Cycling from Darwin to Adelaide

Cycling from Darwin to Adelaide

by Rob
(UK)

Bicycles in the Australian Outback

Look, I don't want you to think I am real crazy, but my boy and moi have in mind to cycle from Darwin to Adelaide.
I need to know all watering holes and safe resting areas, without crocs, snakes etc.
See u later, Rob

Response to Cycling from Darwin to Adelaide -

It is doable

Hi Rob,

Thank you for your very interesting question.

First of all, don't worry, I don't think
you are crazy, not at all.

I met people who did this, cycling from Darwin to Adelaide, and other bicycle adventures in the Australian Outback. It is possible.

Having said this, I must also warn you. Cycling from Darwin to Adelaide is a huge task, and you need to be very well prepared.

We talk about more than 3000 km, right. And we talk about heat, strong winds, flies, and huge distances between the watering holes.

Have you been to Australia before? I reckon, you have both some physical strength and experience doing large bicycle tours?
What do you think how many km you manage each day?
How much time do you have for the adventure?

Sorry, that I come with so many questions. However, if you want to do this huge trip from Darwin to Adelaide, and want to succeed, you have to answer yourself these questions.

Don't get me wrong, I really don't want to discourage you, but you have to realise that this is not an easy task.
Hey, I am getting already excited, and I am willing to give you as much advice as possible.

A few general tips:

* Start the tour in Darwin in winter time, July, or August at the latest. The days in the north will be cooler then, although the nights can be
rather cold in the inland.

* Crocs... use common sense and ask the locals where you can camp at night. They are only a hazard in the far north along rivers and billabongs in the tidal zone.

* Snakes... no need to worry about them too much. Aussies love to camp in the bush, and they survive. Only people who try to catch a snake, or doing other stupid things, get in trouble.

* The only thing really you need to worry about is how much water can you carry on your bikes. You'll need lots of water while cycling. You need a good water filtering system so you can use every puddle you'll find along the
way.

Let me know when you start, and don't hesitate to ask more questions.

Cheers, Rita

Comments for
Cycling from Darwin to Adelaide

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Apr 13, 2009

Thanks
by: Rob

G'day Rita,

and thank you for all your advice. I may well have to think again and do just from the top end to the rock or there abouts. It won't be for a while yet or if ever as my son is studying for uni, but he is as nutty as me and is up for it given half a chance. Thanks for all the info on the snakes and crocs. My dad says all we have to worry about now is the spiders.

Oh yes, I have been to Australia a few times, 30 yrs ago I cycled from Melbourne to Adelaide so
I have had a mind to do this big cycle for a while.
Can u tell me how busy traffic wise is the Stuart highway, is it that you are continually in traffic or is it the desert highway and the big quiet that I imagine it to be?
Thanks once again, byeeee Rob

Apr 13, 2009

Stuart Highway
by: Rita

Well, the Stuart Highway is not as busy as a hwy on the east coast. However, it isn't a quiet Outback road either.
As a cyclist, you really need to take care of the road trains. These "monster" trucks can blow you off the road easily. And they drive a lot on the Stuart.

Rita

Related pages in the Outback Guide:
Stuart Highway main page
Uluru Tours

Reader's FAQ & tips
Epic trip to Uluru and the follow up by the same author
Bush flies in the Australian Outback
Stuart Highway - Adelaide to Alice Springs
Stuart Highway with conventional car
Driving Sydney to Uluru in September

Apr 13, 2009

I want to go back on the road
by: Peter

Jeezzz.. that picture... ahh.. I haven't been to Australia but I did cycle a little here and there (see my bicycle site).

But I haven't been on long journeys the last few years, only shorter ones. Seeing that picture I want to go again. Didn't Neil Young say that it is better to burn out then to rust..

May 16, 2009

Cycling Stuart Hwy - do it!
by: Margie

During my solo cycle around Australia, cycling from 3 Ways Roadhouse to Darwin was one of my favourite experiences.

I'm cycling the whole Stuart Hwy in July - Sept 2009 and including side trips to Uluru and the rest.
If you google Renal Ride Australia, you can follow my journey.

The biggest problem will be traffic travelling at 130 km/hr. Be nice to road train drivers & they will be nice to you.
You will probably meet heaps of cyclists along the way. Start in Adelaide & finish in Darwin, enjoying the warmer climate as you travel north.

Hope to see you on the road. Happy pedalling!

May 16, 2009

Way to go
by: Rita

Hi Margie,

thank you so much for your tips.

Wow, I've checked the renal ride 2009 website. You've done already huge bicycle trips around Australia to rise funds for kidney disease - admirable. You are truly an inspiring and adventurous lady.

No need to google, check out Margie's renal ride 2009 site. Everyone can leave a donation on the site. :)

Good luck for your oncoming project. Stay safe on the roads. If you like, keep us informed how it's going.

Rita

May 16, 2009

Help!
by: Anonymous

Please I need information:

Refuges
Water supply
Better season to travel

Please I need that they respond

The trip in bicycle by the Outback is for beneficence.

Greetings from Argentina

Cristian

May 17, 2009

Where do you go?
by: Rita

Hi Cristian,

Thank you for your question.
Are you talking about a bicycle trip along the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Adelaide? Or where should that tour take place?

If it is the Stuart Highway, distances between roadhouses or small settlements can be more than 200 km, sometimes less. Usually, there is not much water between these spots. Every now and then there are rest areas along the highway with rainwater tanks. But I don't know if you can always relay to get water there.

It would be nice if you could tell me exactly where you want to go, so I can help better.

BTW, I didn't publish your email address. You can always come back here and ask more questions, and check what others said. But please, give us more details.

Cheers, Rita

Sep 07, 2009

Melbourne to Darwin by bicycle blog
by: Johnno

Hey i followed this guys blog and its there to be read and talks about all his stops on the way it only took him 6 weeks Man that's amazing.
Nickman's ride to Darwin

Oct 28, 2009

easy to be accomplish
by: Andreas

Well, in December/January 2008/2009 I cycled from Adelaide to Darwin.

So regarding water needs:
there are water supplies every 80 to 100km and the water is drinkable for the time being, so a filter is not necessary. I never had more than 15 liter of water with me which was more than double of what I really needed.

You should be able to do about 130km a day which is a no brainer as there is basically nothing to do between the night stops.
The road train drivers are polite so no worries about this as well.

I completed the tour from Adelaide to Darwin in less than 35 cycling days...so on a 2 month journey you can do it including Litchfield and Kakadu , but not with Urulu (which adds an additional 700km return)

Oct 28, 2009

your other message
by: Rita

Hi Andreas,

thanks for your tips and sharing your experience.

I included your other message to your comment here. BTW, the link to your website didn't work.

Rita

Dec 10, 2009

meine Website
by: Andreas

www.andreas.hoberg.de.vu works fine normally:)

Dec 10, 2009

yep, it works :)
by: Rita

Hi Andreas,
this time I could find your site.
So for anyone planning to cycle from Adelaide to Darwin, check out Andreas' cycle adventure along the Stuart Highway.

Jan 28, 2010

Darwin to Adelaide 2004
by: Pascal Bolduc

Hello.

I cycled my solitary way down from Darwin to Adelaide in 2004. I started mid-September and ended at the end of October, 26 riding days and not a single flat tire or sunburn!!! At first, I rode at night because days were simply too hot for me. From Tennant Creek on, I started riding in broad daylight and was longing for more sunlight. I got myself used to it.

Water can be a problem but it usually isn't. Roadhouses are not that fare from each other except for the Woomera Prohibited Area down south. Only once along the way did I find an empty tank... which isn't a happy experience on the moment, let me tell you.

Crocodiles, snakes, spiders etc. shouldn't be a problem. It wasn't for me. Be prepared to eat mouthfuls of flies on your way down (or up), they're everywhere! Apart from that, I've seen plenty of wildlife. Emus, all sorts of kangaroos, dingos, lizards, snakes, etc. That's an Australia you wouldn't discover on a tourist expedition...

The Highway was certainly not that busy. I could spend hours without meeting a car or a road train. Those road trains, there polite as said in previous posts and will usually (if possible) get in the other lane to help you cope with all the turbulence that follows them. Beware of the buses though. They're much more silent and usually go along much faster as well... and are not so polite.

When I did it, there were huge bushfires in the north (the Barkley Ranges). It was such a nice show at night! But pay attention to the signs of approaching fire. That can happen real fast. Beware also of the heavy smoke that goes along with it.

My experience was incredible. Go for it! You'll get a sense of accomplishment that you won't get anywhere else.

Good luck.

Pascal :)

Jan 28, 2010

thanks
by: Rita

Hi Pascal,

thank you for your very helpful post. Reading your story makes me want to do that as well It must be a great adventure... cycling the Stuart Highway.

Rita

Mar 08, 2010

wind direction
by: Dion

Dear Rita, readers,
I'm planning to cycle the SH in March or April 2011. For the temperature/rain conditions it's best to start in Port Augusta and go north.
But what about the wind? Can anybody tell me what the (general)wind direction is(in March/April)? Curious for the answer,regards
Dion (the Netherlands)

Mar 16, 2010

Wind direction Stuarty Hwy
by: Margie

In March/April, the wind direction is predominately south east, although you do get occasional northerlies. There's been a lot of rain in Central Australia so, as long as the creeks aren't flooded, the vegetation and birdlife will be spectacular. I'd leave the trip until April though, as Darwin is still enjoying monsoonal weather.
Cheers,
Margie
www.renalride.com

Mar 19, 2010

Thanks, no choice
by: Dion

Thank you for the info Margie. The idea was to start south, so that's definite now. Start later regretfully is no option since by the end of may I have to be back in the Netherlands for work and the vacation of my wife and son (today is his eleventh birthday, nog gefreliciteerd Siempie) are in the first two weeks of may. So after a week or so in Darwin I want to go to Cairns to do some scuba diving and explore the rainforest. Any info about what's definitely not to miss in Cairns and surroundings?
grotjes, Dion

Apr 04, 2010

Attractions in Cairns
by: Margie

Hi Dion,
If you are visiting Cairns, you must take a trip to the outer Barrier Reef (cleaner than closer to shore). A trip to the Daintree Rainforest is a MUST also, as is Tjapukai By Night, a wonderful experience of indigenous culture. There has been a recent landslide on the Kuranda rail so I don't know if it has reopened. If so, take the rail ride to Kuranda and the Skyrail back for spectacular views.
There has been a lot of rain in Cairns so I'll keep my fingers crossed for clear weather when you visit.

Apr 04, 2010

Thanks again
by: Anonymous

Thanks again Margie! No chance of getting bored in Cairns.
groEtjes (Els)
Dion

Jun 22, 2010

Re:Cycling from Darwin to Adelaide
by: jenifer26

It was a great achievement to do that. No one is ever gonna believe it at the first sight but as of now, as it has been done it is a part of a history.

Mar 24, 2011

you guys are simply amazing!!
by: Anna

Derar everyone,
I used to bike along Stuart Hiway in Darwin to work and its amazing seeing all the stars before the break of dawn! ...and then i had a DREAM to do a long distance ride from Darwin to anywhere but i had no one to go with.. and then my work visa got messed up so i had to leave Australia. (so naturally i brought my beloved bike to home with me! the best memories of Australia was on the bike!) and now ive been reading all the comments and i regret not being able to do this. wish i met you dear cyclists...enjoy the ride...
:(

Mar 24, 2011

Attractions in Cairns
by: Anonymous

Hello Dion,

This message is for my brave husband:
denk je echt dat het in cairns nog beroerd is tegen de tijd dat wij er zijn?
En moeten we een dikke trui mee nemen of is dat echte onzin?
SPANNEND!!!!

love
els

Mar 24, 2011

Cycling the Stuart
by: Rita

Hi Els,

has your brave husband already arrived in Cairns, or is he still cycling on the Stuart Highway?

If you, or Dion, gets the chance, let us know how it is going?

Hi Anna,

keep that dream, I wish for you it will come true some day.

Rita

Mar 24, 2011

Cycling the Stuart
by: Anonymous

hi Rita,

he is still cycling the Stuart. We plan to meet him in Cairns at 25th of april.
I hope the weather will be nice then,

bye-bye from the Netherlands,
els
(owner of a Bed and Breakfast (www.benboss.nl) where we had several Australian guests last year)

Mar 24, 2011

Cycling the Stuart , 2
by: Anonymous

Hi Rita,

forgot to tell you that I guess he's fine. Our last contact was a few days ago, he sounded happy and excited,

bye,
els

Mar 24, 2011

Thanks Rita!
by: Anna

Thanks so much Rita, you have made a wonderful site and it is very informative and encouraging!

Apr 04, 2011

Thank you!
by: Urs

Hi All,
I love to read everything about cycling in Australia, especially the Outback. I cycled from Darwin to Adelaide in 2004. I left Darwin on April 25 (Anzac day), the beginning of the dry season, and I learned quickly that there was mostly South Esterly wind. It took me a few days to accept that I was having mostly headwind, especially when I met a group from Melbourne riding the other way. I had a few flats along the way, a cracked rim that made me to hitch a ride back to Alice (fortunately only from Stuarts Well) to get a new one. The owner and staff were very nice at the bike shop there! Despite of all that, it was wonderful, and not too much traffic like the others have said. I went back to Australia in November of 2006 to ride from Port Augusta across the Nullarbor via Kalgoorlie to Perth. Great ride too, but more trucks and no mechanical issues thanks to a better bike. Spectacular views along the great Australian Bight. I will probably go back again to ride from Darwin to Perth or something. I will be 60 this year, so as long as one is reasonably well prepared and carries enough water, age does not really matter.
Best wishes to all other riders,
Urs

Apr 04, 2011

Great achievement
by: Rita

Thank you for telling your story, Urs.

I really admire everyone doing the long distance bike rides in Australia. It is a great achievement!

Thank you all for sharing your stories.

Rita

Apr 05, 2011

inspiring!
by: Anna

wow, i read the story of Urs- simply amazing- its just like a regular ride for him! good luck on the next trip!!! truly inspiring!!

Apr 05, 2011

Cycling the Stuart
by: els

hello Rita,

my husband made it savely to Darwin!
He told me it was hard work, but fantastic. Now he tries to sell his bike in Darwin and then he'll fly to Bali and after that to Cairns, where we'll meet him. He has about 100 mosquito bites (is that how you call them?) on his legs and the imprint of his saddle on his backside, but he's very satisfied. One day he cycled 242 km! He did it all in about 3,5 weeks.
Bye-bye for now!
Greetings from the Netherlands were spring has finally begun,
Els

Apr 07, 2011

Thanks for the update
by: Rita

Hi Els,

Good to hear your husband made it! Oh well, mozzies and other biting bugs can be a terror, even if one doesn't ride a bike. It's been very wet in Australia, that's what these creatures love.

Have a great time in Cairns, and a good flight home to the Netherlands.

If Dion wants to add more about his adventure here on the Outback Guide, he is welcome to start a new topic to share his stories and some photos.

Rita

Apr 11, 2011

Congratulations Dion
by: Margie

Hi Els & Dion. Congratulations Dion on completing your epic bike ride! Hope to hear more about your adventures.
I hope you both get a chance to visit those lovely places in Cairns.
Take care,
Margie
Renal Ride Australia

May 01, 2011

Darwin to Adelaide or visa versa
by: Anonymous

I'm planning a ride from top to bottom (or bottom to top) mid July and August. Anyone know which way the prevailing winds blow that time of year?

Matthew

Please don't publish email addresses, you might end up with too much spam. You can subscribe to get a notification when someone adds a comment. Thanks, Rita

Jul 13, 2011

Adelaide to Darwin but noone to go with!
by: Anonymous

I'm a 20 year old engineering student and want to cycle from Adelaide to Darwin (or just the stuart highway) in October/November (school holidays) but don't have a group to go with, be good to get a group together!

Jul 13, 2011

bike mate
by: Anna

I wish i can join you, however am thinking of biking FROM Darwin TO Adelaide! haha
good luck and take care on the road!!

Jul 27, 2011

Darwin to Adelaide by push bike
by: Frenchcyclist

I'm going to take the same ride from Darwin to the bottom. If there's anyone wants to do the same thing in the same time.. Let me know, it's still good to share the experience.
I will leave Darwin the 7th of July (but I'm flexible if you've got another departure).
My number : 04 02 63 23 44

Sep 19, 2011

adalade-darwwin
by: dave-canada

Hey I'm very intrested in riding Adelade to darwin, i did peth to sydney last year and definatly want to go up the middle, maybe spring, if anybody wants to or has a group thinking about this i'ld like to hear from ya?
davidclarencejobst@gmail.com

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