Alice Springs to Darwin: A Guide On The Best Road Trip

Delve deep into one of Australia’s most fascinating and remote regions, the NT’s Top End, on an inspiring Alice Springs to Darwin road trip.

Alice Springs

Camel racing, bottomless boat competitions and a desert-load of activities make Alice Springs unlike anywhere else in Australia. You can quickly fill a handful of days in this outback town: our advice, mix independent exploring with a few guided tours.

Get your bearings at ANZAC Hill, where you can pay your respects to fallen soldiers while getting a 360-degree view of the town below. After, stop by the Alice Springs Telegraph Station to see where Europeans first settled in the town to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide along Australia’s Overland Telegraph Line.

As for the colourful competitions, arrive in August and you can watch the Henley-on-Todd dry river ‘boat’ regatta. Get there in July and you can cheer on the cameleers kicking up dust at the annual Alice Springs Camel Cup. Photojournalist Jennifer Pinkerton describes the competition as “one crazy soup of a race".

Other top attractions include Alice Springs School of the Air, where you can tune into a lesson broadcast to a student in a remote outpost, and Alice Springs Desert Park, where you can learn about traditional Indigenous hunting and gathering techniques.

Cheer on the cameleers at the annual Alice Springs Camel Cup.

Must-see

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an important part of Australia’s history and you can learn about it at the original Alice Springs working base. Now a museum, hear the stories of pilots and medical staff during a holographic show, inspect old medical supplies and step inside a replica aircraft used to visit ill and injured rural Australians.

The Larapinta Trail

A challenging, but rewarding, side trip from Alice is the Larapinta Trail in the West MacDonnell Ranges. You can do the entire 223-kilometre trek or sample a section, and tackle it solo or with a company.

If you’re heading to Darwin, sign up to a tour so you don’t have to lug extra camping and hiking gear with you for the rest of your trip. Australian Walking Holidays takes the stress out of the adventure with treks that come complete with semi-permanent campsites, hot showers and three-course meals. Peak season on the trail is May to August.

The Larapinta Trail Alice Springs — Larapinta: a challenging, but rewarding, side trip from Alice.

Hire a vehicle

You can fly to Alice from most major cities in Australia and hire a car or campervan at the airport or in town; Apollo, Britz, Thrifty and Hertz all have branches.

Wycliffe Well

For the quirk factor alone, road-trippers should call into Wycliffe Well, a holiday park, animal sanctuary, restaurant, lake and performance stage rolled into one. Its claim to fame is being Australia’s UFO capital.

Devils Marbles

The first major stop you should make after leaving Alice is Karlu Karlu, otherwise known as the Devils Marbles. More than a collection of large, balancing boulders, they’re believed by the Warumungu Aboriginal people to be the fossilised eggs of the mythological rainbow serpent.

The Marbles, some of which are six metres high, are considered so special that Australian photographer Melissa Findley had this to say: “If I could tell you one thing about the Devils Marbles, it’s that visiting there makes you want to quit your structured life, buy a caravan and live every night there under those stars."

Where to stay

Camp at the conservation reserve so you can experience the Marbles at sunrise and sunset.

Tennant Creek

The site of Australia’s last major gold rush (in the 1930s), Tennant Creek makes for an interesting stop on the Stuart Highway. Visit Tennant Creek Telegraph Station, which was built in 1872 and served as a refuge for travellers from the outback’s harsh conditions.

Other points of interest include Battery Hill Mining Centre for an underground tour; Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Cultural Centre to learn the stories of the Warumungu Aboriginal people; Kelly’s Ranch, where you can go horse riding; and Lake Mary Ann, a popular swimming spot.

Stay at the basic, but comfortable, Bluestone Motor Inn .

Daly Waters Historic Pub

You can’t pass through this part of the NT without calling into iconic Daly Waters Historic Pub . With copious bras, hats, t-shirts and foreign currency adorning the walls, this watering hole is as Aussie as pubs get. Time your visit for lunch and then aim to spend the night in Katherine, 275 kilometres north-west.

Katherine

It’s the surrounding attractions that put Katherine on the map, and the most notable is Nitmiluk National Park. Picture towering Jaffa-coloured cliffs, silky green water and pandanus trees lining the banks of Katherine River.

With 13 gorges throughout the park, including the world famous Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, the most popular way to explore is on a cruise and there are numerous companies to choose from. You can also get a bird’s-eye view from a helicopter or follow walking trails to waterfalls and rock art.

You’ll also want to visit Leliyn (aka Edith Falls) to swim in the natural pool that offers respite in the Top End heat.

A practical stop

The town of Katherine is an obvious base for exploring the region and a handy pit stop for road-trippers needing to stock up on supplies. You’ll find a big supermarket and a motel if you pull into town late.

For a more luxurious overnight stay, book a room at the nearby Cicada Lodge: a community-run, high-end retreat, 30 kilometres from Katherine’s town centre.

Mataranka and Bitter Springs

There are a few waterholes worth stopping at before and after Katherine. Mataranka Thermal Pool (116km south-east of Katherine) is a popular attraction during the busy winter season thanks to clear water and mild temps.

Left to its more natural setting is Bitter Springs, two kilometres from Mataranka. Also thermal pools, there’s a slight current that makes for fun floating down the creek.

For a dip closer to town, visit the Katherine Hot Springs.

Litchfield National Park

It’s one of the must-visit destinations in the Northern Territory and some travellers argue Litchfield beats Kakadu hands down. The park, about 120 kilometres from Darwin, certainly attracts a lot of visitors and it’s worth spending a few days here.

Stay at Florence Falls Campground, with a creekside path to the falls. The spring-fed plunge pool gets crowded, so arrive early. If you’re not staying overnight, there’s a car park and lookout at the top, with a staircase to the water.

The much larger Wangi Falls is also worth spending a couple of hours at. It’s more of an established tourist attraction, with viewing points, a walking trail and plenty of space to swim. There is a cafe and campground nearby.

Tick off the trifecta by enjoying a dip at Buley Rockhole. This is a fun spot, especially for children, as there are multiple pools and rocks to slide down.

Did you know?

The Litchfield area used to be a centre for tin and copper mining. Those operations ended in 1955 and the park was turned into pastoral land, and then designated a national park in 1986.

Berry Springs Nature Park

With three peaceful pools and a sprawling picnic area, Berry Springs is a wonderful morning excursion about 50 minutes from Darwin’s CBD.

Crocodiles can frequent the park, so swimming during the wet season (November–April) is off-limits and warnings should be heeded year-round.

Darwin

Crocs, markets, military history, swimming pools and a tropical climate that rivals Thailand’s – Darwin is a city with wow factor.

Let’s talk crocodiles first. There are a couple of places you can see them. Crocodylus Park is home to the famous jumping crocodile feeding tours, while at Crocosaurus Cove you can get an eye-full of the fearsome creature underwater in the ‘cage of death’.

Next up, visit at least one local market. The most famous is Mindil Beach Sunset Market , where every Thursday and Sunday (4–9pm April–October) travellers and locals mingle as they listen to music and chow down Asian-style street food; arrive early for a park. Don’t just stop at the legendary Mindil Beach Markets, Darwin has some magnificent local markets worth visiting.

Then there’s the military history. Wrap your head around it all at Darwin Military Museum, which houses a fantastic collection of memorabilia, and Darwin Aviation Museum, with its extensive display.

For something different, pop into the WWII Oil Storage Tunnels, or plan to visit during the Territory Tribute festival. It’s a month of film screenings, literary discussions, art exhibitions and commemorative services.

The weather can be humid, especially in summer, so when it’s time to take a dip head to the Wave Lagoon at Darwin Waterfront or the free Leanyer Recreation Park.

Must experience

The virtual reality Bombing of Darwin Harbour experience at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility is world-class and puts you right in the middle of the 19 February 1942 catastrophe.

Go with a tour company

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to tours in the Top End. AAT Kings has everything covered with a huge range of mostly multi-day tours, while smaller companies tick off a tonne of half-day and day options in Alice, Katherine and Darwin primarily. Journey Beyond’s The Ghan Expedition also covers the Top End, starting in Darwin and calling into Katherine and Alice on its way to Adelaide.

For more information on things to do in the NT, see our NT guide page or visit the official Northern Territory website at northernterritory.com

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

Alice to Darwin: A Guide On The Best Road Trip