TO mark 150 years since John McDouall Stuart first journeyed into the Northern Territory, we showcase some of the most beautiful journeys and destinations our fine land has to offer.

In 1862 Stuart and his companions were the first Europeans to complete the crossing of Australia from Adelaide to Van Diemen Gulf through the Red Centre and back. Considered Australia’s greatest inland explorer, the pioneering journey has laid an incredible path for us to follow.

John Bailey, author of Mr Stuart’s Track, describes him as “the man who would rather be riding through solitary expanse where he could be dwarfed into insignificance by the immensity of the desert – a place where the sky seemed higher, the horizon further away and the freedom greater.”

Whether roughing it as Stuart did and sleeping under the stars, or relaxing in five-star accommodation, the spectacular destinations will only be outdone by the journey itself. For this unmissable expedition for all Australians, there’s a way to see the centre that suits your budget and travel style.

Relax in luxury aboard the Ghan

Relive Stuart’s epic journey aboard the legendary Ghan, one of the world’s iconic train journeys. This trip is perfect for intrepid outback explorers who appreciate a touch of comfort.

Boarding the Ghan in either Adelaide or Darwin, you can relax and take in the spectacular Australian landscape, from the fertile countryside surrounding Adelaide to the rusty hues of the Red Centre and on to the tropical splendour of the Top End.

Easy day trips and longer tours will allow you to marvel at the reds of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, see the unusual domes of Kata Tjuta, visit Uluru and Kings Canyon. Learn from Australia’s earliest explorers by watching local Aboriginal artists at work or hearing about traditional bush tucker. Get to know the wildlife by getting up close and personal with prehistoric crocodiles on a river tour.

There’s nothing quite like the magic and the romance of a relaxing train holiday. If you like to travel in style, the Ghan will offer you the ultimate journey through the heart of the continent.

Exclusive John McDouall Stuart anniversary 4WD journeys

Immerse yourself in the landscape for 11 days, retracing the steps of the great explorer in a travel experience like no other. Departing only April 16 and June 18, these tours will allow you to see with your own eyes the wonders experienced by Stuart, and get you there in time to celebrate some anniversaries of his trip.

Small groups will visit destinations few people ever get to see, sleeping under the stars the way Stuart would have done but with all the modern technological comforts.

Explorer’s footsteps

See Alice Springs and Standley Chasm then go off-road to find the relics of Old Owen Springs Station (the second cattle station in the NT), drive through Stuarts Pass and camp in the Hugh River, south of Brinkleys Bluff.

Retrace Stuart’s path south along the Hugh River through the Waterhouse Range, drive 10 kilometres along the Stuart Highway then go off-road to Rainbow Valley and on to Chambers Pillar, where you will camp overnight at the famous Explorers Beacon. A magical sunrise here will be a moment to treasure forever.

Northeast from the Pillar, leave Stuart’s tracks to witness the efforts of those who followed the explorer and built the Overland Telegraph Line, as well as the ruins of Alice Well on the junction of Alice Creek and the Hugh River, then north along the Old Ghan rail line.

Station Track to the north leads on to Mt Harris, where Stuart built a cone of stones on his fifth expedition. If you like, climb Mt Harris then on through thick stands of Mulga and open spinifex country, where Stuart’s horses and men craved water. We arrive at Anna’s Reservoir in the Reynolds Ranges, a small and pristine rock hole which saved Stuart’s life several times.

Bird watching, painting, photography or just cogitating at this beautiful place is soul reparation at its best. Camping among the river gums at this life-saving location is an eerie experience few have the privilege to know.

Those who are feeling fit can climb Mt Stuart and stand exactly where the explorer stood 150 years ago.

You will also see Karlu Karlu (the Devils Marbles) and Tennant Creek. Then journey east along a station track to a billabong which is most likely the place where Stuart, Kekwick and Head had their path blocked by Warramungu tribesmen.

April travelers will be at Central Mount Stuart on April 23, the anniversary of Kekwick and Stuart climbing Central Mount Stuart, while June visitors will be at Attack Creek on June 26, the anniversary of Stuart and his party being turned back by the Warramungu.



Time your journey to take in anniversary festivities

From the beginning of April through to the end of June, Alice Springs will host events and exhibitions to celebrate the 150th anniversary of John McDouall Stuart's journey. If seeing central Australia and the Northern Territory have been on your to-do list for a while, these once-in-a-lifetime experiences should give some incentive to bring the date forward.

Where to find out more

For more information on the Ghan and hundreds of other great Northern Territory travel options, we highly recommend a visit to Territory Discoveries or call them on 13 31 01.

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