The ultimate Cairns to Darwin road trip itinerary

Adventure through the eastern side of the Savannah Way from Cairns to Darwin.

Starting in Tropical North Queensland and finishing in the Northern Territory’s vibrant capital, the Cairns to Darwin road trip is an epic 2600-kilometre journey of a lifetime passing through an incredibly diverse landscape.

Taking around 40 hours to drive with fascinating stops and detours along the way, the eastern half of the Savannah Way is a unique opportunity to uncover the unexpected and discover tiny townships, relax in hot springs, look around in awe at ancient gorges, and wander through stunning national parks. If you’re up for a bigger challenge and want to take on the entire Savannah Way between Cairns and Western Australia, see our guide to the western half — Darwin to Broome.

Ready to jump right in? Here’s our 14-day road trip itinerary outlining the why, what, and where of how to explore from Cairns to Darwin.

Day 1: Cairns to Undara

Distance: 260kms — around 3.5 hours

Leave early and follow the Bruce Highway south from Cairns. Turn onto Route 52 into the rainforest-clad Atherton Tablelands. Take a break at Lake Eacham and admire Little Millstream Falls near Ravenshoe.

You’re now on Route 1 (National Highway) all the way to Darwin. Continue west to the Undara Experience – try to arrive in time for a sunset wildlife tour. Accommodation here ranges from cabins to converted railway carriages and a campground.

Day 2: Undara

After yesterday’s long drive, start with a Bush Breakfast and relax in Undara Volcanic National Park where the outback begins and 164 ancient volcanoes pepper the landscape.

Early morning is perfect for admiring the abundant birdlife before exploring the remarkable lava tubes. Finish with authentic country cooking and outback hospitality at the on-site Fettler’s Iron Pot Bistro.

Day 3: Undara to Cobbold Gorge

Distance: 250kms — around 3.5 hours

Continue west and you’ll come across Talaroo Hot Springs, one of Outback Queensland’s most extraordinary geological wonders.

Its surreal landscape of pools combined with the Aboriginal hospitality of the Ewamian people is a wonderful experience. Join a guided tour to uncover the spring’s history and dip your feet in the healing water.

Make your way to Cobbold Gorge and stay the night at Gilberton Outback Retreat, where you can enjoy a little luxury at its infinity pool with a swim-up bar.

Day 4: Cobbold Gorge

In the heart of the Gulf Savannah region, Cobbold Gorge is a true Outback Queensland destination well worth the stop. On a guided day tour, enjoy a cruise surrounded by sculpted red sandstone cliffs, walk atop its walls, and across Australia’s first fully glass bridge, exploring the geological landforms along the way. With the rest of the day to spare, go bushwalking, bird watching, kayaking, mountain biking, or even treat yourself to a helicopter flight.

Note: Cobbold Gorge is open seasonally from 1 April to 31 October – perfect for travelling in the dry season.

Day 5: Cobbold Gorge to Croydon

Distance: 230kms — around 3 hours

Back on the road again, you’ll pass through sleepy Georgetown on the Etheridge River, a former gold mining settlement. Stop in for a bite to eat and a quick visit to The TerrEstrial Centre to see the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, a world-class exhibition of over 4500 minerals, gems, crystals, and fossils.

Your destination for the night is the beautifully quaint town of Croydon, which also has a gold-mining history and an interesting heritage precinct. Grab a self-guide brochure from the True Blue Visitor Centre to explore the town’s police station, jail, Sergeant’s residence, town hall, and courthouse.

If you prefer the great outdoors, Lake Belmore is close by for barramundi fishing and year-round recreational activities.

Day 6: Croydon to Karumba

Distance: 225kms — around 2.5 hours

The Savannah Way skirts the Gulf of Carpentaria, but this is one of a few chances to see the coast. First, pass through Mutton Hole Wetlands north of Normanton for stunning birdlife, including brolgas and black swans.

Karumba is a great spot to charter a fishing boat. Visit the fascinating Barramundi Discovery Centre and enjoy an evening meal at Sunset Tavern where the sun meets the sea.

Day 7: Karumba to Burketown

Distance: 370kms — around 4.5 hours

It’s hard to resist pausing in Normanton for a photo at its eight-metre crocodile (relax, it’s a replica) and bright Purple Pub.

Burketown on the Albert River is another terrific spot to tackle barramundi, so be sure to pack your fishing rod, or you can hire one locally. Take a sunset cruise or hot air balloon flight with Indigenous-owned Yagurli Tours.

Day 8: Burketown to Seven Emu Station (NT border)

Distance: 420kms — around 7.5 hours

Whiz on out west, filling up with petrol at Hells’ Gate Roadhouse and passing over the border into the Northern Territory. Your destination is working cattle station Seven Emu Station, where the campsites overlook the Robinson River. Enjoy birdwatching, fishing for trevally and mackerel, and chatting with the Shadforth family about their traditional Garawa culture. Seven Emu Station is accessible by 4WD only. Check road conditions before visiting.

Detour: If you have time to spare, make a pit stop at a phenomenal outback oasis —  Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Stay at Adels Grove Camping Park (reopening on 14 July 2023) and explore its emerald-green waters, fossil deposit, and red sandstone walls.

Day 9: Seven Emu Station to Daly Waters

Distance: 484kms — around 8.5 hours

There’s no hiding the fact you have a long, lonely drive today, with only two towns along the way — Borroloola (where you can stock up on supplies) and Arnold with a population of about 30.

Birdwatchers should detour to Caranbirini Conservation Reserve and keen anglers to King Ash Bay, renowned for its barramundi. Then you hit the Stuart Highway that runs from Darwin to Adelaide. Turn right and aim to stay at The Daly Waters Pub, which has a motel, cabins, budget rooms, and camping. The eccentric outback pub features bras hanging from the ceiling, and great beef-and-barramundi barbecues during the dry season.

Day 10: Daly Waters to Katherine

Distance: 280kms — around 3 hours

Heading north, pause at Larrimah, which has another historic bush pub (the highest bar in the Northern Territory), or in Mataranka, made famous in the 1908 Jeannie Gunn novel, We of the Never-Never. In adjacent Elsey National Park, you’ll find turquoise spring water pools perfect for a plunge, as well as a landscape patchworked with savannah woodland, stone country, and monsoon rainforest.

Overnight in Katherine or 20 minutes away at Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, where you’ll find campgrounds and the luxury Cicada Lodge.

Day 11: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge

You’ll want to spend the day in this series of spectacular gorges in Nitmiluk National Park and stay for sunset when the cliffs glow red. Take a river cruise, paddle a hired kayak, or take to the hiking trails.

It’s worth splashing out on a scenic flight, which offers breathtaking views over the stunning countryside. Check out Baruwei Lookout for jaw-dropping views over the ancient gorge system.

Day 12: Katherine to Litchfield National Park

Distance: 280kms — around 3 hours

As you move out the next day, Leliyn (Edith Falls) is another Nitmiluk National Park must-see where you can enjoy a swim or hike.

Your next stops should be former gold-rush town Pine Creek and Adelaide River, famous for its jumping crocodile cruises. Finish your day in accommodation at Batchelor, gateway to Litchfield National Park, or camp in the park itself.

Day 13: Litchfield National Park

There are plenty of waterfalls and waterholes (follow safety directions and check alerts for saltwater crocodiles before swimming) in Litchfield National Park that are accessible via sealed roads: Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole are popular among both locals and visitors.

Head to Wangi Falls where you can take a short rainforest walk or book a scenic helicopter flight year-round. Don’t forget to stop for a photo at the peculiar-looking magnetic termite mounds along the way, which take on an orange glow at sunset.

Day 14: Litchfield National Park to Darwin

Distance: 140kms — around 1.5 hours

Your destination is in sight, but you might also consider stopping at Berry Springs Nature Park for a swim in the cooling blue-green woodland pools and Territory Wildlife Park to see the full range of outback animals, including nocturnal creatures seldom seen in the wild.

Now you’ve arrived at Australia’s Top End, here’s our pick of the best things to see and do in and around Darwin.

Important information

• Distances are approximate (add time on for detours). Hours refer to driving time only.
• You need a 4WD as sections of the road on this route are unsealed. You could, however, do the first and last sections in a 2WD.
• Travel in the dry season (from May to October). Avoid the wet season, as roads may be impassable and you risk getting stranded.
• Keep watch on the fuel gauge as petrol stations are infrequent. Carry water and consider bringing a satellite phone as mobile reception can be patchy or non-existent.
• Don’t swim without authoritative local advice, since waterways may be inhabited by saltwater crocodiles.
• For more tips and tricks, here’s everything you need to know about driving in the Northern Territory.

Written by Brian Johnston with updates by Jemma Fletcher.