Sun and heat
- Wide-brimmed hat
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm
- Polarised sunglasses
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirt
- Refillable water bottles or a hydration bladder for at least 3 litres
Flies and bugs
- Head fly net — outback bush flies can be relentless, especially in warmer months
- Insect repellent
- Long pants for evenings around camp
Cold nights
Desert nights in winter can drop below zero, especially in the Red Centre.
- Warm fleece or puffer jacket
- Beanie and gloves
- Thermal top for sleeping
- A sleeping bag rated to around 0°C or lower if your tour doesn't supply one
Walking gear
- Broken-in walking shoes with good grip
- Day pack
- Swimmers and quick-dry towel for gorge pools
- Small first-aid kit and blister care
Tech and documents
- Headtorch
- Power bank — power can be limited at camps
- Offline maps; mobile coverage disappears quickly
- Park passes (if not included) and travel insurance details
Leave at home
- Drones near Uluru: flying drones in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park needs a permit
- Fresh fruit and vegetables if crossing into WA, which has quarantine checks
- Hard-shell suitcases on camping tours — soft bags fit better in tour vehicles
Prices in AUD, checked October 2026. Always confirm current rates and conditions with operators and park authorities before you travel.
