Explorer’s Way

Spend the day discovering the delights of Darwin, the vibrant, tropical capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, offering a mix of beaches, alfresco dining, bustling markets, history and culture. Perhaps check out the Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, head across to the Tiwi Islands for the day or discover some of the Top End wildlife at Crocosaurus Cove. While you’re in town, don’t miss the ‘Defence of Darwin Experience’, showing you the importance of the city during World War II. Also, be sure to check out the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, which run from May to October; for the quintessential Mindil Beach experience, sample food from around the world, pick up a souvenir or two, grab a bottle of wine and watch the sunset over the beach.

Pick up your campervan and start exploring the Outback! You’ll spend the next two weeks following the legendary Explorer’s Way, a 1,874-mile road connecting Darwin to Adelaide. First blazed for the Overland Telegraph in the 1860s, this trail connects spectacular gorges, middle-of-nowhere pubs, dramatic rock formations, plunging waterfalls, and underground towns together. Where you stop and how long for is completely up to you – that’s the beauty of this campervan Journey – but, if you need a bit of inspiration, our Travel Experts have pulled together a few ideas for you to consider… Just a 90-minute drive from Darwin, Litchfield National Park is an absolute must; think a diverse landscape of thundering cascades, crystal-clear pools, vast woodlands and towering termite mounds. Speaking of parks, we absolutely love Australia’s biggest: the dual World Heritage-listed Kakadu. Here we recommend seeking out the wildlife (saltwater crocs, turtles and wallabies reside here) as well as prehistoric-age Aboriginal rock paintings. It’s certainly a worthy detour from the Explorer’s Way. For more Aboriginal artistry, not to mention the mighty Katherine Gorge, why not jump in a canoe and explore Nitmiluk National Park? Or forget the boat entirely and get fully immersed in the water at Mataranka – where you can soothe away any aches in a plethora of thermal pools. Make a pit stop in Tennant Creek to learn about Australia’s last gold rush in the 1930s before putting pedal to the metal and heading for Alice Springs – the most famous Outback town Down Under. The hub of the Red Centre, this vibrant metropolis hosts a jam-packed calendar of events and festivals throughout the year. There’s plenty to do too: bush walking, hot air ballooning, mountain biking and baby kangaroo cuddling. And while Alice Springs may be the hub, Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park is the heart. Nothing can prepare you for feeling dwarfed by the mighty monolith that towers above, or the 36 weathered domes of the Olgas. Visit at sunrise and sunset for the best experiences, and why not try discovering the icons on a camel ride, scenic flight or hike? The choice is yours.