Part TWO: Enroute – Canberra to Darwin: A Family Road Trip Adventure
Enroute – Canberra to Darwin: A Family Road Trip Adventure
If you're facing a posting to Darwin and wondering whether it's worth driving across Australia with young kids—my honest answer is: absolutely, YES!
When my husband first suggested the idea, I thought he was completely mad. Travelling thousands of kilometers with toddlers and a baby? No thanks. But what started as anxiety and dread soon turned into one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives. Even now, six months later, our little ones still talk about it.
The keys to a successful road trip? Be over-prepared, stock up on snacks and entertainment, plan ahead, and do your research. In this blog, I’ll share our full route, including where we stayed and what we loved (and didn’t). I hope this helps other families taking on a similar adventure.
First Stop: Sydney, NSW
We kicked off our journey by staying with family in Sydney over Christmas and New Year’s. Knowing we might not see them for a while made this stop extra meaningful. You can either spend a few days here or skip ahead straight to Dubbo.
Must-see spots in Sydney with little ones:
❤️ Sydney Harbour Bridge / Darling Harbour
❤️ Taronga Zoo, Sydney Zoo or Featherdale Wildlife Park
❤️ Sydney Aquarium
❤️ Jellybean Pool, Blue Mountains
Stop 2: Dubbo, NSW
We splurged on an overnight stay inside the Dubbo Zoo—and while it’s pricey, it’s an experience we’ll never forget. If you're watching your budget, nearby hotels or campsites offer good alternatives with day visit options.
Staying at the zoo meant waking up to the sight of giraffes from our cabin window. The kids loved walking to the playground after breakfast and spotting animals with their binoculars. We stayed two nights but honestly needed at least one more to fully enjoy it.
Stop 3: Lightning Ridge & St George, QLD
We planned about 9 hours of driving, including stops for toilet breaks, sightseeing, and a visit to Lightning Ridge—a bucket list destination for me.
The highlight? Chambers of the Black Hand—a hand-carved opal mine 12 metres underground. The kids, even little Ella Bear, donned hard hats and marveled at the incredible sculptures. We also visited The Opal Cave in town, where I picked out a beautiful opal set to one day turn into a ring.
En route to St George, we stopped at Riversands Wines, where the kids ran through sprinklers while we sampled local wine (which surprisingly made it all the way to Darwin). We stayed at Riverland Motor Inn—a clean, comfortable space with laundry facilities and a nearby playground for the kids.
Stop 4: Longreach, QLD
Longreach was roughly a 12-hour drive (including stops). We stayed at Saltbush Retreat, a charming oasis in the middle of the outback. The cabin was beautifully styled, the pool offered a much-needed cool down, and there was even a stunning outdoor bath overlooking the landscape. My husband enjoyed it with a book—next time it’s my turn!
We visited the Qantas Founders Museum where the kids played pilot in a flight simulator, and I explored Michael Jackson’s private jet. A fascinating experience for us all.
Stop 5: Winton & Mount Isa, QLD
On the way to Mount Isa, we stopped in at Winton and visited the Australian Age of Dinosaurs. This was a favourite for all of us. It tied perfectly into our homeschooling—Christian and Grace learned about Australian dinosaurs and fossils and saw real-life archaeologists at work.
Unfortunately, things took a turn in Mount Isa. We stayed at Copper City Hotel, which felt unsafe. If I had my time again, I’d choose Discovery Parks – Argylla.
To make matters worse, I became violently ill and had to be hospitalized with dehydration from gastro. We extended our stay for two more days to recover, and looking back, I’m so grateful it happened where medical care was accessible.
Stop 6: Katherine, NT
This was the longest drive of the trip—about 16 hours with breaks. We had no choice due to lack of available accommodation at Devils Marbles Hotel (which was our next planned spot) and this far into the outback of Australia. It was exhausting and not something we’d ever attempt again.
We stayed at Discovery Parks – Katherine, where the kids enjoyed the pool while I rested. They explored on their bikes and loved the change in landscape which differed to what they where used to back home.
Stop 7: Daly Waters, NT
Our stay at Daly Waters Pub was one of the most unique stops of the trip. With quirky decor from all over the world, delicious food, a great kids’ playground, and warm staff, it was an absolute gem. I only wish we’d arrived earlier to soak up more of the atmosphere.
Final Destination: Darwin, NT
We made it! After days on the road, countless memories, and a few curveballs, we arrived in Darwin tired but fulfilled.
I was so scared to do this drive—but it ended up being one of the most meaningful experiences of our lives. We saw parts of Australia many people never do, grew closer as a family, and created memories that our children still talk about forever.
If you’re on the fence—take the leap. Keep God at the center of your journey, and He will guide you, surprise you, and bless your path in ways you never expected.
This road trip wasn’t just about getting to Darwin. It was about faith, family, and freedom—and it changed us for the better.
✨ Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
in all your ways submit to Him,
and He will make your paths straight.”