Transfercar Blog

The spectacular drive between Darwin and Broome, also known as the Savannah Way, imposes itself as one of the best outback road trip adventures in Down Under. From crocs sunbathing in gorges and palm trees sprouting from red cliffs, to canoeing down the Ord River and endless bird-watching opportunities, this route will offer a plentitude of memorable moments.

Darwin to Katherine
The journey starts with a half-day drive along the Stuart Highway from Darwin to the outback gem of Katherine. You’ll get a chance to feast your eyes on the rugged landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls and lush green gorges of Nitmiluk National Park. You should definitely take a boat or canoe tour through Katherine Gorge or fly above the stunning series of gorges in a helicopter.

If you are interested in Aboriginal culture, travelling south to Manyallaluk and spending some time with the locals is a must, stopping by to marvel at limestone Cutta Cutta Caves. When it comes to accommodation, you can stay overnight in the township of Katherine or even camp at the very gorge if you are a more adventurous type.

Katherine to Timber Creek

Driving down the Victoria Highway, you should turn off for the spectacular Flora River Nature Park, where you can canoe past tufa dams and lush vegetation, in addition to walking down savannah woodland and floodplain. Further down the same highway you should check out the immense Gregory National Park for stunning views during the Escarpment Lookout Walk or some fine examples of rock art offered by Joe Creek Walk.

Cruising down the Victoria River at sunset will allow you to spot countless boab trees and saltwater crocodiles. If you want to see hundreds of these amazing reptiles up close, pay a visit to the Coolibah Crocodile Farm. In the southern part of this amazing park, you can drive the rugged Bullita Stock Route (about 90 km) or walk to the Limestone Gorge. You can sleep at Timber Creek or camp at the Bullita Homestead.

Timber Creek to Kununurra

Continuing your journey to Kununurra, after many kilometers of boab trees, you’ll find the Bullo River Station, spreading on roughly half million acres, where you can muster cattle, fish or simply rest for a while. Keep River National Park will welcome you just before crossing the Western Australia border. Here you can see the Rainbow Serpent on rock at Nganalam and Aboriginal rock art at the Keep River Gorge.

On the other side of the border, you’ll hit Kununurra, where you should cruise the Ord River and huge artificial Lake Argyle, or fly over the vast Argle Diamond Mine, beehive-like mounds of the Bungle Bungles or splendid Mitchell Falls. Discover fabulous scenic walking tracks in the Mirima National Park and enjoy a bird-watching feast at Lily Creek Lagoon.

Kununurra to Halls Creek

Heading towards Halls Creek, you can detour either through Wyndham, the northernmost town in Western Australia, or the El Questro Station. Further down south in Bungle you’ll arrive at the Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage site, as well as the Bungle Range with its towering striped rocks.

Following the Domes Walk will lead you to Cathedral Gorge, in the park’s southern part, while you hike your way to Echidna Chasm and Mini Palms Gorge in the north. Halls Creek, an old gold prospecting town, is also an interesting stop, as here you can swim in springs and gorges, and also pay a visit to Wolfe Creek Crater, left by a meteorite, nearly 50 m deep and 1 km wide.

Halls Creek to Broome

On the last leg of your journey, Fitzroy Crossing is a good starting point for cruising Geikie Gorge, accompanied by Bunuba Aboriginal guides, or burrowing through the mystic underground passage of Tunnel Creek. Going to Derby, you’ll inevitably pass the Boab Prison Tree, reportedly used as a prisoner lock-up in the past. On the Derby’s town wharf, you can see tides as high as 10 metres or fly over the famous horizontal waterfalls in Talbot Bay.

Crossing the Fitzroy River will get you into Broome, where you can visit Chinatown to explore its exotic pearling heritage or take a relaxing sunset camelback ride down Cable Beach. Lighthouse-tipped Cape Leveque awaits you further north, but make sure you stop at the Beagle Bay Aboriginal community to see the Sacred Heart Church with its mother-of-pearl altar. Finally, Roebuck Bay is where you’ll find the world famous Broome Bird Observatory for the ultimate bird-watching experience.

Exploring the Savannah Way offers you a unique chance to see many natural beauties that the outback has to offer. With this in mind, how about getting a free transfer car and setting off on a truly fascinating spring road trip?

Images:

Katherine Gorge

Gregory National Park

Kununurra

Bullo River Station

Bungle Bungles

Purnululu

Wolfe Creek Crater

Fitzroy Crossing

Tunnel Creek

Boab Prison Tree

The city of bridges, most awe-inspiring skyline and a melting pot of tourist activities. Ask any Sydney-sider and he will proudly say he lives in the most beautiful city in the entire world. Splashed by the great Pacific Ocean on the right and fenced with a massive Blue Mountains range on the left, this place truly has it all, and is as such on everyone’s bucket list.

While this is something you could read in any other tourist guide, we’re here to take you on a walkabout and show you some of the more and less mainstream places us locals really hand out at on a regular day off.

Head Straight to the Beach

You didn’t travel all that way not to walk barefoot on one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the world – but careful now, Bondi beach is not just about lying in the sun, working on your tan. Oh no, if you want a true Down Under experience, you have to dip your toes into the fresh ocean water. And not just to swim, but fight the big waves that come crashing into the shore. Still, if you’re looking for a secluded corner to gather your thoughts, there’s no better place than Milk Beach, right above the Hermit Point.

Climb the Tower Eye

Maybe walking through the overcrowded streets can make you feel like this is just another jam-packed American-like city; that’s why every local will send you straight to the Observation Deck at the Sydney Tower Eye, as it gives you a bird’s eye view of the place. Standing exactly 268 meters above the ground will make you feel like you have Sydney right there, at the palm of your hand. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, be sure to book a table at a 360 Bar and Dining, restaurant known for its spectacular view of… well, everything.

Keep Your Feet Firm on the Ground

If heights are not your cup of tea, Sydney boasts a number of exciting walking tours along the harbor. You can start from Potts Point, stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a heaven for city wildlife. Then move on to The Rocks, this city’s oldest neighbourhoods, and continue on to Tumbalong Park. Yet, you will need to refresh yourself in a modern Blackbird cafe, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious Australian dishes (and the best Oreo cheesecake ever!).

Take a Ferry Boat Ride

After this little break, walk to Darling Harbour and hop on a ferry ride which enables you to see the harbour from a completely different perspective. From Sydney Theatre Company, Opera House and Harbour Bridge, straight to the famous Taronga Zoo. This harbour-side flora and fauna attraction represents a home to 340 animal species and endless photo opportunities.

Go Out in Style

Admiring the Opera House architecture from the quay or a cruise ship is one thing, but getting the tickets to a live show would be an out-of-this-world experience. There’s always something interesting on the repertoire, no matter the genre you prefer.

However, as we understand you cannot forget about the price tag, instead of the Opera House, we could direct you towards the Museum of Sydney on Bridge Street – a modern building preserving some of the most ancient archaeological findings of the continent.

Stay Out in the Fresh Air

Although Sydney’s wining and dining scene should not be missed out on, every local will recommend taking an afternoon off to visit Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. Escape the sound of a busy restaurant and hectic traffic, pack up a picnic basket, a couple of tuna fish sandwiches and a bottle of wine; place your plaid blanket on the grass and enjoy, jet again, an outstanding view of the harbor. You know what else Sydney-siders do when they come here? Play a little count the weddings game, because that’s how many happy couples you’ll see passing by.

Be Young and Wild and Free

Certainly, Sydney is one of the most sophisticated places in the world, but it doesn’t mean you can’t loosen up a bit, go out and have the night of your life. What locals do is start with drinks in Darlinghurst and head to one of the night clubs in George Street. From the 80 Proof on the south, to Star Bar at the corner of Wilmot Street, you can dance the night away with the music of your choice – there’s a little bit of something for everyone.

So… What’s it going to be first?     

Peter Minkoff is a travel writer at VoiceBoks and MediaPA magazine from NZ. Beside writing he worked as a travel journalist for many publications around UK & AU. Follow Peter on Twitter for more tips.