Road Genius compares campervan rentals across Australia so travelers can see vehicles, prices and features on one page. Alice Springs sits in the red-desert center of the country and is the main starting point for the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru. Distances are long and services are limited, so plan fuel and water stops before you leave town.
Season | Average day high | Good time? |
---|---|---|
Summer (Dec–Feb) | 97 °F / 36 °C | No – extreme heat, storms, flies |
Autumn (Mar–May) | 82 °F / 28 °C | Yes – mild days, low rain |
Winter (Jun–Aug) | 68 °F / 20 °C | Yes – sunny days, cold nights |
Spring (Sep–Nov) | 86 °F / 30 °C | Yes – wildflowers, rising heat |
The rural speed limit is 130 km/h (81 mph) on the Stuart Highway and 50 km/h (31 mph) inside Alice Springs.
Fuel stops can be 200 km or more apart. Fill up whenever the tank drops below half.
Wildlife is active from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Collisions with kangaroos and cattle are common, so avoid night driving.
Carry at least 5 liters of drinking water per person per day plus one spare tire and a jack that fits your van.
Place | Hook-ups | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|
BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park | Full | Large shaded sites, pools, online booking | Expensive, books out in winter school holidays |
Heritage RV Park | Full | Pet-friendly, walking trails start at gate | Some sites tight for vehicles over 10 m |
Alice Springs Tourist Park | Full | 2 km to city center, good shade | Road noise from Larapinta Drive |
Ellery Creek Big Hole Campground (90 km west) | None | Scenic waterhole, low NT Parks fee | No drinking water, rough last 2 km |
Stuart Highway Rest Areas (example: Finke River) | None | Free 24-hour stop, useful for transit | No facilities, maximum stay 24 hours, must be self-contained |
Free drinking water tap and dump point at Sargent Street car park next to Anzac Oval.
Alice Springs Home Timber & Hardware has a dedicated motorhome bay for graywater, parts and gas bottle exchange.
UV index often reaches 11+ in summer. Cover up and reapply SPF 50+ sunscreen every two hours.
You must buy a Mereenie Loop Permit (approximately AUD 7) to drive the Red Center Way between Kings Canyon and Hermannsburg.
Call 000 for emergency services. The Royal Flying Doctor Service covers outback areas.
Rangers enforce a no-camping rule inside town limits from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
In Australia, most campervan rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old to rent from their full selection of vehicles.
Some companies do allow drivers aged 18 to 21, but they might offer only certain models, and extra insurance could be necessary.
Simply enter the driver's age into our search tool, and we'll show you the vehicles that are available for you.
While most RV rental companies aren't located directly at Australian airports, their depots are usually nearby, within 2 to 30 kilometers.
Many providers offer free shuttle services to their depots if you book ahead. Alternatively, public buses, shuttles, and taxis are also available for transport.
To rent a campervan, each driver needs to have a valid, full driver's license. If your license is in English, you're all set. If not, make sure to have an official English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Absolutely! Most companies offer the option of one-way rentals, with pickup and drop-off locations available across Australia.
Although there is often an extra charge for one-way rentals, it will be included in the price our comparison tool displays.