Northern Territory | Adelaide to Uluru Road Trip Itinerary

From the underground mining city of Coober Pedy to the famous Uluru, discover the best of central south Australia between Adelaide and Alice Springs.

Day 1 - Adelaide → Port Wakefield

DISTANCE 110KM - DRIVING TIME 1 HOUR 50 MINUTES 

Leaving Adelaide, you’ll transition from urban sprawl to wide-open countryside plains. It’s a short, easy start that helps you adjust to driving conditions before tackling longer days. With time in the afternoon, you can enjoy quirky roadside attractions and settle in early.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Lake Bumbunga: Famous for its pink waters, this salt lake is a fun spot for photos, especially with the “Loch-eel Monster” sculpture. The colour changes with light and weather, offering a unique experience each visit.

2. Port Wakefield Township: Once a bustling port, today it’s a quiet settlement with heritage charm. A good place for a riverside stroll and an introduction to roadhouse food.

Where To Stay

Port Wakefield Caravan Park – provides powered sites, shaded areas, and clean shower facilities. It’s peaceful and puts you in a good position to head further north the next morning.

Day 2 - Port Wakefield → Port Augusta

DISTANCE 310KM - DRIVING TIME 3.5 HOURS

Today the scenery shifts from fertile farmland to drier, more rugged landscapes as you approach the Outback gateway. Port Augusta sits on the Spencer Gulf and acts as a hub for travellers heading in all directions. You’ll notice the colours of the land becoming more earthy and dramatic.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Flinders Ranges View Lookout: Just before Port Augusta, stop for sweeping views of the Flinders Ranges. It’s a great chance to take photos and stretch your legs.

2. Pichi Richi Railway: A historic steam train that runs from Quorn into the outback. Riding it offers a nostalgic glimpse into the region’s pioneering past.

Where To Stay

Discovery Parks Port Augusta – has powered campervan sites, BBQ facilities, and a swimming pool. It’s a comfortable base with easy access to the town’s highlights.

Day 3 - Port Augusta → Glendambo

DISTANCE 270KM - DRIVING TIME 3 HOURS

The drive takes you deeper into the Outback with long straight roads and wide horizons. Vegetation thins and silence sets in, giving you the sense of true isolation. It’s a slower day where the journey itself is the attraction.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Island Lagoon Lookout: This salt lake offers a surreal scene of white flats against the blue desert sky. It’s a peaceful and photogenic stop.

2. Spud’s Roadhouse, Pimba: A quirky fuel stop where travellers gather to refuel and recharge. Grab a bite, top up your supplies, and meet fellow road-trippers.

Where To Stay

Glendambo Roadhouse Caravan Park – provides powered sites and essential amenities. It’s rustic but reliable, and the starry skies at night are incredible.

Day 4 - Glendambo → Coober Pedy

DISTANCE 170KM - DRIVING TIME 2 HOURS

A shorter drive brings you to one of Australia’s most unique towns. Coober Pedy, the “opal capital of the world,” is known for its underground homes and mines. The lunar-like landscapes surrounding it feel like another planet.

Things To Do In The Park

1. Underground Home & Mine Tour: Discover how locals live underground to escape the desert heat. You’ll also see how opals are mined and carved.

2. Breakaways Conservation Park: A dramatic desert landscape of colourful cliffs and mesas. Sunset here is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Outback.

Where To Stay 

BIG4 Stuart Range Outback Resort – has powered sites with modern amenities. It’s close to town and offers easy access to Coober Pedy attractions.

Day 5 - Coober Pedy → Cadney

DISTANCE 150KM - DRIVING TIME 1 HOUR 45 MINUTES

This is a short but worthwhile stretch, letting you enjoy a relaxed morning in Coober Pedy before moving north. The drive is dominated by saltbush plains and wide-open views. Cadney Homestead makes for a quiet and authentic outback overnight stop.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Josephine’s Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage: A chance to see rescued joeys up close while browsing Aboriginal artwork. It’s both cultural and heart-warming.

2. Outback Plains Stop: Pull over at a rest area to soak in the silence and vastness. The stillness here is unforgettable.

Where To Stay 

Cadney Homestead Caravan Park – provides powered sites, showers, and a hearty roadhouse meal. It’s simple but genuine Outback hospitality.

Day 6 - Cadney → Kulgera

DISTANCE 330KM - DRIVING TIME 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES

A longer day, but still manageable, as you cross the South Australia–Northern Territory border. The road is quiet and the scenery starkly beautiful, with red sand and scrub stretching endlessly. Kulgera welcomes you as the first stop in the NT.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Marla Roadhouse: A key Outback hub with fuel, food, and supplies. It’s a lively meeting point for travellers on the Stuart Highway.

2. Northern Territory Border Sign: Stop for the iconic photo marking your arrival into the NT. It’s a milestone moment on the trip.

Where To Stay 

Kulgera Roadhouse Caravan Park – offers powered sites, a pub, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s basic but comfortable, with a warm welcome for road-trippers.

Day 7 - Kulgera → Erldunda

DISTANCE 160KM - DRIVING TIME 1 HOUR 50 MINUTES 

Today is a short and easy drive, giving you time to rest before the big highlight tomorrow. The scenery begins to change with more ochre sands and desert oaks. Erldunda is the perfect crossroads to launch toward Uluru.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Erldunda Roadhouse Cafe: A great spot to relax, grab a meal, and watch travellers come and go. It’s a slice of true desert hospitality.

Where To Stay 

Erldunda Roadhouse Caravan Park – has powered sites, a swimming pool, and casual dining. It’s well-equipped and gives you a comfortable overnight rest.

Day 8 - Erldunda → Uluru (Yulara)

DISTANCE 250KM - DRIVING TIME 3 HOURS

This is one of the most iconic drives in Australia. The sight of Uluru appearing on the horizon is breathtaking and unforgettable. Arriving in Yulara allows plenty of time for sunset at the rock. Note that you will need a Parks Pass to visit Uluru. 

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre: Learn about the Anangu people and the spiritual significance of Uluru. The exhibits provide context before you explore.

2. Mala Walk: A short but rewarding walk at the base of Uluru. You’ll see rock art, caves, and sacred sites.

Where To Stay  

Ayers Rock Campground – has powered sites with modern facilities. It’s within the resort complex, making it easy to access shuttles and amenities.

Day 9 - Uluru → Stuart’s Well

DISTANCE 300KM - DRIVING TIME 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES

Today you leave Uluru and head back towards the Stuart Highway. The long, quiet road gives you time to reflect on your Red Centre experience. Stuart’s Well is a quirky stop with a friendly roadhouse.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Stuart’s Well Camel Farm: Meet camels, enjoy a ride, or simply take photos. It adds a fun twist to the Outback stop.

2. Star Gazing: The night skies here are among the clearest in Australia. Bring a blanket and enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars.

Where To Stay  

Stuart’s Well Roadhouse Caravan Park – offers powered sites, basic facilities, and an authentic Outback pub. It’s a relaxed stopover with great character.

Day 10 - Stuart’s Well → Alice Springs

DISTANCE 90KM - DRIVING TIME 1 HOUR

The final short drive takes you through the dramatic Heavitree Gap into Alice Springs. It’s a relaxed end to the journey, giving you most of the day to explore the town. Alice Springs is the cultural and historical heart of the Red Centre.

Things To Do Along the Way

1. Alice Springs Desert Park: An immersive experience showcasing desert wildlife and Aboriginal culture. It’s a must-visit introduction to the region.

2. Telegraph Station Historical Reserve: The birthplace of Alice Springs with restored buildings and walking trails. A fascinating step back in time.

Where To Stay  

BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park - provides shady powered sites, a swimming pool, and family-friendly amenities. It’s a comfortable final base to rest and enjoy Alice Springs, before returning your campervan.

Timing your trip

The Alice Springs branch closes 1 December - 31 March each year for the wet season, so avoid summer for this road trip. The Adelaide to Alice Springs road trip covers a huge range of climates, so the best time to travel is generally between April and September. During these cooler months, daytime temperatures are mild (15–25°C), making sightseeing, walking, and camping far more comfortable, while nights can still drop to single digits in the desert. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather but be mindful of hot days and cool evenings. Travelling in winter means crisp, clear skies, fewer flies, and the chance to enjoy star-filled nights. A magical way to experience the Red Centre.

To book an Apollo campervan today, or let us help answer any campervan related questions, contact us today!