Longest shortcut
CAIRNS TO PERTH TAGALONG TOUR
Welcome to the Longest Shortcut Tagalong Tour Itinerary!
This is your guide to Australia’s iconic journey from Cairns to Perth through the heart of the Outback. Discover everything you need to cross the desert, visit Uluru, explore remote communities, camp under endless skies, and experience the true spirit of Australia’s rugged interior.
Our tours run on set departure dates, which you’ll see listed below. Scroll down further for the full day-by-day itinerary, packed with details about the tracks you’ll drive, the places you’ll camp, and the incredible experiences along the way.
If you still have questions or need extra info, check out our FAQ Page or Contact us directly. We’re always happy to help.
TOUR DATES
CAIRNS TO PERTH 16 DAY ITINERARY
Day 1 – Cairns - Hughenden
Drive via the Gillies Range and Ravenshoe (bypassing Undara). Stop at Porcupine Gorge.
Day 3 – Winton - Boulia
Cross the Channel Country to the “Home of the Min Min Light”
Day 5 – Jervois - Gemtree
Traverse the rugged Harts Range; fossick for garnets and zircons at Gemtree.
Day 7 – Davenport - Ross River
Follow the Binns Track south, bypassing Alice Springs via the Pinnacles and Gardens Road.
Day 9 – Old Andado - Lambert Centre
Drive west toward Finke to reach the Lambert Geographical Centre (sandy 4×4 tracks).
Day 11 - Erldunda - Uluru
Head west to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for sunset at the monolith.
Day 13 – Uluru - Warburton
Enter WA via the Great Central Road (permits required); stop at Tjukayirla Roadhouse.
Day 15 - Laverton - Kalgoorlie
See the massive Super Pit gold mine and historic Hannan Street.
Day 2 – Hughenden - Winton
Explore the Australian Age of Dinosaurs and the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
Day 4 – Boulia- Jervois Station
Begin the Plenty Highway (Donohue Hwy in QLD); unpowered camping at Jervois.
Day 6 – Gemtree - Davenport Ranges
Join the Binns Track (North); drive to Old Police Station Waterhole via the Frew River 4WD
Track.
Days 8 – Ross River - Old Andado
Head south on the Binns Track to the historic Old Andado Homestead on the Simpson
Desert edge.
Day 10 - Lambert Centre - Kulgera / Erldunda
Exit the desert tracks to join the Stuart Hwy; prepare for the turn-off to the West.
Day 12 – Uluru Kata Tjuta
Explore the Valley of the Winds domes before starting the Great Central Road.
Day 14 – Warburton - Laverton
Complete the desert crossing; visit the Gwalia Ghost Town near Leonora.
16 - Kalgoorlie - Perth
Final run via Wave Rock (Hyden) and the Wheatbelt into Perth.
FUN FACT
While Uluru stands 348 meters tall, geologists estimate that about two-thirds of it is below the ground, so what you see above the surface is just the tip.