Road-tripping for 4 incredible days from Sydney to Uluṟu 

Four days. The open road. Incredible outback scenery. This all awaits on a road trip from Sydney to Uluṟu.

Forget flying. The open road, desert sun and the spiritual heart of the Red Centre are calling your name on a road trip from Sydney to Uluṟu. Sure, you could just hop on a plane, but where’s your sense of adventure? You’d miss out on some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes and oddly fantastic stops.

And at the other end, incredible Uluṟu adventures and accommodation await.

Admire the dramatic views at Fort Bourke Hill Lookout. (Image: DNSW)

Day 1: Sydney to Dubbo

Before you head off, fuel up when you can, make sure you have plenty of snacks and drinks (and no, not just what you can buy from the many wineries on this trail) and take breaks.

Leave Sydney early to make the most of your adventure, stopping first at the Blue Mountains, just 1.5 hours away.

Start in Leura, where you can sip coffee and wander boutique shops that beg for a detour. Short on time? The rock formation of the Three Sisters at Echo Point is non-negotiable. You can also hop on the Scenic Railway at Scenic World and descend into the Jamison Valley.

Next, it’s on to Bathurst, a town with a gold rush history. Sure, it’s known for the legendary Mount Panorama racing circuit and the fascinating Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, but there’s so much more.

Stop by Bathurst Goldfields to step into a miner’s shoes or pop into nearby distilleries (designated driver required). If you’re feeling indulgent, detour to Orange for cool-climate sparkling wines or a long, luxurious lunch. It’s foodie heaven.

Still up for more? The Wellington Caves await. Marvel at the monumental stalagmite in Cathedral Cave, explore the Fossil and Phosphate Mine or breathe easy at the tranquil Osawano Japanese Garden. Complete with koi fish, naturally.

Be sure to stop at the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains. (Image: Filippo Rivetti)

Day 2: Dubbo to Broken Hill

If you’re starting on a Saturday, head to the Dubbo Farmers Market to grab fresh road trip snacks – fresh fruit and nuts for healthy road snacks, plus cheese and oils for some indulgence.

Half an hour later, roll into Narromine, a pint-sized town with high-flying stories at its Aviation Museum. See vintage planes and discover tales of wild pilots. If you can’t wait to dig into your morning market purchases, picnic on the walking tracks of Narromine Wetlands.

Next, it’s Nyngan where the Big Bogan Statue is waiting for its close up. Dive into town history at Nyngan Museum, where tales of floods, Indigenous and European communities collide. Or take five by the Bogan River. From here, you will truly be going outback. Grab your cameras for the views at Fort Bourke Hill Lookout at Cobar and the heritage buildings of Wilcannia.

Finally, arrive in Broken Hill, Australia’s ‘Silver City’. Pay homage to the mining legends at the Miner’s Memorial, get lost in the beauty of the Pro Hart Gallery and the Living Desert Sculptures. Stick around after sunset to catch the brilliant stars.

Be sure to catch the Living Desert Sculptures at Broken Hill. (Image: DNSW)

Day 3: Broken Hill to Coober Pedy

Buckle up, because today’s outback escapades are for the record books. It’s Broken Hill to Coober Pedy, a road trip through Australia’s surreal landscapes. Start at Silverton, the ghost town made famous by Mad Max. Check out the Mad Max Museum for a glimpse of cinematic history before hitting the road again.

Next, you’ll find yourself at Packsaddle Roadhouse, a classic outback pitstop. Fuel up, grab a snack and chat with the locals who know these roads like the back of their hand. Crossing into South Australia, you will soon be gliding past Lake Hart. This vast salt lake shimmers on the horizon.

Finally, roll into Coober Pedy – the Opal Capital of the World. This quirky town goes deep, quite literally, with its underground homes and opal mines. Explore the Umoona Opal Mine and Museum to learn how life unfolds beneath the earth’s surface.

Finish your day by visiting local galleries to purchase opal jewellery and Indigenous art. Support sellers with a genuine connection to the artists. You’re not just buying art, you are supporting local communities.

Explore the underground world of Coober Pedy. (Image: Tourism South Australia)

Day 4: Coober Pedy to Uluṟu

The last day before getting to your red monolith destination is one where the landscapes truly do the talking – so grab your camera, and your sense of adventure and prepare for the final stage of your epic road trip.

You might think you are finished at Coober Pedy, but Coober Pedy isn’t finished with you. Don’t leave without taking a tour of its underground churches, the Serbian Orthodox Church and St. Peter and Paul’s Church. Then on to William Creek, one of Australia’s tiniest towns and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.

Onwards to Marla for your last stop before crossing into the Northern Territory, your destination state. At Kulgera you will find the ‘first and last pub in the NT’, which has the best thing on offer for this hot climate: a cold drink.

Drive through William Creek, one of Australia’s tiniest towns. (Image: Tourism South Australia)

Final stop: Uluṟu

Now the grand finale: Uluṟu. Whether you rest in the glow of the sunset, learn about the Aṉangu people at the Cultural Centre or drive yourself the 40 kilometres to see the dramatic 36 domes that form Kata Tjuṯa (formerly known as The Olgas) at sunset, discover all the best ways to explore here.

Maybe even take your road trip a little further along the Red Centre Way. Or keep on going all the way to Perth.

Drive just 20 minutes from Ayers Rock Resort to see Uluru.

Start planning your Uluṟu road trip at ayersrockresort.com.au.