Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway
About 1,500 km through the heart of the Northern Territory, from tropical Darwin via Katherine's gorges and outback pubs to the Devils Marbles and the Red Centre.
- Distance
- 1,668 km (1,036 mi)
- Driving
- 18 h 11 min
- Suggested days
- 7
- Stops
- 10
- States
- Northern Territory
- Updated
- April 28, 2026
At a glance: 7-day road trip of about 1,668 km (1,036 mi) with 10 stops, from Darwin to Alice Springs. About 18 h 11 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Northern Territory · More road trips from Darwin
Route description
From Darwin, the Stuart Highway runs south through savanna, passing Adelaide River with its war cemetery, then Pine Creek. Katherine is about 320 km from Darwin (three and a half hours), with a full day for Nitmiluk Gorge, where Jawoyn country offers boat cruises and walks. The highway is sealed and well maintained, but fill the tank at every town.
South of Katherine, Mataranka is about 105 km on (an hour and a quarter), with its thermal pool in Elsey National Park and the quiet creek of Bitter Springs. Continue another 160 km or so to Daly Waters, where the historic pub is a classic overnight stop, with a meal and an evening show. Roadhouses become more widely spaced from here.
The next leg, about 390 km to Tennant Creek (just over four hours), is the emptiest stretch: fuel at Dunmarra and Elliott, and at Three Ways junction. Tennant Creek is the Barkly region's service town with a gold-rush museum. Take care at dawn and dusk, when kangaroos, cattle and road trains cross the highway, and avoid night driving.
South of Tennant Creek, stop at Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles, about 100 km on, ideally at sunrise or sunset. The last leg to Alice Springs is about 400 km (four hours), passing Wycliffe Well and Aileron. Arrive in daylight. Winter nights in the Red Centre can fall below freezing, while summer days commonly exceed 40 °C, so carry water.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Darwin
Northern Territory - 2109 km
Adelaide River
Northern Territory - 3123 km
Pine Creek
Northern Territory - 4102 km
Katherine
Northern Territory - 528 km
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
NatureKatherine, Northern TerritoryA chain of thirteen sandstone gorges on the Katherine River, on Jawoyn land, explored by boat, canoe or on foot, with lookouts above. Water levels and crocodile checks govern swimming and paddling; cruises run mostly in the dry season.
- 6116 km
Mataranka
Northern Territory - 7183 km
Daly Waters Historic Pub
OdditiesDaly Waters, Northern TerritorySaid to be the Territory's oldest pub, covered inside with bras, banknotes, number plates and travellers' scribbles. It sits on the old Stuart Highway route and Qantas and Overland Telegraph history; many stop for a meal and the evening show.
- 8464 km
Tennant Creek
Northern Territory - 9122 km
Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles
NatureTennant Creek, Northern TerritoryRounded granite boulders, some balanced improbably, scattered across a plain, sacred to the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarre and Warlpiri people. Best at sunrise or sunset when the rock glows red. Stay on paths and do not climb on or move the rocks.
- 10421 km
Alice Springs
Northern Territory
Suggested stages and overnight stops
7 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Darwin → Pine Creek · 231 km · 2 h 31 minOn the way: Adelaide River.
- Day 2: Pine Creek → Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge · 131 km · 1 h 25 minOn the way: Katherine.
- Day 3: Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge → Mataranka · 116 km · 1 h 16 min
- Day 4: Mataranka → Daly Waters Historic Pub · 183 km · 1 h 60 min
- Day 5: Daly Waters Historic Pub → Tennant Creek · 464 km · 5 h 03 min
- Day 6: Tennant Creek → Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles · 122 km · 1 h 20 min
- Day 7: Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles → Alice Springs · 421 km · 4 h 35 min
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Hot in October–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway?
7-day road trip of about 1,668 km (1,036 mi) with 10 stops, from Darwin to Alice Springs. About 18 h 11 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway?
We suggest 7 days: about 18 h 11 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway start and end?
It starts in Darwin and ends in Alice Springs.
Which states does Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway pass through?
Northern Territory.
When is the best time for Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Hot in October–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
