Stuart Highway

The Stuart Highway is Australia's most iconic outback road, slicing through the red heart of the continent from Darwin to Adelaide. For travellers on the Lasseter Highway, joining the Stuart Highway at Alice Springs opens up a world of vast desert landscapes, historic roadhouses, and the raw beauty of the Northern Territory. This is a drive that demands respect for the elements but rewards with unforgettable sunsets, starry skies, and a genuine sense of remoteness.

Highlights & What to See

• Alice Springs – The vibrant desert hub where the Lasseter Highway meets the Stuart. Explore the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of the Air, and the Araluen Cultural Precinct.
• Katherine & Nitmiluk National Park – A detour north leads to the stunning Katherine Gorge, where you can cruise, canoe, or hike among ancient sandstone cliffs.
• Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve – Just south of Tennant Creek, these precariously balanced granite boulders create a surreal landscape best seen at sunrise or sunset.
• Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles – Sacred to the Warumungu people, this site offers short walking tracks and incredible photo opportunities.
• Roadhouses & Iconic Stops – Break the drive at legendary spots like Barrow Creek, Wycliffe Well (Australia's UFO capital), and the Daly Waters Pub for a true outback experience.

Suggested Time to Spend

To properly experience the Stuart Highway between Alice Springs and Katherine (about 1,200 km), allow at least three to four days. This gives you time to stop at key sites, enjoy short walks, and soak in the vastness. If you're continuing all the way to Darwin or Adelaide, budget a full week to avoid driving fatigue and to appreciate the ever-changing landscapes. Break the journey with overnight stays at roadhouses or small towns like Tennant Creek and Katherine.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Lasseter Highway – The route that connects you to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, best combined as a loop from Alice Springs.
• West MacDonnell Ranges – Just west of Alice, these ranges offer stunning gorges, waterholes, and hiking trails like the Larapinta Trail.
• Nitmiluk National Park – A must-do detour from Katherine for its gorges and waterfalls.
• Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) – Accessible via the Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs, this dramatic canyon is a highlight of the Red Centre.
• Tennant Creek – A historic gold-mining town with the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre and the nearby Battery Hill Mining Centre.

Please check official sources for current details.