Northern Territory travel & transport

Apollo Camper


Northern Territory Transport

The state is largely untouched by modern development with countryside ranging from rugged, coastal wetlands to the dry, red desert centre. Northern Territory travel involves long distances and roads are limited. Some popular attractions require a 4WD vehicle for access.

Like most of Australia, the Northern Territory is big. To travel from Darwin to Alice Springs involves a journey of 2 days. The state is 1600 kilometres (1000 miles) north-south and 950 kilometres (600 miles) east-west.

Those are straight line map distances, actual road distances are considerably further. The less adventurous visitor may wish to consider using tour operators as this is a part of the world in which local knowledge can be important.

Air services are available to Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock). Local operators of light aircraft fly to some other small towns

Getting around may require some forward planning. Being somewhat of a frontier town with a small population, Darwin does not have a commuter bus or train service comparable to other state capitals, although there is a town bus service.  If you are flying in at Darwin to start your visit, consider picking up a Darwin hire car at the airport and save on shuttle costs.

Some unsealed roads in remote areas will need 4 wheel drive vehicles, especially if travelling in the wet season. Campers are also available for travel on sealed roads. Tour operators provide itineraries that cover all popular sites. Driver information and maps are available from the offices of the regional tourist associations.

Some typical road travel distances are:

Darwin to Adelaide = 3040 km (1900 miles)
Darwin to Mt Isa = 1620 km (1010 miles)
Darwin to Kakadu Nat Park = 190 km (118 miles)
Darwin to Katherine = 310 km (194 miles)
Darwin to Tennant Creek = 1000 km (625 miles)
Darwin to Alice Springs = 1540 km (960 miles)
Darwin to Uluru = 2000 km (1250 miles)



Northern Territory Travel & Holidays
Darwin Hotels
Darwin Car Hire

Australian 4WD hire

 

 

 

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