If you were some kind of masochist you could drive the 3,000+ kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin in 32 hours. That is not our idea of fun and we’re figure it is not yours either. Take the more scenic 14-day itinerary to traverse Australia’s loneliest road - the fascinating Explorer’s Highway. Best experienced from April to October, navigate the wild ride of Australia’s iconic ochre-stained landscape. The Stuart Highway follows the pioneering spirit of 19th century explorer, John McDouall Stuart.
While on the Explorer’s Highway, accommodation can be more rustic than the coastal areas of Australia, so pack a swag or tent, or opt for a choice of Australia’s more unique stays. Drive times are approximate, please let people know your route and expected arrival times, and be on the lookout for roaming stock and kangaroos who can wander onto the road. There are gas stations every 300-400kms, but you can often be the only one on the road for miles at a time, and if you’re up for for an adventurous endeavour across the pulsing heart of Australia, then this is the road trip for you.
Start the explorers trip of a lifetime in South Australia's Adelaide.
Clare Valley encompasses picturesque stone hamlets, quintessential eucalyptus valleys, and the delicious riesling wine country. Auburn, gateway to Clare Valley, is only 110km from Adelaide, yet the contrast in pace and atmosphere feels more like 110 years. Use the self-guided walking tour to explore the town. From here, stop at one of Clare Valley’s famous eateries – where classic country pubs and rustic vineyards offer local produce served in delectable feasts. Skillogalle, Sevenhill and Annie’s Lanes are favourites.
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Alligator Gorge
After the scrumptious feasts of Clare Valley, bring balance back with a walk at Alligator Gorge. Burrowed in Mount Remarkable National Park, this is your introduction to the dramatic scenery of the Australian red centre. Depending on both time and your fitness levels choose from three walks, however, don’t enter if rain is forecast. (And you have to purchase an entry permit online prior to exploring the gorge..)
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Argadells Homestead
The charming outback town of Quorn is no stranger to the limelight, having been featured in many movies. For accommodation, check out Argadells Homestead - choose from a cottage, cabin or bush camping under the stars - and pop into Emily’s Bistro for a strong coffee and delicious home baking.
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Pichi Richi Railway
A more enticing visit than nearby Port Augusta, check out the quaint Pichi Richi Railway Station and Powell Gardens.
At a debated 540-1650 million years old, a visit to the Flinders Ranges is good for the soul - especially if you’ve ever been concerned about your age – here you are positively sprightly! What first appears to be a crater is, in fact, the stubs of an ancient mountain range eroded to its current bowl shape over millennia. Covering an enormous 8,000 hectares, exploration of the rugged landscape could fill an entire trip but it’s best seen in it’s entirety from the air - definitely worth the splurge for a scenic sunrise flight. Other highlights, are the walks. Grab a brochure from the camping ground/motel as this outlines the 13 walks around the basin, ranging from an hours walk to a 9 hour hike.
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Brachina Gorge
Don’t believe the movies – you don’t need a Tardis to time travel when you can visit Brachina Gorge. Considered one of the oldest trade routes on earth, with some of the oldest exposed rocks on the planet, the bumpy 22km geological trail (4WD recommended) affords a plethora of fossils and bush wildlife, including the yellow-footed rock wallabies.
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Prairie Hotel
Population 7, the desert oasis of Parachilna makes its way on the tourism map for its stunning gorge. Camping is available at the old Parancilna school where you can get access to showers and the camp kitchen. Prairie Hotel’s ‘Flinders feral grill’ with a feast of emu, kangaroo and camel. At the iconic Prairie Hotel you can get a bed in a heritage room for the night, or you could try a more rustic experience and rent a Fettlers cottage.
Once the main route to cross Australia, the Oodnadatta Track, is just over 600km long so prep in advance with gas and provisions. Now accessible by 2WD, this route should be avoided if rain is forecast. While passing Marree, stretch your legs at the strange standing planes and “big dog” - whose head is made of a Chrysler car - at Mutonia Sculpture Park.
About 20 minutes prior to Coward Springs, keep an eye out for signs to the bubbling, natural artesian spring of the Wabma Kadarbu.
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Coward Springs
Coward Springs, once a Ghan railway stop, has since been converted to one of the few campground grounds on the Oodnadatta.
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William Creek Hotel
William Creek is about as ‘outback town’ as you can get - it’s South Australia’s smallest town with a campground, two motels and a pub - in the middle of the world’s largest working cattle station (larger than Belgium and Holland combined)! Be sure to grab a bite at the tin-shed William Creek Hotel.
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Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
The drive to Coober Pedy is a steady journey through the orange hues of the outback, passing sand hills, saltbush and the desert brush with nothing much else, so stock up before getting on the road. Anticipation rises as the town of Coober Pedy emerges. You’ll recognise the unforgettable terrain from Mad Max III as it zooms into view.
Coober Pedy is a gem of a place (groan), where fossickers in 1915 struck the world’s largest haul of opals. The harsh outback heat and desert conditions saw the townsfolk build some of their community structures underground in dugouts. These unique features make Coober Pedy one of the most curious places to visit on earth. The ultimate exploration here includes the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum, Faye’s Underground Home, resplendent with indoor pool, or you can try your luck fossicking for opals. Round off the day with sunset at the gorgeous Breakaway.
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Lookout Cave Motel
Set yourself up for a night or two at one of the town’s underground motels. Our pick? Lookout Cave Motel.
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Marla Traveller's Rest - Restaurant
About 50km out of Coober Pedy you will find the famous Dingo Fence - 5,600 kms of fencing. Continue on to the last town in South Australia – Marla, named after the aboriginal word for kangaroo. Population 70, Marla offers travellers a sprawling roadhouse to refuel at.
Uluru must be one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. To reach the national park, you’ll be crossing into the Northern Territory, with obligatory border sign. Our vote for a million-star experience is to sleep in a swag at Uluru; alternatively, the hospitality of Curtain Springs offers a slightly more affordable stay than within the national park.
Uluru Cultural Centre
To fully appreciate the geological majesty and spiritual significance of Uluru, a visit to the Cultural Centre is recommended. From here, take the 1.5km Liru Walk from its base. An alternative (or addition, if you’re up for it) is to drive to Mala where the hike takes around 1-1.5 hours. Round off this spectacular day at the Uluru sunset viewing area, or, for an upgraded Uluru experience, splurge on the Sounds of Silence sunset dinner.
With an action-packed day ahead, wake with the wildlife to witness sunrise at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). You can see nature’s finest from the viewing area or with a walk around the dunes. From here, go directly to Kata Tjuta to hike among the 36 majestic domes of Walpa Gorge and/or Valley of the Winds. Please make sure you plan ahead and take plenty of water to combat the desert heat.
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Stuarts Well Roadhouse
If you cannot get enough of the sunsets in the area, rise early to take in Uluru before heading off to Alice Springs, the region’s largest town. En-route, stop by Stuart’s Well where, if you’ve never experienced the ultimate wedgie before, camel rides are available.
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Alice Springs Desert Park
Once in Alice, take in the gardens and wildlife reserve of Alice Springs Desert Park.
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Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre
Along with the Alice Springs School of Air visitor centre, detailing how the world’s largest classroom educates and operates.
Banner Photo Credit: Clare Valley Wine, Food & Tourism Centre
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