Australia’s Great Big Outback: An Epic 10-Day Adventure Itinerary
Published: April 9, 2025
Australia’s Outback is a vast, rugged, and awe-inspiring landscape filled with red deserts, ancient rock formations, remote cattle stations, and Indigenous cultural treasures. This 10-day itinerary takes you through the heart of the Outback, covering iconic destinations like Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, and the Kimberley. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, or breathtaking scenery, this journey will leave you spellbound.
Day 1: Arrival in Alice Springs – Gateway to the Outback
Morning:
- Fly into Alice Springs Airport (ASP).
- Pick up a 4WD rental (essential for Outback travel).
- Check into DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs or BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park (for budget travelers).
Afternoon:
- Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park to learn about Outback wildlife and Aboriginal survival techniques.
- Explore the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum (critical for understanding remote Outback life).
Evening:
- Sunset at Anzac Hill for panoramic views of Alice Springs.
- Dinner at Hanuman Restaurant (modern Thai-Australian fusion).
Day 2: Alice Springs → Uluru (Ayers Rock) – The Soul of Australia
Morning (5:30 AM):
- Drive to Uluru (5.5 hours, 460 km) via the Stuart Highway & Lasseter Highway.
- Stop at Erldunda Roadhouse for fuel and a classic Aussie meat pie.
Afternoon:
- Arrive at Ayers Rock Resort (Yulara), the only accommodation near Uluru.
- Check into Sails in the Desert Hotel (luxury) or Outback Pioneer Lodge (budget).
- First glimpse of Uluru from the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku sunset viewing area.
Evening:
- Sounds of Silence Dinner – A gourmet bush-tucker meal under the stars with didgeridoo music.
Day 3: Uluru Sunrise & Cultural Walk
Early Morning (5:00 AM):
- Sunrise at Uluru (Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewpoint).
- Base Walk (10.6 km, 3.5 hours) around Uluru, learning about Anangu Aboriginal culture and sacred sites.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Geckos Café (casual Outback dining).
- Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre for Indigenous art and history.
- Mala Walk (guided ranger tour) to see ancient rock art.
Evening:
- Field of Light art installation by Bruce Munro – thousands of glowing solar-powered lights in the desert.
Day 4: Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) & Kings Canyon
Morning (4:30 AM):
- Sunrise hike at Kata Tjuta (Valley of the Winds, 7.4 km, 3 hours) – a stunning series of domed rock formations.
Midday:
- Drive to Kings Canyon (3.5 hours, 300 km).
- Stop at Curtin Springs for fuel and lunch.
Evening:
- Check into Kings Canyon Resort.
- Sunset at Carmichael Crag Lookout.
- Dinner at Outback BBQ under the stars.
Day 5: Kings Canyon Rim Walk – The Outback’s Best Hike
Early Morning (6:00 AM):
- Kings Canyon Rim Walk (6 km, 3-4 hours) – a challenging but rewarding trek featuring:
- The Garden of Eden (a hidden waterhole).
- Lost City (beehive-shaped rock formations).
Afternoon:
- Relax at the resort pool.
- Optional: Scenic helicopter flight over Kings Canyon.
Evening:
- Outback storytelling session with Indigenous guides.
Day 6: Kings Canyon → Alice Springs
Morning:
- Drive back to Alice Springs (5 hours, 470 km).
- Stop at Henbury Meteorite Craters (4,700-year-old impact site).
Afternoon:
- Visit Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) – a stunning gorge with Indigenous significance.
- Lunch at Epilogue Lounge (Alice Springs’ best café).
Evening:
- Camel ride at sunset with Pyndan Camel Tracks.
- Dinner at Overlanders Steakhouse (try the kangaroo fillet).
Day 7: Alice Springs → The Kimberley (Fly to Broome)
Morning:
- Fly from Alice Springs to Broome (2.5 hours).
- Check into Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa.
Afternoon:
- Visit Broome Historical Museum (pearling history).
- Walk along Chinatown’s pearl shops.
Evening:
- Cable Beach sunset camel ride.
- Dinner at Matso’s Broome Brewery (mango beer & fresh seafood).
Day 8: Horizontal Falls & Dampier Peninsula Adventure
Full-Day Tour:
- Scenic flight to Horizontal Falls (tidal waterfall phenomenon).
- Speedboat ride through the falls (adrenaline-pumping!).
- Lunch on a houseboat in Talbot Bay.
Evening:
- Relax at Cable Beach.
- Dinner at Zanders at Cable Beach (fine dining).
Day 9: The Bungle Bungles (Purnululu National Park)
Morning (6:00 AM):
- Scenic flight to the Bungle Bungles (beehive-shaped sandstone domes).
- Hike Echidna Chasm & Cathedral Gorge.
Afternoon:
- Picnic lunch in the park.
- Helicopter flight over the Kimberley.
Evening:
- Return to Broome.
- Staircase to the Moon (if timing aligns with the lunar tide).
Day 10: Broome → Departure
Morning:
- Final swim at Cable Beach.
- Visit Gantheaume Point (dinosaur footprints at low tide).
Afternoon:
- Fly out from Broome International Airport (BME).
Essential Outback Travel Tips:
✔ Best Time to Visit: May–September (cooler, dry season).
✔ Vehicle: 4WD mandatory for remote tracks.
✔ Permits: Some Aboriginal lands require permits (check in advance).
✔ Safety: Carry satellite phones, extra water, and fuel.
✔ Cultural Respect: Always follow Indigenous protocols (e.g., no climbing Uluru).
This 10-day Outback itinerary showcases Australia’s raw beauty, Indigenous heritage, and unforgettable adventures. Ready to explore the Great Big Outback? 🚙🔥
