Epic Northern Territory Drives – Australian Tourist Publications

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA &

THE TOP END

Awe-inspiring Road Trips

The Northern Territory has some of the most unique, spectacular and amazing travel experiences in the world. And we reckon the best way to experience Central Australia and the Top End, and everything in between, is on an epic road trip.

Explore the world-renowned Uluru and the iconic outback town of Alice Springs in the Red Centre; Australia’s “Golden Heart” of Tennant Creek and the Barkly; and the stunning Katherine Gorge, world-heritage-listed Kakadu, and the capital of the tropical Top End, Darwin. These places are just the start. Take the time to immerse yourself in this timeless land, so you can take unforgettable memories home with you, to keep until you return.

Look out for the Drive the NT Map at all the Caravanning and Camping shows and Visitor Information Centres nation-wide.

Don't miss these 5 Epic Drives

ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU RETURN IN 5 DAYS

Red Centre Way

The Red Centre Way, one of Australia's great drive journeys, features some of the country's most famous landmarks, but also beautiful hidden gems, sweeping desert landscapes, a rich pioneering history, and the oldest living culture in the world.

Before setting off from Alice Springs, arm yourself with all the information you need from the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre and ask for a permit to drive the Mereenie Loop. You'll need an all-wheel-drive vehicle for this spectacular scenic drive, or if you choose to visit Palm Valley in the Finke Gorge National Park, a high-clearance 4WD is essential.

Highlights include the astonishing Toritja/West MacDonnell Ranges National Park and her iconic walks and waterhole oases; the ancient wonder of Palm Valley and the fascinating history of nearby Hermannsburg; the famous Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Watarrka National Park; and of course the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, twice World Heritage listed for her natural beauty and cultural significance.

Alice Springs

Standley Chasm

Palm Valley

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Ormiston Gorge or Finke Gorge National Park (Palm Valley) (130km)

On the morning of day one, make sure you visit the Alice Springs Desert Park, rated by Sir David Attenborough as one of the best wildlife parks in the world, on your way to Toritja/West MacDonnell National Park.

The West Macs can be enjoyed as an overnight stop, or for multiple days; thereís so much to explore. This truly unique place is home to a stunning array of plants and animals; magnificent cliffs, chasms and gorges; tranquil waterholes; stunning vistas; and world-class walking trails. Just out of Alice on Larapinta drive, see rock wallabies hopping amongst the steep ridges of Simpsons Gap. Further along is the unmissable Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), featuring a short, scenic walk to the soaring chasm walls.

Turning onto Namatjira Drive, cool off in the beautiful, big swimming hole of Ellery Creek Big Hole, hike to the stunning vistas overlooking Serpentine Gorge, at the spectacular Ormiston Gorge, the most popular spot in the West Macs and a great place for hiking, swimming and bird watching. Further along, Redbank Gorge offers an outstanding hike to the top of Mt. Sonder or a swim in the gorge.

Alternatively, 4WD enthusiasts can continue on Larapinta Drive and visit Palm Valley. You'll feel like you're in Jurassic Park as you walk amongst towering Red Cabbage Palms, the only palms native to Central Australia. As the sun sets, scramble to a look-out and watch the ranges transform through a kaleidoscope of colours, culminating in a burning ochre, before descending to the nearby campground. Be sure to visit the wonderfully restored Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, established in 1877 by Lutheran missionaries, enjoy the tea rooms and the former home of renowned Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira, before or after your visit to Palm Valley.

Day 2 - Glen Helen, or Palm Valley, to Kings Canyon (260km)

Heading west to Kings Canyon, Tnorala/ Gosse Bluff rises out of the surrounding plain. Created by one of the most significant geological events in our planet's history, Tnorala is the point where a 600m wide comet smashed into Earth more than 140 million years ago. Drive inside and read the Western Aranda Aboriginal creation story which, fascinatingly, realises that something dropped from the sky and struck the ground at that site. Continue along the remote outback road of the Mereenie Loop to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park. You'll see few if any signs of human civilisation but keep your eyes out for brumbies, donkeys, and camels. Near Kings Canyon you can choose from a range of accommodation options, from camping, luxury hotels, eco retreats, and glamping, at both Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon and Kings Creek Station.

Day 3 - Kings Canyon to Uluru (300km)

One of Australia's greatest walks, the Kings Canyon Rim Walk is best enjoyed in the morning. Every part of the walk reveals something spectacularly different. Begin by hiking to the rim of the canyon, climb through Priscilla's crack and into the auditorium, peer over the edge of the sheer sandstone walls, descend into the Garden of Eden and relax by her tranquil waterhole, and wander through weathered rock domes of the Lost City. This walk has it all. If you have time, or for those unable to hike up to the scenic rim of the canyon, the Kings Creek Walk is beautiful and easy, and can be enjoyed any time of day, all year round. On your way to Uluru, the nearby Kathleen Springs has an easy walk to a pretty waterhole or, for the more adventurous, an overnight trek on the Giles Track. And little further south, stop into Kings Creek Station, a working cattle station and camel farm, to enjoy some outback hospitality and learn about station life in the remote Red Centre.

After settling into your accommodation at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) you should have time to drive into the nearby Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and celebrate the legendary Uluru sunset. Make sure you take several photographs because your camera can pick up the amazing colour changes better than your eyes.

Ellery Big Hole

Ormiston Gorge

Glen Helen Gorge

Day 4 - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Watch the rising sun light up Uluru on a dawn camel trek, then head into the park. Take the full Uluru Base walk, or park and enjoy the fascinating and picturesque Kuniya walk into Mutitjulu waterhole. On the other side of Uluru, take advantage of the free Ranger-guided Mala Walk. Learn the ancient creation stories of this giant monolith and how Aboriginal people thrived and survived here for thousands of years. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) will be looming in the distance and begin to dominate the horizon as you approach. This startling collection of gigantic, rounded domes are 200m higher than Uluru and for many people, the spectacular Valley of the Winds Walk is the most memorable part of their visit to the park. In the evening, dine under the stars, enjoying some great Australia food and wine, take in an Astronomy show, or join the countless others that have visited the smash hit Field of Light exhibition.

Day 5 – Uluru to Alice Springs (445km)

TStop and revive at the roadhouses lining the highway. Call in at Curtin Springs Wayside Inn and join a one-hour tour to learn about life in the remote outback and see how they make handmade paper from the grasses on their million-acre cattle station. Eighty kilometres south of Alice, take a short detour to Rainbow Valley. This beautifully scenic spot is named for the myriad of coloured bands in her sandstone bluff and is famous for some of the most spectacular sunsets in Australia.

Uluru

Kata Tjuta

Kings Canyon

ADELAIDE TO DARWIN

Explorers Way

If you love adventure, you can't beat a trip along Explorers Way, one of the great Australian road trips. Explorers Way passes some of Australia's favourite natural icons, including Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Watarrka/ Kings Canyon, the MacDonnell Ranges, Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles, Nitmiluk National Park and the waterfalls of Litchfield National Park. The Explorers Way journey is recommended to be done over a minimum 14 days on a sealed highway following the route of the 1862 explorer John McDouall Stuart.

Coober Pedy

Uluru

Kings Canyon

Day 1-4: Adelaide to Coober Pedy (846kms)

Along the journey from South Australia to Coober Pedy, why not stop into Port Augusta, a great base to explore the Southern and Central Flinders Ranges? Spend the night in an underground hotel in Coober Pedy, visit an underground church, fossick for your own opals and visit the breathtaking Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park.

Day 5: Coober Pedy to Uluru (734km)

Once you have arrived at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park discover the spiritual heart of the Australian Outback. Home to the great icons of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, this desert region is blessed with natural wonders, world-class dining experiences and rugged beauty.

Day 6: Uluru to Kings Canyon (300kms)

Leave the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and drive 300km back along the Lasseter and Luritja highways to Watarrka/Kings Canyon. This majestic destination features 100m high sandstone walls, walking trails and views that will leave you speechless.

Ellery Big Hole

Ormiston Gorge

Glen Helen Gorge

Day 7: Kings Canyon to Alice Springs (474km)

For an unforgettable view of the canyon, rise before dawn and follow the 6km trail around its rim. Once you get back on the road, head to the NTís second largest city, Alice Springs. If travelling by four-wheel drive, head via Mereenie Loop, or travel along the sealed Luritja and Lasseter highways, before turning north onto the Stuart Highway.

Day 8: West Macs, Alice & Glen Helen (130km)

The West MacDonnell Ranges are an easy day trip from Alice Springs along a sealed road. There are many stops along the way to enjoy Walk along the trail at Simpsons Gap or stand between the sheer walls of Standley Chasm. To cool off why not enjoy a swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge or Redbank Gorge.

Day 9: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek (510km)

On your journey from Alice to Tennant, why not stop in at the Devils Marbles, a sacred site known as Karlu Karlu to the Warumungu people? These massive ancient granite boulders are strewn across a wide, shallow valley and continue to crack and change.

Devils Marbles

Wangi Falls

Mindal Beach Markets

Heading further to Darwin...

Stay overnight at the world-famous Larrimah Hotel, 492kms from Tennant Creek, the highest bar in the Northern Territory. The historic hotel is known for its down-to-earth hospitality, pink panthers, giant stubby and an eclectic collection of bits and pieces from all over. With a range of accommodation and a restaurant, this is a fair dinkum outback pub experience ranked in the Top Ten Outback Pubs.

ALICE SPRINGS TO TENNANT CREEK

Binns Track

The Binns Track is the quintessential off-road adventure, stretching 2,230 kilometres from the arid outback of the SA/NT border to the tropical rivers near Katherine. Itís named after NT Parks and Wildlife Ranger Bill Binns, whose dream it was to create an epic journey showcasing his beloved Northern Territory.

John Hayes Rockhole @cjmaddock

Jessie Gap

Arltunga Historical Reserve

Mt Dare to Alice Springs (420kms)

Mt Dare Hotel and Roadhouse sits at a crossroads in a remote corner of South Australia. To the north the Old Andado Track (part of Binns Track) takes you to the famous outback town of Alice Springs. The track straddles the western edge of the Simpson Desert, carving through the red, iron-rich ridges of sand dune country and the flood plains of the Finke River. Take a break at Molly Clark's Old Andado Homestead, a wonderful piece of pioneering history, somehow surviving against the harsh elements of the desert.

Only 240km up the road, visitors to Alice Springs are inevitably surprised and delighted at the number of things to see and do in this vibrant little town. Whether your interests include history, museums, the arts, or wildlife, there's something in the town for you. Or, if you want to take a drive; the spectacular scenery, with ancient mountain ranges, tranquil waterholes, world-class hiking trails, and geological wonders stretch in all directions. The West and East MacDonnell Ranges, Palm Valley, Rainbow Valley, and Chambers Pillar are all possible as a day trip and will leave memories for a lifetime.

Alice Springs to Plenty Highway (via East MacDonnell Ranges (290kms)

The East MacDonnell Ranges stretch 150km east of Alice Springs and feature some of Central Australiaís most striking outback landscapes and amazing geological formations, gaps, gorges, and waterholes; superb bush walks; ancient Aboriginal paintings; and a rich pioneering history.

From Alice Springs, take the Ross Highway. The first gorge in this stunning range is Anthwerrke (Emily Gap). Emily Gap and nearby Jessie Gap are features of the Caterpillar Dreaming trail. As the birthplace of the three Caterpillar creation beings, the former is a registered sacred site, showcasing Aboriginal rock paintings, and is of special significance to the local Arrernte people.

The first section of the Binns Track will take you off the highway and through riverine woodland country into N'Dahla Gorge (Irlwentye), famous for ancient Aboriginal petroglyphs. From there itís a short detour to the unmissable Trephina Gorge, offering a variety of spectacular hikes and the beautiful John Hayes Rockhole. Further east, test your 4WD skills driving through Ruby Gap Nature Park. This spectacularly remote hidden gem is an overnight bush camping stop. Highlights include a great walk to Glen Annie Gorge and a swim in her secluded waterhole. To the north, past the dry gibber plains, lies the ghost town of Arltunga, the first official town in Central Australia thanks to the 1887 gold rush. Explore the ruins and learn of remarkable history of its pioneers.

A great overnight stop on this section of the Binns Track is Arltunga Bush Pub & Eco Retreat. Located in some of Australia's most secluded bushland, the recently refurbished campground facilities invite travellers to stay, explore and unwind with bush camping under a trillion stars. Itís also a great base from which to explore the old gold mining settlement, take off on a self-drive adventure, and experience the unique flora and fauna and outstanding natural wonders. Hosts Brad and Belinda are looking forward to welcoming guests to the old pub soon. Renovations are well under way! Further north, the rugged beauty of Harts Ranges appears on the horizon. The escarpments of the Fergusson Range are breathtaking and a backdrop to several gem fossicking fields.

Plenty Highway to Tennant Creek (690kms)

Iytwelepenty / Davenport Ranges National Park is of unique environmental importance as it straddles the arid Central Australian region and the southern reaches of the tropical north.

Its waterholes are home to an abundance of birdlife, several species of fish, and provide welcome relief for visitors. Before you reach Tennant Creek, make sure you take the short detour to see Karlu Karlu/Devils Marbles.

These giant granite boulders, some seemingly precariously balanced on top of each other are a geological wonder and a great photo op, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Tennant Creek is a small town big on history and culture. Learn about Australia's last great gold rush at the Battery Hill Gold Mining and Heritage Centre, the pioneering history of the Overland Telegraph Line.

The Pebbles, Tennant Creek

Davenport Ranges National Park

Battery Hill Mining Centre, Tennant Creek

HALLS CREEK TO ALICE SPRINGS

Tanami Track

Tanami Road

Wolfe Creek Crater

Lake Gregory

Halls Creek to Alice Springs –1053Kms

Crossing the expanse of the Tanami Desert, the Tanami Track is actually a fairly well-formed earth/gravel road, that is maintained by the Shire of Halls Creek until the NT Border. The last 300 kilometres before reaching Alice Springs consists of sealed sections of single and dual lanes. The only route from Halls Creek to Alice Springs is the 4WD Tanami Track. It takes two days to cross the vast expanse of the Tanami Desert, allowing time for you to take in a few awe-inspiring surprises along the way, including the second largest meteorite crater in the world, freshwater wetlands filled with birdlife and one of the most remote art galleries on Earth.

Wolfe Creek Crater –145Kms South of Halls Creek

Wolfe Creek Craters is accessed via a 23 kilometres unsealed road through Carranya Station. Standing on the rim of this 880-metre-wide meteorite crater is quite an incredible sight, especially at sunrise and sunset. Known as Karntimarlarl to the local people, the crater is believed to be over 300 thousand years old. Spend the night at the basic campsite maintained by the Department of Parks and Wildlife and watch the desert light play on this unique landscape. (Call the Halls Creek Visitor Centre for up to date road reports).

Lake Gregory and Stretch Lagoon

The second highlight will delight nature lovers and bird watchers. Take a detour off the Tanami at Billiluna to Stretch Lagoon (16 kilometres) and Lake Gregory (103 kilometres) to visit the permanent inland wetlands. Internationally renowned for its incredible birdlife, more than 73 species of waterbirds have been recorded at these wetlands. Choose from one of three campsites (no facilities) for views across the lake at sunset and sunrise. Permits required when camping at Stretch Lagoon or Lake Gregory. Permits can be obtained at the communities of Billiluna, Balgo and Mulan. Please note that the Halls Creek Visitor Centre does not have permits.

Warlayirti Artists

Warlukurlangu Artists

Tilmouth Well Roadhouse

Warlayirti Artists

Your third extraordinary encounter is at the Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation of the Balgo Aboriginal Community which at 40 kilometres off the Tanami is possibly one of the most remote art galleries you will ever experience. Approximately 300 Indigenous artists from the local communities of Wirrimanu, Mulan and Kururrrungku (Billiluna) publicly exhibit their fine art paintings, etchings, photography, film and music.

Balgo-Alice Springs – 846Kms

From Balgo you're approximately 122 kilometres from the Northern Territory border. A further 704 kilometres will bring you to the Stuart Highway junction, 20 kilometres from Alice Springs. It is, however, an isolated route, that can be closed at short notice due to rain. It is recommended that 4WD vehicles are used for the road and outlying areas, and you will need to be well-prepared and self-sufficient. It is not recommended for caravans or trailers when wet. Check Main Roads WA or NT Roads for conditions before setting off.

Warlukurlangu Artists

300 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs on the Tanami Track, is one of the longest running and most successful Aboriginal-owned art centres in Australia. They produce gloriously coloured Aboriginal art and support the remote community of Yuendumu.

Tilmouth Well Roadhouse

Tilmouth Well, on the edge of Napperby Station, provides a refreshing break for weary travellers, 200 kilometres north west of Alice Springs. Enjoy a haven of outback hospitality with a range of motel rooms, contractor style accommodation and an expansive campground with powered and unpowered sites. The property offers a licensed restaurant, takeaway food, swimming pool and general store with groceries, cold drinks and souvenirs.

LAVERTON - ALICE SPRINGS - WINTON

Outback Way

Dubbed "Australia's Longest Shortcut" the Outback Way from Laverton Western Australia, through the Northern Territory's Red Centre to Winton in Queensland, is a 2800 Kilometres odyssey across the heart of the continent. Almost half of the track is dirt roads, so you will need a four-wheel-drive, but if you want to take the road less travelled, that's all part of the adventure.

Laverton

Outback Way

Uluru

Laverton to Uluru – 1125Kms

Note: Permits are required. Contact your nearest Visitor Information Centre for details.

Scenery steals the show on this stretch of the Way, a wild and remote part of Australia, with open spaces stretching to the horizon, vast salt lakes, and pockets of natural springs and waterholes that come to life after infrequent rain. The area is sparsely populated, dotted occasionally with roadhouses and isolated Aboriginal communities. Three renowned art centres, Tjulyuru, Tjarlirli and Kaltukatjara lie on route.

Uluru to Alice Springs - 445Kms

Visitors approaching the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park from the west get a very different introduction than the many thousands who enter from the main Park Entry Station. The first sight of these amazing natural wonders is of the imposing domes of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Then as you drive through the Park, the world-famous Uluru appears. Settle into your accommodation at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) and plan for a few days stay. Be sure to include the legendary Uluru sunset and sunrise, the Uluru Base walk, and Kata Tjuta's awesome Valley of the Winds walk. Explore the area aboard a camel, in a helicopter, on a segway, or with a local guide. Learn the ancient Aboriginal creation stories first-hand from the oldest living culture in the world. After sunset, treat yourself to fine dining under the stars, or relax with an Aussie barbeque, or visit the wildly popular Field of Light exhibition. On your way to the famous town of Alice Springs, enjoy some outback hospitality at Curtin Springs Wayside Inn, part of a million-acre cattle station. Take a break at the Mt Conner lookout and gaze at the ìotherî giant rock formation jutting hundreds of metres out of the ground. A side trip to Henbury Meteorite Craters will fascinate geology buffs, and finally, Rainbow Valley is a great spot to visit before reaching Alice Springs.

Alice Springs

Winton

Winton dinosaurs

Alice Springs to Winton –1190Kms

Plan for several days in and around Alice, there is a lot to see and do. Learn about the townís fascinating history and lifestyle, and the art and culture of the Aboriginal people. Visit the Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctors, School of the Air, National Transport Museum, Womenís Museum of Australia, Araluen Cultural Precinct and the world-class Desert Park wildlife park. Take a drive and immerse yourself in the spectacular surrounding scenery. Explore the ancient West and East MacDonnell Ranges, swim in serene waterholes, hike the Larapinta Trail, or take your 4WD to Palm Valley or Chambers Pillar.

The Plenty Highway, traversing the spectacular Harts Range will take you into Queensland. Make Gemtree Caravan Park your first stop on the Plenty and take advantage of their genuine outback hospitality. This family-owned property offers cabins, camping and a caravan park in a stunning natural bush setting. Gemtree has loads of family-friendly, fun activities and they are famous for their award-winning camp oven dinners. Try your hand at gem fossicking while youíre there (they can rent all the gear). And if you donít strike it lucky, you can buy something special from their gem room.

The final stop on this epic outback adventure is the famous little town of Winton, birthplace of Australia's "unofficial" national anthem Waltzing Matilda and home to the world-class Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.