Rolling to the Rock: Intro

For those on the east coast it's never been easier to get to the red centre. Budget air carriers are offering more frequent as well as cheaper flights, to the point where you could almost justify the expense of flying in for the week-end, just to get your Uluru sunset fix. 

But where's the fun in that?

With bitumen all the way from Melbourne to the Rock, and a mostly sealed tourist loop from Alice Springs to Uluru and the Olgas, taking in hot spots like Kings Canyon and the West McDonnell ranges, it’s the perfect set-up for that quintessential outback experience without ever getting too far from civilisation.

Heading off on June 23, Caravancampingsales editor, Chris Fincham, will be behind the wheel, backed up by his very capable co-driver Liz. With back-seat passengers, Isabella (10) and Celine (8) along for the ride, it promises to be a long but rewarding road trip; about 2340km alone to Uluru, and an estimated 6000km-plus by the time we get back to Melbourne on July 18.

It won’t be all fun and games though; among the scenic bushwalks and cultural tours we will be reviewing at least eight caravan parks and campgrounds along the way;  as well as providing some highlights and lowlights of dragging a caravan through this remote but very popular region.

We’ll also be able to shed more light on the 'Australability' of British vans, with our 'rig' comprising a Kia Sorento Platinum diesel towing the latest Australian-spec Swift Explorer, tandem axle caravan, not unlike this one.

We’ve already seen British-built Bailey caravans pass the rough road test in the Flinders Ranges, but how will the UK-built Swift stand up to a 'real world' test including some planned red dirt punishment over the Mereenie Loop 'shortcut' from Kings Canyon to Glen Helen?

We've also been similarly impressed with the towing ability of the well-equipped

Korean seven seat SUV, but how will it fare on an extended tow test hauling a caravan not far off its two tonne (with auto transmission) towing limit?

All will be revealed in coming weeks, so stay tuned…