Outback Trips
Outback Road Trips in Australia
Big skies, red deserts, historic tracks, and starry nights. Plan classic outback drives with practical tips for fuel, water, safety, accessibility, family travel, and facilities along the way. Use the AussieLoo app for real‑time toilets, showers, and parents’ rooms in towns and roadhouses.
Quick links
Routes & Road Trips ·
Locations Hub ·
Toilet Finder ·
Showers ·
24/7 Toilets ·
AussieLoo App
Iconic outback routes
- Stuart Highway (SA–NT) — Port Augusta to Darwin via Alice Springs
- Eyre Highway (SA–WA) — Nullarbor Plain, Bunda Cliffs lookouts
- Outback Way (WA–NT–QLD) — “Australia’s Longest Shortcut,” sealed/unsealed mix
- Oodnadatta Track (SA) — historic Ghan railway sidings, artesian springs (mostly unsealed)
- Birdsville Track (SA–QLD) — desert gibber plains to Birdsville (unsealed)
- Strzelecki Track (SA) — oil & gas road to Innamincka (unsealed)
- Great Central Road (WA–NT) — permits required, mostly unsealed
- Savannah Way (QLD–NT–WA) — Gulf Country to the Kimberley
- Tanami Road (NT–WA) — long remote section, check conditions
Outback trips by state/territory
Northern Territory
Preparation & safety
- Check road conditions, closures, and weather before departure and daily en route (state road reports).
- Fuel planning: note long distances between roadhouses; carry spare fuel and water. Some tracks require high‑clearance 4WD.
- Permits: some roads and Aboriginal lands require permits; book camps and national park passes in advance.
- Comms: limited mobile coverage—consider satellite communicator or PLB; tell someone your itinerary.
- Seasonality: heat, cyclones, floods, or closed tracks in the Wet; snow/ice in high deserts can occur in winter nights.
Accessibility in remote areas
- Many major lookouts and visitor centres are step‑free; surfaces can be gravel or boardwalk.
- Accessible toilets are more common in larger towns and roadhouses; use the Toilet Finder or AussieLoo to plan stops.
- If travelling with mobility needs, build in extra time for graded roads and rest breaks.
Family travel tips
- Break drives every 2 hours; use shaded day‑use areas and Playgrounds in towns.
- Carry extra water, snacks, sun protection, and a basic first aid kit.
- Many towns have parents’ rooms in shopping centres—check the app for facilities.
Sample 4–10 day itineraries
- Red Centre (5–7 days): Alice Springs → West MacDonnell → Kings Canyon → Uluru–Kata Tjuta.
- SA Desert Loops (5–6 days): Flinders Ranges → Maree → Oodnadatta Track → Coober Pedy (conditions permitting).
- Kimberley Taster (7–10 days): Broome → Gibb River Road highlights → Kununurra (dry season, some 4WD sections).
- Gulf Country (6–8 days): Cairns/Townsville → Savannah Way → Undara → Normanton/Karumba.
Facilities on your route
Find toilets, showers, parents’ rooms, and accessible amenities in towns and roadhouses along your drive.
Use the AussieLoo app
or open the live map
FAQs
Do I need a 4WD for outback trips?
Many iconic tracks are unsealed and require high‑clearance 4WD; highways like the Stuart and Eyre are sealed. Always check current conditions.
Where can I get fuel and water?
Plan fuel stops at roadhouses and larger towns. Carry extra water; some rest areas have limited supplies.
Is there mobile coverage?
Coverage is limited outside towns. Consider a satellite communicator or EPIRB/PLB for remote drives.