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
(2027)
14th – 30th April – 3 x PLACES REMAINING
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 – 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 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 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 - Birdsville
Drive the remote Boulia, Birdsville route, passing through open Channel Country before arriving in Birdsville.
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 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 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.
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 16-Day longest shortcut Tagalong 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.