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Compare multiple campervan rental companies in Alice Springs. Several depots are located a short drive from Alice Springs Airport (ASP).
The rental cost for a campervan in Alice Springs is around $50-$400/day for most campers. Prices are dependent on seasonality, length of trip and campervan model among other factors. The range of offered vehicles includes affordable models like the Campervan Village Aventus 2 and larger motorhomes such as the Apollo Euro Deluxe.
The magic of the outback and a strategic central location make Alice a thriving motorhome destination for long-distance lappers and short-term holidaymakers alike. As a result, you’ll find excellent RV infrastructure around the region, including dump points, water refills, and scenic campsites.
Discover Australia your way by finding a camper that suits your travel needs.
Trailfinder 4WD Camper
Spirit 2 T/S Ultima
Outback 4WD Camper
Safari Landcruiser 4WD
Cheapa Trailfinder 4x4
Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.
Most campervan rentals in Alice Springs cost between AUD $50 to $400 per day (most fees included).
Rental rates can vary depending on:
Rental companies offer three main camper types in Alice Springs:
The budget-friendly campervan has a fold-out couch and a slide-out kitchen for self-catering. Fancier models might have toilets or a high roof to stand inside.
The 4x4 camper lets you explore rugged off-the-beaten-track locales like Palm Valley and the Mereenie Loop. On the downside, you'll have to contend with limited space and basic amenities.
A motorhome refers to a larger, more luxurious vehicle with most of the amenities of a home. Expect an indoor kitchen, a spacious living room, and a bathroom with a hot water shower.
The prices for renting a campervan in Alice Springs are consistent throughout the year. However, May and June usually have slightly lower prices compared to the rest of the year.
A 4x4 is not necessary to explore the wonders of the great outdoors. In fact, 95% of the attractions in the Northern Territory can be accessed by 2WD vehicles, such as RVs and camper vans, due to the extensive network of paved highways. RVs and camper vans must adhere strictly to driving only on paved roads.
If you are new to RVing, visiting Alice for the first time, or traveling with family, we recommend using an RV or camper van. Getting around this way provides more flexibility.
Generally, 4x4 campers can only be driven on recognized paved tracks. However, it is possible to request exceptions be made for some areas. Permission must be granted in advance, especially for any off-road areas.
In addition to unpaved roads, companies may restrict certain roads or trails with a reputation for being rough or rugged. If you take your vehicle into a restricted area, you will be liable for all damages and, in some cases, will also have to pay a fine.
If unsure about a particular area, it's best to contact the rental company in advance.
For 4x4 vehicles, a daily mileage allowance usually applies (around 186 miles). After that, additional fees will apply.
The comparison tool will show which vehicles have unlimited miles and limited free mileage. Consult the rental agreement of the supplier for further details.
Some 4x4 campervans are equipped with a roof tent and self-inflating sleeping pads. This means that the vehicle doesn't have sleeping space inside. Instead, a tent is mounted on top of the campervan, which can then be set up for camping overnight.
For example, the Britz Safari 4x4 Camper (based on a Toyota Land Cruiser) is mounted with a double-bed rooftop tent. The tent also has an annex with space for up to three more people.
Other 4x4 campervan rental models have a pop-up roof (pop-top campers) allowing for beds to be located within the motorhome itself.
While there are no campervan rentals directly at the terminal at Alice Springs Airport, there are several campervan rental companies within 1–12 miles.
The depots are easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.
Renting a camper in Alice Springs is the most convenient and cost-effective way to explore the Red Centre.
Here’s why you should rent a motorhome for your upcoming outback adventure:
Affordable: While hotel rooms cost a fortune in outback Australia, a camper lets you roll your transportation and accommodation expenses into one.
Convenient: A camper lets you easily access all your essentials. You can also minimize drive times by pulling up at a nearby campsite instead of returning to your hotel.
Flexibility: A motorhome lets you explore the Red Centre on your own terms. No need to construct rigid itineraries—you’re free to bounce around the outback on a whim.
A closer connection with nature: Stop overnight in scenic campsites and drift off to sleep while gazing at the stars. A kitted-out camper brings you closer to nature than a hotel ever could.
Amenities: From fresh food to clean clothes (and maybe even a hot shower), all the amenities you need are right there in the vehicle with you.
When embarking on a motorhome vacation, remember these essentials when driving in the Northern Territory:
Renting a campervan in Alice Springs will save you loads of cash compared to the traditional hotel / rental car combo.
A thrifty outback traveler can reduce expenses even further with the following money-saving tips:
Find early-bird specials: The early bird gets the discounted worm. Most rental agencies offer cut-price deals for travelers who book well in advance.
Compare prices: A comparison tool like Camper Champ lets you weigh up your options and find cheaper rates.
Avoid peak season: Demand outstrips supply in peak season. Snag a favorable rate by traveling outside the school vacations.
Go small: While a massive motorhome offers next-level luxury, it'll cost substantially more to rent and refuel. Many travelers find a budget-friendly campervan sufficient for a quick Red Centre trip.
Ask about added extras: The best companies include camping chairs and cooking utensils. These add-ons mean you won't have to purchase any last-minute camping gear.
Extend your stay: Some companies offer discounts for long stays of a week or more. Extra time lets you minimize your daily expenses and explore the region in more depth.
FIFO: Making the 1,864-mile return trip from Darwin or Adelaide will cost you a fortune in fuel and waste 30+ hours of your life. Instead, fly in / fly out of Alice Springs and rent a camper from there.
Weigh up one-way rentals: A one-way rental from Alice Springs to Yulara (Uluru) is generally not available for campervan rentals, or may involve a hefty one-way fee. Many travelers find it's worth returning their vehicle to Alice Springs.
Reduce backtracking: Vast distances and astronomical gas prices make refueling a significant expense. Plan a rough route that minimizes backtracking to save at the pump. The exception is the Mereenie Loop, where you'll have no choice but to backtrack a long way (unless you've got a 4WD).
Refuel strategically: Gas costs a fortune in the outback, and not all service stations offer similar rates. Use a comparison tool like PetrolSpy to compare prices in real-time.
Free camp: Free campsites lie scattered along lonely outback highways.
Self-cater: Restaurants don't come cheap in this isolated, inhospitable part of Australia. Load up on fresh groceries in Alice Springs and cook your meals to keep the budget on track.
Bushwalk: Helicopter, ATV, and Segway tours are also quite pricey in the outback. Aside from your national park pass, hiking is 100% free, and you'll see the same scenery.
The Red Centre has a harsh, variable climate with cold winters and sweltering hot summers.
The best time to visit is during the mildest months of late fall (April-May) and late winter / early spring (August-September). Warm daytime temperatures and pleasant nights ensure optimal comfort. Expect average highs and lows of 73F / 46F in May and 73F / 43F in August.
Winter is another great time to visit, but bring plenty of warm clothes because the early mornings frequently dip below freezing. July, for example, has average daily highs and lows of 68F / 39F.
A Red Centre summer is—as you can probably imagine—horrendously hot. January averages hover around 97F / 70F, with midday temperatures regularly exceeding 104F. If you decide to hike in summer, pack plenty of water and leave before sunrise.
Domestic tourists visit the Red Centre from all corners of the country, so school vacations can be tricky to avoid (most Australian states have different term dates). Overall, however, expect to encounter more holidaymaking families during late April, late June, late September, and the Christmas / New Years period.
Worthwhile Red Centre events include Parrtjima – a Festival in Light (April), Wide Open Spaces (April), the Alice Springs Cup Day (April), the FabALICE Festival (March), the Alice Springs Beanie Festival (June), and the Finke Desert Race (June).
The ideal length for an RV adventure around Alice Springs is five to ten days.
It'll only take you a day or two to check out the galleries and other attractions in Alice Springs.
Avid hikers will want to spend at least five days trampling around the top MacDonnell Ranges trails. Add more time to tackle a few Larapinta sections (the full route takes about two weeks) or any remote 4WD tracks.
Allow at least four full days for a round trip visiting Kings Canyon and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park—don't underestimate the drive times.
Home to just 25,000 inhabitants, Alice Springs is a small city with plenty of places to park.
The Alice Springs Town Council operates numerous parking lots and parking spaces throughout the city, almost all of which are free. Many are spacious enough to accommodate large motorhomes. If you're struggling to find space for a big rig, try the ANZAC Oval or Stuart Memorial Park.
To safeguard against theft, avoid parking your camper in an isolated area for an extended period, even during the day.
Sleeping in a vehicle outside of a designated campsite is actively discouraged in the Northern Territory.
Furthermore, while Alice Springs is relatively safe during the day, the town has a reputation for being dangerous at night. Prolific after-dark crime should be enough to discourage you from free camping on a random street—or leaving your vehicle unattended for multiple days.
Thankfully, Alice Springs has a wide selection of secure caravan parks in and around the city. Some popular options include Temple Bar, G’day Mate Tourist Park, and Discovery Parks. Nightly rates range from $18 to $57 per night (Temple Bar is the cheapest in town).
There are no free camps within the city. The closest heading north is the Tropic of Capricorn Rest Area (18.6 miles) and the Mount Polhil Rest Area (36.6 miles) going south. The nearest free camp to Uluru is Sandy View Roadside Rest Area (31.7 miles).
You’ll find an impressive selection of spectacular campsites scattered around the region, both free and paid. Some of our favorite Red Centre free camps include:
Point Howard Lookout
Neil Hargrave Lookout
Ginty’s Lookout Camp
Salt Creek Rest Area
Kernot Range Rest Area
Curtain Springs
Desert Oaks Rest Area
Uluru is located around 280 miles from Alice Springs. This means the drive from Alice Springs to Uluru will usually take around five hours depending on the route you decide to take. There are plenty of campsites in the area which gives you the opportunity to spend a few days exploring the area.
Most people like to visit in the cooler months between May and September, when the average temperature is around 77 degrees Fahrenheit and there is little rain. August and September also provide the opportunity to see colorful wildflowers in bloom.
In the warmer months (October to March), the daytime temperatures can exceed 95°F with frequent storms making it a much less pleasant experience. If visiting during summer be sure to read in advance the conditions and prepare accordingly.
Alice Springs—the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Over the next seven days, we'll take you on a journey through this beautiful region, showcasing some of the best experiences and activities available in this vibrant desert town.
MORE: 7-Day Alice Springs Itinerary
To get the most out of your trip across the country, we’ve put together a 9-day itinerary that includes a mix of world-famous landmarks and secret hidden gems. This campervan journey from the Northern Territory to South Australia is a must for any aspiring explorer.
MORE: Alice Springs to Adelaide Itinerary
Snake along the Stuart Highway as you travel between the NT's two main towns. See Katherine, Kings Canyon and even Uluru before reaching the quirky town of Alice Springs in the center of Australia's Red Center.
MORE: Alice Springs to Darwin ItineraryAussie travellers need a valid, full Class C (car) license to rent a camper in Alice Springs—no Ls, Ps, or probationary licenses allowed. Foreigners will need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) or an English translation of a comparable license. You’ll need to be 21 or older, regardless of nationality, to rent a camper in Alice Springs. Drivers under 25 must pay a young driver surcharge. Most rental companies don’t want you taking their vehicles on rugged, unsealed roads. Always confirm the policy before venturing off the tarmac.
Yes, it’s standard for most companies to allow an additional driver. This driver and any others must be named on the rental agreement and there may be a nominal fee.
Additional drivers must also hold an appropriate driver’s license and must meet driver age requirements.
Yes, many options are available. Some popular choices include Ayers Rock Campground (close to Uluru), Alice Springs Tourist Park, and the BIG4 MacDonnell Range.
Most campervan rental companies in Australia require the driver to be 21 years of age or older to rent from their full range of vehicles.
Some companies will rent to drivers between 18-21, but only certain models may be available. A couple of companies have higher age requirements - 23 (Leisure Rent) and 24 (Captain Billy’s). Enter the driver’s age into our search tool and we will filter available vehicles to match.
For young drivers, additional insurance may be required and special conditions may apply.
When renting a vehicle, it is standard to be charged a bond (security deposit), also known as ‘excess’, which is the amount the renter is liable to cover in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle. The bond amount fluctuates based on the insurance package selected at the time of rental and is charged and debited on the renters’ credit or debit card.
Terms and conditions vary by rental company, however, most companies do not charge a fee if the cancellation is made 3 months prior to pick up (including Maui, Britz, Apollo, Cheapa Campa, Star RV, Hippie, & Mighty). The closer the date to picking up the vehicle, the higher the cancellation fee will generally be.
Deposit amounts may not be refundable.
With the COVID-19 outbreak affecting many travelers plans in 2020, many suppliers have updated their cancellation policies.
To cancel a booking contact our friendly support team via the Support Page.
Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.
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