CAIRNS TO DARWIN

CAIRNS TO DARWIN Tour Overview

Join us for an unforgettable 10-day riding adventure through Australia’s Top End, one of the continent’s last frontiers. Starting from Ellwood HQ in Cairns, we journey through pristine rainforests of Far North Queensland, rugged cattle country of Cape York Peninsula’s southern end, and numerous hidden gems like historical sites, waterfalls, rock formations, and outback pubs. Heading west along dusty outback tracks of the Gulf of Carpentaria, we detour to Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, renowned for its stunning landscapes and heritage fossils. Spend afternoons canoeing the gorges or exploring sandstone cliffs before crossing into Northern Territory’s Limmen National Park, where we tackle rugged terrain and waterways, exploring vast private cattle stations and local rivers. Relax at Mataranka’s natural thermal springs before entering Litchfield NP. Cap off the journey in Darwin with an ice-cold beer, farewell dinner, celebrating newfound friendships forged on this epic motorcycle adventure.

Start and Finish: The tour begins in Cairns, QLD, and ends in Darwin, NT.
Duration: 10 Days of riding, covering approximately 3500 kilometers.
Terrain: 75% Dirt Roads, 25% Bitumen, with open dirt roads, 4WD twin tracks, and technical terrain like mud, rocks, and river crossings.
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced. Must be comfortable riding at 80KM/ph on dirt roads and 100KM/ph on main roads. Advanced option includes mud, rocks, river crossings, bull dust, single trail and technical terrain.
Accommodation: Tented camping each night with options to upgrade to cabins or rooms at select locations.
Distances: Each day will have a different distance ranging from roughly 250 to 570 kilometres. You will need a fuel range of around 500 kilometres. We will refuel each day at stations and roadhouses.

Tour Highlights

Embark on an unforgettable ride from Cairns to Darwin, crossing the remote Gulf of Carpentaria. Witness the majestic Leichardt Falls and the stunning beauty of Lawn Hill National Park. Visit the fishing town of Karumba and pass through the historic Hells Gate. Relax at the wilderness of Lorella Springs and soak in the rejuvenating Mataranka and Bitter Springs. Explore Litchfield National Park, ride through private cattle stations, and experience the raw charm of Australia’s untamed outback.

- 10 days of unforgettable carefully planned routes
- Highly experienced lead and sweep riders
- 3 camp dinners and 2 breakfasts
- Camp fees, park fees
- Free t-shirt
- Photos and videos of the entire tour
- Waterfalls, thermal springs, swimming holes
- Private cattle station tracks, million acre property
- Learn how to navigate and use your GPS
- Tips on adventure bike set up and riding tips
- The best riding the Top End has to offer
- Trained first aiders
- SAT Phone, EPIRB and Spot Tracker
- Back up vehicle
- Fuel for the entire tour
- A discount code to use with our partners
- Lost city rock formations, National Parks
- Iconic Australia historic trails
- Learn mechanics in the bush along the way
- Bike freight ( you will need to get your bike to start destination and home again)
- 7 dinners and 8 breakfast, lunches and trail snacks ( there will be places each day to purchase these )
- Personal rider insurance
- Personal items
- Gear rental
- Matt Wright Top End Safari extra $495 pp
- Canoeing Adels Grove
The tour will have varying terrain with both “A” and “B” options. There will be a mixture of open dirt roads and 4WD twin tracks with differing terrains such as sand, mud, and rocks. Some off-road experience will make your trip more enjoyable, but we have options for less experienced riders and challenges for those wanting more.
We have a support crew with lead and sweep riders with you the whole time to assist through any technical parts. Approximately 75% of the route will be dirt, and 25% will be on the road. We have a backup vehicle running in the background that will assist in case of breakdowns or emergencies. The support vehicle can carry spares.
This is an Adventure Bike Tour that is suited to any type of adventure motorcycle, from smaller bikes to larger ones. All you need to bring is camping gear such as a tent, airbed, pillow, and sleeping bag, personal items, your riding gear, and spare parts such as tubes, etc. Your bike will need to be in good order to tackle 10 days in the harsh and rugged conditions through the Top End of Australia, and we can provide advice on bike set up if needed.res
We have 16 fully equipped DRZ400s that are adventure-ready, with dry bags and soft panniers, a rear rack,, camping gear including a tent and air bed, as well as a USB charger. If you choose to hire a bike, all you need is a pillow, a sleeping bag, a hydration backpack, and your riding gear. There is plenty of room in your panniers to pack clothes and personal items.
We will be camping each night at campgrounds with showers and toilets. There will be options to upgrade your accommodation to cabins and rooms on some nights at your own cost.

Price

Riding your own bike $4490
Hire Bike $6490

Ready to Ride? Book your spot now for an unforgettable journey through Australia’s most iconic landscapes. Whether you're chasing adventure, breathtaking scenery, or the camaraderie of fellow riders, the Kimberley Tour with Ellwood Motorcycle Adventures has it all.