Travel Guide toOutback Holidays

Not only is driving the best way to explore the vastness of the varied outback landscapes found in five of our eight states and territories (Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT missed out), but the outback road trip is one of the most iconic Australian holidays you can undertake.

There is even a bucket list of once-in-a-lifetime road trip routes already mapped out for those eager to explore the Outback by car. From the Explorer’s Way, the Nullarbor Crossing, and the Red Centre Way to the Outback NSW Loop, the Cape York Outback Trek and the Overland & Savannah Ways and more. Find all the itineraries, planning tips and guides you need to make the most of your outback road trip below.

Countless memorable moments await on a trip to the outback, but exploring it together as a family is one of the most life-affirming experiences you can give your kids. It is an education in what it truly means to be Australian and most of us don’t get a taste of it until we’re old and grey.

It may seem like a huge undertaking, but we’ve made it easy for families to see the outback. Whether you plan on caravanning, driving, cruising or flying, we have the survival tips and itineraries you need to make it as carefree as possible. And if you’re travelling with younger kids, don’t miss our story on the 10 outback places to see before you turn 10.

The most impactful outback experiences you can have are those that connect you with the traditional owners of our land. From the millennia-old rock art found in a remote Kimberley gorge or cliff face on the Arnhem Land escarpment to the annual Laura Dance Festival in Cape York and the Parrtjima ‘light festival’ near Alice Springs. But it’s when you first lay eyes on Uluru that you grasp why the awe-inspiring monolith is referred to as the spiritual heart of Australia. There are countless ways to experience Uluru, including doing it in five-star style at a Sounds of Silence dinner, seeing it from above on a scenic flight, or riding a camel, cycling or walking around its base. 

The Queensland outpost of Birdsville draws a crowd for its annual horse races and to enjoy a cold beer at its iconic pub. While central western New South Wales lays claim to Australia’s first dark sky park, Warrumbungle National Park. Prepare to stand in awe under the starry night sky and visit Siding Springs Observatory to view it with the largest telescope in Australia.

Then there is the wildlife you’ll encounter along the way: kangaroos bounding along plains, a trail of dust in their wake; emus sprinting along the horizon; log-like crocodiles camouflaged in rivers and more. 

Don’t let the task of planning an outback holiday overwhelm you. It is more accessible than you might first think. There are some outback destinations that are easier to access than others. Uluru might be remote, but you can catch a flight from every major city in Australia to this iconic attraction. South Australia’s Flinders Ranges is within easy reach by car from Adelaide, while the Kimberley’s waterfalls and gorges are best experienced on a luxury cruise or tour. 

Keep reading to find all the resources you need to make your outback trip as easy as possible, from how to see the outback on a budget, road safety tips, the outback made easy for families, essential guides to major national parks, destinations and attractions, as well as the best way to travel (including the Ghan versus the Indian Pacific).