|
From the desert landscapes of the south to the tropics of the north, a road trip along the famous Explorers Way will take you through some of Australia’s most stunning and dramatic scenery. This classic outback journey will take you from Adelaide to Darwin, but if you don’t have the time you can experience smaller sections of the drive - all the while staying with BIG4.
Adelaide is renowned for its cellar doors and festivals, the city of churches is a stylish, vibrant and innovative city surrounded by parklands, historic buildings and funky cafes.
Stay with BIG4 at the beachside BIG4 Adelaide Shores Caravan Park which is located just a stones throw from famous Glenelg beach. From here you can catch a tram into the city or head across to scenic Kangaroo Island.
Alternatively, the Marion Holiday Park is close to the white beaches of Brighton where you can walk, swim, fish or indulge in a spot of shopping. From here drive to McLaren Vale, the Barossa or Clare Valley and pick up some supplies for your road trip.
Next stop on Explorers Way journey is Port Augusta – the gateway to South Australia’s outback. At the Port Augusta BIG4 Holiday Park you can take a dip in the onsite pool, throw a line at Spencer Gulf or take a cruise to spot dolphins and whales. While in town be sure to check out the Wadlata Outback Centre or Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, home to some of the rarest plants on earth.
Heading north, your next destination is the famous opal town of Coober Pedy. Here most residents live underground, and after fossicking for opals you can relax by the pool at the BIG4 Coober Pedy Oasis Tourist Park which features a desert golf course offering visitors a truly unique experience.
Prepare for a big drive the following day as it is almost 700km (close to eight hours) to Alice Springs. This popular adventure destination is a spirited outback centre flanked by the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges. It is home to a myriad of Aboriginal art galleries, historic sites and the Alice Springs Desert Park. Stay at the BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park, which is the most awarded caravan park in the NT and use it as a base to explore the natural wonders of the region.
Heading further north your next stop is Wycliffe Well – a destination for four-wheel drive enthusiasts who want to explore the gem-filled Davenport Ranges and an ideal base to visit the spectacular Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu). Stay at Wycliffe Well Holiday Park and you may just catch a passing UFO as this area is famous for its many extra-terrestrial sightings.
On the next leg of the journey you will travel through Tennant Creek and Mataranka before arriving at Katherine, best known for Nitmiluk National Park (Katherine Gorge). You can experience Nitmiluk aboard a boat, hiking or even canoeing. BIG4 Katherine Holiday Park is located in a spectacular setting on 18 hectares of parkland with abundant bird and wildlife and is a destination in itself.
Just a couple of hours up the road is the Batchelor Resort Caravillage which is located near Litchfield National Park. Best known for its huge magnetic termite mounds, tropical waterfalls, crystal clear swimming holes and native wildlife it is a must-do stop before heading off to your final destination on Explorers Way – Darwin.
Set in a lush tropical setting the BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park is perfectly situated to explore both Darwin and Kakadu National Park. Head east and you can see jumping crocodiles on the Adelaide River, brolgas and jabiru on Yellow Water lagoon, lush wetlands, waterfalls and Aboriginal rock art in Kakadu.
Or just 23km north west from the park is the city of Darwin, a multicultural and modern harbour city with more than 50 nationalities making up its 100,000 population, including the area's traditional landowners, the Larrakia Aboriginal people. The cultural and culinary benefits of such a melting pot are best experienced at Darwin's weekly markets, variety of restaurants and through the annual calendar of festivals and events.
|
