Alice Springs is one of the best places in Australia to hire a campervan; there are so many places you can get to from here.
Renting a campervan in Alice Springs with Camper Days means you will get the best deals, as we work with local campervan and motorhome owners to find the best deals. With our price comparison tool, you can find a van that suits your budget and has the features you need for your dream trip.
Alice Springs isn’t just about remoteness; there is plenty to do here, such as hiking, cultural experiences, or just taking it all in and enjoying the drive.
Would you like to enquire about a motorhome or do you need further information before making a booking? You can contact us without obligation either from Mon - Tues 9:00 - 18:00; Weds - Fri 10:00 - 17:00 by phone or at any time via our online contact form.
Helpful tips for your trip to Alice Springs
Australia is hot most of the year, so don’t expect to visit and for it to be cool at any point during your stay. Between April and October are the best time to rent a motorhome in Alice Springs. If you want fewer tourists, September to October is probably the best time to plan your trip.
HikingThere are plenty of places to hike in the surrounding areas, but the best is the MacDonnell ranges. Ideally, you don’t want to hike in the peak summer, as it will be too hot. May to September are the best months, as it will be a bit cooler and have fewer other people on the trails.
Cultural ExperiencesIf you want to experience local culture, you will find many cultural festivals, such as Parrtjima (a 10-day festival in light), usually between April and October. These are great ways to learn more about the local area and the traditions and heritage of the local people.
Outback adventuresWhen people think of Australia, most think of the outback. There's plenty to do here in the middle of nowhere, such as camel rides, stargazing, or quad biking. These can be arranged through organised tour companies and work great as part of a camper van holiday.
Best campervan routes from Alice Springs
Alice Springs to Uluru
This is quite a long drive (about 4.5 hours), but it will be one that you remember. Also, getting to places in Australia will generally take longer as it is a big country. Drive south on the Stuart Highway, taking in the desert landscapes. Call the town of Erldunda on your way to pick up any supplies you might need before you carry on your journey. When you arrive at Uluru, you will be in awe of its magnificence. Plenty of campsites are located nearby, and it's a popular hire a motorhome in Alice Springs. It's a drive you will remember forever and is on the bucket list of most people's campervan travels.
Alice Springs to Kings Canyon
If you are looking for a route that takes you on adventure and natural wonders, this could be the one for you. It's a 330km drive from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon. Start by picking up your campervan in Alice Springs, then head west towards the Watarrka National Park, where Kings Canyon is located. The drive here is fantastic, and there are some great views. Take your time and make plenty of stops, taking photographs whenever you can. Stop at the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve, which has large craters created by meteor impacts if you can. Once you arrive at Kings Canyon, you could take a rim walk along the top or visit the Garden of Eden, a large waterhole full of vegetation. After Kings Canyon, you could head to Uluru, which we mentioned earlier, as that's about a 3-hour drive away.
Alice Springs to West MacDonnell Ranges
This is the shortest route on our list at about 160km and is one that people do if they are more limited in time but still want to explore somewhere beautiful. Head West from Alice Springs along Route Six, and you will end up at the West MacDonnell Ranges. One place to call along the way is the Simpsons Gap (nothing to do with the cartoon), which is excellent for taking photographs with its towering cliffs on either side. Plenty of dedicated campsites exist in the West MacDonnell ranges, some quite rustic and others having full electric hookups.
Key sights and attractions around Alice Springs
Standley Chasm
This is about 50km from Alice Springs. It's a beautiful gorge where you can take a nice, relaxing swim. Several walking trails surround it. The Ormiston Pound Walk is also a very popular hike in this area.
Palm Valley
Palm Valley is located within Finke Gorge National Park, about 140km from Alice Springs. It's a unique desert oasis home to rare red cabbage palm trees only found here and nowhere else on Earth.
Hermannsburg Historic Precinct
Hermannsburg Historic Precinct is part of central Australia’s history and is a nationally listed heritage site. There are well-preserved 19th-century buildings that tell the story of the Lutheran missionaries who settled there.
Campsites in Alice Springs and the surrounding area
Your stay for the first night
- Northern Territory/Alice SpringsWintersun Cabin & Caravan Park
- Northern Territory/Alice SpringsG'Day Mate Tourist Park
- Northern Territory/Alice SpringsDiscovery Parks - Alice Springs
- Northern Territory/MacDonnellTrephina Gorge Campground
- Northern Territory/MacDonnellTrephina Gorge - Panorama Camp Ground
- Northern Territory/West MacDonnell National ParkPoint Howard Lookout
You should always plan with campervan hire in Alice Springs. Filling your tank up to the full amount in Alice Springs is always advisable. There are a few along the highways, but there won't be as many as you head into remote areas. You don’t want to get caught out short.
Yes, there are plenty to choose from, as it's popular with motorhome rentals in Alice Springs. There's something to suit all budgets.
Australia does allow “freedom camping,” but you need to check the local regulations. If possible, it's best to stay at a campsite, as you will likely have a comfortable and safe stay.
This all depends on how comfortable you are with your driving. The roads out here are good and bigger than those in other areas, such as Europe. This means motorhome hire in Alice Springs might be better for you if you are a confident driver, as these are typically larger than a campervan.
Most roads are fine, especially the main ones. However, some more remote ones can be unsealed. If you are heading off somewhere a bit more remote, it's important to read up to make sure your campervan won’t get stuck.
Compare the prices for different campervans, locations, and dates in our price comparison tool and find the most affordable option for your trip.
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