I just pulled in to Darwin today after a good run up the centre from Victoria. I'm at the Hidden Valley Resort for tonight, and maybe a few more if they let me stay. Any other Grey Nomads in town at the moment? Coffee, beer or wine would be good.
Not there yet but travelling same road around early June. Anything special to report for us to look at/consider? How long did it take you to get to Darwin and how many overnight stops did you do? It's a long way and I'm already thinking like 'wow'... Been across to the west couple of years ago and that was a long long way.... Though there seems to be plenty of CP's and roadhouses on the way.... (to Darwin)... Thanks, Jay-Jay
I took a month from Cobram in Vic to Darwin and drove about 4000km. Lots of the Stuart Highway is just long sections of flat scrubland though the road is good. The rest stops on the way varied from downright horrid (just move on to the next one) to really pleasant, though it's the people you meet who make the evening. Banka Banka was a good stop.
BUY A FLY NET. It saved my sanity. I don't mind them around my feet, legs or arms but the flies in the centre were psychotic. Coober Pedy especially - I didn't have a good feeling about the town either though some loved it. I liked the feel of Alice Springs and would recommend a few days out at the West Macdonald Ranges. Staying at the campsite next to the Daly Waters pub is an absolute MUST DO.
Be prepared to pay lots for fuel. ULP went up to $2.11 per litre at the most but was often above $1.80. They have you over a barrel and know it.
If you are a drinker then stock up before leaving SA as the NT have limitations on how much and when you can buy booze. Max cask size is 2L and often costs around $20 if you arrive at the right time to buy it.
Overall a great experience and, yes, I'd do it again. (I'll have to as I missed Uluru!)
