Sydney To Uluru Travel Guide

There are 3 main ways you can get form Sydney to Uluru

1. Fly by plane
2. Road trip in your car
3. Train and bus combination through Melbourne and Adelaide
4. Train and bus combination through Adelaide
5. Bus and taxi

Here are some destinations you can visit on your way to Uluru. This is just a sample, we can’t touch on all the wonderful options as there are so many!

Blue Mountains in Katoomba, New South Wales

Distance from Sydney to the Blue Mountains in Katoomba: 62 km (1 hour)

Ok, you probably haven’t been driving for long enough to justify a break, but who can resist stepping out of the car to absorb the stunning valley views? The Three Sisters is a spectacular natural formation that awes locals and tourists alike.

Echo Point look-out provides the best vantage point for the star attraction of this World Heritage Area. And there’s no better place for a gentle stroll than the Jenolan River Walking Track. Bring your swimmers and take a dip in one of the waterholes, if the weather is warm!

Dubbo in New South Wales

Distance from Katoomba to Dubbo: 280 km (3 hours and 30 minutes)

Please don’t drive past Dubbo without spending some time at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. 

You’ll be forgiven for wondering if you’re in Africa when you see the rhinos, elephants and other exotic animals. Visitors can even explore the “plains” from the comfort of their own car, as though on Safari! It’s also possible to hire a standard bike or electric cart to get around.

Accommodation: There’s no need to stray too far from your four-legged companions to get a little shut-eye, you can actually stay overnight at the zoo. The Savannah self-contained cabins are comfortable and stylish, with sprawling views of the grasslands.

There’s also an option to camp under the stars, after enjoying an Aussie barbecue that’s included in the package. Billabong Camp is near the Lion Pride Lands, but not too close. Imagine falling asleep to the sound of roaring lions? It’s what dreams (or nightmares) are made of!

White Cliffs in New South Wales

Distance from Dubbo to White Cliffs: 650 km (6 hours and 44 minutes)

There will be zero doubt you’re in the outback when you pull into this small, remote town surrounded by red, dusty sand. This is where gem lovers come to find opals. Who knows, you might get lucky too? It’s actually one of the only places in the world that has white opal. The population is small, and many people live underground to escape the summer heat.

Accommodation: White Cliffs Hotel provides clean and comfortable rooms, for a peaceful night’s sleep after all that driving. You can get a hearty meal for lunch or dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, to appreciate a true outback experience.

Port Augusta in South Australia

Distance from White Cliffs to Port Augusta: 650 km (7 hours)

Your brain is probably craving some stimulation after so much driving. It’s a good thing the award-winning Wadlata Outback Centre is on the way to your final destination. Find out about the rich heritage of the region, dating all the way back to the dinosaurs. The hand-on exhibits entertain adults and children alike! 

To continue the theme of award-winning venues on this day, you can’t go past the Standpipe restaurant for traditional Indian cuisine. The food is sensational and there are so many options on the menu. Portion sizes are decent too! There’s nothing better than a satisfying meal after a long day enjoying all that Port August has to offer.

Coober Pedy, South Australia

Distance from Port Augusta to Coober Pedy: 557 km (6 hours)

Take a moment to inhale the golden tones of the sweeping plains outside your window.

When you visit the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, you’ll actually be standing on land that used to be covered by sea. Truly remarkable! It’s worth getting a tour, to understand the history of the park, which is co-managed by the Antakirinja Matuntjara Yunkunytjatjara people. 

If you get the timing just right, this ancient land puts on its best show at sunset or sunrise.

Accommodation: How often do you get to sleep underground – in comfortable and spacious lodgings, no less? Take this opportunity to experience the unique lodgings of so many Coober Pedy locals. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into another world at the rustic and memorable Comfort Inn.

Uluru, Northern Territory

Distance from Coober Pedy to Uluru: 756 km (7 hours and 48 minutes)

Your legs may feel stiff after so much driving, but you’ll know it’s been worth it the moment you set eyes on the majestic rock that brings the desert to life. It’s been a wonderful experience getting to this point, and you’ve learnt so much along the way, but now the real adventure begins. There are many excellent accommodation options to help you regain your energy, such as the luxury Sails in the Desert.

• • How the journey progresses:
    

    1. Train from Sydney Central Station to Southern Cross station in Melbourne: 11 hour trip, costs between $75 and $250
    2. Train from Southern Cross to Adelaide: 10 hour trip, costs between $79 and $150
    3. Bus from Adelaide to Erldunda: 19 hour trip, costs between $180 and $350
    4. Taxi to nearby bus station in Erldunda: 5 minute trip, costs between $12 and $16
    5. Bus from Erldunda to Yulara: 20 minute trip, costs between $45 and $60