Outback travel tips

Where to stay & eat in the Australian Outback


This Outback travel tips page gives you an overview about the articles on my website where you to find places to stay in various parts of the Australian Outback.
Even if you tow your own caravan, trailer or bring your tent, it is good to know where to get basic supplies and fuel. Most roadhouses also offer travellers a shower for a small fee.

A basic bed in a wooden shed - accommodation in the Outback is much better these daysBoundary rider's hut at the Whitula Museum in Windorah


Don't worry! You can expect a better comfort when you search for a bed in the Outback!

However, travellers from overseas should know that "hotel" in Australia often refers to a pub, especially in rural areas. These hotels are often beautiful old buildings with great atmosphere. They usually have basic accommodation, but it is possible that it is just one room they offer! However, a hotel / pub is the place where you get tasty & inexpensive meals, and meet the locals.
These days, more and more hotels have a motel or cabin section attached. So it is always worth to ask what they offer.

Even if there won't be many "5 star" facilities in the Outback, a decent bed is always waiting for you wherever you go.
Motels offer a pretty good standard, and there are excellent cabins to rent at caravan parks.

Of course you can always pitch your tent under the stunning canopy of stars. The Australian night sky is often described as the 5 million star hotel.

Also included on the Outback travel tips pages is info about places to eat, where to get food and fuel. Information is listed for each region described in the Outback guide. You find links for each section down at the bottom of this page.

Start planning, begin to dream!

A row of motel rooms in the afternoon sun, GlendamboThe motel section of the Glendambo Roadhouse, South Australia
  • Outback Queensland - When you travel along the Matilda Highway, towns like Longreach, Cloncurry and Winton offer a broad range of accommodation, restaurants, and shopping facilities.
    Further south east, the tiny townships like Windorah, Thargomindah, Birdsville, Bedourie for example, have at least a hotel, a caravan park and a petrol station.
    Wherever you go, you don't need to worry about basic supplies.

  • Outback station stays - the number of sheep and cattle stations who offer accommodation to travellers is increasing in most Australian states.
    Camping and rooms in the shearer's quarter is what is usually available. Visitors get mud maps and top advice what is worth to explore in the region.

Cabins in the caravan park on a cloudy day in Thargomindah.Modern cabins at the caravan park in Thargomindah, Queensland


An old drum with the name Mt Ive at the entrance to the stationThe entrance to Mt. Ive station in the Gawler Ranges, South Australia


  • Flinders Ranges - The Flinders Ranges offer a broad range of accommodation styles, motels, bed & breakfast, cabins, camping. The main centres are Arkaroola in the northern Flinders, and Wilpena Pound and Rawnsley Park Station in the central Flinders.
    This is such a wonderful area in Outback South Australia. Take your time and enjoy this gem.
  • Oodnadatta Track (OT) - Although the Oodnadatta Track leads you into true Outback country, this doesn't mean that you have to starve. Small towns along the track offer all the essential supplies and facilities for travellers, and of course a cold beer. Enjoy this unique Outback Australia experience.

  • Birdsville Track (BT) - There are not many facilities along the Birdsville track. Even shady bush camping spots are rather rare along the track. In fact, the Mungeranie Roadhouse is the only watering hole for humans and their vehicles. But you won't get any problems, it is not such a big distance after all.
    Once you arrive in Birdsville, you have access to many services this bush town offers for travellers.

  • Gawler Ranges - The Gawler Ranges are considered one of the best wilderness areas in the South Australian Outback. Apart from camping in the national nark, accommodation is provided on a working sheep station. Stay at Mount Ive Station and explore a stunning region.

The general store in EuloTypical Outback store that offers everything but the kitchen sink

Discover the best facilities in various Outback regions