Darwin to Uluru
Darwin to Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia
This is a fantastic and fairly long distance drive from Darwin to Uluru that takes you through some of the most memorable parts of Australia’s Northern Territory. The total number of driving hours is estimated at 25 hours which means that you should set aside at least a week or two. If you enjoy your comfort and the convenience of having your own washroom, mini kitchen and bed wherever you go, then a motorhome hire, campervan or RV rental is your best choice for transport.
Kakadu National Park and Mataranka Thermal Pools
Once you arrive in Darwin, you should take at least a day or two to explore and do some sightseeing before you begin your drive. The Arnhem Highway will take you to Jabiru and the Kakadu National Park. On the way, you can stop in for a visit to the Window on the Wetlands Centre. You can also take a cruise on the Adelaide River Queen which will allow you to get a closer look at the well-known jumping crocodiles. The Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is a haven for native birds so, if you want to do some bird watching, make sure that you have everything you need. You won’t want to miss these fabulous water birds!
From Kakadu, you will drive towards Katherine as you begin your journey from Darwin to Uluru. If you spent the night in Kakadu, make sure that you get plenty of rest so that you are ready for an early start on this day. Before you reach Katherine, you will pass through the town of Pine Creek which is known for its gold mining history. Katherine Gorge is great for those who enjoy canoeing. Other sights here include the Cutta Cutta Caves and Edith Falls.
You might want to spend the night somewhere in this region since the next stretch of driving is rather long and therefore demanding. You will want to plan a stop in Mataranka where you can make the most of the famous Mataranka Thermal Pool – the largest bathtub in the area. As you continue, you are welcome to stop at the Daly Waters Pub which is the oldest in the Territory. Drive on south until you reach Tennant Creek which also has a rich mining history.
Devils Marbles, Alice Springs & Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Once you leave Tennant Creek, you have a fairly long drive ahead of you to Alice Springs. This is why it is best to spend the night in Tennant Creek and begin your journey as early as possible. Feel free to make some stops along the way like at the famous balancing Devils Marbles. The drive will take you through Barrow Creek before you reach Ti Tree, Aileron and then finally Alice Springs.
Take some time to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Alice Springs and, depending on your travel schedule, feel free to spend at least a day or two here. The School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service are two of the main facilities here that are essential in order to sustain everyday life in such remote parts.
It’s on to your final destination, Uluru, from here and this part of the drive really is an easy one. Ayers Rock is located in the Ulura-Kata Tjuta National Park and is the symbol of Australia. It has a strong significance in Aboriginal history and this is why this park is a World Heritage Site. Feel free to spend some extra time here before making your way back to Alice Springs, or on to Adelaide in South Australia.