RoadAtlas
Stuart Highway — Australia — Desert
Australia & Pacific

Stuart Highway

Australia

In short: Stuart Highway is a 2,834 km desert road trip in Australia, typically driven over 7-10 days, best in May-September. Highlights: Adelaide, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy.

Distance
2,834 km
Duration
7-10 days
Best Season
May-September
IconicModerateDesert

Australia’s legendary north-south spine, the Stuart Highway runs from Adelaide’s fringe to Darwin through red desert, relentless highway horizons, and iconic outback stops. It links Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, and Katherine, delivering a practical road trip through the country’s most expansive inland landscapes.

~5 refuels
~10 charges
Practical notes
This is a long remote outback drive: carry extra water, fuel, and a tire repair kit, and avoid night driving because kangaroos, cattle, and road trains are common. Phone coverage can be patchy for long stretches, so download maps and check road conditions before departure.
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Stops along the route

Adelaide — Departure — Stuart Highway — Australia
Departure
Adelaide
South Australia's capital and the southern gateway to the Stuart Highway. Stock up here before the long run into the outback.
Hotels
Port Augusta — City — Stuart Highway — Australia
City
Port Augusta
A windswept junction city where the highway truly turns north. It is a practical last stop for fuel, food, and supplies.
Hotels
Coober Pedy — City — Stuart Highway — Australia
City
Coober Pedy
An opal town carved into the desert, with dugout homes and moonlike streets. It feels like a frontier outpost in every direction.
Hotels
Alice Springs — City — Stuart Highway — Australia
City
Alice Springs
The Red Centre's best-known hub, ringed by ochre ranges and desert light. It breaks up the drive with shops, galleries, and services.
Hotels
Tennant Creek — City — Stuart Highway — Australia
City
Tennant Creek
A small mining town in the heart of the Territory. It is a useful overnight stop between the big outback distances.
Hotels
Katherine — City — Stuart Highway — Australia
City
Katherine
A warm northern town where river country begins to replace desert. It is the last major stop before the Top End.
Hotels
Darwin — Arrival — Stuart Highway — Australia
Arrival
Darwin
The tropical finish on the Timor Sea, far from the dry interior you just crossed. Palm trees and waterfront sunsets mark the end of the haul.
Hotels

Things to Do

Umoona Opal Mine and Museum — museum — Stuart Highway — Australia
museum
Umoona Opal Mine and Museum
Go underground in Coober Pedy to see how locals beat the desert heat. The displays explain the town's opal rush history.
The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden — garden — Stuart Highway — Australia
garden
The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
Explore native desert plants and wide harbor views in Port Augusta. It is a calm contrast to the highway's long empty stretches.
Alice Springs Desert Park — nature park — Stuart Highway — Australia
nature park
Alice Springs Desert Park
See desert wildlife, birds, and plant communities in one place. The cultural and landscape exhibits make the Red Centre easier to understand.
Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve — nature — Stuart Highway — Australia
nature
Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve
Walk among giant rounded granite boulders near Tennant Creek. The sunrise and sunset light makes the rocks glow red.
Nitmiluk National Park — nature — Stuart Highway — Australia
nature
Nitmiluk National Park
Take in Katherine Gorge by boat, canoe, or walking track. It is one of the route's best rewards after days of open road.

Where to Eat

The Highway Inn — Australian pub meals — Stuart Highway — Australia
Australian pub meals
The Highway Inn
A classic road-stop pub on the edge of Adelaide for a final meal before heading north. Expect big portions and familiar comfort food.
Blue Moon Cafe — cafe and breakfast — Stuart Highway — Australia
cafe and breakfast
Blue Moon Cafe
A popular Coober Pedy stop for coffee, breakfast, and a break from the desert heat. It is a handy refuel in the opal fields.
Overlanders Steakhouse — Australian steakhouse — Stuart Highway — Australia
Australian steakhouse
Overlanders Steakhouse
A long-running Alice Springs favorite for steaks and hearty outback dinners. It fits the route's big-road, big-appetite mood.
cafe and motel dining
Eldorado Motor Inn Cafe
A simple Tennant Creek stop for sandwiches, coffee, and traveller meals. It is a practical pause in the middle of the highway stretch.
Nitmiluk Cafe — cafe and regional meals — Stuart Highway — Australia
cafe and regional meals
Nitmiluk Cafe
A scenic Katherine-area stop that works well before or after a gorge visit. The setting makes an easy lunch break on the way north.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Stuart Highway drive?

The Stuart Highway covers 2,834 km from start to finish.

How long does the Stuart Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 7-10 days on the Stuart Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Stuart Highway?

The recommended season for the Stuart Highway is May-September.

Where does the Stuart Highway start and end?

The Stuart Highway runs from Adelaide to Darwin.

What are the main stops on the Stuart Highway?

The Stuart Highway passes through Adelaide, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy.

Can I drive the Stuart Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Stuart Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Stuart Highway?

Plan around 5 refuels (or about 10 EV charges) along the Stuart Highway, based on its 2,834 km length.

Is the Stuart Highway safe to drive?

This is a long remote outback drive: carry extra water, fuel, and a tire repair kit, and avoid night driving because kangaroos, cattle, and road trains are common. Phone coverage can be patchy for long stretches, so download maps and check road conditions before departure.

What scenic tier is the Stuart Highway?

The Stuart Highway is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.