Australia’s greatest journey: traversing the backbone of the country

Home to the trendy state capital, Darwin, iconic landmarks and miles of rugged, golden landscape, Australia’s Northern Territory offers unparalleled excitement and adventure. Whether you choose to get around by car, train, or plane, your journey through this rich and diverse state promises to be totally unforgettable.

Second to Perth, a flight to Darwin is one of the quickest and easiest ways to reach Australia from the UK, with direct flights from Singapore available with Singapore Airlines. So, if you’re counting down the seconds until your adventure begins, this city is an ideal starting point. Known for its friendly inhabitants and easy-going atmosphere, there’s lots to get up to here. Tour around the local art galleries, take a trip to the nearby Tiwi Islands to learn more about Aboriginal culture, or get a dose of adrenaline on a jet ski tour of Darwin Harbour and down the winding mangroves. And, in the evening, you can explore the city’s fantastic food scene – featuring flavours from around the world, thanks to its cosmopolitan background.

Once you’ve had your fill of Darwin, it’s time to make your way to Kakadu. If you’re opting for a road trip during your Australia holiday, this two-and-a-half-hour drive promises to be an impressive first leg. The scenery only gets better once you reach the boundary of Kakadu National Park. Home to tumbling waterfalls, rugged escarpments and wildlife-abundant wetlands, this wonderous landscape is best seen from above. Set off on a scenic flight for some immaculate views before exploring the millennia-old Aboriginal rock art sites and hidden swimming holes.

Wave goodbye to Kakadu and get ready for the next stop on your Northern Territory itinerary, Nitmiluk National Park. You’ll drive past the riverside town of Katherine before reaching your next destination, which sits just two hours south of Kakadu and is sure to provide ample fuel for the imagination. Within the park, you’ll find 13 sandstone gorges that waver between dusty tones of yellow and orange. But, the star of the show is Nitmiluk Gorge itself, which glows during sunrise and sunset. Get up close as you weave beside the steep cliff faces in a canoe, or take a helicopter ride over the park to see the landscape in all its glory.

Whilst tearing yourself away from the stunning landscape of Nitmiluk National Park might seem difficult, what awaits will impress in equal measure. Travelling by plane, car, or on the luxury Ghan Railway, your next destination will be Alice Springs. An Outback adventure epicentre and gateway to the Red Centre Way, here, epic scenery is in no short supply. Journey past dramatic escarpments and mountain ranges as you make your way over to Uluru – a vast, red-toned monolith estimated to be 550 million years old. Soak up views of this sacred and spiritual landmark as you listen to stories from a Traditional Owner before ending the day with an al-fresco dinner beneath the stars.

If the sights of Australia’s Northern Territory have left you spellbound, just wait to see what South Australia has to offer. During the next leg of your journey, you’ll take in even more incredible views of inland Australia’s mountain-adorned landscape before making your way through lush wine regions and down to the endlessly beautiful South Coast. This is a destination you won’t want to skip.

Continue along the Explorers Way and embark on a scenic, seven-hour drive before reaching the Outback town of Coober Pedy. A drive around this part of South Australia is sure to leave you feeling like a movie star, with scenes from this sun-baked landscape being featured in films such as ‘Mad Max’ and ‘Red Planet’. Often referred to as Australia’s Opal Capital, there’s an abundance of treasure to discover above and below the ground in Coober Pedy. Visit mining museums and quirky art galleries, stay overnight at an underground hotel, or head on up to the Big Winch for some panoramic views.

After a whistle-stop tour of Coober Pedy, it’s time to journey down to the Flinders Ranges. Steeped in Aboriginal history, with towering mountains and steep-sided gorges that will stop you in your tracks, this geological masterpiece is a must-see during your Australia holiday. A great base for activities such as camping, fossil-hunting, bushwalking and more, travellers with an adventurous spirit will feel right at home here. Marvel at the naturally-formed amphitheatre over at Wilpena Pound, or hop in a 4WD and trace the route from Bunyeroo to Brachina Gorge. Catch breathtaking views over the sweeping valley, and keep track of the native wildlife and birdlife you see along the way.

With less than 300 kilometres standing between the Flinders Ranges and your next destination, get ready to hit the road (or railway tracks) once again. And, when you reach Clare Valley, your only priority will be rest and relaxation. One of the oldest wine regions in Australia, here you’ll find over 50 cellar doors – with something to suit every taste. Although, everyone should try a glass of the Clare Valley signature Riesling. Pop into the local farm shops and galleries, enjoy a luxury picnic overlooking the pristine vineyards, and, of course, sample some world-class Australian wines. 

Your trip across Southern Australia may be coming to a close, but this final stop will ensure your holiday ends on a high. Packed with attractions and bursting with culture, Adelaide really does have it all. Whether you want to take it easy or attack the lively restaurant and bar scene, this picturesque pocket of South Australia’s got you covered. Known as the ‘20-minute city’, you won’t have to travel far to find something to do here. Wander around one of the food markets to pick out some top-quality produce, or spend the day at one of the stunning, soft-sand beaches. Just a short tram ride away, Glenelg Beach is a fantastic spot – and you might even catch a glimpse of a wild dolphin splashing above the waves.