Travel by car in the Northern Territory

Travelling by car is one of the best ways to explore the Territory, with 95% of the NT’s attractions accessible by sealed highways.

Getting here by car

Well-maintained, sealed highways provide the most direct routes between the Northern Territory from cities in South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.

Travelling from Queensland

Driving west from Queensland, the most easily accessible route is the fully sealed Barkly Highway from Mt Isa. Alternatively, you can drive the unsealed portion of the Victoria Highway from Cairns. See also our themed driving route, the Savannah Way.

Travelling from Western Australia

There are a few access points from Western Australia, including the Victoria Highway and Butine Highway in the north and the Tanami Road that runs across the Tanami Desert in the south. See also our themed driving route, the Savannah Way.

Travelling from South Australia

Driving north from South Australia, take the Stuart Highway from Adelaide through Coober Pedy into the Northern Territory. In the NT, you’ll drive through the major centres of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine before arriving in Darwin. See also our themed driving route, the Explorers Way.

Themed driving routes

Once you cross the border, explore our themed driving routes around the Territory: the Nature’s Way, through Kakadu National Park and Katherine; the Explorers Way, from Alice Springs to Darwin; The Red Centre Way from Alice Springs to Uluru; the Savannah Way, an epic journey across the Top End; and Binns Track, an intrepid 4WD trail.

Getting around by car

There’s plenty to explore in a regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Hire companies operate across the Northern Territory, so if you fly into Alice Springs or Darwin, arrange to collect a vehicle at the airport then hit the road.

Plan your next electric vehicle road trip throughout the Northern Territory with the PlugShare charging station map.

Audio tours and podcasts

Take your own compact, portable tour guide – purchase and download audio tours, podcasts and travel apps before you go. They’re perfect for road trips, providing suggested itineraries and accompanying commentary, and they might even help keep kids (or drivers) entertained.

Road rules and safety

Before you set off:

• Make sure your vehicle is in good working order
• Familiarise yourself with local road rules and safety

Tips for driving in Australia:

• Vehicles travel on the left-hand side of the road
• Seat belts are compulsory
• Speed limits apply to all roads
• Try to avoid driving at night
• Be wary of road trains and crossing stock on highways
• Distances in the Northern Territory are vast, so plan ahead for rest stops