Port Augusta to Darwin in July

by Anina
(Switzerland)

Hi!
After cycling NZ for over 5 months, I'm thinking of finishing all the cycling with Stuart Hwy in Australia. July, give or take a little of June and/or August.
South to North making sense?
How long does it usually take? (Only sidetrip (not necessarily by bike)) would be Uluru)
What map do you recommend? (Does it show water supply points?)
Are there any campsites (shown on maps) or does it come down to rough/freedom camping?
When you say cold at night, what does that refer to?
And any idea how Virginblue is known to treat cyclists? (kg-limits?, boxed I assume)

Cheers!
Anina

Hi Anina,

You have big plans and lots of questions, lol. So here are my answers.

Beginning with how long does it take... depends on how much you bike each day and how long you stop at some places. It is roughly 2700 km from Port Augusta to Darwin, the detour to Uluru is 240 km one-way.
July is definitely the coldest month in the centre and in the south.
Mean minimum temps for Alice Springs in July are 3,7°C, for Port Augusta 6,8°C and for Darwin 19,7°C. I reckon it doesn't matter if you from south to north, or the other way.


This map features fuel stops, rest & camping areas & more info for the long drive. Roadhouses and fuel stops have usually campgrounds, cabins, some even motel rooms. I think the longest stretch without any facilities is from Glendambo to Coober Pedy in South Australia.
Check the Stuart Highway page for more details from Port Augusta to Alice Springs. There are also rest areas between the roadhouses, often with water tanks. However, I am not sure how reliable it is to stock up with water there. I reckon you'll have to carry a lot of water with you.

Here's Virgin Blue's info on how to carry your bike with you. It'll cost you 5 kg of your overall baggage allowance, no matter how heavy the bike is, and yes, it has to go in a box.

Happy planning, and have a safe trip.

Rita

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