Offering stunning nature, not to mention a wealth of astronomical, gastronomical and cultural experiences, one of the best ways to visit — and fully appreciate — Uluru is by rental car.
There are plenty of things you can enjoy along the way to Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock). There’s the thrill and excitement of exploring the legendary Stuart Highway if you are driving from Melbourne or Sydney — and then there’s must-see places such as Stuarts Well and, if you are coming from Alice Springs, breathtaking landscapes. VroomVroomVroom can help you select and pick up your rental car in Alice Springs — or even better, a top campervan rental from Alice Springs — to start exploring.
Travel time: Five hours and forty-five minutes (467.8 km) via National Highway 87 and State Route 4
Highlights:
The highway that links Darwin to Alice Springs is the Stuart Highway. After Darwin, the next notable town is Katherine, which is the gateway to the Katherine Gorge and many heart-pumping adventure sports. If that’s not enough, you may want to relieve your aching muscles in the thermal pools of Elsey National Park.
Travel time: Twenty-two hours (1,963.5 km) via National Highway 1 and National Highway 87
Highlights:
The trip from Adelaide to Uluru is definitely worthwhile. You can make a stop in Port Augusta (only three hours from Adelaide) and Coober Pedy (nine hours from Adelaide). The latter is known as “the opal capital of the world,” and boasts many attractions aside from its underground structures, including churches, opal mining museums, hotels and a whole lot more.
Travel time: Seventeen hours and twenty minutes (1,600.2 km) via National Highway A87
Highlights:
Getting to Uluru is an easy drive despite the long distance. If you are renting a car, you can travel entirely on sealed roads and you will not even need a 4WD. If it’s your first time driving in Australia, make sure you really understand where you can and cannot drive the vehicle as most car hire companies have restrictions. Take for instance the use of vehicles from Budget Australia — certain areas in the Northern Territory are restricted to commercial 4WD vehicles only. Therefore it is recommended you contact and consult with your rental provider for detailed information. In addition, since Uluru is a long way from most places, don’t be surprised if the fuel prices on outback highways are more expensive than capital cities elsewhere in Australia.
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