Self Drives for Australia

Adelaide to Darwin Selfdrive Itinerary

Adelaide, South Australia

Self Drive Itinerary

Day 1. Adelaide to Wilpena Pound.

Approx 430km (267 miles) 5.25 hours.

Depart Adelaide and travel north to Wilpena Pound via the Clare Valley Wine Region and Flinders Ranges National Park.

Day 2. Wilpena Pound.

A day at leisure to explore Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges.

Day 3. Wilpena Pound to Parachilna.

Approx 141km (88 miles) 1.75 hours.

Travel to Parachilna which has an official population of seven. Its remoteness adds to the pleasure of its one and only hotel, which blends outback adventure with a slice of city luxury.

Day 4. Parachilna to William Creek.

Approx 387km (240 miles) 4 hours.

Travel north on the Oodnadatta Track to William Creek. William Creek was originally a support station for the Camel Drivers walking on the Overland Telegraph Line.

Day 5. William Creek to Coober Pedy.

Approx 166km (103 miles) 2 hours.

Travel to Coober Pedy, the heart of South Australia's opal-mining industry. Discovered in 1911, today there are hundreds of opal mines operating.

Day 6. Coober Pedy.

Enjoy a day at leisure exploring Coober Pedy.

Day 7. Coober Pedy to Ayers Rock.

Approx 734km (456 miles) 8 hours.

Cross over the border into the Northern Territory and continue to Ayers Rock. Rising to 348 metres from the desert. Ayers Rock is one of the symbols of Australia.

Day 8. Ayers Rock.

Free to explore Ayers Rock and the nearby Olgas (Kata Tjuta).

Day 9. Ayers Rock to Alice Springs.

Approx 445km (277 miles) 5.5 hours.

Aboriginal culture has been an important part of Central Australia for 30,000 years. There is much to learn from the Arrernte, the Aboriginal people whose traditional lands include the area in and around Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges.

Day 10. Alice Springs.

A free day at leisure to explore Alice Springs.

Day 11. Alice Springs to Tennant Creek.

Approx 510km (317 miles) 5.5 hours.

An early departure is recommended this morning for the drive north to Tennant Creek. The creek itself is 12kms (7miles) north of the town. This is where the Overland Telegraph Station was built in 1872. The historic stone buildings can still be visited today.

Day 12. Tennant Creek to Katherine.

Approx 672km (417 miles) 7 hours.

Another early start is recommended this morning. Continue north to Katherine, the Top End's second largest town. Nitmiluk National Park is home to Edith Falls and to Katherine's star attraction, Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk).

Day 13. Katherine.

Today enjoy a day at leisure to explore in and around Katherine.

Day 14. Katherine to Kakadu National Park.

Approx 300km (186 miles) 4 hours.

Travel via Pine Creek to Kakadu National Park. Visit Yellow Waters, Kakadu's most famous wetland area, located on the South Alligator flood plain.

Day 15. Kakadu National Park.

Today is free for you to explore Kakadu National Park.

Day 16. Kakadu National Park to Darwin.

Approx 257km (160 miles) 3.5 hours.

There's a lot to see on the road between Kakadu National Park and Darwin - from the clouds of waterfowl on wetlands to jumping crocodiles. On your journey you may wish to enjoy a cruise on the Adelaide River flood plains before arriving in Darwin where you return your rental vehicle.

Price Includes: Fifteen nights accommodation, 4WD car rental, co-pilot kit with detailed driving instructions and maps throughout.

Please Note: Itinerary subject to change. Please request details at time of booking.