SIMPSON DESERT & OUTBACK CROSSING
SIMPSON DESERT &
OUTBACK CROSSING
CAIRNS TO PERTH TAGALONG TOUR
Welcome to the Simpson Desert & Outback Crossing!
Also known as “The Longest Shortcut,” this unforgettable 4WD adventure takes you from Cairns to Perth, travelling through the heart of Australia’s rugged Outback. Conquer the iconic red sand dunes of the Simpson Desert, discover the breathtaking landscapes of Uluru, explore remote outback communities and camp beneath endless star-filled skies.
Our guided 4WD tours operate on scheduled departure dates, which you’ll find listed below. Scroll down to explore the full day-by-day itinerary, including the legendary tracks you’ll tackle, the incredible destinations you’ll visit and the unique experiences waiting along the way.
Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or discovering the Australian Outback for the first time, we’ve got you covered with fully equipped 4WDs, experienced guides and everything you need for an unforgettable journey.
Have questions or need more information? Visit our FAQ Page or Contact Us directly. We’re always happy to help you prepare for your next adventure!
TOUR DATES
(2027)
14th – 30th April – 1 x PLACE REMAINING
CAIRNS TO PERTH 17 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 – Birdsville - Simpson Desert
Depart Birdsville and head deep into the Simpson Desert, taking on the first of the iconic red sand dunes and remote 4WD tracks.
Day 10 - Simpson Desert - Mount Dare
Finish the Simpson Desert crossing and make our way to Mount Dare, leaving the dunes behind after an incredible few days in one of Australia’s most remote landscapes.
Day 12 - Erldunda - Uluru
Head west to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for sunset at the monolith.
Day 14 – Uluru - Warburton
Enter WA via the Great Central Road (permits required); stop at Tjukayirla Roadhouse.
Day 16 - 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 - Birdsville
Drive the remote Boulia, Birdsville route, passing through open Channel Country before arriving in Birdsville.
Day 6-9 Simpson Desert
Spend the next three days crossing the Simpson Desert, navigating endless dunes, remote tracks and spectacular outback scenery, with unforgettable bush camps along the way.
Day 11 - Lambert Centre - Kulgera / Erldunda
Visit the Lambert Centre, the geographical centre of mainland Australia, before continuing north toward Kulgera or Erldunda and rejoining the Stuart Highway.
Day 13 – Uluru Kata Tjuta
Explore the Valley of the Winds domes before starting the Great Central Road.
Day 15 – Warburton - Laverton
Complete the desert crossing; visit the Gwalia Ghost Town near Leonora.
17 - Kalgoorlie - Perth
Final run via Wave Rock (Hyden) and the Wheatbelt into Perth.
Day 1 – Cairns - Hughenden
Drive via the Gillies Range and Ravenshoe (bypassing Undara). Stop at Porcupine Gorge.
Day 2 – Hughenden - Winton
Explore the Australian Age of Dinosaurs and the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
Day 3 – Winton - Boulia
Cross the Channel Country to the “Home of the Min Min Light”
Day 4 – Boulia- Birdsville
Drive the remote Boulia, Birdsville route, passing through open Channel Country before arriving in Birdsville.
Day 5 – Birdsville - Simpson Desert
Depart Birdsville and head deep into the Simpson Desert, taking on the first of the iconic red sand dunes and remote 4WD tracks.
Day 6-8 Simpson Desert
Spend the next three days crossing the Simpson Desert, navigating endless dunes, remote tracks and spectacular outback scenery, with unforgettable bush camps along the way.
Day 9 - Simpson Desert - Mount Dare
Finish the Simpson Desert crossing and make our way to Mount Dare, leaving the dunes behind after an incredible few days in one of Australia’s most remote landscapes.
Day 10 - Lambert Centre - Kulgera / Erldunda
Visit the Lambert Centre, the geographical centre of mainland Australia, before continuing north toward Kulgera or Erldunda and rejoining the Stuart Highway.
Day 11 - Erldunda - Uluru
Head west to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for sunset at the monolith.
Day 12 – Uluru Kata Tjuta
Explore the Valley of the Winds domes before starting the Great Central Road.
Day 13 – Uluru - Warburton
Enter WA via the Great Central Road (permits required); stop at Tjukayirla Roadhouse.
Day 14 – Warburton - Laverton
Complete the desert crossing; visit the Gwalia Ghost Town near Leonora.
Day 15 - Laverton - Kalgoorlie
See the massive Super Pit gold mine and historic Hannan Street.
16 - Kalgoorlie - Perth
Final run via Wave Rock (Hyden) and the Wheatbelt into Perth.
GALLERY
TOUR ESSENTIALS
What’s Included in Your 17-Day Longest Shortcut Tag-along Tour
YOUR 4WD & GEAR
A fully equipped Ex-Army Land Rover Perentie, set up with:
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Comfy double bed
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30L Dometic 12v fridge
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Crockery, cutlery, camp chairs, table & lighting
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240v power inverter & recovery gear
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Annex, bush shower & bush toilet
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Fuel included for the entire trip
FOOD & ENTRY FEES
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All meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee
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All National Park entry fees & camping permits
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Caravan park camping fees
Expert Guidance & Safety
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Led by passionate, experienced tour leaders
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Tips and hands-on guidance for 4×4 driving, camping & fishing
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Evening spotlighting walks
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UHF radio & emergency first aid kits in every vehicle
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Starlink carried by guides
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Tour leaders are First Aid & food safety trained
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Minor mechanical & electrical repairs covered on tour
EXTRA PERKS
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Access to field guides on local flora, fauna, culture & history
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An edited highlight video of your trip to keep forever
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO BRING
Personal toiletries (please use eco-friendly products)
Clothes, pillow, sheets/sleeping bag
Snacks and drinks (Alcohol is welcome, however there may be restrictions on what and how much can be taken into Indigenous communities, please discuss with your tour leader)
Camera, binoculars, torch/headlamp
Most importantly: a sense of adventure!
A detailed packing list will be provided in your tour information pack upon booking.
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.