Adelaide To Uluru Road Trip Guide | Outback Adventure!
Imagine watching the sun rise over a red rock that's taller than the Eiffel Tower, older than dinosaurs and sacred to the first people of this ancient land. More than 500 million years ago, Uluru rose from the ocean to become the beating heart of Australia. The giant sandstone monolith now towers over the desert plain in the Northern Territory—it's 863 metres above sea level! Previously known as Ayers Rock, it is now officially known as "Uluru" to show respect to the custodians of the land.
As one of the most visited natural landmarks in Australia, this World Heritage Site has been visited by hundreds of thousands of people who have road-tripped their way here in caravans, motorhomes, campervans and camper trailers (and more) to camp under the stars, hike through rocky formations, and learn about tradition from the local Anangu people.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit
Travel from May to October is ideal as you'll have milder weather. Summer in the Red Centre can be brutally hot with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees! During Autumn and Winter, temperatures are typically between 20° and 25°C during the day, and around 5° to 10°C at night. This makes it safer to enjoy outdoor activities and cool enough to sleep comfortably at night.
The drive from Adelaide to Uluru takes around 17 hours.
Adelaide to Uluru Distance
Adelaide to Uluru by car is about 1600 km, which is roughly two days of driving with at least one overnight stop. But where's the fun in that? Taking your time means you'll appreciate the native forests and craggy mountains passing by, as well as lots of exciting destinations along the way. Check out our epic 9-day itinerary below.
RV travel is also super-flexible in that you don't need a 4WD—the roads are completely sealed via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways. If you do have an off-road caravan, there are also unsealed gravel options, including a gnarly trip through the Flinders Ranges along the Oodnadatta Track.
Adelaide to Ayers Rock Road Trip - Highlights
Barossa Valley
Clare Valley
Mount Remarkable
Port Augusta
Woomera
Coober Pedy
Erldunda Roadhouse
Kings Canyon
Uluru
Tips That Will Come In Handy
Caravan apps: Can provide weather updates, safety tips, entertainment options, and help you find the perfect campground.
Caravan checklist: Will help you find the right balance between being prepared and being overloaded.
Towing weight guide: For safety, legal compliance, and optimal road performance.
Day 1: Adelaide to Barossa Valley
Slowly meander your way through the lush Adelaide hills to the Barossa Valley—one of Australia's most famous wine regions—which is around an hour from Adelaide. Once you're there, treat yourself to a Barossa Valley wine tasting before you enjoy a comfy night's sleep.
Distance: ~76 km
Driving time: ~1 hour
Day 2: Barossa Valley to Clare Valley
Start the day with a Lyndoch Lavender Farm & Cafe breakfast. This unique cafe has a serene backdrop of lavender fields and features a range of lavender-infused baked goods, body care and more. From there, head to the Clare Valley. This is one of Australia's oldest wine regions, and is overflowing with cellar doors to explore. Take another winery tour, or cruise your way through the vineyard along the Riesling Trail by bike (no designated driver required!) before heading back to camp.
Distance: ~97km
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Day 3: Clare Valley to Mount Remarkable
The next highlight on your Adelaide to Uluru road trip is Mount Remarkable, but why not make a quick stop along the way? The Jamestown Railway Station Museum sits about an hour north of Clare Valley. It is an excellent insight into the bygone way of farming life. Then drive the remaining hour to the rugged landscape of Mount Remarkable National Park. There are three sections to this park—Alligator Gorge, Mt Remarkable and Mambray Creek. All have distinctive terrains where you can enjoy stunning gorges, scenic lookouts, settlement ruins, picnic areas and campgrounds with basic amenities.
Distance: ~140 km
Drive time: ~1.75 hours
Day 4: Mount Remarkable to Port Augusta
After waking up amongst the peaceful surrounds, check out the Willowie Forest Trails, which have a range of walks that wind through the eucalypt forests. Then head to the former seaport of Port Augusta. Here you can check out the Wadlata Outback Centre. This award-winning attraction features self-guided tours that offer insights into the creation of the Flinders Ranges and the Outback. Then grab a Malu (kangaroo) burger with native bush chutney for lunch from the on-site cafe, before heading to your campground for some afternoon downtime.
Distance: ~64 km
Drive time: ~ 50 minutes
Day 5: Port Augusta to Woomera
Wake up and take a morning walk to the water tower lookout. If you're here in winter between May and July, make the detour south to swim with the cuttlefish in Whyalla. Continue the drive north to Woomera, and check out the Woomera Observatory. It has a 3.5 m fiberglass dome where you can see star clusters and planets like never before.
Distance: ~181 km
Drive time: ~2 hours
Day 6: Woomera to Coober Pedy
You are well and truly in the outback now! On the way to Coober Pedy, stop for a picnic at the Lake Hart rest area, which offers a stunning pink glow at sunrise and sunset. Then, continue on to Coober Pedy, where you can try 'noodling' for opals and take a tour of the Old Timers Mine & Museum. If you prefer a nature walk, check out the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park (around 30 minutes from Coober Pedy), which is filled with kangaroos, echidnas, native birds and other wildlife.
Distance: ~37 km
Drive time: ~4 hours
Day 7: Cooper Pedy to Erldunda Roadhouse
Start your day with a walk around the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park. This breathtaking ochre landscape is a spiritual place with the local Aboriginal tribes. Then it's time to cross over into the Northern Territory towards the Erldunda Roadhouse. Stop for a picnic at Agnes Creek Rest Area, then drive to the Erldunda Roadhouse for a night's stay.
Distance: ~488 km
Drive time: ~5 hours
Day 8: Erldunda Roadhouse to Kings Canyon
Get an early start and drive a not-quite-three-hour drive to Kings Canyon. When you arrive, head off on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This scenic walk winds its way along the rim, and from the top, you'll have a bird's-eye view of the sprawling desert landscape. On the way back, stop at the Garden of Eden, a desert oasis perfect for a rest stop.
Distance: ~280 km
Drive time: ~3 hours