Planning an Outback trip

Planning an Outback trip

by George Cuchural
(North Ryde, NSW, Australia)

Outback Road

Hi, I am an international student studying in Sydney.
I have an eight day break in April to go for a 4wd trip into the outback. What do you recommend?
I want to maximize the time I have to see as much as possible. I have an international drivers license and a license from the US.
More or less how do I go about this?

Response to Planning an Outback Trip

by: Rita

Hi George,

What exactly do you expect to see in the Outback? Famous places like Uluru? Red earth and loneliness?

One week for an Outback trip by road from Sydney is much too short. It's roughly 1200 km to Broken Hill, or 780 km to Bourke, one-way. And you won't need an 4x4 at all to get to those places.

I would suggest that you fly out from Sydney, to Broken Hill, Alice Springs, or whatever meets your interest. Then you can hire a 4x4 and explore the surrounding areas.

Check out these pages for ideas what you could do in the red centre, the real Australian Outback.

Stuart Highway main page
Uluru Tours
Alice Springs Tours

Don't hesitate to ask more questions and give me an idea what you are looking for.

Rita

Comments for
Planning an Outback trip

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 07, 2010

8 days to see the Outback ?
by: Tony B

Hi, if you want to maximise your opportunity, I would suggest you go along with Rita's suggestion and fly to Alice Springs, (for example), then maybe hire a 4WD Campervan. That'll give you the mobility to see the MacDonald Ranges, King's Canyon, Uluru and some of the countryside around the Red Centre.

Australia's a huge place, and most people never get to see it all. Even we "grey nomads" who have lots of time to spare have trouble getting to every one of the things we'd like to see.

Depending on your budget, you could also consider flying to Broome and having a look at The Kimberley region, (which is huge in itself), or any number of other outback regions. The key is to fly if you can, instead of wasting most of your precious 8 days travelling to where you want to be.

Click here to add your own comments

Need a map?

Hema offers the most comprehensive range of Australian maps and road atlases.
Find a map.

Are you looking for accommodation in Australia?

Compare major booking services and book your hotel at the best rate.

Back to Australian Outback Homepage