Brisbane To Uluru Travel Guide

Note: these locations are on the Southern route from Brisbane, via the Stuart Highway.

1. Goondiwindi, Queensland

Distance from Brisbane to Goondiwindi: 342 km (4 hours and 10 minutes)

Goondiwindi is a modern rural town that sits along the Queensland and NSW border. The streets are lined with beautiful trees and the local Macintyre River is a sight to behold. Why not stretch your legs at the Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park? If the weather is warm, you’ll feel tempted to take a dip in the lagoon. There’s a BBQ area, walking trails, hot showers, clean toilets and plenty of play equipment for the children.

Accommodation: The Border Motel is a budget-friendly option that has no shortage of public amenities that will help you feel at home – such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a flat screen TV and pool. You’ll sleep like a baby in the comfortable bed, and the rooms are spacious and clean. If you’re feeling peckish, the pubs and shops are within walking distance.

2. Cobar, NSW

Distance from Goondiwindi to Cobar: 738 km (8 hours and 14 minutes)

After a long day of driving, it’s worth having a well-deserved rest at Cobar. The strong community spirit really stands out in this mining town. There’s so much to see, from the Fort Bourke Hill Lookout to the Peak Gold Mine. If you’re a history buff, you’ll get a kick out of doing the Heritage Walk, which puts you on the same path as historical buildings with an interesting story. Grab a free map from the information centre to see where the most important buildings are located.

Accommodation: Sink your teeth into some hearty pub food at the Great Western Hotel, where you can also book a room. The bar and dining area is open seven days a week, for lunch and dinner. There’s also a coffee shop.

3. Wilcannia, NSW

Distance from Cobar to Wilcannia: 260 km (2 hours and 40 minutes)

This small town sits along the Darling River, and it was Australia’s third largest inland port during the mid-19th century. The local Barkindji people have called Wilcannia home for around 40,000 years. Mutawintji Heritage Tours is completely owned and operated by First Nations people. A local Aboriginal guide will take you on a tour of the stunning landscape, and explain the rock engravings and stencils that you see. You’ll learn about the Dreaming and walk away with a stronger appreciation of the sacred.

Accommodation at Warrawong on the Darling: Enjoy some downtime on the banks of the Darling River, with your choice of modern cabins, bush camping and powered caravan sites with water views. You get the best of both worlds: modern amenities and comfortable living, but you’re also surrounded by wildlife.

4. Port Augusta, South Australia

Distance from Wilcannia to Port Augusta: 609 km (6 hours and 40 minutes)

The Wadlata Outback Centre is a hit with visitors of all ages, which is hardly surprising, given how many awards it’s won. Hands-on exhibits teach you about the fascinating history of the region, going back millions of years. Who said education had to be dull?

If you want a bird’s eye view of the entire town, lace up your joggers and climb the stairs to the top of the Water Tower Lookout. This tower was built in 1882 to provide water to people living in the area. Those days are gone, but today the tower serves as a viewing platform that allows visitors to snap the perfect photo. If you have a fear of heights, pace yourself!

Accommodation: There’s minimum fuss at the Crossroads Ecomotel, which prioritises your comfort while also respecting the environment. This is a modern energy-efficient building with clean rooms and comfortable beds. Pets are welcome in some of the rooms too!

5. Coober Pedy, South Australia

Distance from Port Augusta to Coober Pedy: 540 km (5 hours and 36 minutes)

If you love opals, please visit the “opal capital of the world”. This small mining town displays some of the biggest opals in existence. Above ground, marvel at how the outback changes colour with the sunset! Below ground, take a tour through historic mines and even look for opals yourself – by participating in public “fossicking” at the Jewell Box (pick and shovels are available for rent).

Accommodation: Did you know that most locals live underground in Coober Pedy? This is the best way to escape extreme temperatures in the area. Not only will you have the chance to explore underground art galleries, churches and homes, but you can even sleep in a modern cave at The Lookout Cave Underground Motel. It has all the luxurious features that you could hope for, with a touch of adventure.

6. Uluru, Northern Territory

Distance from Coober Pedy to Uluru: 750 km (7 hours and 51 minutes)

You’ve soaked in the rustic beauty of the outback and enjoyed many destinations along the road, but nothing compares to the reverence of seeing Uluru for the first time.

Now that you’re here, there’s a strong temptation to explore every nook and cranny of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

But for that, you need to be well rested!

Thankfully there are plenty of accommodation and dining options at Ayers Rock Resort, which is a 20-minute drive from Uluru. You really can’t go wrong, the food and lodging experience is amazing across the board!