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Trip Overview
The classic road trip from Brisbane to Uluru covers roughly 3,500–3,900 km depending on your chosen route. This guide follows a scenic northern line through Roma, Longreach, Mount Isa and Tennant Creek, before reaching Uluru and finishing in Alice Springs.
FAQs: Planning Your Brisbane → Uluru Drive
How long is the drive from Brisbane to Uluru?
Expect around 37–45 hours of pure driving broken over 10 days to enjoy stops and travel safely.
Do I need a 4WD camper?
A 2WD Camper is sufficient for the main sealed highways. A 4WD helps if you plan to tackle remote or unsealed options (e.g., parts of the Mereenie Loop). When in doubt, choose sealed alternatives.
Best time of year?
May–September for milder days, cool nights and excellent stargazing. Summer heat and storms can be challenging.
Is free camping allowed?
Use designated campgrounds. Camping is not allowed within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park; stay at Yulara (Ayers Rock Campground) or nearby stations.
Are there many fuel stations between Brisbane and Uluru?
You can use google maps to find the nearest service or fuel station. Websites or apps like Petrol Spy allows you to compare fuel prices.
Is the Northern or Southern route better to travel from Brisbane to Uluru?
Northern Route: More scenic, passes through outback towns and Alice Springs—recommended for first-timers
Southern Route: Shorter (~3,900 km) and includes the Gold Coast, Adelaide, and wine regions—perfect for variety
How much does it cost to rent a campervan from Brisbane to Alice Springs?
2WD Campervans start from $200 per day. 4WD Campervans start from $400 per day. The longer the rental, the lower the daily rental price.
10-Day Brisbane → Uluru → Alice Springs Itinerary (Campervan-Friendly)
Day 1: Brisbane → Roma (~480 km / 6 hrs)
Hire a campervan from Brisbane and head west via the Warrego Highway into cattle country. Stroll the heritage precinct or time your visit for saleyard action.
Stay: Roma caravan park options (e.g., Big Rig Tourist Park / equivalent).
Day 2: Roma → Longreach (~690 km / 7.5 hrs)
Settle in for a big drive to outback royalty. Explore the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum.
Stay: Longreach Tourist Park or similar.
Day 3: Longreach → Winton → Barcaldine (~300 km / 3.5 hrs)
Call into Winton for the Waltzing Matilda Centre and, time permitting, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs. Continue to Barcaldine for a dose of union history at the Tree of Knowledge.
Stay: Barcaldine Tourist Park or nearby camp options.
Day 4: Barcaldine → Mount Isa (~650 km / 7 hrs)
Track north-west to mining town Mount Isa. Catch sunset at Lake Moondarra or explore the town’s underground museum.
Stay: Mount Isa Outback Tourist Park (or equivalent).
Day 5: Mount Isa → Tennant Creek (~660 km / 7 hrs)
Cross into the Northern Territory and ease into desert rhythms. Stop at Battery Hill Mining Centre for local gold-rush lore.
Stay: Tennant Creek Tourist Park or similar.
Day 6: Tennant Creek → Alice Springs (~510 km / 5.5 hrs)
Arrive in the Red Centre’s cultural heart. Browse Todd Mall, visit galleries or the Desert Park to learn about arid-zone wildlife.
Stay: BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park (or equivalent).
Day 7: Alice Springs → Uluru (~450 km / 5 hrs)
Head south to Erldunda then west along the Lasseter Highway. Pause for views of Mount Conner (“the fake Uluru”). Arrive at Yulara by afternoon for sunset over Uluru.
Stay: Ayers Rock Campground (Yulara) — powered/unpowered sites close to resort facilities.
Day 8: Uluru (Full Day)
Sunrise at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, then explore the Cultural Centre. Walk the Mala track or the full 10.6 km Base Walk. Stargaze after dark.
Stay: Return to Ayers Rock Campground (Yulara). Camping is not permitted inside the National Park.
Day 9: Uluru → Kings Canyon (~320 km / 4 hrs)
Drive to Watarrka National Park and tackle the iconic Kings Canyon Rim Walk (6 km). Reward yourself with a sundowner at camp.
Stay: Kings Canyon Resort Campground (powered/unpowered, pool, store).
Day 10: Kings Canyon → Alice Springs (~470 km / 5 hrs)
Return to Alice Springs via the Mereenie Loop (4WD & permit required) or the sealed road via Erldunda. Stop at Simpsons Gap or Standley Chasm for a final Red Centre fix. Return your Campervan in Alice Springs
Read Also : Top Rated Outback Road Trips In Australia for Travel Enthusiasts
Safety & Planning Tips
- Fuel & Water: Top up whenever possible; carry ample drinking water (at least 10–15 L per person for remote stretches).
- Wildlife: Avoid night driving—kangaroos, camels and stock can be on the road.
- Respect Country: Uluru is sacred to the Anangu. Enjoy base walks and cultural learning; do not climb.
- Road Conditions: Check closures and fire bans. For the Mereenie Loop, a 4WD and permit are required; otherwise choose sealed alternatives.
- Connectivity: Reception is patchy. Download offline maps and let someone know your plan.
Why We like this Road Trip
Driving from Brisbane to Uluru isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about immersing yourself in Australia’s history, landscapes, and cultures. You’ll pass through cattle country, mining towns, Aboriginal heritage sites, and the vast red desert that defines the heart of the nation. From the lively streets of Brisbane to the spiritual calm of Uluru and the vibrant arts community of Alice Springs, this Brisbane to Uluru outback adventure guide gives you the perfect balance of discovery, reflection, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
