Brisbane to Darwin road trip: complete outback guide

A Brisbane to Darwin road trip is the best way to see the heart and soul of the Australian outback.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to descend deep into a working mine, deliver mail on a stagecoach and tour the biggest cattle-yard in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll hear the tales of triumph and tragedy that have shaped the local stockmen, explorers and Aboriginals in this harsh land. And finally, you’ll explore the tropical waterholes and deep sandstone gorges of the World-Heritage Kakadu National Park.

To make sure that you don’t miss a thing whilst on the road, our experts have created the ultimate Brisbane to Darwin road trip guide. Below, you’ll find information about:

• The best sightseeing and camping spots

• Drive times and distances

• The best season to travel

• And much more!

Brisbane to Darwin Road Trip

Fast Facts

Total Drive Time and Distance:

• One Way: 39 hours (3,729km)

Total Number of Days:

• One Way: 8 - 12 days

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to do a Brisbane to Darwin road trip is between May and September. This is the dry season in northern Australia and the weather is pleasantly predictable. The roads are usually in good condition at this time of year and it is easy to access sites around Kakadu National Park. Plus, the weather is cooler at this time of year with average daily temperatures of around 30℃ in outback Queensland and Northern Territory. Summers are wet and hot (around 35-40°C). However, the benefit of travelling in summer is that there are fewer tourists.

Best Motorhome Hire:

The best way to hire a motorhome in Brisbane is via Camplify. Search through the dozens of privately-owned motorhomes available for hire and take your pick of the bunch!

Day 1: Brisbane to Roma

Drive Time: 5hr 30min

Distance: 479km

Sightseeing Stop # 1: Roma Saleyards

Kick-off your Brisbane to Darwin road trip by heading straight into the heart of outback Queensland. Roma is famous for having the largest cattle sales in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 400,000 cows being sold in town each year. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, you can join a visitor tour through the cattle yard and get a behind-the-scenes look at Australia's agricultural industry.

Sightseeing Stop # 2: Big Rig Night Show

After a long day on the road, it’s time to kick back and enjoy an evening of entertainment at the Big Rig Night Show. The evening begins with a sunset tour of the EMSCO Mining Rig while you enjoy a glass of local port wine. Then settle in under the starry night sky and watch a 35-minute live show about the successes and struggles of early industry men and women in Roma.

Camping Spot: Roma Gun Club Caravan Park

Roma has several comfortable holiday parks and campgrounds for you to choose from. The Roma Gun Club Caravan Park is well-liked for being clean and hospitable, with unpowered sites starting at $15 a night.

Day 2 and 3: Roma to Longreach

Drive Time: 7hr 25min

Distance: 701km

Sightseeing Stop # 1: Qantas Founders Museum

Longreach is famous for being home to several of the best attractions in outback Australia. One of those attractions is the Qantas Founders Museum, which brings the story of Australia’s national airline to life. Lifesize plane exhibits, historical artefacts and interactive displays walk you through the story of how Qantas grew from its humble beginnings.

Sightseeing Stop # 2: Stockman's Hall of Fame

The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre is one of the most iconic attractions in all of Australia. Since 1998, Millions of tourists have visited the centre to learn about the history of Australia’s legendary explorers, stock workers, farmers and Aborigines.

Sightseeing Stop # 3: Cobb & Co Coach Tour

An unforgettable experience that lets you live a day in the life of an outback stagecoach driver. The tour starts with a leisurely ride around Longreach in a restored Cobb & Co stagecoach. As you leave town, however, the horses pick up their pace on the original Longreach-Windorah mail route.

Camping Spot: Apex Riverside Park

If you’re looking for a basic but highly-rated campsite, try the Apex Riverside Park just outside of Longreach. Nice sites next to the Thomson River start at $3 a night and there is a toilet block on-site. If you’d prefer to stay somewhere with showers, try the Longreach Tourist Park.

Day 4: Longreach to Mount Isa

Drive Time: 6hr 56min

Distance: 647km

Sightseeing Stop # 1: Hard Times Mine Tour

Most of Mt Isa’s tourist attractions are located in one major facility: the Mount Isa Visitor Information Centre. Take the Hard Times Mine Tour and experience what it’s like to work in the dark depths of a real mine. Descend deep under the earth in an Alimak Cage and hear about the hard-hitting history of the local miners. Later, you get to feel what it’s like to use an air-leg drill and experience an underground explosion.

Sightseeing Stop # 2: Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre

The Fossil Discovery Centre is right next door to the Hard Times Mine Tour. Here, you can learn about the local fossil deposits which have been crucial in explaining the evolution of Australian wildlife. The Centre has recently been upgraded and now features innovative interactive displays that walk you through 25 million years of history.

Extra tip: Australia’s most famous rodeo, the Mount Isa Mines Rodeo, is run in August each year. It’s the perfect event for the family if you’re on a winter road trip. Buy tickets well in advance though, as they sell out quickly.

Camping Spot: Sunset Top Tourist Park

If you want a shady camping spot with all the bells and whistles, look no further than the Sunset Top Tourist Park. They have sites for all kinds of caravans and motorhomes as well as amazing facilities (including a swimming pool and WiFi). Unpowered sites start from $33 per night.

Day 5: Mt Isa to Tennant Creek

Drive Time: 6hr 49min

Distance: 661km

Sightseeing Spot # 1: Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre

The first place you’ll want to visit in Tennant Creek is the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre. Here, you can learn about the local Warumungu people and their land, culture, history, language and art. Slowly make your way through the five interpretive displays on offer: bush tucker and resources, country, language, history and Punttu (family).

Sightseeing Spot # 2: Tennant Creek Telegraph Station

Visit the Battery Hill Mining Centre and ask for the key to visit the old Telegraph Station. Built in 1872 from local stone, the Station offers a glimpse at the harsh but amazing life of those who built the Overland Telegraph Line - the 3,600km cable that allowed Australia to telecommunicate with the rest of the world.

Camping Spot: Tennant Creek

Take your pick from either the Tennant Creek Caravan Park or Outback Caravan Park, both of which offer powered sites starting at about $30 per night.

Day 6: Tennant Creek to Daly Waters

Drive Time: 4hr 7min

Distance: 407km

Sightseeing Spot # 1: Kunjarra (The Pebbles)

As you leave Tennant Creek and head north towards Daly Waters, you will see Kunjarra (The Pebbles) on the side of the highway. Pull over and explore this outcrop of granite boulders, a sacred site for the Warrumungu people, where they have performed ancient dancing and healing rituals since the Dreamtime.

Sightseeing and Camping Spot: Daly Waters Historic Pub

This afternoon, you’re going to crack open a cold one at a real outback pub. The Daly Waters Pub is a legendary NT watering hole where everyone’s welcome. Patrons from all around the world have left their mark since the ’80s, pinning an enormous collection of bras, trinkets and treasures to the walls of the pub. Take your pick from the pub grub on offer, including kangaroo loin, crocodile burger or chicken schnitzel. Then wash it down with one of the six ice-cold beers on tap. Afterwards, you can set up camp in the pub’s highly-rated campsite or take a dip in their oasis swimming pool (prices start at only $10 per night).

Day 7: Daly Waters to Katherine

Drive Time: 2hr 50min

Distance: 276km

Sightseeing Spot # 1: Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge

On the short drive to Katherine, you’ll see the landscape change from arid outback desert to lush Kakadu bushland. Your first stop is the world-famous Nitmiluk National Park and Katherine Gorge. Either hire a canoe or jump aboard a cruise and slowly make your way down the sandstone gorge past magical waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art and unique wildlife. Take a dip and cool off at one of the sandy freshwater beaches before continuing on to your next stop.

Sightseeing Spot # 2: Katherine Hot Springs

From one watering hole to another, the Katherine Hot Springs are located in the middle of town on the banks of the Katherine River. Widdle the afternoon away by soaking for hours in the clear thermal pools surrounded by native flora. Take a picnic and enjoy dinner on the edge of the river.

Camping Spot: Shady Lane Tourist Park

Set up camp amongst the palms of the Shady Lane Tourist Park just outside of Katherine. The park has quiet and clean amenities, a large swimming pool and powered sites to accommodate all types of camper or motorhome.

Day 8: Katherine to Jabiru (Kakadu National Park)

Drive Time: 3hr 9min

Distance: 305km

Sightseeing Spot # 1: Kakadu National Park

Today you’ll be driving into the depths of Kakadu National Park on your way to Jabiru. There’s so much to see and do, so be sure to start early and make a full day of it. We highly recommend taking a day cruise through the wetland, where you can see crocodiles swimming amongst large lily pads and sheer red sandstone gorges. Make your way to Nourlangie Rock and marvel at the World-Heritage listed ancient Aboriginal rock art that tells the stories of the local people.

Camping Spot: Jabiru

After a day exploring all that Kakadu National Park has to offer, pull up stumps at the Aurora Kakadu Lodge and Caravan Park in Jabiru. The park is located smack-bang in the middle of Kakadu and offers over 250 campsites with modern amenities.

Day 9: Jabiru to Darwin

Drive Time: 2hr 41min

Distance: 254km

Sightseeing Spot # 1: Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises

On the short drive to Darwin, you’ll pass the entrance to Adelaide River Jumping Crocodile Cruises. Stop and make the most of this unforgettable 1-hour experience as you get up close and personal with Australia’s deadliest reptiles. This is a rare opportunity to see what these beasts are capable of in the wild.

Sightseeing Spot # 2: Darwin Waterfront

Finally, you’ll end your Brisbane to Darwin road trip on the edge of the Timor Sea - nearly 4,000km from where you started. Take a stroll along Darwin’s famous waterfront and recharge at the local cafes and restaurants. There’s a massive range of craft beers on tap and fresh seafood on the menu. If you want to cool off, jump in the wave pool or swim in the popular saltwater lagoon.

Extra Tip: The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are set up on the Darwin waterfront every Thursday and Sunday between April - October. Grab dinner from one of the 60 food stalls and watch the burning Darwin sunset sink into the ocean.

Camping Spot: Oasis Tourist Park

About 20 minutes out of Darwin city centre you will find the quiet and family-friendly Oasis Tourist Park. Camp amongst the tropical palms and grasses and make use of all the modern amenities on offer.

After Your Brisbane to Darwin Road Trip

Once you finish your Adelaide to Uluru road trip, you have a couple of choices as to what you do next.

Many people drive south from Darwin to Adelaide via Uluru (a 36-hour drive). From there, you can return to where you started with an Adelaide to Brisbane road trip (a 22-hour drive).

Alternatively, if you want to explore Western Australia, you could cut west to Broome over the course of 4 - 5 (a 19-hour drive). Or you could head east to Cairns in 6 - 7 days (a 26-hour drive).