IMHO Tinny, the Alice to the top could be a big stretch for the sprogs .. depends on the age and how many times you can stand to play I spy I spose ..
gotta have a look at the Mataranka Hot Springs .. or failing that KAT gorge or the hot springs just off the Vic Hwy ..
some accom enroute (Tennant Creek, Daly Waters, Katherine) is OK but I'd also bypass Elliott, Ti-Tree and, um, some place called Barrow Creek
We drove into the dark hours from DN to TNK but vigilence is a must if you want to tango with the wildlife ... storms are bloody spectacular but!