Travellers from all over the world flock to Australia to get a glimpse of the tremendous expanse of the Outback. One of the most popular ways to view and access this unique landscape is via the Stuart Highway, an epic route that splits the country down the middle, from coast to coast, covering a distance of over 2800 kilometres. This guide looks at the route, along with key sights and attractions.
The Stuart Highway Route
The Highway stretches from the city of Darwin (population 125,000), on the Northern Territory's north-central coast down to the South Australian coastal town of Port Augusta, over a distance of 2834 kilometres. The major city centre of Adelaide (population 1.3 million) lies three hours south of Port Augusta and, as Adelaide is a major capital city with an international airport, many visitors start or finish their journey here. The route passes through a number of rural towns, the largest of which is Alice Springs, with a modest population of 27,000 at around the mid point of the highway. Most other rural towns along the route have populations well below 100 people, making this an authentic journey into the heart of Outback Australia.
Conditions and Landscape of the Highway
Beginning at Darwin, the Stuart Highway moves south through tropical territory, where conditions are mostly hot and humid, with equatorially-conditioned plant life abundant. South of the town of Katherine, the highway snakes through bushland desert, until it reaches the border of South Australia, where the land is flat and empty for hundreds of kilometres, and the conditions are drier. Despite the oft-vacant landscape of some parts of the Highway, the journey is worthwhile as it provides access to a key part of the Australian Outback, which is unique and unforgettable.
Along the entire route the roads are well maintained and fully covered and fuel and accommodation is available at regular intervals - around 200 kilometres at the most secluded sections of the Highway. Speed limits reach 130 km/h in the Northern Territory and 110 km/h in South Australia and the road is generally straight and flat - easy for driving.
Best Ways of Travelling the Stuart Highway
There's no doubt that the Stuart Highway is best enjoyed by motorcar, as it offers the driver the freedom to stop at leisure, to manage daily travel times and distances and to see as much or little as is desired. Car hire companies will often provide services where drivers can hire in either Adelaide or Darwin and drop their car off at the other end of the Highway - Budget Rent-a-Car are usually good value.
Four-wheel drives are not essential when travelling this route, although for getting off the beaten track in some areas, especially in Northern Territory national parks, they can be useful. Because of the length and seclusion of the route, travelling by bicycle or hitchhiking is not recommended – for those who’re considering this, only travel in cooler months (May to September) and alert local authorities well before commencing such a journey to gain crucial advice and information.
Sights of Outback South Australia
The long, low desert plains of South Australia are vast and seemingly endless. Part way along the Stuart Highway, at about the mid-point of the state, is the town of Coober Pedy. This unique town is the centre point of one of the world's largest opal mining deposits, and tours of mines are abundant in this bizarre rural setting. Further south, closer to Adelaide, many of Australia's major wine regions can be found, including the Barossa and Clare Valley regions. While these regions are a just little off the Highway, they're beautiful areas where visitors can enjoy world-class wine and restaurants with plenty of quality accommodation and scenery.
Sights of Outback Northern Territory
Heading south from Darwin, Kakadu National Park provides visitors with a wonderful experience of Australia's myriad native plants and animals in this wild and famous national park. Then, further along and using the town of Katherine as a base, visitors will enjoy a trip to Katherine Gorge, and a stop at the tiny oasis of Mataranka Springs. Heading still further south, the town of Alice Springs is a large rural centre, ideal as a starting point to explore the "red centre" of Australia's outback. From here day trips can be taken to the magnificent McDonnell ranges or Kings Canyon. Of course, one of Australia's most iconic attractions, Uluru, is also located near Alice Springs, although it's a five-hour drive so an minimum overnight stay at the Uluru resort of Yulara is suggested.
A Road Journey Across Australia
The above suggestions are barely an outline of the amazing experiences, sights, sounds and attractions found along Australia's Stuart Highway. As with any major scenic route making the journey itself is the main appeal; discovering the laid back friendly locals, the emptiness of the desert, the rare wildlife and scenery. Each traveller making their way down the Highway will inevitably find their own personal 'treasure' of an Australian experience.
