Moving between Darwin and Alice Springs is a big move that stays inside the Territory — about 1,500 km on the Stuart Highway, from tropical humidity to the dry heat (and chilly winter nights) of Central Australia.
Here's how to plan it.
Quick facts: ~1,500 km by road · Usually a 2-day drive · No licence or rego transfer needed (same territory) · Fewer trucks run this route than the capital city routes, so book early.
Your removal options
Shared load (backload)
Your goods share space on a truck already travelling between Darwin and Alice Springs. It's usually the most affordable option, but there are fewer scheduled trucks than on the capital city routes, so timing depends on what's running.
Dedicated truck
A truck just for your belongings. Fixed dates, faster delivery, higher price. Often the best choice for a full family home.
Container
A container you load at your own pace, sent by road. A good middle option if you have space for it at your home.
Not sure which? Read What Is Backloading?
What affects the cost?
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Volume | Long-distance moves are priced by cubic metres |
| Shared vs dedicated | Dedicated trucks cost much more |
| Timing | Few trucks run this route; flexible dates help |
| Access | Stairs, long driveways and rural blocks add time at each end |
| Packing | Professional packing adds cost but protects goods on a long, hot trip |
✎ Edit: Add your Darwin–Alice Springs pricing, e.g. "Shared loads from $___ per m³. Dedicated trucks quoted on request."
Because pricing on this route varies so much, get a quote based on a full inventory.
Packing for a long, hot trip
Temperatures inside a truck on the Stuart Highway can get very high.
- Don't pack candles, wax, vinyl records or anything that melts without protection
- Keep medications, electronics and important documents with you
- Empty fuel from mowers and outdoor equipment
- Don't send aerosols, gas bottles or chemicals — see What Removalists Won't Move
- If you're moving from Darwin, dry everything thoroughly first so nothing goes mouldy in transit — see Packing for Darwin Humidity
Driving the Stuart Highway
Darwin → Katherine → Mataranka → Daly Waters → Tennant Creek → Alice Springs.
- Usually two days, with an overnight stop around Tennant Creek
- Fuel up whenever you can
- Avoid driving at dawn, dusk and night (wildlife, cattle and road trains)
- Carry plenty of water
- In the wet season, check road conditions in the Top End before you leave
Settling in
Because you're staying in the NT: - No licence or rego transfer — just update your address with the MVR - Set up electricity and water at your new address - Pack warm clothes if you're heading to Alice in winter — nights can be cold
Coming the other way?
Moving from Alice Springs to Darwin? Read our Moving to Darwin guide and Moving House in the Wet Season if you're arriving between November and April.
Get a Darwin–Alice Springs quote
Get a free quote · or see our Darwin to Alice Springs removalists page.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Darwin to Alice Springs?
About 1,500 km by road on the Stuart Highway, through Katherine and Tennant Creek. It's usually a two-day drive.
How much does it cost to move from Darwin to Alice Springs?
It depends on volume, access and whether you share a truck or book a dedicated one. Because few trucks run the route, get a quote based on a full inventory.
Do I need to change my licence or rego moving within the NT?
No. Both Darwin and Alice Springs are in the Northern Territory, so you only need to update your address with the MVR.
When is the best time to move between Darwin and Alice Springs?
The dry season from May to September is the most comfortable in both places. Alice Springs summers are very hot, and Top End wet season rain can affect roads.