Mackay to Darwin road trip: Distance, drive time & best stops

Mackay to Darwin road trip: Stop at Renner Springs or Daly Waters?

After the Mount Isa to Tennant Creek leg of the Mackay to Darwin road trip, the next stop on the journey north is the Renner Springs Desert Inn. It’s another plausible but unexciting overnight stay. You’re better off ploughing on past the Lake Woods Conservation Covenant, a good birdwatching spot after rains, towards Daly Waters.

This tiny village is home to a World War II aviation complex, but its star attraction is one of the seminal outback pubs.

The Daly Waters Pub is covered in souvenirs from around the world. Live bands play in the beer garden while guests tuck into barramundi and massive steaks. There’s simple accommodation on offer here if you need somewhere to sleep off your hangover.

Mackay to Darwin road trip: Larrimah and Mataranka

The 168km leg from Daly Waters to Mataranka is not exactly attraction-packed. Your best road trip stop is Larrimah, which hosts the Pink Panther Roadhouse and the Larrimah Hotel. The latter is another great outback pub, which offers cold beer, meals, accommodation and a mini-zoo outside.

About 10km to the north of Larrimah, you can check out the Gorrie Airstrip, a key World War II air base.

But you’re better off continuing to Mataranka, where you can go swimming in the Mataranka Thermal Pool next to the Mataranka Homestead. You can also swim at Bitter Springs or go walking by the Roper River in Elsey National Park.

Mataranka accommodation options are not exactly stellar. Choose between the Mataranka Roadhouse and Territory Manor Motel and Caravan Park.

Click through for the next section: Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park.