Birdsville to Uluru

by Jean Hattingh
(Perth)

Hi, I would like to cut across from Birdsville to Uluru. Is this possible in a small car? What is the road like?

Hi Jean,

That's a big journey you have in mind.
Could you give me more details about your "small car"? Is it a small four-wheel drive?
I reckon, you don't plan to cross the Simpson Desert, right?

So the alternative route would what is known as the Outback Way, at least you'd travel part of this long distance route.

First, there's the stretch from Birdsville north to Boulia - 380 km on a partly sealed road. The road was very corrugated a few years ago, but I heard it has been upgraded, and big parts have a single bitumen lane. For more info on this part check the beyond Birdsville page.

From Boulia you'll follow the Donahue Hwy to the Qld/NT border, and the Plenty Hwy on the Territory side. Both Hwys are part of the Outback Way, the great short-cut from Winton to Laverton in WA.

Although called hwy, the 740 km route from Boulia to the Stuart Highway is mostly unsealed (apart from the last 100km before your reach the Stuart). Road conditions vary, but the sections about 100 km east and west of the border is usually very corrugated, dusty, with washouts.

Unless you have a sturdy car with high clearance, and experience to drive on rough roads, you should use a 4WD for the trip.
Any car needs to be in top condition. Carry plenty of water, extra fuel, spare tyres and some spare parts. Distances between fuel stops are between 250 and 350 km on average.

Please read the Outback safety and How to prepare your car before you head out on this remote route.

Be prapared, and don't hesitate to ask more questions.

Rita