Cairns to Alice Springs road trip: Best stops, distance & drive time

Best stops on the Cairns to Alice Springs drive: Devils Marbles to Alice Springs

The best place to stop on the dusty, dry 508km journey from Tennant Creek to Alice Springs is the Devils Marbles, a mysterious collection of stacked red boulders.

The Wycliffe Well roadhouse, covered in alien and UFO-related nonsense, is also quite entertaining.

Other potential fuel stops on the way to Alice Springs are the Barrow Creek Hotel, Ti Tree Roadhouse and Aileron Roadhouse.

Alice Springs attractions and activities

Alice Springs is by far the most likely overnight stay on the Tennant Creek to Alice Springs section of road trip, however.

Things to do in Alice Springs include the absorbing Alice Springs Desert Park, the Museum of Central Australia and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base visitor centre.

Seven essential Alice Springs activities to add to your trip.

Ormiston Gorge waterhole in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

See imposing red rock cliffs and stunning swimming holes – on a West MacDonnell Ranges day trip.
Glide across the changing morning colours of the outback – on a hot air balloon ride.
See how education works across the outback – at the School of the Air.
Take in the epic outback scenery – on a scenic flight.
See the outback wildlife come to life – on a Desert Park nocturnal tour.
Try camel rides through the red dirt landscape – and learn the weird history of Aussie camels.
See stunning, often unvisited outback sites – on a Palm Valley 4wd tour.