Epic trip to Uluru - travelling with 3 kids

by Jeannie Lapping
(Sydney )


Hi, my husband is very optimistically driving us from Sydney to Uluru during the July holidays, starting on the 9th July for 3 weeks.

We were generally thinking of taking the Wagga Wagga, Wentworth, Clare Valley, Port Augusta, Coober Pedy and then Uluru route and then off course back, perhaps the Broken Hill way.

We want to make this as interesting for the kids as possible, they have never been to a desert and range from the age of 2 to 8 years old.

Any tips, good places where you know they would be welcome, anything really! Thanks for your suggestions.
Wish us luck.

Regards

Jeannie Lapping

rock paintings
Paintings at Uluru


Rita's Reply


Hi Jeannie,

Your planned route sounds good, will be a nice round trip.

I guess you don't camp, so my suggestion is to stay in cabins at holiday / caravan parks, rather than in motels. I think this is much better if you travel with kids.

I really like the Big 4 holiday parks. They usually have playgrounds, toddler's pool, and other things to keep kids happy.
There are quite a few of them along your way: Goulburn, Wagga Wagga, Hay, Mildura, Port Augusta and Coober Pedy.

Things that might be interesting for the older kids: the Old Gaol in Wentworth, visit an opal mine in Coober Pedy, the Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta, or perhaps take a train ride on the famous Pichi Richi Railway in Quorn.
At Yulara visit the camel farm, even if you don't want to take a ride.

Don't hesitate to ask more questions, just use the comment link. Also check out this page with Amanda's recommendations about roadhouses along the Stuart Hwy, and things to see along the way.

Have a great trip.

Rita


trucks and machinery
Trucks and Machinery at Coober Pedy


(Jeannie Lapping sent these awesome photos after her trip. Thank you so much.)

Comments for Epic trip to Uluru - travelling with 3 kids

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Jun 26, 2009
 Thank you
by: Rita

Hi Jeannie,

I am glad you find the site helpful. I try to collect as much info for travelling the Australian Outback.

Enjoy your epic journey, and let us know how it was. :)

Rita
Jun 25, 2009
 worrier
by: Jeannie

Thanks Rita, I am a bit of a worrier and clearly not a warrior. I am also new to this country, as we have settled here after living abroad for years nomad style, originally from South Africa though. Your site is really the best we have come across and you have been very helpful. Thanks so much

Jeannie
Jun 25, 2009
 It is not that basic
by: Rita

Hi Jeannie,

I don't think that you need to take linen and towels.
In Glendambo I stayed at the motel, and they really have everything you'd expect from a motel unit.
On the other stops along the way to Uluru I camped, so I can't tell about their facilities from first hand.
Cadney Park has only 6 motel rooms, and 8 budget cabins, so you probably need to book if you want to stay there.
Marla roadhouse is huge, and they have a motel section. I can't remember if they have cabins, though.

From my experience, even if a budget cabin on a caravan park or roadhouse doesn't have sheets and towels included, you can always get them for an additional fee.
Any place that is called a motel has it included, just like in the city.

We enjoyed our meals at Glendambo and Cadney. Our friends said they never get such a delicious beef in Adelaide as they had in Glendambo.

All roadhouses have meals, take-away food, and small shops, where you get ice-blocks.

The longest distance on the Stuart Highway without fuel is between Glendambo and Coober Pedy (252km). No need to carry extra petrol if you fuel up in time.

Don't worry too much. You'll doing a good job preparing your trip. :)

Rita

Related pages in the Outback Guide:

Stuart Highway main page
Uluru Tour Suggestions

Other FAQ & Tips

Bush flies in the Australian Outback
Stuart Highway - Adelaide to Alice Springs
Stuart Highway with conventional car
Jun 24, 2009
 its a long way to tipperary
by: Jeannie

Hi, for the stretch between Port Augusta and Yulara, do we need take our own sheets and towels, or would that be provided at the roadhouses(how basic are we talking about?).

Any good food anywhere, outside Yulara and Coober Pedy?
Would you be able to buy Ice-blocks for our eskie easily?
And last, but not least, should we take a jerry can for petrol if we don't go off road much?

Thanks for all the pearls of wisdom so far.

Jeannie

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