We share our must visit stops in the Northern Territory & Queensland.
You’ve got your relocation to Cairns booked and now it's time for the exciting part – planning all the fun stuff you’re going to do along the way. Luckily for you, we’ve got a ready made itinerary tried and tested by the Imoova team!
Day 1: Darwin to Pine Creek
Once you've picked up your vehicle in Darwin it's time to hit the road straight away! Roughly 50 minutes from Darwin you'll find the famous jumping croc cruises, this is a must do when in the Northern Territory. There's nothing like being up close and personal with the apex predators and seeing how quickly they can disappear! Once your tour is finished drive just over 2 hours south to Pine Creek, where you can either free camp or stay at Lazy Lizard caravan park.
Day 2: Pine Creek to Tennant Creek
Day 2 will be a jam packed one! 2 hours south of Pine Creek is Mataranka, visiting the famous turquoise hot springs is essential and a great way to relax after driving. Make sure you bring a pool noodle to float down the springs! 50 minutes south of this is your next stop, Larrimah. If you've not seen the Netflix show 'Last Stop Larrimah' then definitely watch before you go. Regardless of the Netflix show it's still very Instagram-worthy with the iconic Pink Panther hotel. 1 hour away is Daly Waters, where you should stop for lunch in the famous pub. There are donkeys wandering the streets and it's a very stereotypical outback experience. After lunch continue driving down to Tennant Creek and stop for the night.
Day 3: Tennant Creek to Mount Isa
This leg admittedly isn't the most exciting, with lots of desert stretches and no signal so make sure you have plenty of fuel & songs/podcasts downloaded. You'll cross the border into Queensland so make sure to take a photo with the sign! When in Mount Isa go to one of their famous rodeos.
Day 4: Mount Isa to Hughenden
This leg isn't the most exciting either but keep an eye out for painted water towers and dinosaurs... you'll see what we mean 🦖
Day 5: Hughenden to Townsville
On day 5 make the 4 hour journey back to civilisation on the East Coast! Spend some time at the beach in Townsville, or do a day trip to Magnetic Island if you get there early enough!
Day 6: Townsville to Millaa Millaa
En route to Millaa Milla, visit Mamu Rainforest Canopy Walkway. This is a hidden gem with unparalleled views overlooking the rainforest. Prepare to see some cassowaries! Tully Gorge is also en route, as well as Hitchinbrook Lookout. Finish the day with a swim at Millaa Millaa falls.
Day 7: Millaa Millaa to Cairns
The final stretch! Enjoy views of the Atherton Tablelands, mountains & sugarcane farms - a landscape the complete opposite of the Northern Territory! After you've dropped off your vehicle stay in Cairns for a few days and experience the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Be sure to tag us in your travel snaps, we love to see what our customers get up to during their relocations 📸