Outback road trips and itineraries

Itineraries were one of the most-loved sections of the original site, and pages such as the Great Artesian Spa Tour and the Great Inland Way were linked by caravan and camping sites for years. We have rebuilt the strongest routes as detailed guides and merged near-duplicates — for example, the two Sydney to Darwin variations are now one guide with both options.

Sealed classics

• Great Inland Way — Sydney to Cairns through the inland, avoiding the coastal traffic.
• Great Artesian Spa Tour — the bore baths and hot springs of outback NSW and south-west Queensland.
• Adelaide to Darwin — the Stuart Highway through Coober Pedy, Alice Springs and Katherine.
• Stuart Highway — 'the Track', about 2,720 km from Port Augusta to Darwin.
• Barkly Highway — Three Ways to Mount Isa and Cloncurry across the Barkly Tableland.
• Sydney to Darwin — two inland routes, via Narrabri and Roma or via Nyngan and Charleville.
• Perth to Darwin — the Great Northern Highway through the Pilbara and Kimberley.
• Adventure Way — Brisbane to Innamincka via Cunnamulla and Thargomindah.

Adventure routes

• Savannah Way — Cairns to Broome across the top of Australia, with long unsealed sections in the Gulf.

Planning principles we use

Drive in daylight. Kangaroos, emus, cattle and wedge-tailed eagles feeding on roadkill are most active around dawn and dusk. Plan days that finish by mid-afternoon.

Keep daily distances realistic. The distance between towns is only half of the story. Road trains, roadworks, heat and fatigue slow you down. We suggest 300–500 km a day on sealed roads and much less on unsealed tracks.

Fuel at every opportunity. On remote stretches the next fuel may be 200–400 km away. Carry the fuel range plus a reserve.

Check conditions every morning. Each state has an official road conditions service: Live Traffic NSW, QLDTraffic, SA's outback road warnings, NT Road Report and Main Roads WA's travel map. Unsealed roads can close for days after rain, and driving on a closed road can bring heavy fines.

Share overtaking space with road trains. Road trains can be more than 50 m long. Give them plenty of room, pull off safely if one needs to pass on a narrow road and only overtake with a long clear view.

Choosing a vehicle

Every route here except the Savannah Way's Gulf sections can be driven in a well-maintained two-wheel-drive car. A high-clearance 4WD opens up side trips to gorges, national parks and stations. If you hire a vehicle, read the rental agreement carefully: many companies prohibit unsealed roads in standard cars. Our 4WD driving guide explains the basics.

How we build our itineraries

Our road trips are designed around sealed roads where possible, realistic daily distances, and reliable fuel and accommodation. Each itinerary lists the main towns and highlights, suggested days, and notes on seasons, road conditions and permits. Distances are approximate; always check with state road authorities and mapping services before you go.

Choosing a route

• Short on time? Start with a loop from a regional centre. Outback NSW from Broken Hill, central-west Queensland from Longreach or the Red Centre from Alice Springs can all be explored in a week to ten days.
• Crossing the continent? The Adelaide to Darwin, Sydney to Darwin and Perth to Darwin routes take two to four weeks each.
• Want hot springs and small towns? The Great Artesian Spa Tour and Adventure Way are relaxed routes through south-west Queensland and north-west NSW.
• Heading north for winter? The Great Inland Way takes you from Sydney to Cairns via Carnarvon Gorge and the gemfields.
• Ready for adventure? The Savannah Way and the outback tracks require more preparation and a capable vehicle.

Budgeting your time

A common mistake is trying to cover too much ground. Outback distances are huge, and the best experiences often involve stopping: a sunset walk, a museum, a swim in a gorge or a conversation at the pub. As a guide, plan for 300–500 km on most driving days, with a rest day every three or four days. On unsealed roads, average speeds drop significantly.

Caravans and campers

Most of our sealed routes are suitable for caravans and campervans. Check your vehicle's towing capacity and weights, fit extended towing mirrors, and allow extra time for fuel stops and rest. On unsealed roads, consider leaving the caravan at a caravan park and doing day trips. See our outback camping guide.

Hire vehicles

Hire car and campervan agreements often restrict travel on unsealed roads, at night or in certain regions. Read the terms carefully, ask about one-way fees, and consider a 4WD hire for routes that include unsealed sections. Check what roadside assistance covers in remote areas.

Before you go

Read our fuel, permits and road conditions guide, prepare your vehicle, and carry a satellite communication device for remote stretches. Check the Bureau of Meteorology for heat, rain and fire warnings, and tell someone your plans.

Travelling responsibly

Road trips bring welcome income to small towns. Buy fuel, groceries and meals locally where you can, use dump points for waste, camp only where permitted and respect Aboriginal land and cultural sites. See visiting Country respectfully.

New: one-week and two-week outback itineraries, the Matilda Way, the Uluru itinerary and Kimberley road trips.

More itineraries: Gibb River Road, Flinders Ranges, crossing the Nullarbor and the Outback Way.

Road trips by state: Northern Territory, outback Queensland, outback NSW, outback South Australia and outback Western Australia.

River touring: the Darling River Run from Brewarrina to Wentworth.