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Adelaide to Darwin One Way Campervan Rental

Heading from Adelaide to Darwin? Discover the Outback’s rugged beauty with a one-way campervan rental. Use our tool to compare rates and availability from various providers.

Adelaide to Darwin One Way Campervan Itinerary

Day 1: Adelaide, South Australia to Port Augusta, South Australia

Distance: Approximately 310 km (193 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours

Things to See:

  • Clare Valley Wine Region (detour via Clare)
  • Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden in Port Augusta
  • Wadlata Outback Centre

Day 2: Port Augusta to Coober Pedy, South Australia

Distance: Approximately 540 km (336 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 5.5 to 6 hours

Points of Interest:

  • Woomera Heritage and Visitor Information Centre
  • Breakaways Conservation Park (scenic lookout near Coober Pedy)
  • Umoona Opal Mine and Museum in Coober Pedy

Day 3: Coober Pedy to Marla, South Australia

Distance: Approximately 230 km (143 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours

Attractions:

  • Coober Pedy’s Underground Churches
  • Opal mining fields and underground homes
  • Moon Plain (unique desert landscape on the way to Marla)

Day 4: Marla to Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 480 km (298 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 5 to 5.5 hours

Must-See Stops:

  • Northern Territory border sign (photo op at the border crossing)
  • Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
  • Anzac Hill for panoramic views of Alice Springs

Day 5: Exploring Alice Springs

Distance: Local exploring

Things to Do:

  • Alice Springs Desert Park
  • Araluen Cultural Precinct
  • Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges

Day 6: Alice Springs to Tennant Creek, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 510 km (317 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 5 to 6 hours

Points of Interest:

  • Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu) Conservation Reserve
  • Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre in Tennant Creek
  • Historic Battery Hill Mining Centre

Day 7: Tennant Creek to Daly Waters, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 410 km (255 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 4 to 5 hours

Attractions Along the Way:

  • Elliott (small town for a break and refuel)
  • Daly Waters Historic Pub (quirky outback pub with history)
  • Stuart Tree Historical Site

Day 8: Daly Waters to Katherine, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 275 km (171 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 3 hours

Things to See:

  • Mataranka Hot Springs (natural thermal pools near Mataranka)
  • Elsey National Park
  • Katherine Outback Experience (unique outback show)

Day 9: Katherine to Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 300 km (186 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 3.5 hours

Highlights in Kakadu National Park:

  • Nourlangie Rock Art Site (ancient Aboriginal rock art)
  • Yellow Water Billabong (wetlands boat tour for wildlife viewing)
  • Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Day 10: Exploring Kakadu National Park

Distance: Local exploring

Places to Visit:

  • Jim Jim Falls (accessible during dry season)
  • Ubirr Rock (famous rock art and sunset views)
  • Maguk Gorge (beautiful swimming spot and waterfall)

Day 11: Kakadu National Park to Darwin, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 250 km (155 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2.5 to 3 hours

Final Stops:

  • Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre
  • Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve
  • Darwin Waterfront Precinct (restaurants, beaches, and swimming lagoons)

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of licence do you need to hire a campervan in Adelaide?

If you’re Australian, you’ll need a full and valid class C (car) license to rent a camper in Adelaide. International tourists require an International Drivers Permit (IDP) or an English translation of a comparable car license. Under 21? Unfortunately, you won’t be able to hire a campervan in Australia. Drivers under 25 can rent a camper but must pay a young driver surcharge.

Can I take a campervan to Kangaroo Island?

Yes, while most rental companies restrict travel on unsealed roads, an exception is often made for well-maintained, recognized roads on Kangaroo Island for both 2WD and 4WD campers.

In order to get to Kangaroo Island, you will need to book a ferry; please note that this is the responsibility of the renter. Check with your rental supplier to see if any further restrictions apply.

Is campervan hire with unlimited mileage available?

Yes, generally unlimited kilometres are included for standard vehicle rentals in Australia. Limits are placed on some types of vehicles, e.g. 4x4 campers. The comparison tool will show you whether your preferred vehicle has unlimited or restricted kilometres.

Is free camping allowed?

Free camping is only permitted at designated areas, and overnight parking is generally prohibited.

Some popular campsites in Adelaide include Brighton Caravan Park, Discovery Parks Adelaide Beachfront and Levi Park Caravan Park.

Adelaide is a great base for a campervan holiday, with many road trip destinations to explore in South Australia:

  • Wine regions on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Barossa Valley and Clare Valley
  • Onkaparinga River National Park
  • Kangaroo Island
  • The Limestone Coast

Can additional drivers be added to the campervan rental agreement?

Yes, it’s standard for most companies to allow an additional driver. This driver and any others must be named on the rental agreement, and there may be a nominal fee.

Additional drivers must also hold an appropriate driver’s licence and must meet driver age requirements.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.