Road trips
Australian Outback road trip ideas: 10 best adventures
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An Australian Outback road trip is like no other. From exploring the red soils around Uluru to taking a dip in a tropical watering hole near Cairns, your adventure can serve up all sorts of once-in-a-lifetime experiences on one route.
We’re spoiled for choice in Australia so it can be hard to decide which Outback adventure to take on next! To help you out, our travel experts have compiled this list of the best Outback road trip ideas.
For each road trip, we have included information on the route, distance, days required, a brief overview, some Outback camping tips and a link to campervan hire at the starting point.
No matter what you’re hoping to see or do in this great country, you’ll find it on this list of Australian Outback road trip ideas!
Indigenous nation names in this post are approximate and sourced from the interactive Indigenous language and social group maps at Gambay.com.au and AIATSIS .
The 10 best Australian Outback road trip ideas
1. “Nullarbor Plain” - Perth to Adelaide
Trip duration: 7 - 8 days
Distance: 3,150km
Destinations: Perth (Whadjuk) - Kalgoorlie (Wangkatja) - Norseman (Ngadju) - Eucla (Mirning) - Ceduna (Wirangu) - Port Lincoln (Nawu) - Adelaide (Kaurna)
Every list of Australian Outback road trip ideas should include crossing the Nullarbor Plain - one of the longest straight roads in the world. Leaving Perth (Whadjuk), drive east to Kalgoorlie (Wangkatja), the largest city in the Outback. Take a tour of the Sugar Pit - a mine so large that it can be seen from space!
Continue taking the Eyre Highway eastward across the famous Nullarbor Plain. On one side of the road, you’ll have the towering Bunda Cliffs overlooking the deep blue waters of the Great Australian Bight, where whales can sometimes be seen frolicking offshore. On the other side, you’ll spot camels, dingoes, kangaroos and emus trampling the desert plains.
Along the way, stop at historical sites like the Eucla Telegraph Station and pop into the roadhouses for a chat with the locals. Finally, you’ll reach the Eyre Peninsula, host to some of the best seafood restaurants in Australia, such as the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel Motel. Spend another day exploring Lincoln National Park before ending your trip in Adelaide (Kaurna).
If you only wanted to do one iconic Outback road trip, this would be it!
Extra tip: Whilst the Eyre Highway across the Nullabor Plain is well sealed, the area is remote and accommodation is scarce. Prepare by packing a few bottles of water, food and other supplies in your camper (see ourcross country road trip checklist for more info).
Arrange campervan hire in Perth.
2. “Explorers Way” - Adelaide to Uluru
Trip duration: 4 - 5 days
Distance: 1600km
Destinations: Adelaide (Kaurna) - Clare Valley (Ngadjuri) - Wilpena Pound (Yadliawara) - Port Augusta (Nukunu) - Coober Pedy (Kokatha) - Uluru (Pitjantjatjara & Yankunytjatjara)
The Explorer’s Way Outback road trip between Adelaide (Kaurna) and Uluru (Pitjantjatjara & Yankunytjatjara) is considered one of the best Australian Outback road trip ideas thanks to its bizarre and unique attractions.
Head north from Adelaide through the rolling green hills of Clare Valley (Ngadjuri), where you can taste some of the country's best wine at vineyards like Sevenhill Cellars. Continue up the road and you’ll come to geological wonders like the Flinders Ranges (the largest mountain range in South Australia) and Wilpena Pound (Yadliawara), a natural amphitheatre of mountains where you can take a guided Aboriginal cultural tour.
As you follow the iconic Stuart Highway, you’ll pass through towns of great historical importance, including Woomera (Adnyamathanha), which is famous for its rocket testing range; and Coober Pedy (Kokatha), where the locals live underground and mine for opal.
Finally, you’ll finish in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - the most famous landmark in the country and a spiritual epicentre for its people. Watch the iconic sunrise, walk around the base of Uluru and visit the nearby Olgas.
Extra tip: Detouring to the rolling red hills of the Painted Desert adds about 2.5 hours to your journey but is well worth it.
Arrange campervan hire in Adelaide.
3. “Red Centre Way” - Alice Springs to Uluru
Trip duration: 2-3 days
Distance: 1,200km
Destinations: Alice Springs (Arrernte) - Glen Helen Gorge (Arrernte) - Kings Canyon (Luritja) - Watarrka National Park (Luritja) - Uluru (Pitjantjatjara & Yankunytjatjara) - Alice Springs (Arrernte)
Few people realise just how much there is to do and see in the Australian Red Centre. This Outback road trip leaves from Alice Springs (Arrernte) and heads into the rugged mountains of the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Go swimming in the desert oasis that is Glen Helen Gorge (Arrernte) before moving on to Kings Canyon (Luritja), where you can go bushwalking and watch the sunset atop the canyon’s sheer sandstone cliffs.
Continue driving into the Red Centre until you reach the heart of the Australian Outback - Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Watch the sunrise (5 a.m. in summer and 6.30 a.m. in winter) before tackling the 10km loop track around the base.
To finish your Outback road trip, you can either loop back to Alice Springs (Arrernte) or continue south to Adelaide (Kaurna).
Extra tip: As you drive through the West MacDonnell Ranges, you will have the option of taking unsealed or sealed roads. If you’re travelling in a 2WD, be sure to take the sealed road.
Arrange campervan hire in the Northern Territory.
4. “Nature’s Way Kakadu” - Darwin to Katherine
Trip duration: 3 - 4 days
Distance: 1350km
Destinations: Darwin (Larrakia) - Jabiru (Kakadu National Park) (Gundjeihmi) - Pine Creek (Wagiman) - Katherine (Jawoyn) - Nitmiluk National Park (Jawoyn) - Elsey National Park (Mangarrayi) - Litchfield National Park (Tyerraty) - Darwin (Larrakia)
The Nature’s Way road trip is a real “top-end” Outback experience. Before departing from Darwin (Larrakia), be sure to visit Crocosaurus Cove, Australia’s only crocodile cage dive. Once you’re ready, head to Kakadu National Park (Gundjeihmi) - one of the country’s natural treasures.
In Kakadu, take a Yellow Water Cruise amongst the wetlands, where over 60 species of fauna can be spotted. And don’t miss Nourlangie Rock, where the sheer red rock walls are host to ancient Aboriginal rock that is up to 20,000 years old.
Move on to Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge (Jawoyn) and Litchfield National Park (Tyerraty), where you can take a dip in the iconic swimming holes and see famous waterfalls such as Wangi Falls. Be sure to take a tour with local Aboriginal guides to learn about the area’s local flora, fauna and native culture.
Finally, loop back to Darwin (Larrakia) and enjoy an Asian or seafood dinner on the waterfront. The perfect end to one of the most iconic Australian Outback road trips.
Extra tip: Give yourself at least 1 day to explore each National Park. They are simply massive and there is so much to do and see in each.
Arrange campervan hire in the Northern Territory.
5. “Gibb River Road” - Derby to Kununurra
Trip duration: 5 - 7 Days
Distance: 940km
Destinations: Derby (Nyikina) - Windjana Gorge National Park (Unggumi) - Bell Gorge (Unggumi) - Manning Gorge (Ngarinyin) - Drysdale River Station (Ngarinyin) - Home Valley Station (Ngarinyin) - El Questro (Kija) - Kununurra (Miriwoong)
The Gibb River Road is perhaps Australia’s most iconic Outback road trip. Before departing the WA coastal town of Derby (Nyikina), visit the infamous Boab Prison Tree and the iconic Derby Jetty (which experiences the biggest tidal range in Australia – up to 12 metres).
Head east into the Napier Ranges, where you can enjoy the 3.5km Gorge Walk through Windjana Gorge (Unggumi). Follow up the next day by swimming in the deep pool under the cascading waterfall in Bell Gorge (Unggumi). And when you visit Manning Gorge (Ngarinyin), keep an eye out for ancient Aboriginal rock art as you hike 3km to the swimming hole.
Continue east and make the most of the accommodation provided at Drysdale River Station or Home Valley Station (Ngarinyin), where you can go fishing on the river or watch the Outback sunset turn brilliant shades of red.
Finally, finish in Kununurra (Miriwoong), gateway to the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park.
Extra tip: Always check the signage before jumping into a waterhole for a swim. You may not be allowed to swim at some sites due to crocodiles.
Arrange campervan hire in Western Australia.
6. “Warrego Way” - Brisbane to Birdsville
Trip duration: 5 - 7 days
Distance: 1580km
Destinations: Brisbane (Yuggera) - Chinchilla (Barunggam) - Roma (Mandandanji) - Charleville (Gunggari) - Windorah (Birria) - Birdsville (Yarluyandi)
An Australian Outback road trip should take you to remote towns where the people are friendly and the beer is cold - and that’s exactly what you get on the Warrego Way.
Depart from Brisbane (Yuggera) and pass through the picturesque hills of Toowoomba (Jarowair) and Goondiwindi (Bigambul). Here you can grab a hearty meal in some of the country's oldest and most iconic pubs such as the Farmer’s Arms Tavern and the Bull and Barley Inn.
Eventually, you’ll reach the famous Dig Tree, where Burke and Wills left their mark during their historic voyage. If you’re in a 4WD, consider taking on the Birdsville Track, one of Australia's most legendary Outback roads.
Finally, pull into Birdsville (Yarluyandi) - famous for its annual racing carnival and the historic Birdsville Hotel. Take a day or two to enjoy the desert dunes in this remote corner of Queensland, before heading back to Brisbane (Yuggera) or continuing further into the Outback.
Extra tip: The best time to head to Birdsville is the first Saturday of September - when the Birdsville Races are held and the weather is more temperate.
Arrange campervan hire in Brisbane.
7. “Matilda Way” - Cunnamulla to Karumba
Trip duration: 4 - 5 days
Distance: 1,693km
Destinations: Cunnamulla (Thinuntu) - Charleville (Gunggari) - Blackall (Kuunkari) - Longreach (Iningai) - Winton (Guwa) - Cloncurry (Mayi Thakurti) - Karumba (Kuthant)
It doesn’t get more Australian than the Matilda Way Outback road trip - named after the ballad of the same name.
Leave south Queensland and head north to Charleville (Gunggari), where you can spot Australia’s most endangered marsupial, the bilby, at the Charleville Bilby Experience. Continue north and you’ll pass through historical shearing towns like Blackall (Kuunkari), where you can learn about the legendary shearer Jack Howe in Ram Park (Jack set a world record in 1892 by hand-shearing 321 sheep in 7 hours and 40 minutes).
Eventually, you’ll reach the heart of Outback Queensland - Longreach (Iningai). Here you’ll want to devote a day to exploring the iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum.
Finally, you’ll finish your Outback road trip in Karumba (Kuthant), where you can visit the highly-rated Barramundi Discovery Centre and Hatchery before enjoying a cold beer and fresh prawns overlooking the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Extra tip: The Matilda Way is well-maintained and sealed, making it an easy choice for first-time Outback road trippers. Take things slow and give way to the large road-trains that share the road.
Arrange campervan hire in Outback Queensland.
8. “Darling River Run” - Walgett to Wentworth
Trip duration: 2-3 days
Distance: 930km
Destinations: Walgett (Wailwan) - Bourke (Barranbinya) - Louth (Barundji) - Tilpa (Barundji) - Wilcannia (Barkindji) - Menindee (Barkindji) - Pooncarie (Barkindji) - Wentworth (Barkindji)
The Darling River Run is perfect for those wanting an Australian Outback road trip without ever leaving the water!
As you depart Walgett (Wailwan), you’ll follow the winding Darling River through beautiful NSW bushland. Stop for the night and camp at the iconic Trilby Station, where you can get a taste of country living and tour the historic Dunlop Station. Take a day to explore some of the most important Aboriginal sites in Australia, such as Mungo National Park - where the world's oldest ritual burial took place 42,000 years ago.
Eventually, as you chase paddle steamers down the Darling River, you’ll converge with the mighty Murray River. Finish your Outback road trip in Wentworth (Barkindji) or Mildura (Kureninji), where you can spend a few days skiing or wakeboarding.
Extra tip: The Darling River Run is a great Outback road trip idea if you’re looking for a well-maintained, safe and easy travel experience. There are also plenty of swimming spots along the way!
Arrange campervan hire in New South Wales.
9. “Great Inland Way” - Sydney to Cooktown
Trip duration: 7 - 8 days
Distance: 2,800km
Destinations: Sydney (Eora) - Mudgee (Wiradjuri) - Moree (Kamilaroi) - St George (Kooma) - Emerald (Gayiri) - Townsville (Wulgurukaba) - Atherton (Djirbalnga) - Cairns (Gunggay) - Cooktown (Kuku Yalanji)
The Great Inland Way is the best Outback road trip for exploring the vast interior of Australia’s east coast.
Leave Sydney (Eora) and make your way north through the Mudgee (Wiradjuri) region, where you can taste some of the country’s best produce and wine at restaurants and cellar doors like Lowe Wines and Robert Stein. Stop in Moree (Kamilaroi) and relax in the soothing thermal springs of the Artesian Aquatic Centre. Then cross the Queensland border into the historical town of Hebel (Yuwaalayaay), where the Kelly gang used to hide out in the famous Hebel Hotel.
Pass through the red desert plains of Outback Queensland and visit towns like Roma (Mandandanji), where you can watch the southern hemisphere’s largest cattle sale takes place every Tuesday and Thursday morning. Walk amongst the sandstone cliffs and Aboriginal carvings of Carnarvon Gorge before fossicking for gems in the Sapphire Gemfields near Emerald (Ganulu).
Eventually, the red soil will turn into green pastures and forests as you enter Tropical North Queensland. Take a Great Barrier Reef diving tour from Townsville (Wulgurukaba) and ride the Daintree Rainforest Skyrail in Cairns (Gunggay) before ending your trip in Cooktown (Kuku Yalanji).
Extra tip: From Cooktown, think about continuing your Outback road trip north to Cape York (the northernmost point of Australia). Note, however, that you will need a 4WD.
Arrange campervan hire in Sydney.
10. “Cape York Peninsula” - Cairns to Cape York
Trip duration: 5 - 6 days
Distance: 1,400km
Destinations: Cairns (Yidinjdji) - Cooktown (Kuku Yalanji) - Laura (Agu Aloja) - Coen (Kaantju) - Lockhart River (Kuuku Ya’u) - Bamaga (Yadhaigana) - Cape York Tip (Yadhaigana)
It doesn’t get much more remote or rugged than this Cairns to Cape York road trip. Your first stop is historic Cooktown (Kuku Yalanji), where the James Cook Museum displays the anchor and cannon left by Cook’s HMB Endeavour after running aground on the Great Barrier Reef in 1770.
Travel north on the Old Telegraph Track through Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park and visit historical sites like the Old Laura Homestead. Continue to Jardine River National Park, where massive termite mounds line the road and wildlife thrive. End your trip at Cape York (Yadhaigana), where you can take a photo with the iconic signpost marking the northernmost tip of Australia.
Extra tip: The Cape York Peninsula Drive is one of the toughest Outback road trips in Australia and is best left to experienced travellers in a 4WD vehicle.
Arrange campervan hire in Cairns.
More Australian Outback road trip ideas
Be sure to check out our Camplify Blog for more detailed Australian Outback road trip itineraries. We’ve covered every corner of the country from Far North Tropical Queensland to the Margaret River in Western Australia!
Plus, every week we publish in-depth articles about campervanning and camping. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive handy tips and tricks straight to your email!
Hire a van for your Australian Outback road trip
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The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.