Red Centre to the Kimberley Coast
A cross-country journey from the east coast through the heart of the Australian outback to the Kimberley region.
Sydney → Dubbo → Broken Hill → Port Augusta → Coober Pedy → Erldunda → Devils Marbles → Mataranka → Timber Creek → Lake Argyle → Broome
Into the Outback
Start early to beat the Sydney traffic. You're heading west over the mountains and into the wide-open plains where the real road trip vibes begin.
Sydney
fill up the tank, grab a crate of water, and hit the M4.
Dubbo
stretch your legs at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo or just grab a massive pub feed. It’s the last "big" city feel for a while.
Nyngan
home of the "Big Bogan" statue—a mandatory photo op for any Aussie road trip.
The Barrier Highway
Today is about the red dust and the horizon. You'll pass through historic mining country.
Cobar
check out the Fort Bourke Hill Lookout for a view of an active open-cut gold mine.
Broken Hill
the "Silver City." Head straight to the Living Desert Sculptures at sunset; the glow on the sandstone is incredible.
The South Australian Border
Crossing into SA. The landscape shifts from scrub to the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges nearby.
Peterborough
a quirky railway town. Good spot for a quick bakery lunch.
Port Augusta
known as the "Crossroads of Australia." Visit the Wadlata Outback Centre to walk through the "Tunnel of Time."
Underground Life
This is one of the coolest (literally) stops in Australia. You’re entering the opal capital of the world.
Glendambo
a tiny outpost with more sheep and flies than people. Good for fuel.
Coober Pedy
people live underground here to escape the heat. Explore an underground church and try your hand at "noodling" for opals.
The Northern Territory Line
A long haul today as you cross into the Territory. The speed limits go up, and the dirt gets redder.
Marla
the start of the Oodnadatta Track, but stay on the sealed Stuart Highway.
Kulgera
the first pub in the NT. It’s covered in memorabilia and is the quintessential outback watering hole.
Erldunda
the turn-off for Uluru. Even if you don't go all the way in, the views of Mt Conner (the "fake" Uluru) are stunning.
The Devil’s Marbles
Heading north past Alice Springs. You're deep in the Tropics now.
Alice Springs
grab a real coffee and hit the Todd Mall for some local art.
Ti Tree
the most central vegetable farm in Australia. Grab some fresh fruit.
Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve
massive granite boulders balanced precariously. It’s a sacred site and looks amazing as the sun drops.
Hot Springs & History
The dust starts to give way to tropical greenery as you head toward the Top End.
Elliott
halfway between Alice and Darwin. Just a quick fuel stop.
Mataranka
jump into the Bitter Springs or Mataranka Thermal Pool. It’s 34-degree crystal clear water surrounded by palm trees.
The Victoria Highway
Turning west now toward the WA border. This is "Big River" country.
Katherine
stop at Katherine Gorge if you have time for a quick 2-hour kayak.
Victoria River
the scenery here changes to massive escarpments and boab trees. The bridge lookout is stunning.
Timber Creek
famous for crocodile spotting in the river. Keep your distance!
Into the Kimberley
Crossing into Western Australia. Remember to throw out your fruit/veg at the border quarantine!
Lake Argyle
a massive inland sea. You can swim in the "infinity pool" at the resort overlooking the lake.
Kununurra
the gateway to the Kimberley. Grab some locally grown mangoes.
Halls Creek
an old gold mining town on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert.
The Road to Broome
The final stretch. The road flattens out, and the air starts to smell like the ocean.
Fitzroy Crossing
check out the Fitzroy River. In the wet season, this bridge is often underwater.
Derby
see the Prison Boab Tree and the massive tides at the wharf.
Broome
you made it. Drive the car straight onto Cable Beach (if it’s a 4WD) to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
- Day 1: 6h 51m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 2: 6h 5m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 4: 5h 30m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 5: 5h 3m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 7: 8h 50m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 8: 11h 56m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 9: 6h 48m driving — plan rest stops
- Day 10: 7h 47m driving — plan rest stops