beach. Any natural body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles.

    What about tides?

    an aerial view of Nightcliff Beach, Darwin

    Nightcliff Beach is moderately steep and narrow at high tide. (Image: Tourism NT)

    Darwin has some of the biggest tidal shifts in the country, with changes of up to eight metres between low and high tide. At low tide, beaches can turn into vast stretches of exposed mudflats, making swimming tricky (and unappealing). High tide is your best bet – the water is deeper, clearer, and safer, with fewer sharp rocks and critters underfoot.

    Top tips for beach swimming in Darwin

    • Stick to patrolled beaches.
    • Swim in the dry season (June–August).
    • Check signs for warnings and the water for crocs before diving in.

    Discover the best things to do in Darwin