Outback Adventure

by Nick
(Melbourne)

We have two 4wd's leaving from Melbourne and would love to do a round trip starting in Melbourne, heading for the Birdsville track and following that to Birdsville. Then somehow cutting across to Uluru and getting back home via the Stuart Highway. We also want to try not to cover the same ground twice too often. We are also a bit pressed for time as we have a little bit over three weeks to get it all done. Do you think it's possible? Can you suggest the best route?

Hi Nick,
When you travel the Birdville Track from the south (Marree) you have two options to continue once you arrive in Birdsville.
1) Cross the Simpson Desert from Birdsville to Finke in the NT (the Simpson Desert Parks and Reserves are closed until until 15th March). You need to be well-prepared and have 4 WD experience for that trip.
2) Go north to Boulia and follow the route described on the Birdsville to Uluru page, which is quite a detour.

My suggestion is to drive from Melbourne to Mildura and Broken Hill. From BH you can either go to Innamincka, or straight north through the Warri Gate into Qld. Both routes finally bring you to the Birdsville Developmental Rd and to Birdsville.
Then you go down the Birdsville Track and along the Oodnadatta Track to the Stuart Highway, either on the main track to Kulgera, or you follow the old Ghan until Finke and meet the Stuart Hwy at Kulgera.

This would be a nice round trip and great Outback Adventure, provided that the weather is dry.

For the latest road conditions call 1300 130 595 (recorded), or check the Queensland road conditions on the RACQ website.
For Outback South Australia the call 1300 361 033, and the website is Outback roads warnings.

Have a great trip.
Rita

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