What We’d Do Differently Next Time

Driving from Brisbane to Darwin was one of the biggest road trips we’ve ever done. Covering more than 5,000 kilometres across several states, the journey took us through regional towns, remote landscapes, and some of Australia’s most famous outback highways. It was an incredible experience and one we will always remember.

At the same time, long-distance road trips always teach you things. No matter how much planning you do beforehand, there are always small details you only realise once you are actually on the road.

Overall, our Brisbane to Darwin drive went surprisingly smoothly, even though our planning was not as organised as it could have been. In many cases, we booked our accommodation as we travelled, sometimes on the same day or only a few days in advance. We also aimed to stay on sealed highways for most of the journey, although we did take a wrong turn at one point and ended up on a dirt track for a while. Even with these small bumps along the way, the trip worked out well.

None of these things caused any major problems, but they were definitely learning experiences. Looking back now, there are a few things we would probably do differently if we were planning the same Brisbane to Darwin road trip again. If you are thinking about doing this drive yourself, these lessons may help make your journey a little easier and more enjoyable.

Allow More Flexibility in the Schedule

One of the biggest things we would do differently next time is allow more flexibility in our schedule.

When we planned our trip, we had a fairly strict timeline. We were relocating for work and needed to reach Darwin by a certain date. Because of this, our daily driving distances were planned quite carefully to make sure we arrived on time.

While the plan worked well overall, some driving days were quite long. Spending many hours on the road day after day can become tiring, even when the highways are sealed and easy to drive.

If we were doing the Brisbane to Darwin drive again purely as a road trip, we would probably add an extra day or two to the schedule. This would allow for shorter driving days and a more relaxed pace.

Having extra time also means you can stop more often along the way. Some towns and landscapes deserve more than just a quick fuel stop, and a flexible schedule gives you the freedom to explore a little more.

Spend More Time in Some Towns

Another thing we would do differently is spend more time in certain towns along the route.

When you are covering such a long distance, it is easy to focus mainly on reaching the next overnight stop. However, some of the places we passed through had much more to offer than we realised at the time.

For example, towns like Broken Hill, Coober Pedy, and Alice Springs all have unique attractions and interesting history. They are not just convenient places to sleep for the night. Each of them has its own character and stories that reflect life in remote Australia.

Because we were following a strict schedule, we didn’t always have time to explore these places properly. Most of the time we arrived in the late afternoon, checked into our accommodation, had dinner, and then left again early the next morning.

If we were planning the trip again, we would definitely allow more time in some of the towns along the way. We stayed two nights in Broken Hill, but even that didn’t feel like enough time to see all the attractions this wonderful town has to offer. There is so much history, art, and interesting places to explore that we easily could have stayed longer. We would also love to spend more time in Alice Springs and Katherine. On this trip, we were mainly passing through, which didn’t allow enough time to properly visit some of the amazing attractions in these areas. Staying longer in a few key locations would give us more time to explore, learn about the region, and enjoy a slower pace during the journey.

Long-distance road trips are not only about reaching the destination. Sometimes the best memories come from the places you stop along the way.

Coober Pedy Golf Course – definitely an experience if you are visiting Coober Pedy

Avoid Driving During the Hottest Part of the Day

We completed our Brisbane to Darwin drive in January, which is the middle of summer in Australia. As you can imagine, temperatures in many parts of the outback can become extremely hot during this time of year. For most of our trip, the temperatures ranged between 40 and 46 degrees, which made the long driving days even more challenging. Travelling in this kind of heat definitely requires extra preparation and careful planning

While our car handled the heat well, long days of driving in high temperatures can still be tiring. The heat can make you feel fatigued faster, and it also puts extra pressure on your vehicle.

Looking back, we would try to plan our driving days slightly differently next time. Starting earlier in the morning would help us cover more distance before the heat of the afternoon.

In some areas of central Australia, temperatures can climb well above 40 degrees during summer. Driving during these conditions is not impossible, but it does require extra attention to hydration, rest breaks, and vehicle checks.

An earlier start to the day would allow us to finish driving sooner and relax at our accommodation before the hottest part of the afternoon.

Book Accommodation Even Earlier

Accommodation planning was one part of our trip that we handled reasonably well, but we would probably book a little earlier next time.

Many of the towns along the Brisbane to Darwin route are relatively small. While they usually have several motels, caravan parks, or hotels, the number of available rooms can still be limited, especially during busy travel periods.

Because of this, accommodation in some locations can fill up quickly. Prices can also rise closer to the travel date if availability becomes limited.

Fortunately, we were able to secure comfortable places to stay throughout our trip. However, booking earlier would provide even more choice and reduce the risk of limited availability in smaller towns.

For anyone planning this drive, it is a good idea to research your overnight stops well in advance. Towns such as Tennant Creek, Coober Pedy, and Katherine can be particularly busy during peak travel seasons.

Having confirmed accommodation also provides peace of mind when you are travelling long distances each day.

Travel Tip:
When travelling through the outback during summer, we highly recommend booking accommodation with a swimming pool if possible. After a long day of driving in temperatures between 40 and 46 degrees, having the chance to cool off in the pool was incredibly refreshing. It was one of the best ways to relax, cool down, and recharge before the next day of driving.

Photo 1: Discovery Parks Katherine, Photo 2: Stuart Range Outback Resort, Photo 3: Discovery Parks Alice Springs

Plan Fuel Stops Carefully

Fuel planning is another important part of any long-distance Australian road trip.

Although the highways we used are all sealed and well maintained, some stretches of road still have long distances between service stations. This is especially true once you reach central Australia and begin travelling along the Stuart Highway.

Before starting each day’s drive, we made sure we knew where the next reliable fuel stop was located. Even though our vehicle had a good driving range, it is always safer to refuel earlier rather than waiting until the tank is nearly empty.

One lesson we learned is that opening hours in remote areas can sometimes vary. Some smaller fuel stations may close earlier than expected, especially on weekends or public holidays.

For this reason, it is always a good idea to keep your fuel tank topped up whenever you pass through a larger town. Doing this removes a lot of unnecessary stress and helps ensure the rest of the journey goes smoothly.

Photo 1: Spud’s Roadhouse – Pimba, South Australia, Photo 2: Ti-Tree Roadhouse, NT, Photo 3: The Elliott Store, NT

Pack a Few More Road Trip Essentials

Packing for a long road trip can be surprisingly difficult. You want to be prepared for different situations, but you also don’t want to overload your vehicle with unnecessary items.

Looking back, there are a few extra things we would probably pack next time.

Extra drinking water is always a good idea when travelling through remote areas. Even though towns are spaced along the highway, having additional water in the car provides an extra layer of safety.

Sun protection is also extremely important when travelling through the outback. The sun can be very intense, particularly during summer months. Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are all simple items that make a big difference during long travel days.

Snacks are another small detail that can make road trips easier. Having food available in the car means you are not completely reliant on finding a café or roadhouse at the exact moment you feel hungry.

While these things may seem minor, they all contribute to a more comfortable journey.

Allow Time for Unexpected Stops

One of the most enjoyable parts of road trips is the unexpected moments that happen along the way.

Sometimes you will pass an interesting lookout, a historic sign, or a small roadside attraction that you didn’t plan to visit. These spontaneous stops often become some of the most memorable parts of the journey.

Because our schedule was fairly tight, we occasionally had to skip places that looked interesting. We simply didn’t have enough time to stop for long without risking a late arrival at our accommodation.

If we were doing the Brisbane to Darwin drive again, we would definitely allow more time for these small detours.

A flexible itinerary makes the journey feel less rushed and allows you to enjoy the experience more fully.

Photo 1: Christmas Tree Tyres in Silverton, Photo 2: The Giant Red Gum Tree in Orroroo, Photo 3: The big Bear Can in Kulgera

Long-Distance Driving Requires Patience

One final lesson from our Brisbane to Darwin road trip is that long-distance driving in Australia requires patience.

The distances between towns can be very large, and the scenery can remain similar for long stretches. While the landscapes are beautiful in their own way, the sheer scale of the outback can take some getting used to.

Taking regular breaks is essential for staying alert and comfortable behind the wheel. Even short stops to stretch your legs can help reduce fatigue and keep the journey enjoyable.

Driving at a steady pace and sharing the driving where possible also makes a big difference on longer travel days.

Looking Back on Our Brisbane to Darwin Road Trip

Looking back, our Brisbane to Darwin road trip was an incredible experience. Travelling across such a large part of Australia gave us a new appreciation for the scale and diversity of the country.

From regional towns in Queensland and New South Wales to the vast open landscapes of South Australia and the Northern Territory, the journey was full of memorable moments.

Although there are a few things we would do differently next time, none of them take away from how rewarding the trip was overall. In many ways, these small lessons are simply part of the road trip experience.

If you are considering driving from Brisbane to Darwin, careful planning will help make the journey smoother. Choosing sensible overnight stops, allowing realistic driving distances, and preparing for the conditions of outback travel are all important steps.

At the same time, it is also important to enjoy the journey. Some of the best parts of a road trip happen when you slow down, explore the places you pass through, and take the time to appreciate the landscapes around you.

The Brisbane to Darwin drive is not just about reaching the destination. It is about experiencing one of Australia’s great long-distance road trips.

If you’re planning your own Brisbane to Darwin road trip, be sure to check out our other posts for more detailed information. For a full breakdown of our exact route, daily distances, and driving times, see Brisbane to Darwin Road Trip: Daily Driving Route, Distances & Stops. And if you want to know where we stayed along the way, including tips on the best overnight stops, check out Best Overnight Stops on Our Brisbane to Darwin Drive. These guides will help you plan your journey, make realistic driving plans, and find comfortable places to rest along the way.