It would be rare that someone just finds themselves in Darwin. You have to be quite deliberate about getting there. Although many people fly into the Northern Territory capital, it is an epic road trip from Adelaide to Darwin.
It is approximately 31 hours from Adelaide, travelling right through the heart of Australia. This journey is as iconic to Australians as Route 66 is in the USA, and a campervan hire from Adelaide is by far the best way to do it.
When to Travel
You need to choose the season you want to experience in Darwin, and you only have two: the wet season and the dry season there is no in-between. The wet season typically falls between November and March (summer months), and to get the most out of your road trip, it should be avoided. Due to the heavy downpour that frequents this period, the roads often flood, interrupting your well-laid plans.
Travel between April and October is recommended, and will generally provide much more tourist friendly weather.
Remember you are travelling in the desert. It can get quite cold at night-time and blazing hot during the day, so pack a few layers just in case.
Stops Along the Way
Coober Pedy
On the way there (or back if you are not traveling one way), you can experience the Opal Capital of the World, Coober Pedy. Here you can try your hand at fossicking, or visit some of the underground dwellings, used to escape the searing summer heat.
The Red Centre
In the heart of the Red Centre, stop in at Gem Tree, Alice Springs, King’s Canyon and the unmissable giant red rock, Uluru. You will want to experience these fabulous destinations by spending a few days to explore.
Get your hands in the soil at Gem Trees when you mine for gems – the caravan park here also has powered campervan sites, so you can stay a night or two. Engage with indigenous artists at the Cultural Centre Building at Uluru, and at King’s Canyon (if you have a basic level of fitness), do a trek. Going clockwise is recommended – the big hill at the start is the biggest of the walk so don’t let that put you off! Evenings at King’s Canyon provides you with uninterrupted views of the most spectacular night-sky, where you can fall asleep under a blanket of glittering stars.
The Journey is the Destination
As you can see, getting to Darwin is not just about getting to Darwin. It’s about stopping to smell the desert roses (so to speak) on the way, and taking in the expanse and ever-changing landscape of this massive country.
Catch the Laid-Back Vibe of Darwin
You will no doubt appreciate the laidback relaxed nature of Darwin, and thankfully, it is contagious! Just being there lowers your stress levels. There are fabulous casual restaurants, bars, shopping centres and accommodations to suit different budgets.
This means you can stop rushing, enjoy the scenic views and spend some time in the wave pool. Enjoy a frequent cold drink in this tropical city, especially when wondering around the waterfront and visiting the beaches.
Things to do in Darwin
Darwin and the surrounding region have no shortage of attractions. Getting out to see and experience them first-hand should definitely be on your plan. Here is a few of our favourite things to do in and around Darwin.
Crocosaurus Cove
Crocosaurus Cove is a highlight of Darwin’s attractions. Here the brave experience the Cage of Death… where adventure seekers come face to face (literally face to face), with a crocodile. Immersed in the water, inside a clear cage, you can spend 15 minutes up close and personal with a feeding crocodile.
If this seems a bit too intense for you, don’t worry, you can also enjoy the crocodiles from afar. There is also a reptile house, a turtle billabong and a small crocodile museum.
Kakadu National Park
Less than 3 hours’drive from Darwin, via sealed roads, will see you arriving at the renowned Kakadu National Park. The park is massive, and features ancient Indigenous rock art, pristine waterholes for a cool down swim, abundant native wildlife and one of the greatest variety of Australian ecosystems. The park includes areas of open forest, savanna woodlands, floodplains, tidal mudflats, mangroves and monsoon forests!
Mindil Markets
Mindil Markets is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darwin. Adhering to the peak season, it only operates from the end of April to end of October. During this season, the sunset markets take place each Thursday and Sunday from 4pm to 9pm.
Local products, arts and crafts, food vendors, street performances and live music can all be found here. It’s a perfect place to pick up some souvenirs for the friends and family, or just keepsakes of your wonderful vacation.
Mindil Beach Sunset
A sunset cruise can be done from Darwin, but for those just wanting a casual way to enjoy the famous Northern Territory sunset, heading to Mindil Beach is a magical option. Once the sun has finally set, there is an array of restaurants in the Mindil Beach area. Good food, is always a perfect finish for the day.
Darwin Restaurants
Darwin can hold its own when it comes to restaurants, and some amazing cuisine is to be had. Middle Eastern Damasquino Restaurant is authentic and delicious, as is Indian Curry Paradise and for a good Irish bar and restaurant, visit Shenanigans.
Worth a Mention
Other things you should take the time to discover in Darwin during your epic road trip from Adelaide to Darwin include the World War II Tunnels, the World War II Museum, Litchfield National Park, and Katherine Gorge.
