Adventurous Adelaide to Uluru and Alice Springs Road Trip

Start your adventure in the vibrant city of Adelaide, where you can easily pick up your campervan from the Adelaide Britz branch. Before you hit the road north in your campervan, take some time to explore Adelaide's charm. Dive into the city's culture by visiting the Art Gallery of South Australia or take a stroll through the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Don't miss the chance to taste local flavours at the Central Market – a paradise for food lovers. From bustling markets to serene parks, there are plenty of great, family-friendly things to do in Adelaide. 

Once you have had your fill of city attractions, begin the drive to Port Augusta. This leg of your Adelaide to Uluru road trip is about discovering charming towns and the unique undulating beauty of South Australian landscapes. On the way, make sure to drop by Wilmington, where you can shake off the drive, stretch those legs, and go for a wander through town. The town's museums offer a deep dive into the local heritage, while the beautiful walking trails around Wilmington provide stunning views of the Flinders Ranges. Whichever you choose, Wilmington’s cozy vibe is perfect for a campervan rest stop. 

When you arrive in Port Augusta, spend the last few hours of daylight checking out the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and exploring the Wadlata Outback Centre. This centre takes you back to the days of the dinosaurs and brings you all the way through to the lives of the early settlers and Indigenous cultures.  

Where to Stay: Discovery Parks - Port Augusta

Day two of your Adelaide to Uluru road trip traverses from Port Augusta to Glendambo and showcases the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback. After getting an early start on driving for the day, stop at Woomera to take a break and soak in the sights. This is an Aussie town with a unique history in Australia's aerospace exploration. The Woomera Heritage and Visitor Information Centre offers intriguing insights into the area's role in space exploration and military testing. 

Where to Stay: Upon arrival in Glendambo, it’s time to embrace the remoteness of the Outback. This small settlement is an ideal place to experience the quietude of the desert. The Glendambo Roadhouse is the perfect park up to rest and reset in the heart of the Outback for the next leg of your journey. It is your go-to for refreshments and a friendly chat with the locals, giving you a taste of Outback hospitality.

The next leg of the Adelaide to Uluru road trip continues as you head towards Coober Pedy, the opal mining capital of the world, renowned for its unique underground houses. En route, consider a stop at McDouall Peak for a stretch and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's a perfect spot for capturing photos and soaking in the vastness of the Outback.

Arriving in Coober Pedy feels like stepping onto another planet. This town is famous for its underground homes, churches, and businesses, offering a unique insight into the adaptability of humans in these Outback regions. Tour the Old Timers Mine, visit the underground churches, and perhaps even try your hand at noodling for opals. Coober Pedy also serves as a fantastic base for exploring the nearby Breakaways Reserve, showcasing striking outback scenery that has been the backdrop for many films.

Where to stay: The BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort

Leaving the unique landscape of Coober Pedy behind, you'll venture further into the vast expanse of the Australian Outback, heading towards Marla, a small community marking the beginning of the remote Oodnadatta Track. Halfway through, Cadney Homestead offers a perfect spot to break the journey. This iconic roadhouse is where travellers gather for a hearty meal, and stories are exchanged over cups of coffee. It's a genuine Outback experience, providing a glimpse into the life of remote Australia.

Where to stay: After a day of driving through the desert and Outback, Marla Travellers Rest serves as a welcoming beacon in the remote landscape. This rest area is the perfect base to enjoy the starry skies of the Outback and mingle with fellow travellers, share stories from the road, and pick up local souvenirs to capture the essence of your time traversing the Aussie Outback.

As you continue your Adelaide to Uluru road trip, the road from Marla to the Ghan is another taste of the vast, open beauty of the Northern Territory. The Kulgera Roadhouse, approximately halfway to Ghan, offers a quaint stop to refuel your vehicle and your energy. With its welcoming atmosphere, it's another great spot to encounter the friendly locals and learn more about life in the Outback. Upon reaching the town of Ghan, you'll find yourself in one of the Northern Territory's most serene landscapes.  

Where to stay: Erldunda Roadhouse provides a cozy retreat in the heart of the desert.

The journey to Uluru, an emblem of Australia's natural heritage, is a highlight of every Adelaide to Uluru road trip. As you approach, the iconic silhouette of Uluru rises majestically from the flat plains, offering a sight that's truly magical.

Arriving at Uluru, take the time to fully appreciate the magnificence of this ancient monolith. Guided tours around the base of Uluru provide insightful cultural stories from the traditional Anangu owners. Nearby, Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) offers a series of domed rock formations that are equally majestic and worth exploring. As this day of the road trip ends, find a spot within the park to watch the colours of Uluru transform at sunset — an unmissable experience when travelling to this corner of the Australian Outback. The changing colours of the rock as the sun rises or sets are truly breathtaking sight, highlighting the natural beauty and spiritual significance of this place.

Where to stay: Ayers Rock Campground offers comfortable Outback accommodation just a short drive from the park.  

After a few big days of driving, the eighth day of this road trip is a great time just to relax and explore the stunning natural wonder of Uluru and its surroundings in a little more depth. After starting your day by watching the sun rise over the park, get an early start on the Uluru Base Walk. This 10km walk takes you around the entire perimeter of the rock, allowing you to see the many facets of Uluru up close. Notice the ancient rock art sites along the way and the unique flora and fauna. It is essential to start early and pack lots of water to avoid heat exhaustion!

Then, hop in your campervan and venture out to the shady reprieve of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a group of large, domed rock formations about 30km from Uluru. The Valley of the Winds walk offers a shaded cooler walk winding through the valley of the domes — offering breathtaking views and a profound connection to the land's ancient spirituality. If you want a different perspective (or perhaps a break from walking), a scenic helicopter flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta provides unbeatable views of these natural wonders and the vast desert landscape that surrounds them.

Where to Stay: Return to Ayers Rock Campground to rest and reflect on the day's adventures.

The journey from Uluru to Alice Springs in your campervan hire is a long one, stretching over 468km, but it's filled with beautiful Outback scenery and opportunities for memorable stops. Halfway through your drive, take another break in Ghan to stretch your legs, have lunch, and enjoy the serene Outback landscape before continuing your road trip. Upon arrival in Alice Springs, a sunset camel ride is an unforgettable way to experience the Outback's beauty.  

Where to stay: Discovery Parks Alice Springs provides a comfortable base to explore the town and its surroundings.

On the final day of your Adelaide to Alice Springs tour, it is time to explore the heart of Australia's Red Centre – Alice Springs. First up, visit the Alice Springs Desert Park to learn about the desert's ecosystem and the animals that inhabit it. The park provides insights into Aboriginal culture and the importance of the land. Then, head into town to explore the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre to learn about this crucial service's history and operations, providing medical care to remote Outback communities. Last but certainly not least, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a historical site that marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. It's an excellent place for a picnic and a leisurely walk. 

With camper locations in Alice Springs, Adelaide, and even Darwin, you have the flexibility to end your road trip here, drive back the way you came from Alice Springs to Adelaide, or continue exploring the Northern Territory. With the freedom of a campervan, the choice is yours.

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory with Britz

From the vibrant streets of Adelaide to the majestic Uluru and the spirited town of Alice Springs, this Adelaide to Uluru road trip really captures the Aussie city and Outback experience. Read to explore South Australia and the Northern Territory for yourself. Book your Britz motorhome online and pick it up from any Britz branch to start your road trip to South Australia and the Northern Territory. Whether you're marvelling at ancient rock formations, learning about local cultures, or simply soaking in the vast landscapes of the Outback, this Adelaide to Alice Springs tour travel itinerary won’t disappoint.