Melbourne to Uluru Road Trip Itinerary

This iconic Australian road trip kicks off in the bustling city of Melbourne in the southern state of Victoria. After picking up your motorhome from Britz Melbourne, set the GPS to Ballarat, and take the Western Freeway northwest. The drive is a comfortable one-and-a-half hour trip, perfect for easing into the Aussie road trip life in Victoria. When you arrive, your first stop is the delightful Ballarat Wildlife Park, where you can immerse yourself in the native Australian wildlife. Here you can feed the free-roaming kangaroos, meet CRUNCH the super-croc, cuddle a koala, and learn about Australia’s fierce slithering friends at the engaging and educational reptile shows. Then, step back in time at Sovereign Hill to explore Ballarat's rich gold rush history. Here you can get a sense of what it was like to be in the streets and the mines and feel the excitement of striking gold in this 1850s lifestyle. For an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of Ballarat's gold rush era, don’t miss the chance to visit the Gold Museum. 

Where to stay: NRMA Ballarat Holiday Park.

Ready for day two? Your journey today leads you to Horsham, a two-hour drive from Ballarat via the Western Highway – transitioning from bustling towns to the calmness of Victoria’s nature. To experience more of this wild natural beauty, take a detour to the stunning Grampians National Park – one of the best national parks near Melbourne. This haven for nature lovers is the perfect spot to enjoy a morning hike along bushland trails, see vibrant wildflowers, and watch out for kangaroos, wallabies, and an array of birdlife. After getting back on the highway and reaching Horsham, head straight to the Horsham Regional Art Gallery. This gallery is the perfect spot to leisurely wander through exhibits of Australian photography. Then finish the day with a leisurely walk in the serene Botanical Gardens, a well-kept secret of Horsham.  

Top tip: If you want to extend your trip by a day or two, you could easily spend a few nights exploring the Grampians. For more details, check out our full guide to camping in the Grampians National Park. 

Where to stay: Horsham Riverside Holiday Park.

Today's drive takes you to the renowned Coonawarra wine region, which is about a one-and-a-half-hour journey from Horsham via the Wimmera Highway. However, the scenery along the drive is bound to keep you entertained, as it oscillates between vibrant vineyards and tranquil pastures. Along the way, stop at the fascinating Naracoorte Caves National Park, home to Australia's largest fossil deposit. Explore the ancient caves, and don't miss the Bat Cave, where you can witness hundreds of Southern Bent-wing Bats! Once in Coonawarra, your taste buds are in for a treat. With more than twenty wineries in the Connoawarra wine region, indulge in some of the world's best Cabernet Sauvignon and top it off with some local eats before heading to camp for the night.

Where to stay: Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park.

Get ready for a long drive today as you head from Coonawarra to Renmark, covering a distance of 390 kilometres over four hours via the Riddoch Highway. En route, take a break in the charming, historic town of Penola, home to a rich history and captivating street art – perfect for exploring and soaking in its laid-back country vibe.

As you arrive in Renmark, you will be greeted by the shimmering Murray River – the lifeline to many of the local Australian outback towns. See this outback river highway up close and personal on a river cruise. Then, finish the day with a visit to the Renmark Pioneer Settlement, an immersive museum that tells the colourful story of Australia's pioneer past.  

Where to stay: Renmark Riverfront Caravan Park.

Today, you are off to the small yet historically significant town of Woomera. The drive is around two hours via the National Highway A87, a comfortable journey through the Australian outback. On your way, visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. This unique garden is home to a diverse range of arid land plant species, an essential stop for nature enthusiasts. Once in Woomera, explore the intriguing history of Australia's space exploration at the Woomera Rocket Range Museum. This aviation museum is filled with historical displays and rocket parts that are sure to pique your curiosity.

Where to stay: Woomera Traveller’s Village.

Get ready for a long journey as you drive three and a half hours from Woomera to Coober Pedy via the National Highway A87. This leg of the trip introduces you to the vastness of the South Australian outback, with its seemingly endless horizons. Take a break from the dizzyingly flat terrain at Glendambo Roadhouse, a classic and rustic Australian roadhouse that offers a perfect opportunity to rest, refuel and have a chat with fellow travellers.

On arrival in Coober Pedy, the opal capital of the world, go deep into the local culture with an underground mine tour. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about opal mining, and even try your luck at finding an opal yourself! And, of course, don't miss a visit to the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum for a deeper dive into the region's opal mining history.

Where to stay: Riba’s Underground Camping & Caravan Park.

Today, you're off to Kulgera, a small town located about four hours north of Coober Pedy via the Stuart Highway. Along the way, take a break at Cadney Homestead, an iconic roadhouse that offers great meals and a chance to stretch your legs. Then, stop off in Marla to enjoy the outback scenery and check out the art gallery, café, and other facilities at Marla Travellers Rest. Once in Kulgera, enjoy the remote outback setting and settle into your Outback camping spot for the night. Don’t forget to look up to appreciate the breathtaking clarity of the starry sky – an experience not to be missed.  

Top tip: Remember to follow Australian bush etiquette and Outback health and safety protocols during your stay to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

Where to stay: Kulgera Roadhouse & Caravan Park.

Finally, you're on the last stretch to Uluru, via the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway. This journey offers more stunning landscapes and the palpable anticipation of seeing the huge mirage of Australia’s largest monolith in the distance. However, don’t be fooled by Mount Conner. This can be seen from the highway and is often mistaken for Uluru because of its similar flat-top shape. Despite it not being the famous rock, it still makes for a great photo opportunity. Along the way, don’t miss the chance to take a break at Curtin Springs, a family-owned station. It's a welcoming place to rest before the final push to Uluru. Arriving at Uluru, you'll be greeted by the magnificent rock formations of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. While in the park, be sure to take a guided tour to learn about the park's cultural and natural significance, go for a hike around Kata Tjuta, and witness the breathtaking sunset at Uluru as the ochre reds flair ember in the fading light. 

Where to stay: Ayers Rock Campground.

On the final day of your road trip, it’s time to begin the journey home from Uluru to Alice Springs to drop off your campervan. On the journey north, consider stopping at the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve. This significant natural feature comprises twelve craters that were formed when a meteor hit the earth's surface 4,700 years ago. It's a short detour from the Stuart Highway and offers a fascinating glimpse into the cosmic events that have shaped our planet.

Then, before reaching Alice Springs, a visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park is a must-do on any red-centre adventure. This multi-award-winning park provides a comprehensive introduction to the desert environment and allows you to see native wildlife, including kangaroos, dingoes, reptiles and a variety of bird species. After a jam-packed ten days of exploring and learning, it’s time to drop off your camper at Britz Alice Springs and head home – marking the conclusion of an unforgettable Australian road trip.

Want to try this road trip itinerary?

There you have it, a ten-day road trip from Melbourne to Uluru. This road trip is a quintessential Australian adventure – taking you through wildlife encounters, history lessons, cultural immersion, and awe-inspiring landscapes. 

Ready to embark on your adventure and try this road trip itinerary for yourself? Book your Britz campervan online today and pick it up at your local Britz branch. Australia awaits, and there's no better way to see it than from the comfort of a campervan, offering flexibility and the promise of adventure around every corner.