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Plan your camper trip from Alice Springs – find your ideal camper in minutes

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.

Campervan Rental Cost

Campervan Pickup Locations

Map of campervan rental depots near 363472

When to go for a Campervan Trip

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

Driving Notes

  • 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.
  • Many sites (Mereenie Loop, Finke Gorge) are on rough dirt roads. Most 2WD rentals are not insured on unsealed roads.
  • 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.
  • There are no toll roads in the Northern Territory.
  • Check the NT Road Report (phone 1800 246 199) for closures after heavy rain.

Campsites and Overnight Options

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

Resupplying Options

  • 24-hour fuel and LPG at Coles Express and Shell Todd on Stuart Highway. Both allow high-roof vans.
  • 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.

Important Information

  • 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.
  • Unsealed roads may close after rain. Fines apply if you drive on a closed road.
  • Mobile phone coverage ends about 30 km outside town. A satellite phone or emergency beacon is recommended for remote trips.

FAQs

How old do I need to be to rent a campervan in Australia?

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.

Can I collect my camper from the airport?

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.

What kind of license do I need to rent a campervan in Australia?

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).

Are one-way campervan rentals available in Australia?

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.