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The 100 | Behind the wheel
IN THE PATH OF EXPLORERS
Imagine those early south to north journeys bisecting
the country from Adelaide to Darwin; the parched,
unrelenting landscapes would have truly felt like
frontier country. If you’ve ever wanted to slip your
feet into the well-worn boots of an explorer, such as
John McDouall Stuart, who marked the way for the
Overland Telegraph this route follows, then pack a
sturdy vehicle with supplies and prepare to muddy up
your hub caps on the Explorer’s Way. Of course, there
are more than stubby, dust-cloaked grasses and the odd
kangaroo to spot, this journey is full of unforgettable
sites and stories from the original custodians of the
land. From Karlu Karlu (Devil’s Marbles, pictured)
to Mataranka Thermal Springs and the impossibly
serene Nitmiluk National Park, this arterial route is
pure adventure. Stop by the interior townships of
Alice Springs and Tennant Creek to sink a few with the
locals and get a hold of why this historic journey and
those who live along it capture the essence of Australia.73