Curtin Springs Wayside Inn

Northern Territory


They pride themselves on friendliness here. Pitch a tent for free or bed down in a well-maintained cabin. There’s (expensive) fuel, a shop with limited supplies and takeaway and bistro meals (mains $18 to $35), plus an outback bar full of history and tall tales. They can arrange tours to Mt Connor and nearby salt lakes.

They also make their own paper using native grasses in an atmospheric old abattoir. Take a one-hour tour (adult/child $30/5) of their paper-making operation.

If you're headed for Uluru, this is the closest accommodation alternative to Yulara's Ayers Rock Resort. It's the last stop before Yulara, about 80km away.