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Darwin to Port Augusta

Driving Time - 31 hours
Distance - 2720 kms

Darwin

Darwin is is the tropical capital city of Australia's Northern Territory. It is a beautiful, fascinating tropical city – a melting pot of people and cultures that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Perched on a peninsula with sea on three sides, Darwin is an excellent base to explore the natural attractions of World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, the Tiwi Islands and Arnhem Land. Founded in 1869, its population rapidly expanded after the discovery of gold at nearby Pine Creek in 1871. While a sophisticated, modern city in its own right, it is also one steeped in history, one that has endured many hardships on its way to establishing itself as the gateway to Asia.
It is the home of Northern Territory commerce and business and with its world-class natural and cultural attractions it is also a thriving hub of activity in terms of tourism, nightlife and retail.
Its colourful history has contributed to the Darwin's cultural diversity - more than 50 nationalities make up its 100,000 population, including the area's traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. Darwin’s diverse cultural landscape is evident in its weekly markets, range of restaurants and regular cultural festivals and events such as Darwin’s annual Territory Day, when the sky is set ablaze with fireworks.

Darwin to Daly Waters is 588 kilometres

Daly Water

Daly Waters is located approximately 274 kilometres south of Katherine near the junction of the Stuart and Carpentaria Highways. It is serviced by the famous Daly Waters Pub, a true outback pub armoured with corrugated iron, draped with bougainvillea and bedecked with decades of memorabilia. Daly Waters has the amazing distinction of being Australia's first international airfield. It has an interesting aviation history. It was a centre for the London to Sydney air race of 1926, a World War II airforce base and a refuelling stop for Qantas. The original Qantas hangar and associated buildings located between the town and the Stuart Highway can be easily explored.

Daly Waters to Tennant Creek is 404 kilometres

Tennant Creek

Although a modest outback town, Tennant Creek is the Territory's most important settlement after Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine.
Located 377m above sea level and enjoying an annual rainfall of 470mm, Tennant Creek is the most important township on the Barkly Tablelands. With a population of over 3500, Tennant Creek is the administrative centre for an area larger than the state of Victoria. It is situated at the meeting of the Stuart and Barkly Highways and is 504km north of Alice Springs and 978km south of Darwin.
Since the gold rush of the 1930s, the people of Tennant Creek have prided themselves on self reliance, community involvement, and the ability to provide their own entertainment. The spirit of those early days’ lives on and we hope you will take the time to capture it during your stay.  Visitors can even try fossicking for their own gold. The traditional landowners of this area are the Warumungu people, and they recognise a number of sacred sites in the area, including the region's most famous landmark - the Devils Marbles - about 100km south of the town.

Tennant Creek to Alice Springs is 508 kilometres

Alice Springs

In the heart of Central Australia, between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, sits Australia's most famous outback town. Alice Springs is a thriving, spirited outback centre - as famous for the personality of its locals as the natural wonders that surround it. The history and heritage of Alice Springs overflow with a rich cast of characters - in the late 1800's and early 1900s only the most intrepid pioneers braved its rugged environment. From Afghan cameleers to flying doctors, today it is possible to pay homage to their legacy at various historic sites around the town. A great base from which to explore its surrounding natural wonders, the town itself defies most travellers' expectations combining a strong sense of its outback history with all the convenience of modern facilities. Most of all, it is the uncomplicated yet vibrant personality of Alice that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The West and East MacDonnell Ranges straddle the town and their spectacular gorges and chasms set the scene for a range of adventure activities. Beyond the Ranges stretch the Simpson and Tanami deserts, where Aboriginal people have lived for thousands of years. Their art styles and Dreamtime stories unlock the mysteries of the desert and give meaning to its otherwise intangible beauty.

Alice Springs to Coober Pedy is 688 kilometres

Coober Pedy

Opal was first found in Coober Pedy on the 1st of February 1915 and since then has been supplying the world with the majority of gem quality opal. Coober Pedy today relies as much on tourism as the opal mining industry to provide the community with employment and sustainability. Coober Pedy has evolved in to one of the most unique places in Australia and perhaps the world. It is a cosmopolitan town with a population of 3,500 and over 45 different nationalities. The relaxed and friendly lifestyle of the town has made it a breeding ground for cultural tolerance, diversity and acceptance. Coober Pedy is probably best known for its unique style of underground living. There is a range of underground accommodation (as well as above ground if you prefer). There are authentic underground homes to explore as well as underground museums, potteries, opal shops, an art gallery and, of course, opal mines.

Coober Pedy to Roxby Downs is 450 kilometres

Roxby Downs

Roxby Downs is a pleasant modern town, located 92 km from the Stuart Highway, 265 km from Port Augusta and 571 km from Adelaide, which houses mine workers of the Olympic Dam and their families. It has educational, health, sporting, leisure, shopping and cultural facilities, all set out along pleasant quiet streets.

The Olympic Dam Copper Uranium Mine & Processing Plant is a huge mineral deposit with a vast ore lode, which has made it one of the biggest mining operations in Australia. The mine is estimated to produce 45 000 tonnes of copper cathode, 1900 tonnes of yellow cake, 27 000 ounces of gold and 555 000 ounces of silver.

Accommodation in Roxby Downs is first rate and there is a variety of restaurants and cafés. The town has a cultural precinct recently constructed with a Visitor Information Centre, Booking Office, Interpretive Display, Art Gallery, Auditorium, Theatrette, and the Dunes Café. There is also a leisure centre with a pool, netball and basketball courts, squash and tennis courts, and a full gym.

Roxby Downs to Port Augusta is 256 kilometres

Port Augusta

"Crossroads of Australia" and Gateway to the Flinders Ranges, the outback and Spencer Gulf. Port Augusta is situated on the quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf, in close proximity to the spectacular Flinders Ranges.

Off to the west and south-west lie a range of hills which once marked the territory of the Nakuma Aboriginal tribe to the north-west are two remarkable flat-topped mounts, peacefully lying underneath the sky's vast blue canopy.

Port Augusta offers all the conveniences and facilities expected from a modern city. Modern shopping facilities are located within a friendly mall atmosphere, a number of historic places of interest can be viewed on a leisurely heritage walk and a variety of recreational facilities can be enjoyed. Port Augusta also makes an ideal base to explore the regions many attractions.

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