From the swag-laden four-wheel drive to the most palatial motorhome, the variety of vehicles heading north on the Stuart Highway would rival any Camping and Caravan Show, and this winter has seen an exodus of vehicles heading for more tropical climates.
But here’s the rub; In that desperation to escape the cold, for many, it’s full steam ahead with as few stops as possible until that tropical warmth starts seeping into the bones.
The Stuart Highway starts at Port Augusta and takes a pretty direct northerly route to Darwin. All up it’s nearly 3000km that can be covered in less than a week. However, to do this would be to miss out on some of our most stunning landscapes and very intriguing towns. All whilst enjoying travelling through Australia’s great outback.
So here are my top places to spend some time and explore on your trek north. To do them all justice would take some considerable time, so perhaps several trips may be required.
Port Augusta – the journey starts
The Wadlata Outback Centre is a great place to start your journey. The interactive displays in the centre will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the indigenous and European heritage of the country up to Alice Springs.
Having a context for the things you see makes them far more interesting and will add considerable richness to your journey. For more information see the Wadlata Outback Centre website.
While at Port Augusta, you might also be interested in a trip on the restored trains of the Pichi Richi Railway. These trains follow the narrow gauge line of the original Ghan Railway from Port Augusta, winding up through the lower levels of the Flinders Ranges to Quorn. For more info head to the Pichi Richi Railway website here.
Woomera -“this is a place of legends”
Now, this is a place of legends. The British Blue Streak rocket tests, the American Narrungar Tracking Station and a testing site for Australian military tanks and other military equipment.
The infamous Woomera Immigration Detention Centre still sits unused, adjacent to the massive airfield that has recently hosted testing of the high-tech experimental SCRAM Jet.
The legendary outback road builder Len Beadell surveyed and built many of the tracks needed to follow, observe and retrieve rockets launched only a few kilometres from the town.
Although only a shadow of its former self in population, The Woomera Heritage Centre, housed in what was the United States Forces Recreation Centre documents the varying fortunes of the town and is well worth a visit.
In the centre of town is the National Aerospace and Missile Park housing a fabulous display of rocket, missiles and planes that played their part in the varied history of this place.
Coober Pedy- “the biggest opal producing area in the world”
Having lived in Coober Pedy for 6 years, I know this is a place that tourists often bypass and yet it has much to offer.
Apart from being the biggest opal producing area in the world, it also provides a unique, underground lifestyle that tourists can readily see, and perhaps even stay in. From the 5 star luxury of the Desert Cave Hotel to a number of underground camping options, this is your chance to experience something very different.
A number of opal showrooms, both above and underground will entice you to buy one of Australia’s national gemstones. For the adventurous, an underground mine tour could be just the thing.
Nearby are the Breakaways, an area of natural beauty, stunning colours and where some of the original Mad Max films were shot. You can easily spend a couple of days exploring this oasis in the desert.
Uluru and Kata Juta – “the most recognisable natural feature in Australia”
Probably one of the most, if not the most, recognisable natural feature in Australia, Uluru is a must see. This will require a 250km detour off the Stuart Highway. But combined with a visit to Kings Canyon, all on a sealed road, will loop you back to the Stuart Highway.
To see both will add an extra 830km to your trip. Nut apart from the brilliant scenery, you will most likely enjoy beautiful warm outback days, although the nights can be chilly. There are shorter options for those prepared to tackle some reasonably rough dirt road.
You should spend at least a couple of days at Uluru to experience the grandeur and mysticism of this place. A walk around the base of the rock, preferably on your own, allows you to explore in peace and quiet. This is the best way to appreciate the beauty and scale of this place.
It’ll also give you a better understanding of why Uluru is of such great significance to the local aboriginal people. To see a sunset on the rock is an unforgettable experience, but one you will not do alone.
Kata Juta is nearby and well worth the half-hour drive on a sealed road. Again, the best way to appreciate the beauty of this area is to take one of the walks that lead you to these massive rock domes.
Take a picnic lunch and give yourself a day to leisurely wander and take in the spectacle.
Kings Canyon – “one of the most under-rated natural wonders in Australia”
I believe this is one of the most under-rated natural wonders in Australia. It’s worth every minute of time taken to explore this great chasm. Kings Canyon Resort or the nearby Kings Creek Station provides a wide range of accommodation and a full day should be allowed to explore this area.
The climb to the top of the canyon is quite strenuous, so give yourself time and take plenty of water. Once at the top the pace is far more leisurely as you explore the rim of the canyon. But beware – do not go too close to the edge as this can be very dangerous.
A walk down to the bottom of the canyon into the Garden of Eden, a beautiful rock pool surrounded by lush growth, is well worth the effort.
Alice Springs – “the most well-known inland town in the country”
Without a doubt, the most well-known inland town in the country, Alice Springs, and surrounding areas provide the tourist with a wealth of attractions, both natural and man-made.
A sizeable blog could be devoted to just detailing these options, so the best bet is to make a beeline to the Visitors Centre in the middle of town and arm yourself with all the information needed. My favourite natural attractions are to be found mainly in the West McDonnell Ranges, such as Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Big Hole.
In the East McDonnells, the old gold mining town of Arltunga is fascinating and if a competent 4WDer with a high clearance, low range 4WD, Ruby Gap is brilliant.
In town, visits to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame and the Royal Flying Doctor base are very informative.
Devils Marbles – “What happened here? Why are they so round?”
You will know when you are approaching this area, as large round boulders start to appear in the relatively flat surrounding area.
What happened here? Why are they so round? A walk through this area is fascinating and, although not requiring a lot of time, it is a top place to take a break from behind the wheel, or stay the night in the nearby camping area.
The keen photographer could be rewarded with some fascinating sunset and sunrise images.
Daly Waters – “quirky”
If you are looking for something quirky, Daly Waters has it in spades. A tiny town adjacent to a WW2 airstrip, it now consists of a pub and a few very “individual” souvenir shops.
You could easily spend an hour in the pub perusing the masses of paraphernalia that adorn every available space. If the timing is right, the pub does a good meal and at the very least, a cooling beverage is likely to hit the spot.
Take the time to have a wander around the old airfield and hangar. This and other airfields along the Stuart Highway played an important role during the war and information boards in the hangar will help you understand the operation of the site.
Mataranka – “a chance for a refreshing dip “
By now the daytime temperatures are rising and the chance for a refreshing dip may beckon.
What better place to take a break than Mataranka, with its thermal springs providing the opportunity to soothe away any aches and pains and send you back on the road revitalised. You can stay in parks adjacent to the springs, with only a few minutes walk from doorway to pool.
The nearby re-creation of the Elsey Homestead, used in the making of the 1980’s film We Of The Never Never, is well worth a look with information boards providing a good insight into some of the histories of this area.
Katherine Gorge – “One of the jewels in the crown for the Northern Territory”
One of the jewels in the crown for the Northern Territory, Katherine Gorge will reward you for the time spent here. With excellent accommodation options either in Katherine or at the gorge, this is a comfortable place to stay.
Like Mataranka, a dip in the thermal springs in the middle of town is a top way to relax and soothe away any aches and pains. Unless you are into paddling, the best way to see the Gorge is on a guided boat trip. Allow a day for this as to experience the full wonder of this area it is best to travel as far up the gorge as possible.
Depending on the time of year and water levels, a full tour requires transferring from one boat to another at least once in the journey, however, the walking involved is not overly strenuous.
The indigenous guides will ensure you don’t miss any of the significant sites, the wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles, and an understanding of the significance of the area to the local people.
Litchfield National Park – “sheer beauty in quite a compact area”
Not far south of Darwin, just to the west of the Stuart Highway is the magnificent Litchfield National Park. For sheer beauty in quite a compact area, I believe this rivals Kakadu and is certainly more accessible. Massive termite mounds, cascading waterfalls and wonderful swimming holes are features of this area.
There are a wide range of accommodation options either in or adjoining the park and you can easily spend a day or two exploring.
From here in relation to what you’ve already driven it’s only a short distance to the end of the Stuart Highway where you can enjoy the sights & culture of the Top-Ends capital city, Darwin. Allow time for your next trip north to see at least some of these fabulous areas. You won’t be disappointed.
After experiencing camping, and being a boy scout as a child, I developed a love of the outdoors and the outback. I’ve taken every opportunity to travel across the outback through South Australia, the Northern Territory, and down the Western Australian Coast. In more recent times, after becoming an empty nester, I have organised and led many outback trips for family members, friends and acquaintances, to explore some of the more remote places across the country.