The Stuart Highway: Every Stop Worth Making Between Darwin and Alice Springs

The Stuart Highway runs 1,495km from Darwin to Alice Springs — one of the world's great road trips. It traverses the entire Territory, from tropical wetlands to red desert, passing through some of Australia's most remote and characterful stops.

The Complete Stop Guide

Darwin to Katherine (312km, 3h15)

Adelaide River (112km) — Adelaide River Inn, famous for Charlie the buffalo (star of Crocodile Dundee). Fuel, food, cold beers. Stop for the jumping croc cruise on the Adelaide River nearby. Pine Creek (227km) — Historic gold rush town. Fuel, bakery, heritage buildings. The Lazy Lizard Tavern is worth a stop. Katherine (312km) — Major town. All services. Gateway to Nitmiluk Gorge, Katherine Hot Springs, and Edith Falls. Fuel up — prices are reasonable here.

Katherine to Tennant Creek (676km, 7h)

Mataranka (420km) — Thermal springs. Bitter Springs is 8km off the highway — the best float in the NT. Fuel available. Larrimah (503km) — Population: about 7. The Pink Panther pub and one of Australia's strangest unsolved mysteries. Fuel, basic meals. Daly Waters (590km) — The main event on this stretch. Daly Waters Pub has been running since 1930 — walls covered in bras, banknotes, and business cards from 90 years of travellers. The beef & barra BBQ at 6pm ($35) is legendary. Camp next door for $15. Elliott (743km) — Small community. Fuel. Not much else, but you need it. Tennant Creek (988km) — The Barkly's main town. Battery Hill Mining Centre for gold panning. Memorial Club for a pub meal with locals. FUEL UP — next reliable fuel is 283km away.

Tennant Creek to Alice Springs (507km, 5h30)

Devils Marbles/Karlu Karlu (1064km) — Sacred granite boulders balanced impossibly in the outback. Camp here ($6.60/person) for sunrise — one of Australia's best bush camps. Stars are extraordinary. Wycliffe Well (1073km) — Self-proclaimed "UFO capital of Australia." Alien-themed roadhouse. Good for a laugh and fuel. Ti Tree (1212km) — Small community. Fuel. Aileron (1236km) — Giant Aboriginal warrior sculpture visible from the highway. Photo stop. Alice Springs (1495km) — Destination. All services. Todd Mall, Desert Park, Anzac Hill sunset.

Critical Fuel Information

• ●Always fill up at every fuel stop. There are no alternatives on remote stretches.
• ●Darwin prices: ~$1.90/L. Remote prices: up to $2.90/L
• ●Carry a 20L jerry can for the longer stretches
• ●The longest fuel gap: Tennant Creek to Ti Tree (283km)

Driving Safety

• ●Speed limit: 130km/h on open sections
• ●NEVER drive at night — kangaroos, cattle, buffalo on the road
• ●Road trains: Up to 53m long, 120 tonnes. Pull completely off the road when passing
• ●Rest every 2 hours — fatigue kills more than speed in the NT
• ●Phone coverage: Telstra only, and even that drops out between towns