Tennant Creek to Darwin road trip: Stops, distance & drive time

Tennant Creek to Darwin road trip: Larrimah and Mataranka

The 168km leg from Daly Waters to Mataranka doesn’t offer a great deal either. The best stop is Larrimah, home to the Pink Panther Roadhouse and the Larrimah Hotel – another great outback pub. It offers cold beer, meals, accommodation and a bizarre collection of animals in a mini-zoo outside.

You can also see the Gorrie Airstrip, a key World War II air base, about 10km to the north.

But you’re better off ploughing through to Mataranka and swimming in the Mataranka Thermal Pool next to the Mataranka Homestead. You can also swim at Bitter Springs or go for a walk by the Roper River in Elsey National Park.

Mataranka accommodation options are limited. Pick between the Mataranka Roadhouse and Territory Manor Motel and Caravan Park.

Next up: Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park.