Darwin to Cairns Road Trip

Australia is a country of changing landscapes and a Darwin to Cairns road trip is one of the best ways to see them. The journey is one of contrast where rusty red vistas and the dry golden grasslands of the outback meet lush tropical rainforest and the picturesque beaches that stretch along a never ending coastline.

The road trip will have you discovering the natural wonders and history of Darwin, visiting small towns and communities where the essence of the Aussie larrikin can still be found and exploring the tropical splendour of Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

So come along with us as we take you on a Darwin to Cairns road trip.

How to get from Darwin to Cairns

There are a few ways to get from Darwin in the Northern Territory to Cairns in Queensland. We chose to drive down the centre of the Northern Territory on the Stuart Highway to the Three Ways which is just before the town of Tennant Creek.

From there we took the Barkly Highway through to Mount Isa and Cloncurry in Queensland. At Cloncurry, the highway changes its name to the Flinders Highway which leads to Townsville where we joined the Bruce Highway to Cairns.

When searching for Darwin to Cairns sealed roads this is the best route to take. The distance from Darwin to Cairns by road is 2,848 km and if you were to drive straight through the Darwin to Cairns drive time would take around 30 hours, an expanse which highlights the vastness of Australia

Darwin to Cairns road trip map

Darwin Tourist Attractions

Before you leave Darwin make sure to spend time to explore. Darwin is a multicultural city with a fascinating history and a steppingstone to the natural wonders of Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park.

Here are just a few of the things to do in Darwin, there are many more Darwin activities which can be done independently or by taking a tour.

Be aware that some attractions are seasonal and may close during wet season from November to April. If you plan to take a tour, make sure to book early as tours sell out fast.

Mary River Wetland Cruise

If you want a day immersed in natures splendour, consider taking a Mary River Wetland Cruise. We took this cruise and had an incredible day jam packed with beautiful scenery and wildlife.

The tour begins with a visit to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve which is a haven for local and migratory birds.

After visiting Fogg Dam, we set off on a 2.5 hour cruise of Corroboree Billabong. The landscapes were spectacular, the riverbanks were lined with grassland, tall trees and draped with pandanus trees. The gentle waters of the billabong were decorated with lotus flowers and water lilies.

Hidden within thick under growth and almost invisible to the eye was our first saltwater crocodile of the day. As we cruised along the billabong, we were to see many more crocodiles and a variety of birdlife that included eagles, kites, jabiru, storks and brolgas.

During our tour we had morning tea, a delicious picnic lunch onboard and a refreshment break at the Corroboree Park Tavern.

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets

For a taste of Darwin’s multicultural mix make sure to visit Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Here you can try a variety of international cuisines, relax under a shady tree and listen to live entertainment or shop for an interesting array of clothing, jewellery, artworks and trinkets at one of the many stalls.

As the sun goes down head onto Mindil Beach and watch a spectacular sunset over the Timor Sea. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are open every Thursday & Sunday from 4pm to 9pm during the dry season between April and October.

Darwin Military Museum

The bombing of Darwin in WWII is a significant part of Darwin’s history and remnants of this conflict can still be seen throughout the city today.

On the 19th of February 1942 Darwin was bombed by 242 Japanese aircraft in two separate raids on the town, harbour and airfields. A total of 236 people were killed during these raids including nine civilian post office staff killed by a direct hit to the Darwin Post Office.

To learn more about these tragic events a visit to Darwin Military Museum at East Point is a must. The museum has a moving short film that details the events of that day, and the grounds are filled with wartime machinery and memorabilia, one of the most imposing being the massive bunker and aircraft gun which bring home the terror of the times.

Where to stay in Darwin

There are a large variety of Darwin accommodation styles to choose from which range from luxury to budget.

Popular choices include the 5 star Mindil Beach Casino Resort which is a short walk to the iconic Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, the Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront in the lively Darwin waterfront precinct and the laid back family vibe of Palms City Resort.

Click here for the best Darwin accommodation deals

Darwin to Cairns Drive Itinerary

Our Darwin to Cairns road trip itinerary takes you to many unique places that are well worth a visit. We recommend giving yourself at least two weeks to get the most out of the journey. This is just a guide on where to stay, you can mix and match your overnight destinations as you please.

When driving on a Darwin to Cairns road trip you will find that each day many hours will be spent behind the wheel to cover the vast distances between the towns and communities along the way.

It is important to make sure your car is filled with fuel when you leave each town or roadhouse and that you carry plenty of water. A portable car fridge comes in so handy comes for these long drives. Be aware that phone and internet coverage will be limited to the towns and roadhouses.

Along the way you will be rewarded with a variety of scenery and surprised by the ever changing vistas of Australia.

Darwin to Katherine

The distance from Darwin to Katherine is 317 km along the Stuart Highway. The trip can be done in around 3 ½ hours if you drive straight through but it would be a shame to miss some of the attractions along the way.

Adelaide River

Adelaide River is a pretty town which sits upstream from the Adelaide River and Mary River flood plains.

A short drive from town is the Adelaide River War Cemetery. This peaceful and beautifully maintained cemetery honours the brave men and women who lost their lives during WWII.

Here you will find the final resting place of the nine Darwin Post Office workers killed during the bombing of Darwin on the 19^th of February 1942.

While there I had the honour of meeting three lovely ladies from Perth who were relatives of Eileen & Jean Mullen, two of the postal workers that died that day so long ago. Their graves were marked with flowers.

Top Katherine Attractions

Katherine is famous for the Nitmiluk National Park and Nitmiluk Gorge which is also known as Katherine Gorge. The gorge has cultural and spiritual significance to the traditional owners, the Jawoyn people.

Nitmiluk Gorge is found 27 km from Katherine and one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the gorge is by taking a Katherine Gorge cruise (Nitmiluk Gorge cruise).

As you drift along these peaceful waters you will marvel at the rock art which decorate the deep sandstone walls. While taking the cruise you will learn about the fascinating history and dreamtime stories of the Nitmiluk Gorge and Nitmiluk National Park.

Where to stay in Katherine

When visiting Katherine, you will find a good choice of Katherine accommodation that include resorts, motels and caravan parks.

We stayed in Katherine during our road trip to Perth and our top picks for accommodation are the Cicada Lodge which is nestled alongside the Katherine River and Nitmiluk Gorge, the Pine Tree Motel in the centre of town and the Katherine Holiday Park, which is a clean well shaded caravan park near the scenic Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve.

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Katherine to Threeways Roadhouse

Along the 650 km drive from Katherine to the Threeways Roadhouse you will find a collection of small communities and roadhouses. Most of these refuel stops have motel and caravan park accommodation should you choose to take a break from the road.

Mataranka

The distance from Katherine to Mataranka is 107 km. Mataranka is one of the larger communities along the route and a steppingstone to Bitter Springs and Mataranka Hot Springs.

The area is the setting of one of Australia’s most classic books, We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn.

There is motel accommodation at Mataranka Roadhouse, the Territory Manor Motel & Caravan Park and at the Bitter Springs Cabins & Camping which is a short drive from town and found right next door to Bitter Sprin

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Larrimah

The Northern Territory has many unique hotels but one of the quirkiest would have to be the Larrimah Pink Panther Hotel. This colourful Northern Territory icon has been around for over 50 years and needs to be visited for that perfect Instagram snap.

Larrimah is a good place to take a break from the road and while there make sure to try one of their homemade pies or sausage rolls. The Larrimah Hotel features budget accommodation and a caravan park.

*Note that there is no fuel at Larrimah, the closest fuel stops are 76 km north at Mataranka or 93 km south at Daly Waters.

Daly Waters

The next fuel stop along the highway is the Daly Waters Hi-Way Inn. The roadhouse is instantly recognised by the plane sitting in its driveway.

Inside you will find a bar area and restaurant with a good selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. The Daly Waters Hi-Way Inn also has motel and caravan park accommodation with powered and non-powered sites.

If you have more time and are looking to experience a taste of Aussie outback life, leave the highway and go into the township of Daly Waters to visit the Daly Waters Historic Pub.

This outback country pub is full of tall tales, memorabilia and even has a resident ghost. Daly Waters Historic Pub has a superb menu of hearty pub grub and a great choice of clean motel rooms, cabins, caravan and camp sites.

Dunmarra Wayside-Inn Roadhouse

The distance from Daly Waters to Dunmarra Wayside-Inn Roadhouse is 52 km. Dunmarra is a good place to stop to stretch your legs and refuel. While there make sure to try one of their famous pies and vanilla slice. Onsite you will find a budget motel and caravan park with powered and non-powered sites.

Elliot

Dunmarra Wayside-Inn to Elliot is 101 km in distance. Elliot is a small community which has the distinction of being the halfway point between Darwin and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Make sure to stop and refuel before setting off to the next stop of Renner Springs.

Renner Springs Desert Inn

The distance from Elliot to Renner Springs Desert Inn is 93 km. Renner Springs began its life as an Australian Overland Telegraph Line station and sits in the heart of the Barkly Tablelands cattle country.

The Inn has a good choice of breakfast, lunch and dinner meals and you can relax with a cool beverage in the bar. There is a range of motel rooms and a caravan park onsite.

Threeways Roadhouse

Renner Springs to the Threeways Roadhouse is 136 km. The Threeways Roadhouse takes its name from the intersection of the Stuart and Barkly Highways which split into three directions near the roadhouse.

From the Threeways you can take the Stuart Highway through the centre of Australia from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south. The Barkly Highway turns east and cuts across the Northern Territory to the Queensland border.

The roadhouse has a friendly atmosphere, there is a restaurant and bar which feature a menu of classic Aussie favourites. We were travelling in a motorhome and spent the night at the caravan park which felt safe, the amenities were a little rustic but clean and functional. The roadhouse also features a range of budget accommodation.

Threeways Roadhouse to Mount Isa

The 637 km journey from the Threeways Roadhouse in the Northern Territory to Mount Isa in Queensland is one of the loneliest drives in Australia. Before you set off make sure you have fuel and water as the first fuel stop is 187 km away at Barkly Homestead, the remotest roadhouse in Australia.

Barkly Homestead

For such an isolated place Barkly Homestead has much to offer anyone travelling along the route. For those wanting a break from the road there are a range of accommodation styles to choose including cabins, motel and the shaded caravan park with pool.

Unlike other outback roadhouse accommodation, the Barkly Homestead has clean, well maintained rooms which are a pleasure to stay in. If you are planning to stay at the motel, make sure to book well in advance as rooms fill up quickly. The caravan park doesn’t take prebooking’s and works on a first in first served basis.

The roadhouse has a welcoming restaurant which serves a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner or relax after a long day on the road with a cool drink in the bar.

Camooweal

Camooweal is a 260 km drive from Barkly Homestead and the first town you visit when you cross the Queensland border. Curiously, Camooweal is considered a suburb of Mount Isa making the 188km strip of highway between Mount Isa and Camooweal the longest main street in the world.

In the centre of town, you will find a statue of a drover on horseback which pays tribute to the drovers of the great stock routes of the Northern Territory and Queensland. To learn more about droving and the history of the region make sure to visit the Drovers Camp and Droving Heritage Centre Museum which is open between May to September from 9am to 3pm.

Camooweal has a motel and caravan park for anyone wanting to take a break from the road.

Mount Isa Attractions

The first thing you see as you drive toward Mount Isa are the imposing mining stacks which stand tall against the sky. ‘The Isa’ has been home to Mount Isa Mines and the generations of miners who worked the regions vast mineral deposits of lead, copper, silver and zinc.

When visiting Mount Isa make sure to take a trip up to the City Lookout for spectacular views. Step into the shoes of a miner and go underground with a Hard Times Mine Tour, explore the Underground Hospital Museum or spend the day fishing at Lake Moondarra.

Where to Stay in Mount Isa

Mount Isa has a good range of accommodation to suit every budget from luxury boutique hotels, serviced apartments, motels and caravan parks Mount Isa accommodation has you covered.

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Mount Isa to Hughenden

The next leg on our Darwin to Cairns road trip is Mount Isa to Hughenden. From Cloncurry the Barkly Highway changes its name to the Flinders Highway. Although the highway is a sealed road if you are driving a larger vehicle such as a motorhome or towing a caravan it is advisable to slow down a notch as the road is springy.

The distance from Mount Isa to Hughenden is 520 km and travels through the pretty townships of Cloncurry, Julia Creek and Richmond.

Cloncurry

The distance from Mount Isa to Cloncurry is 120 km. The drive takes you through a landscape of rugged rocky outcrops that radiate a spectacular burnt orange hue in the midday sun.

In the centre of Cloncurry, you will find the John Flynn Place Museum and Art Gallery which pays tribute to the early years of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

The Cloncurry Unearthed Visitor Centre and Museum tells the history of Cloncurry and houses memorabilia from the ill-fated Burke and Wills expedition. You will also find displays of Aboriginal artefacts, vintage machinery and a collection of minerals and rocks.

Julia Creek

Cloncurry to Julia Creek is 137 km. The scenery changes to golden grassy plains that stretch as far as the eye can see. This flat arid landscape sits in the heart of cattle country.

As you drive through the main street of Julia Creek make sure to stop off at the Visitors Centre. ‘At the Creek’ is set in a group of historic railway fettler’s cottages and has an informative selection of audio and visual displays that give insight into outback living.

The Duncan McIntyre Museum is the place to see a collection of local relics and curios that range from railway carriages to fossils and tell the story of the region.

Where to Stay in Julia Creek

If you want to spend the night combined with a unique experience, make sure to book a stay at the Julia Creek Caravan Park. Here you can soak off the dust from the road in the Julia Creek Artesian bathhouses.

Each bathhouse has two charming clawfoot baths which are the perfect place to relax and reenergise in the therapeutic waters of the Great Artesian Basin. Just add wine and a cheese platter and you have pure bliss.

The Julia Creek Caravan Park has self-contained cabins and a choice of powered and unpowered caravan sites.

Richmond

The distance from Julia Creek to Richmond is 148 km. Richmond is a pretty town and along with Winton and Hughenden is part of the Australian Dinosaur Trail.

Looking across the regions parched countryside it is difficult to imagine that around 110 million years ago the area around Richmond was covered with a vast inland sea. This was the playground of an intriguing bunch of cretaceous period characters and one that the town has taken to heart is the Kronosaurus.

To learn more about the Kronosaurus and his friends head to Kronosaurus Korner to see the fossil displays. If you would like to try your hand at fossil fossicking, make sure to pick up a map of the free fossil hunting sites at the museum.

For a glimpse into Richmond’s past be sure to visit the Cambridge Downs Heritage Display Centre. The centre is housed in a replica of the original 1860’s Cambridge Downs Homestead and exhibits an assortment of local artefacts and records. Outside you will find a group of carriages on display with the most impressive being the red Cobb & Co mail coach.

Hughenden Attractions

Continuing along Flinders Highway we drive 115 km to the town of Hughenden. Don’t be surprised to see dinosaurs in the streets as you drive around town, a reminder that you are on the Australian Dinosaur Trail.

Once there drop into the Flinders Discovery Centre to see ‘Hughie’ a life size skeletal replica of a Muttaburrasaurus which was cast from the original bones. Along with Hughie you will find an extensive collection of fossils from the region.

As you drive around town you will notice two striking water tower artworks by renowned silo artists Drapl & The Zookeeper. Depicting a boy playing with his toy dinosaurs and the lake at sunset they are both colourful and portray elements of the region.

If you have time make sure to visit Australia’s ‘mini Grand Canyon,’ the picturesque Porcupine Gorge which is around one hour’s drive from Hughenden.

Where to stay in Hughenden

Hughenden doesn’t have a lot of accommodation options, but the Rest Easi Motel has clean rooms, and the Hughenden Allen Terry Caravan Park has a range of cabins, single rooms, powered and unpowered caravan sites which are within walking distance to many Hughenden attractions.

Hughenden to Charters Towers

On the 248 km drive from Hughenden to Charters Towers you will pass through the tiny towns of Prairie, Torrens Creek, Pentland, Homestead and Balfes Creek.

Between Torrens Creek and Pentland, you will find the Burra Range Lookout which has spectacular views overlooking the White Mountains National Park.

Charters Towers Attractions

Charters Towers was once a booming gold rush town, and this is reflected by the number of elegant Heritage Listed buildings that are scattered throughout town.

The town is framed by Tower Hill which was the site of the first discovery of gold in 1871. Today Tower Hill Lookout is the place to take in the spectacular sunset views over Charters Towers. As you explore Tower Hill you will find an interesting array of information boards and WWII bunkers that tell the story of Charters Towers.

To learn how gold is processed and how the gold rush shaped the history of Charters Towers make sure to visit the Venus Gold Battery.

Where to stay in Charters Towers

Charters Towers has a range of accommodation which includes apartments, motels, holiday and caravan parks.

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Charters Towers to Townsville

The drive from Charters Towers to Townsville is 136 km. As you drive you will notice that you are seeing more cars and the traffic will gradually get busier.

This is a stark contrast to travel through the outback where you could travel for hours without seeing another car. A reminder that we are getting closer to the densely populated coastline of Australia.

Townsville Attractions

One of Townsville’s most famous attractions is ‘The Strand’ which is a beachfront promenade that overlooks Magnetic Island and features a water park, safe swimming areas, picnic grounds and a selection of restaurants and bars.

Dominating the Townsville skyline is a heritage listed pink granite monolith called Castle Hill. Here you will find the best views of Townsville and Magnetic Island. There is a choice of walking tracks to explore, and you will see observation bunkers that are a reminder of Townsville’s WWII past.

Townsville is the gateway to Magnetic Island which is a short 20 minute ferry ride. Magnetic Island is home to twenty-three picturesque bays and beaches with the most popular being Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay. The island is fringed with coral reefs and a haven for water sports and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Townsville & Magnetic Island Tours

Townsville and Magnetic Island are the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and one of the best ways to discover the beauty of the reef is to take a tour. For an unforgettable holiday look at this fabulous range of tours which include ferry rides, diving tours, helicopter flights and romantic sunset cruises.

Where to stay in Townsville & Magnetic Island

Townsville and Magnetic Island have a fantastic range of accommodation which includes five star luxury hotels, apartments, motels, budget motels, tourist and caravan parks.

Townsville Accommodation

We stayed in a one bedroom apartment at the Park Regis Anchorage, which was warm and welcoming and had beautiful views of the Maritime Museum, Townsville Yacht Club and Marina.

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Magnetic Island Accommodation

Popular places to stay on Magnetic Island are the family friendly self-contained bungalows of the Island Leisure Resort at Nelly Bay and the apartment style accommodation of the Magnetic Sunset Resort at Horseshoe Bay.

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Townsville to Innisfail

The 259 km drive from Townsville to Innisfail takes you through the town of Ingham and past the spectacular scenery of the Hinchinbrook Channel and Hinchinbrook Island.

Between Ingham and Cardwell, you will see the turn up to Hinchinbrook Lookout, don’t miss the lookout as it has a viewing deck that overlooks the island and channel. If you have time take the short walking track up to the Panjoo Lookout for uninterrupted views of the Hinchinbrook Island and Channel.

Make sure to stop at the picturesque town of Cardwell and try a famous Cardwell pie or crab burger from the Seaview Deli Café. At Tully visit the Tully Golden Gumboot which is a reminder that you are now in the Wet Tropics.

Innisfail Attractions

Innisfail sits on the fork of the North and South Johnstone Rivers and is home to some of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in Australia. One of the best ways to experience all things Art Deco is to take an Innisfail Town Walk to such places as the Blue Bird Café and the Johnstone Shire Hall.

Innisfail is a steppingstone to Paronella Park and the waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands. Paronella Park was the vision of Jose Paronella who had a dream of building a castle in the rainforest, his dream became a reality when he opened Paronella Park to the public in 1935.

The region is also known as the Cassowary Coast and one of the best places to go cassowary spotting is at Etty Bay.

Innisfail to Cairns

The distance from Innisfail to Cairns is a short 86 km. Driving along the highway you pass the picturesque sugarcane fields that sit at the base of Bartle Frere, the tallest mountain in Queensland.

The scenery if filled with such greenery that it is hard to believe that a day or two ago, we were travelling through the rusty red and golden plains of the outback on our Darwin to Cairns road trip.

If you have time visit Josephine Falls and the Babinda Boulders which are close to the town of Babinda.

Cairns Tourist Attractions

There is so much to see in Cairns, it is the gateway to the town of Port Douglas, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.

On the doorstep are the magnificent beaches of Palm Cove and Trinity Beach. A short drive will take you to the rainforest town of Kuranda and the treasures of the Atherton Tableland.

The city is also a foodie’s paradise with a broad selection of restaurants that highlight the wide variety of fresh produce and unique artisan products that are grown within the region.

Cairns Tours

Cairns has a fabulous array of tours including the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation tours and Great Barrier Reef tours to name a few.

Where to stay in Cairns

Cairns has a fabulous range of accommodation to choose from including five star luxury Cairns accommodation, apartments, hotels and holiday parks.

Popular Cairns hotels include the Shangri-La The Marina Cairns which overlooks the Marlin Marina and is within walking distance to Great Barrier Reef cruises and the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino which is attached to the Casino.

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Quick Tips for Road Trip Darwin to Cairns

Last words on a Darwin to Cairns road trip

A Darwin to Cairns road trip will show you the diversity of this wide brown land we call Australia. You will begin to understand that beauty can be found in the most unlikely places and that these landscapes have created a spirit that is uniquely Australian.

A Darwin to Cairns road trip is a journey of 2,945 km, make sure to give yourself at least two weeks to enjoy your trip, the longer you take the more you can experience one of Australia’s most epic road trips.

Have you taken a Darwin to Cairns road trip? What was your favourite destination or tourist attraction? We would love to hear from you so feel free to leave a comment.

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