Brisbane to Darwin road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time

Brisbane to Darwin road trip: Barkly Highway to Tennant Creek

The next stretch from Mount Isa to Tennant Creek is a long 661km slog, requiring careful use of fuel stops. The only town on the route is Camooweal, just on the Queensland side of the Northern Territory border. 

Things to do in Camooweal include finding out about cattle droving at the Drovers Camp, and admiring the cave mouths in Wiliyan-ngurru National Park.

Camooweal is also the gateway to Boodjamulla National Park, home of Lawn Hill Gorge.

After Camooweal, there’s no fuel for another 260km, so stock up at the Barkly Homestead when you arrive.

The Brisbane to Darwin drive finally meets the Stuart Highway at the Threeways Roadhouse. Tennant Creek lies 25km to the south, and realistically, most are going to want to build in an overnight stop here.

Things to do in Tennant Creek include taking in Indigenous heritage at the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Cultural Centre. Other options include the Bill Allen Lookout and gold rush heritage at the Battery Hill Mining Centre.

Click through to the next section: Tennant Creek to Mataranka.