One of the ultimate driving adventures in Australia
Heading into the Outback and exploring the country’s untamed heart? One of the best routes to take is the 2,000 km stretch from Darwin to Uluru, since this way you get to see most of the Outback’s most famous attractions. Why not hire one of our air-conditioned 4WD vehicles and embark on a memorable trip exploring Australia’s Northern Territory?
Beginning your ultimate driving adventure in Darwin is highly recommended. You can pick up a car from our Darwin Airport car hire location. With the average temperature over 30 degrees, be prepared to crank the aircon! (Luckily all our vehicles come with this feature).
Darwin may be remote, but it’s definitely not a dusty one-horse town. It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan city in a lush tropical setting, full of historical and natural attractions There are indeed a variety of things to see in Darwin. To make your decision much easier, here are our top three recommendations of what to do in Darwin.
Douglas Hot Springs
These lush pools are an oasis set in the dry woodlands of Darwin. There are various pools with various temperatures that provide a relaxing experience set amongst rich flora and fauna.
Darwin Waterfront Precinct
This tourist-friendly hot spot is bustling all year long and 24/7. Don’t miss the Oyster Bar, Hot Tamali Happy Hour margaritas and fish tacos and the wave pool of course!
Crocosaurus Cove
Seeing as this crocodile country it’s time to get up close and personal with Darwin’s local pets! Crocosaurus Cove features reptiles, turtles and a saltwater crocodile, all in viewing cages of course. And for thrill seekers – there’s the Cage of Death. Enter at own risk!
Speaking of crocs – the town with the cheery name of Humpty Doo, about 40 km from Darwin, even has a Big Boxing Crocodile. Once you’ve had your taste of the best things to see in Darwin, drive out and visit the diverse landscapes and Aboriginal communities of Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land before setting out on the road south.
The highway that links Darwin to Alice Springs is the Stuart Highway. After Darwin, the next significant town is Katherine, the gateway to the Katherine Gorge and many heart-pumping adventure sports. Afterwards, soothe your aching muscles in the thermal pools of Elsey National Park.
Check out the Devil’s Marbles, go fossicking or tackle the 4WD tracks around Tennant Creek. Spend the night stargazing tiny Wycliffe Well, the ‘UFO capital of Australia’. Who knows, maybe you too will see more than mere stars.
Alice Springs, or Alice as the locals call it, is almost smack-bang in the middle of Australia- in the region known as the Red Centre. There is plenty to see and do here, from visiting the town’s many museums to exploring the MacDonnell Ranges.
From Alice it’s about 500 km to Watarrka National Park and the spectacular Kings Canyon and then a further 300 km or so to the most iconic symbol of the Australian Outback: Uluru, also called Ayers Rock.
While the Stuart Highway is a sealed highway, you’ll be driving through some very remote areas, so pack some extra fuel, food and especially water to be safe. You’ll be covering huge distances too, so be sure to check out our specials for the most economical way to make this unforgettable trip happen.
Now that you know how to get to Uluru, it’s time to explore what to do in the spiritual heart of the outback. Besides the obvious, here are our top three things to do in Uluru.
Uluru Trail Walks
Walk the paths of the Aboriginal ancestors on one of six walks around Uluru. Most are wheelchair accessible and can be completed in a few hours.
Bush food experience
This free tour is all about experiencing the local native foods. Taste the plants, seeds, fruits and spices that the Indigenous tribes prepared and for what purposes.
Field of Light Art Installation
This magnificent installation of around 50,000 solar-powered lights is a magical experience. Created by artist Bruce Munro, in local language the installation is called Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’. A must see in the pre-dawn light or at sunset.
Here at SIXT car rental, we truly believe everyone should experience the Uluru to Darwin adventure. Why not take off to explore the heart of the outback this summer.
