Major city · Australia
Adelaide River
Stop 1.5 h south of Darwin for the war cemetery and a crocodile cruise, then push on to Pine Creek or Katherine: one night, not a base.
Adelaide River is a Stuart Highway township of about 350 people, 110 km south of Darwin, with a WWII war cemetery, a historic railway precinct and the jumping-crocodile cruises on the river. It has a pub, a caravan park and a station stay, so most travellers use it as a single overnight on the Darwin–Katherine run rather than a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- May–Sep (Dry)
- avoid Dec–Mar (Wet: heat, humidity, road and cruise disruptions)
- Airports
- DRW · PCP
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Adelaide River000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Adelaide River, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyLow crime, high nature risk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDRW Darwin International (About 1.5 h north by car on the Stuart Highway; the usual arrival point.).
- Getting aroundYou need a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeA$4–6 (≈ US$3–4)
- Beerschooner at the pub / can at the roadhouseA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)A$6–9 (≈ US$4–6)
- Budget bedCaravan or camping site, a night, per personA$25 (≈ US$17)
- Mid-range bedBudget room (Stockmen Quarters style), a night, per roomA$110 (≈ US$75)
- High-end bedBudget room (Stockmen Quarters style), a night, per roomA$150 (≈ US$100)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$80 (≈ US$55) · Mid A$150 (≈ US$100) · High A$280 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DRW Darwin International (About 1.5 h north by car on the Stuart Highway; the usual arrival point.) · PCP Pine Creek Airport (Small strip about 45 min south; check whether it takes your flight.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Feb
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
not flagged
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
May
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Oct
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Nov
not flagged
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
Dec
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Oct (35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)), coolest Jul (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C) low), wettest Jan (20 rain days), driest Jun (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Adelaide River: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
20 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
19 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Apr
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
1 rd
Sep
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Oct
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6 rd
Nov
35°C (95°F)95°F (35°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Dec
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need a car. The Stuart Highway runs through the town, the sights sit 2–5 km apart and there is no local bus. Most travellers arrive on the Darwin–Katherine drive or on a day tour from Darwin.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Pine Creek
goDoor to door: About 45 min each way
Stuart Highway south by car
Gold-rush railway heritage and a pub; pairs well with the drive south.
Humpty Doo
goDoor to door: About 45 min each way
Stuart Highway north by car
Pub stop on the way to or from Darwin.
Door to door: About 2 h each way
Stuart Highway south by car
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Township on the Stuart Highway
Pub, roadhouse and caravan park within walking distance of the highway; best for one night with a car.
Mount Bundy Station
Working station stay on the Adelaide River, about 10 min off the highway; homestead rooms, budget quarters and camping.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$80–140 (≈ US$55–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- A$140–250 (≈ US$95–170) excl. bed
- High
- A$250 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Homestead or motel double1 × 1 night × A$200 | A$200 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × A$150 | A$300 |
| Jumping crocodile cruise2 × A$50 | A$100 |
| Fuel, Darwin to Katherine and back1 × A$120 | A$120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × A$25 | A$50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$77 |
| Trip total≈ A$424 per person per day, bed included | A$847≈ US$600 |
2026 estimate in Australian dollars; fuel and tours excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | A$4–6 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Pub counter meal | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Beer: schooner at the pub / can at the roadhouse | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) / A$6–9 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Jumping crocodile cruise | A$40–65 (≈ US$30–45) |
| Caravan or camping site, per night | A$25–60 (≈ US$17–40) |
| Fuel, per litre | A$1.80–2.20 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Saltwater crocodiles are in the river and its creeks: do not swim, fish close to the bank or camp on the water's edge.
- The Wet (Dec–Mar) brings flooding and road closures on the highway and side roads; check road conditions before driving.
- Distances are long and mobile coverage is patchy outside town: carry water and fuel up when you can.
- Crocodile cruises and some sights run on set departure times and close in the Wet: book ahead and confirm before you drive out.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
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Adelaide RiverAdelaide River
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No consulates in town; embassies and consulates-general are in Canberra, Sydney and Darwin (check the one for your country).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Jumping crocodile cruise: about A$40–65 (≈ US$30–45), 1–1.5 h on the water
- Fuel, Darwin to Adelaide River: about A$25–35 (≈ US$17–25) each way
Say or show
- How far is it? — How far is it?
- Where's the fuel? — Where is the fuel?
- Can you swim here? — Is it safe to swim?
- Thanks — Thank you
Crocodile country: never enter the water or stand on the bank.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Adelaide River. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (Dry) · avoid Dec–Mar (Wet: heat, humidity, road and cruise disruptions) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares