Outback Loop: Adelaide to Uluru & Return (10–14 Days)

Outback Road Trip Highlights

• Flinders Ranges: Wilpena Pound, ancient landscapes & star-filled nights
• Coober Pedy: Opal mines, underground homes, and lunar landscapes
• Uluru & Kata Tjuta: Sunrise and sunset over sacred sandstone formations
• Kings Canyon: Rim Walk, Garden of Eden and sheer sandstone cliffs
• MacDonnell Ranges: Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston & Glen Helen
• Alice Springs: Outback culture, Royal Flying Doctor Service & aboriginal art

Outback Road Trip Route Overview

Direction: Loop from Adelaide north via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways to Uluru, returning via Kings Canyon and the MacDonnell Ranges through Alice Springs. Expect long highway stretches and remote Outback distances.

Approximate segment distances & driving times:

• Adelaide → Flinders Ranges: ~500 km / 5–6 hrs
• Flinders Ranges → Coober Pedy: ~540 km / 5.5–6.5 hrs
• Coober Pedy → Uluru: ~770 km / 8–9 hrs
• Uluru → Kings Canyon: ~300 km / 3.5–4 hrs
• Kings Canyon → MacDonnell Ranges (Alice region): ~330–370 km / 4–4.5 hrs
• MacDonnell Ranges → Adelaide (via Stuart Hwy return): ~1,200 km / 12–14 hrs total (break across 2–3 stops)

10-Day Outback Road Trip Loop Campervan Itinerary

Day 1: Adelaide → Flinders Ranges

Set off north, passing vineyard country before the red earth opens. Explore Wilpena Pound and stay in a campsite or station with star-lit skies.

Day 2: Flinders Ranges Exploration

Hike Bunyeroo Gorge, explore Aboriginal sites, or enjoy a scenic drive through ancient landscapes. Overnight in the region.

Day 3: Flinders Ranges → Coober Pedy

Cross into Opal Country. Visit underground churches, homes, the Umoona Opal Mine & Museum, or head to the Breakaways for iconic outback vistas.

Day 4: Coober Pedy → Uluru (via Curtin Springs)

A long drive ahead. Stop at Curtin Springs for roadhouse fuel and refreshments. Arrive in Uluru for sunset at the rock or Kata Tjuta.

Day 5: Uluru Sunrise & Cultural Walks

Watch dawn colours on Uluru, walk the base with an Indigenous guide, or enjoy a field of light experience after dark.

Day 6: Kata Tjuta & Drive Toward Kings Canyon

Sunrise at Kata Tjuta, then head out to Kings Canyon region. Camp near Watarrka for next day.

Day 7: Kings Canyon Walk

Tackle the 6 km circuit (Garden of Eden included) in early morning. Afternoon at leisure — consider helicopter flight or scenic lookouts.

Day 8: Kings Canyon → MacDonnell Ranges

Travel north toward the MacDonnell range escarpments. Visit Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and camp near Glen Helen or Simpsons Gap.

Day 9: West MacDonnell Gorges

Hike Ormiston Gorge, swim in cool waterholes, and enjoy Outback picnic spots. Sunset at Simpsons Gap if timing allows.

Day 10: Return to Adelaide via Alice Springs

Head east to Alice Springs for a quick visit — explore the Telegraph Station or art centres — before pushing south, stopping in remote roadhouses en route back to South Australia.

12-Day Outback Road trip Extended Option

• Days 1–4: As per 10-day itinerary to Uluru.
• Day 5: Add Walpa Gorge or Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta.
• Day 6: Extra night at Kings Canyon for Kings Creek Walk or Kathleen Springs.
• Day 7: Drive via Palm Valley inside Finke Gorge National Park (requires 4WD).
• Day 8–9: Explore Finke Gorge then head into West MacDonnell with an overnight at Hermannsburg (Aboriginal art town).
• Day 10–12: Return segment as per Day 8–10 of 10-day route.

Camping, Parks & Facilities

• Roadhouses & roadhouses camps: Found at key stops (Coober Pedy, Curtin Springs, Kings Canyon) with basic showers and supplies.
• National park campgrounds: Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Simpsons Gap offer powered & unpowered sites—pre-book early.
• Remote camping: Many rest areas offer free bush parking — self-sufficient setup required (water, shade, shade).
• Permit & fees: Parks Pass required for national parks (Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Watarrka). Purchase online or onsite.

When to Go & Safety Notes

• Best weather: April–September brings manageable temps. Summer is extremely hot (can exceed 45 °C).
• Fuel & supplies: Long stretches without services—carry extra fuel, water, and spares.
• Outback driving: Drive at dawn/dusk to avoid wildlife strikes, and reduce speed in dusty or sandy patches.
• Heat safety: Plan walks early, stay hydrated, and avoid midday exertion.
• Respect country: Uluru and other sacred sites require cultural awareness and compliance with signage.

What to Pack for an Outback Campervan  Road Trip

• Sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen & lip balm
• Hydration supplies: 5 L+ water container recommended per person when travelling remote areas
• Sturdy walking shoes, breathable long sleeves & layers for cold desert nights
• First-aid kit, insect repellent, personal medications
• Extra fuel jerry can, tool kit, tyre repair kit and tyre pressure gauge
• Parks Pass and physical map (not reliant only on mobile signal)

Quick FAQs

How many days do I need for the Adelaide to Uluru loop?

10–14 days strikes the right balance between time behind the wheel and exploration at key destinations like Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the Flinders Ranges. Add extra days if you want to extend into the West MacDonnell or Finke Gorge.

Is a 2WD campervan suitable?

Yes—major routes are sealed. Avoid challenging detours like Finke Gorge unless using 4WD.

Should I book campsites in advance?

Absolutely—especially at Uluru and Kings Canyon, which fill up fast in the cooler months.

How do I plan for long distances?

Carry spare fuel, water, and supplies. Don’t rely on remote service stations and allow buffer time between refuelling stops.

Plan & Book Your Campervan

Ready for your outback epic? Use our Campervan Finder to compare campervans, motorhomes, and 4WD campers from 100+ providers across Australia. Check availability for your Adelaide to Uluru road trip dates and secure the best deal today.