The Outback Way

Ease into outback life in Winton, a town of corrugated roofs, historic pubs and big skies. Stories are stitched into this landscape, from prehistoric giants to the song that became Australia’s unofficial national anthem. Take your time, stretch your legs and tune into the slower pace that will shape the days ahead.

Things to do in Winton

Start at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, home to a remarkable collection of Australian dinosaur fossils and a working fossil lab that brings the region’s ancient past to life. Back in town, the Waltzing Matilda Centre shares the tale of Banjo Paterson’s famous ballad and the broader story of Western Queensland. If daylight allows, head into the jump-up country for a golden hour lookout or stroll a local billabong to watch birdlife as the red earth fires up at sunset.

Where to stay in Winton

Choose a centrally located Winton holiday park with powered sites, shade and easy access to town attractions. These parks are well set up for 4WD travellers, with laundry facilities, BBQ areas and room to spread out before tomorrow’s first red dirt run.

Roll west across open downs and jump-up mesas toward Boulia, a Channel Country town famed for mysterious Min Min lights that have intrigued travellers for more than a century. The road is long and the horizons are wide, so settle into a steady rhythm and make time for a few scenic pauses.

Where to stop between Winton and Boulia

• Middleton Hotel: A friendly, no-frills pub in the middle of nowhere that typifies outback hospitality. A photo by the sign and a cold drink are almost mandatory. 

• Cawnpore Lookout: A short, steep detour to sweeping views of the jump-up country, perfect for appreciating layered mesas and endless skies. Castle Hill area: Use signed bays to pull over safely for quick photos of the distinctive rock formations and to stretch your legs.

Things to do in Boulia

Head straight to the Min Min Encounter to hear tales of the region’s legendary lights told by lifelike characters and immersive displays. Later, wander the Burke River banks for a sunset stroll, then drop into the local pub for a hearty meal and a yarn with fellow travellers.

Where to stay in Boulia

Set up at Boulia Caravan Park on the Burke River. Shady sites, hot showers and a quiet outback setting make it a great base to reset before you leave Queensland’s Channel Country for even more remote territory.

Leave Boulia on the Donohue Highway, the opening stretch of the Outback Way’s dirt chapter. The landscape flattens into ochre plains and gibber fields dotted with hardy shrubs and the occasional cow. You are heading for Tobermorey Station on the Queensland and Northern Territory border.

Where to stop between Boulia and Tobermorey

Roadside rest areas: Pause at signed bays to soak up the quiet, listen for desert birds and add a few big-sky frames to the photo roll. Border marker: A quick, fun stop at the QLD and NT sign for a milestone shot as you cross time and country.

Things to do at Tobermorey Station

Once you arrive, slow right down. Tobermorey Station Roadhouse has wide open spaces, warm showers and a true station feel. Wander the grounds, enjoy a simple station-style dinner, and after sunset step out to a night sky dense with stars.

Where to stay at Tobermorey

Camp at Tobermorey Station Roadhouse & Caravan Park. Sites are unpowered, and there is fuel and a small store, which makes this a reassuringly well set up base in a very remote pocket of the Outback Way.

Continue west along the Plenty Highway as the desert opens and low ranges ripple on the horizon. This is classic outback driving on a mix of gravel and sealed sections. Take it steady and enjoy the sense of space.

Where to stop between Tobermorey and Jervois

• Rest pull-offs: Use signed bays to break up the run and scan the skies for wedge-tailed eagles riding thermals. 

• Roadside tablelands: Short, safe pull-ins offer vantage points to admire wide, stony plains and hardy desert oaks.

Things to do at Jervois Station

Unwind with a cuppa, chat with fellow travellers and watch the light change across the plains. This is a place to reset, appreciate the quiet and tune into the rhythm of the road.

Where to stay at Jervois

Overnight at the Jervois Station campground. Facilities are basic, yet the sites are spacious and convenient for an early start tomorrow.

The Plenty Highway edges closer to the Red Centre as low hills gather and the country takes on deeper reds and purples. Today’s shorter leg gives you time to arrive early and enjoy camp life.

Where to stop between Jervois and Gemtree

• Harts Range country: Pull into safe bays to admire ancient ridgelines and changing colours on rocky outcrops. 

• Fossicking areas: Signed turn-offs reveal designated spots to try your luck searching for garnet or zircon.

Things to do at Gemtree

Gemtree is a friendly hub for fossicking and outback hospitality. Join a guided fossicking session to learn techniques and hear local stories, then relax with a sunset stroll as the desert cools.

Where to stay at Gemtree

Stay at Gemtree Caravan & Tourist Park. Expect roomy sites, camp kitchens and tour options that make it easy to enjoy a comfortable night on the Plenty.

Roll into the Red Centre’s unofficial capital, framed by the rugged spine of the MacDonnell Ranges. Arriving by late morning gives you time to explore the town and pick up supplies.

Where to stop between Gemtree and Alice Springs

• Tropic of Capricorn marker: A classic roadside photo stop just north of town. 

• Lookouts near the Stuart Highway: Use signed bays for quick panoramas of the ranges before you reach Alice.

Things to do in Alice Springs

Meet Central Australia’s most fascinating residents at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, then drive to Anzac Hill for a golden hour panorama. If time allows, dip into Simpsons Gap for a short walk beneath red walls and cool shade.

Where to stay in Alice Springs

Choose a well-appointed holiday park with powered sites, a pool and camp kitchens. These parks suit Britz 4WD travellers, with good security, space to service the vehicle and easy access to town supplies.

Keep the kilometres off the odometer and dive deeper into the stories of the Red Centre. A day in Alice balances remote driving with time to enjoy culture, wildlife and short scenic walks.

Things to do in Alice Springs

Spend the morning at a leading desert wildlife or cultural site, or wander the historic Telegraph Station precinct. Browse Todd Mall galleries for local art. If you are keen on a 4WD half-day, consider the track to Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve for an unforgettable view of a 50 metre sandstone monolith rising from the plain, an important landmark for explorers and a place of deep cultural significance.

Where to stay in Alice Springs

Settle back into your chosen holiday park for a second night. Top up fuel, water and groceries ahead of the next leg to Uluru.

Head south on the Stuart Highway to Erldunda, the junction for the Lasseter Highway. This short hop keeps the pace relaxed and sets you up for an early arrival at Uluru tomorrow.

Where to stop between Alice Springs and Erldunda

Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve: A short detour leads to ancient impact craters and a gentle walk around the site. Roadside viewpoints: Signed bays offer safe pull-offs to photograph desert oaks and far horizons.

Things to do in Erldunda

Stretch out after the drive, cool off in the pool if it is warm and enjoy a simple outback meal. Watch for galahs and corellas swirling at dusk.

Where to stay in Erldunda

Erldunda Roadhouse Caravan Park is a convenient overnight base with powered sites, amenities and a friendly outback vibe.

Point the bonnet west on the Lasseter Highway toward one of the world’s great natural icons. Desert oaks line the road, and big skies reveal Mount Conner before Uluru appears on the horizon.

Where to stop between Erldunda and Yulara

Curtin Springs Station: A friendly cafe and a chance to stretch your legs with memorable views of Mount Conner. Designated roadside lookouts: Safe bays let you admire the shifting silhouettes of the desert as you approach Yulara.

Things to do in Yulara and Uluru

Time your arrival for a lazy afternoon and sunset over Uluru. In the morning, return for sunrise or plan the base walk, pausing at waterholes and cultural sites. Later, visit Kata Tjuta for the Walpa Gorge walk, a short and rewarding wander between soaring domes.

Where to stay in Yulara

Book a powered site at Ayers Rock Campground. With pools, BBQs, laundry and shuttle access to resort amenities, it is the perfect base for two nights under starry desert skies.

Give yourself a full day to move slowly. Start with sunrise over Uluru, then join a guided cultural activity to deepen your understanding of Country and culture. In the afternoon, choose the full Valley of the Winds circuit for an immersive Kata Tjuta experience or a shorter Walpa Gorge stroll if you prefer to save energy for sunset round two.

Things to do in Yulara

Spend time at the cultural centre, browse local art and enjoy an early camp dinner before a stargazing session. The desert night sky can be exceptional, especially when you step away from resort lights to darker viewing areas.

Where to stay in Yulara

Stay a second night at Ayers Rock Campground. Restock at the resort supermarket, charge devices and prepare for tomorrow’s westward run.

Join the Tjukaruru Road and point the camper west into true desert country. This section of the Outback Way crosses Aboriginal lands, so have your transit permits sorted before you go and drive to the conditions.

Where to stop between Yulara and Kaltukatjara

Roadside dune lookouts: Signed pull-offs reveal low red dunes and wide spinifex plains that shift with the wind. Designated rest areas: Short breaks help you stay fresh on unsealed sections.

Things to do in the Kaltukatjara area

Settle in early and enjoy the hush of late afternoon as the desert cools. The evening sky fills fast with stars, and the Milky Way becomes a bright river overhead.

Where to stay near Kaltukatjara

Use the designated roadside camping area near the community or continue to an approved rest area. Facilities are minimal, so be fully self-sufficient and respect local regulations.

Cross into Western Australia and continue to Warakurna, a small settlement beside the famous Giles Weather Station. With a short drive today, you will have time to explore.

Where to stop between Kaltukatjara and Warakurna

Border viewpoints: Safe pull-offs near the WA line offer quick photos and wide desert panoramas. Len Beadell markers: Signed waypoints along the route share snippets of survey history.

Things to do in Warakurna

Visit the Giles Weather Station for a look at outback meteorology and history, then browse local artwork if the art centre is open. Late light on distant ranges makes for a memorable sunset stroll.

Where to stay in Warakurna

Warakurna Roadhouse campground offers a practical base with essential facilities, fuel and a friendly outback welcome.

The Great Central Road runs through wide plains and low rises dotted with desert oaks and mulga. Keep an eye out for camels and emus in the distance.

Where to stop between Warakurna and Warburton

Designated rest bays: Ideal for a leg stretch and photos of the shifting desert palette. Roadside lookouts: Short pull-ins offer views across open country that seems to roll forever.

Things to do in Warburton

Arrive with time to browse local art that reflects stories of the country. Take a gentle walk near camp as the day cools and the desert settles into evening.

Where to stay in Warburton

Overnight at the Warburton Roadhouse campground. Expect simple facilities, fuel and a quiet place to rest before tomorrow’s leg.

Another classic outback driving day carries you across stone-studded plains and past breakaway country. The solitude out here is part of the magic, broken only by the occasional roadhouse and fellow traveller’s wave.

Where to stop between Warburton and Tjukayirla

Breakaway lookouts: Signed bays reveal colourful cliffs and layered mesas that glow in angled light. Rest areas: Use designated sites for a cuppa and a quick stretch.

Things to do at Tjukayirla

Arrive early enough to unwind, chat with staff about current road conditions and enjoy a classic roadhouse meal. Sunsets often paint the nearby breakaways in warm tones.

Where to stay at Tjukayirla

Tjukayirla Roadhouse campground is a friendly, practical overnight base with essential facilities for remote travellers.

The final leg leads you to Laverton, a Goldfields town on the edge of the desert. The country gradually softens into wider plains with hardy shrubs and scattered eucalypts. Savour one last meditative stretch of open road before you roll into town.

Where to stop between Tjukayirla and Laverton

Designated rest bays: Short, safe stops for a breather and a photo of shimmering horizons. Historic waypoints: Signed markers share snippets of exploration and survey history across this country.

Things to do in Laverton

Stretch your legs on a short heritage walk to learn about early goldfields history, then celebrate your desert crossing with a pub meal. If you plan to linger, the visitor centre can point you to nearby ranges and tracks.

Where to stay in Laverton

Book a powered site at Laverton Caravan Park. It is a peaceful, practical base to refresh, do laundry and gather your thoughts after an unforgettable outback traverse.

FAQs and quick answers

1. How long is the Outback Way?
   The Outback Way is about 2,720 km long, stretching from Winton in Queensland to Laverton in Western Australia via Alice Springs. For this itinerary, the driving distance is slightly higher at around 2,800 km because of overnight stops and detours, including Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

2. Is the outback good for road trips?
   Yes, the outback is excellent for road trips if you are well prepared. It rewards travellers with huge desert landscapes, classic roadhouses, star-filled skies, and some of Australia’s most memorable natural landmarks. Routes like this one are best tackled in the cooler months, with extra fuel, water, permits, and careful planning for remote conditions.

3. What is the most beautiful road trip in Australia?
   That really comes down to the kind of scenery and experience you want, but the Outback Way is widely considered one of Australia’s most iconic road trips. It stands out for its red dirt highways, remote desert landscapes, Aboriginal lands, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and the feeling of crossing the country through its centre.

4. Is the Outback Way sealed?
   Not fully. The Outback Way includes a mix of unsealed sections, single-lane sealed sections, and dual-lane sealed sections, which is why a 4WD and careful route planning are still important for many travellers. Some parts are progressively being sealed, but it is not yet an entirely sealed route

Ready to begin your Outback Way adventure?

From dinosaur stories and songlines in Queensland to the world’s most recognisable monolith and the vast, open deserts of Western Australia, this Outback Way journey offers an epic slice of Australia at an easy, considered pace. Travel in the cool months, sort your permits and supplies, drive to the conditions, and take your time in the small moments from sunrise light on red rock to quiet nights under bright constellations.

When you’re ready, you can easily book your Britz camper online and pick it up from your closest Britz branch before hitting the road.