Perth to Uluru: The Road To Australia's Red Heart
Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime journey from Perth to Uluru, where the vast landscapes of Outback Western Australia lead you to the spiritual heart of Australia. Along the way, connect with local stories, explore art galleries, and soak in the peace of starlit skies. As the final destination, Uluru offers unforgettable sunrise and sunset experiences, immersive cultural tours, and starlit dining that make every kilometre worth the drive.
Perth: Vibrant Coastal City with Stunning Beaches and Urban Vibes
Your journey begins in Perth, the capital city of Australia’s western region. Visit Fremantle’s craft breweries and take the ferry to explore the wonders of Rottnest Island, where you can meet the famously furry Quokka. Before starting your adventure, be sure to stock up on supplies, fuel up, and get prepared to explore just a few of the most iconic Outback landmarks in Australia's Western and Central regions.
Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Kalgoorlie: Largest Outback Mining City
As you venture out of Perth, follow the Great Eastern Highway east towards Kalgoorlie, the largest outback city in Australia. Here, you can step back in time with the 1980s-inspired architecture that reflects the gold rush era. Don’t miss visiting the Super Pit, Australia’s second-largest open-cut gold mine—it's a must-see attraction!
Image Credit: Tourism Australia, Tourism Western Australia
Laverton: Home of the Outback gallery
Continuing northeast, stop in Laverton, home to the Explorers Hall of Fame. Take a journey back in time as you explore the original police station and jail, and visit the Outback Gallery, where beautiful Indigenous art is showcased and sold.
Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Tjukayirla Roadhouse: Refuel and Recharge
As you follow the Great Eastern Highway, make a pit stop at Tjukayirla Roadhouse to refuel and recharge with a hearty meal. You can also browse stunning artwork for purchase, created by the Papulankuja community.
Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Milyirrtjarra (Warburton): Largest Community in the Ngaanyatjarra Lands
Continuing on, stop at Milyirrtjarra and visit the Tjulyuru Regional Arts Gallery, located in the Tjulyuru Cultural and Civic Centre. The gallery showcases the Milyirrtjarra Art Collection—the largest community-owned collection of Indigenous art in the world. Note that Warburton is a dry community, and alcohol is not permitted.
Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia
Warakurna: Historic Community
Like Warburton, Warakurna is another dry community along the Great Eastern Highway. The local roadhouse features a gallery with works from the Warakurna Artists Collective, which is worth exploring. Nearby, the Giles Weather Station is the only staffed weather station within a 2.5 million square kilometre area. Visitors can observe the release of weather balloons and explore a museum that showcases remnants of the Blue Streak Rocket, which was launched from Woomera in 1964 and discovered in 1980.
Kaltukatjara (Docker River): Northern Territory’s Border Town
As you drive through the final stretch of Western Australia, you'll arrive at Kaltukatjara, which marks the first town you’ll find in the Northern Territory. The river serves as a natural border marker. About 25 kilometres further, a plaque on a gum tree commemorates the crew that constructed the Great Desert Highway in the 1950s and 60s. Leaving Kaltukatjara marks the boundary of the Great Sandy Desert, characterised by red sand, mulga scrub, and creeks. Continuing your journey south-east towards Yulara, the stunning domes of Kata Tjuta gradually come into view in the distance.
Image Credit: Tourism Western Australia, Tourism NT
Uluru and Ayers Rock Resort: A Sacred Icon
The adventure is not over yet; the Spiritual Heart of Australia awaits you! The iconic landmark of Uluru stands majestically in the red outback, rich in Indigenous culture and spirituality. There are plenty of accommodation options available, including Ayers Rock Campground, which is only 20 kilometres from Uluru. You can choose from air-conditioned cabins for a break from driving, powered or unpowered sites if you enjoy the comfort of your caravan or campervan, or unpowered tent sites to sleep under the stars. The campground facilities include a swimming pool, an outdoor camp kitchen, BBQ facilities, and self-service laundry. Ayers Rock Resort also offers a variety of hotels and apartments to suit all needs and budgets
Things to Do at Ayers Rock Resort:
With an array of tours and experiences at Uluru and around Ayers Rock Resort, you'll find plenty of options to make your days action-packed! The only challenge will be deciding which activities to try first.
For the early risers:
Get up early to watch the sun rise over Uluru, illuminating the Outback landscape with picturesque colours.
Sunrise Experiences:
Sunrise Journeys: Inspired by the artwork of three local Anangu artists, this experience uses immersive light, music, and sound to transport you through the past, present, and future.
Desert Awakenings: Experience the shifting colours of the Outback as the sun rises over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, introducing you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this iconic region
For the sunset enthusiasts:
Witness a breathtaking sunset over Uluru, with options to pair your golden scenery with dinner and drinks offered through various experiences.
Sunset Experiences:
Wintjiri Wiru – As the sun sets over the outback landscape, 1,200 drones take flight to retell a chapter of the ancient Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru through lights, lasers, and traditional music. Options include a Sunset Dinner, Twilight or After Dark experience.
Field of Light – As darkness falls and Uluru is thrown into a silhouette, Field of Light illuminates and gently lights up the outback floor. Covering more than 7 football fields, wander through a night at Field of Lights while the colourful garden of 50,00 spindles of light.
Tali Wiru - meaning 'beautiful dune' in local Anangu language, encapsulates the beauty of fine dining under the Southern Desert sky. Instead of walls, this open-air restaurant has magnificent views of Uluru and the distant domes of Kata Tjuta, and for unique ambiance there's the stillness of the desert at night.
Outdoor Dining under the stars: Dine under the sight of a million stars or experience one of the many restaurants around Ayers Rock Resort. There are plenty of outdoor dining experiences available to you during your time at Uluru.
A variety of activities await you, whether you wish to immerse yourself in the local Anangu culture through cultural experiences or learn about the Outback landscape from knowledgeable guides on guided tours. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, self-guided experiences are also worth exploring!
If your fridge is feeling a bit empty, stock up on supplies at the IGA Supermarket in Town Square. To refuel, stop by the Shell Service Station located at 257 Yulara Drive, which also has an ATM and shop for your convenience.
