Every year, during the wet season that falls between December and April, many Northern Territory tourism businesses go into semi-hibernation. This is due to the seasonal rainfall that is known to shut off roads, the intense heat, and the humidity that comes from the combination of the two.
Before this happens, you may notice a lot of one-way specials on rental vehicles, and more specifically, for motorhome and campervan hire. Generally, the discounted rates are offered for those picking up a rental in Alice Springs, and driving one way to Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Cairns, Perth, or Hobart.
The prices can be slashed substantially, providing an amazing opportunity for a discounted holiday adventure. The hard part, can be knowing what to do on a one-way road trip that spans around 2,800 kilometres!
Not to worry, for those interested in an Alice Springs to Sydney campervan relocation, below is a list of interesting stops to take the inland “outback” route. This epic adventure deserves at least three weeks, to travel at a comfortable pace, and have time to enjoy the sights along the way.
Alice Springs
There is so much to see and do in and around Alice Springs before you continue your journey. Make time to enjoy the nearby West Macdonnell Ranges, with its rugged cliffs and chasms, stunning waterholes and rich Indigenous history.
Uluru
Do a side trip to Uluru, the 5-hour drive is well worth the effort, and allows you to cross this iconic Australian attraction off your bucket list! The Indigenous history and significance of the area is enhanced through cultural tours which area available, guided by traditional Aboriginal custodians.
Welcome to South Australia Rest Area
The perfect stop on your way from the Northern Territory to South Australia, this free rest area allows Campervan holidaymakers to stay overnight. Plus, it has some great photo opportunities of the many state border signs.
Woomera
Woomera is a small town, which was built to accommodate a team of personnel working at the Rocket Range. The location has been used by many military services throughout the decades, ever since it was established in the 1950s. Remnants of this experimental posting, can still be viewed at the Woomera Missile Park, the Heritage and Visitor Information Centre, or the Museum.
The Woomera Baker Observatory is another great thing to do here, however, is run by volunteers and only opens once a week on Friday evenings (weather permitting).
Port Augusta
Situated in the Spencer Gulf, the desert and ocean meet in a crossroads at Port Augusta.
Some of the sights include the Arid Lands Botanic Garden and the Wadlata Outback Centre. The garden is extensive, and includes walking trails, a variety of native flora, and an abundance of bird life. The Outback centre includes interactive evolutionary displays, that range from dinosaur facts, to Indigenous Australian dreaming stories, and even accounts of major weather events.
Coober Pedy
This outback opal mining town, is renowned for its underground dwellings. Built to escape the relentless summer heat, you can visit underground houses, churches and even a subterranean museum.
Peterborough
A great spot to break up the distance between South Australia and outback New South Wales, Peterborough has a long history with locomotives. Stop in at the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre, and explore hundred-year-old trains, carriages, and rail cars. Guided tours are available for an in-depth experience, as well as self-guided, and the light and sound show gets rave reviews from visitors.
Silverton
Over the border in NSW, on your way to Broken Hill, make a stop at the small town of Silverton. Named for its former glory as a silver mining town, this isolated village has also found fame in the movies. It has featured in Mad Max 2, Razorback, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Mission Impossible II.
While in town, see the historic exhibits at the Silverton Gaol Museum, and pop in to the Original Silverton Hotel for a drink, while you enjoy the displayed movie memorabilia.
Broken Hill
The ultimate NSW outback town, Broken Hill is surrounded by vast red desert. It has been an epicentre for artists and creatives, including the late Pro Hart, whose gallery can be visited here during your stay.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service have a museum in Broken Hill, which provides a glimpse into the invaluable work that they do for regional Australians.
Cobar
Another outback mining town, Cobar is known for its copper production in the late 1800s. Open cut mines are still visible, and are quite the sight to behold. One of the best spots is Fort Bourke Hill, which looks over an open pit, of what was the towns first gold mine.
Dubbo
For some interesting history, the Great Cobar Museum is the place to go. Not only do they provide regional information, but the building itself is over a hundred years old, with its own story to be told.
You could easily spend several days enjoying the attractions in Dubbo. From the Old Dubbo Gaol, to the Observatory, the renowned Western Plains Zoo, and the Royal Flying Doctor Visitor Experience.
Then there is the Farmers Markets, Macquarie River, and a Cultural Centre to explore. As if this isn’t already enough reasons to spend a few days, the Dundullimal Homestead holds a time capsule of life here in the 1800s… and warm scones.
Katoomba
The gateway town to the Blue Mountains, you will not want to miss the natural attractions that you’ll find in droves. The Three Sisters rock formation is iconic, but there are also multiple waterfalls to enjoy, and a plethora of walking trails.
For an eagle eye view of the region, take the skyrail at scenic world, or visit one of the many lookout points.
Sydney
Sydney is a just a few hours away from the Blue Mountains, and arrival here may mean home for some, but for those visiting, there is a lot to enjoy.
From the famous Opera House in the harbour, to the white sand beaches of Manly, and the abundance of cultural attractions in between.
Other Options
This is just one of many travel options on an Alice Springs to Sydney campervan relocation road trip. For those with more time, or who love a coastal journey, going further south to Adelaide and traveling via the Coorong and the Limestone Coast, is another great itinerary.
