Driving from Darwin to Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway is known as the Explorers Way route. With your Darwin airport car rental from Hertz Alice Springs, you have the full freedom to explore the outback at your leisure.
Darwin to Katherine – 310 km
Leaving Darwin on the Stuart Highway, you have the option of an easy detour into nearbyLitchfield National Park, where they are amazing swimming holes and waterfalls. Further south, Hayes Creek is a gateway to World War II sites as well as Douglas Hot Springs Park. Then continue on the highway, past Pine Creek, to Katherine. The Katherine region and its star attraction, the Katherine Gorge, are best explored by boat.
Katherine to Mataranka – 100 km
30 km south of Katherine you can get to Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park off the Stuart Highway. These amazing limestone formations and caves make for an unforgettable sight, with towers, boulders and more making up the otherworldly landscape. At Mataranka, the thermal springs offer an opportunity to relax and unwind.
Mataranka to Tennant Creek – 550 km
Continue along the Explorer’s Way to Tennant Creek. Make time to stop in at the Larrimah Museum to learn about the area’s World War II heritage, and get a bite at the Daly Waters Pub. You’ll pass through the Golden Heart area, comprising Dunmarra, Elliott, Renner Springsand Newcastle Waters, before getting to Tennant Creek. Tennant Creek has a rich gold mining history – you can even go fossicking here. Aboriginal culture is also a highlight – check out theNyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre.
Tennant Creek to Wycliffe Well – 130 km
About 100 km south of Tennant Creek lie Devils Marbles – gigantic granite boulders perched atop one another within a conservation reserve, said to be the eggs of a serpent, according to legend.
Wycliffe Well is said to be Australia’s UFO capital. For a true outdoors experience, pitch a tent and camp out – the holiday park here is unexpectedly verdant. Nearby Davenport Range National Park offers spectacular rugged terrain, water holes and wildlife.
Wycliffe Well to Alice Springs – 370 km
From Wycliffe Well to Alice Springs, the route to Alice Springs is bursting with desert colours and scenery. Simply follow the Stuart Highway into the heart of the township.
