Many visitors to Uluru plan to collect a campervan hire in Alice Springs to enable them to more easily get around and explore the Alice Springs and Uluru attractions. Hiring a campervan can also be a cost effective option to minimise accommodation costs and maximise your flexibility to explore the area. Note that you cannot hire a campervan in Uluru, only from Alice Springs.

This is a great cost effective option, particularly if you are travelling as a group. If you are aged under 25 years old, ensure you carefully check the rental terms and conditions as you may have to pay extra fees to rent a campervan.

This article will help you better understand the motorhome hire options in Alice Springs and specific limitations and to make your booking.

Join the Uluru Travel Planning Facebook Group!

You are welcome to join the Uluru Travel Planning Facebook Group – it is a great resource to enable you to ask questions about your upcoming trip to Uluru!

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Uluru Travel Planning Resources

Check out our other articles below to help you plan your visit to Uluru, Alice Springs and Kings Canyon

Best Time to Visit Uluru and Alice Springs
What to do in Uluru, Alice Springs and Kings Canyon
How to get to Uluru
How to rent a car in Uluru or Alice Springs
How to rent a campervan in Alice Springs
Half and full day tour options from Uluru
Multi day tour options which start and finish in Uluru
Multi day tour options which start and finish in Alice Springs

Alice Springs Airport

Many visitors to Uluru book flights to Alice Springs, and then drive to Uluru. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to explore Alice Springs and surrounds.

The road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) on the fully sealed Stuart and Lasseter Highways consists of a direct drive of 445km, 276 mi, 4:30 hrs each way in a standard vehicle.

Note that you do not need a 4WD vehicle to visit Uluru – there are sealed roads to all of the major tourist attractions.

Flights to Alice Springs

A great option to check out and book Alice Springs flights is through Kiwi.com – they do great flight comparisons across all airlines to help you find the right flight option.

Click here to check out and book flights to Alice Springs through Kiwi.com

Campervan Hire Alice Springs

You can hire a campervan in Alice Springs (otherwise known as a motorhome or RV). Campervan options typically include the following:

2WD 2, 3, 4 or 6 berth campervan, with or without bathroom and ranging from budget to luxury
4WD 2 berth campervan (no bathroom)
4WD 2-5 seat with tent camping, either on ground, poptop or rooftop tent

Note that all of the Alice Springs campervan hire providers are open from 1 April to 30 November of each year. They are not open during the very hot summer season. The campervan hire depots are typically open from Monday to Saturday each week, and may also be closed on public holidays. There may be additional fees to collect or return your campervan on public holidays, and there may also be a one way fee to either drop off or pick up your campervan in Alice Springs.

The best option to search for the Alice Springs Campervan options is through vroomvroomvroom.com to see the options.

Options include both standard and 4WD camper rentals. You need to make a full or partial payment to confirm your campervan booking, then you most likely will need to pay the balance 6 weeks prior to collection of your campervan. Upon collection of your campervan you will also need to pay a bond which is fully refundable as long as you return the campervan in an acceptable condition.

Each provider also has specific cancellation options – ensure you check them out before finalising your booking. You can also choose between different levels of deposit reduction and liability reduction, and there also options to hire camping equipment and child seats.

Note that you do not need a 4WD vehicle to visit Uluru – there are sealed roads from Alice Springs to all of the major tourist attractions.

Alice Springs Campervan Hire Limitations

Special additional campervan hire conditions which apply when you are travelling in the Alice Springs and Uluru region. Ensure you carefully check your rental car hire agreement to understand the limitations when you collect your pre-booked motorhome. Below are typical restrictions to campervans to travel around the Uluru area which may change from time to time.

2WD campervans must stay on sealed roads, except for well maintained access roads less than 15km long to recognised camping grounds or National Parks. In the Northern Territory the Mereenie Loop (or Red Centre Way) unsealed section which goes from Redbank Gorge to Kings Canyon may be a specific exclusion. You can also get to Kings Canyon on fully sealed roads via a faster alternative route.
4WD campervans may have specific limitations for roads where they are not allowed to travel, ensure you carefully check the terms and conditions for your specific campervan provider before booking. You are also not allowed to drive a 4WD campervan in 4WD mode on sealed roads.

Alice Springs Campervan Rental Inclusions and Add ons

When booking your campervan rental Alice Springs through RentalCars.com, the standard hire package includes the following:

When you pick up your car you will need to provide your passport or national ID card, drivers license and credit card. You must be at least 21 years old to drive a campervan.
On collection of the campervan, you will be required to pay a Vehicle Security Deposit, the amount depends on whether you have selected an Excess Liability Reduction Package. This can range from $A1500 to $A8000 debited from your credit card, or a $A250-$A500 imprint or debit. Note that you cannot use a Debit Card or Cash to rent a campervan. Prepaid, recharge or virtual credit cards are also not accepted.
4WD Campervan additional cover may also also available in conjunction with specific liability reduction options.
Campervan rentals are charged per calendar day.
Most campervan rentals include unlimited kilometers/mileage unless otherwise stated.
Each campervan hire company will have different cancellation conditions depending on the number of days out from collection.
Fuel Policy is typically like for like – when you collect your car the fuel tank will be either full or partly full. To avoid paying for a refuelling charge when you return your vehicle you need to top the fuel tank up to the same level as when you collected it. Fuel is available in Alice Springs, Yulara and roadside fuel stations so it should be easy to refuel your vehicle prior to returning it.
The campervan must be returned in a reasonable state of cleanliness, free of mud and rubbish, the toilet and water tank must also be returned empty. Otherwise additional cleaning fees may be charged.
Campervans are usually fitted with an electronic tracking system, and if you exceed the designated speed limits you may be subject to additional fees.
Any accident resulting in loss or damage will result in full payment of your bond, except where a third party was at fault or where you have purchased a liability reduction package.
Third Party Liability (TPL). This covers the drivers liability for injuries and property damage which are covered by the policy. It does not cover injuries to the driver or to the campervan. This coverage is only valid if you comply with the terms of the rental agreement.
Emergency Roadside Assistance
A single driver is included (some companies do include additional drivers, check this detail when finalising your booking)
Damage to windows, mirrors, wheels, tyres, roof top tents/pods are not covered unless you have purchased a liability reduction option.
Kitchen equipment, bedding and linen may be included

Other available addons are all payable on vehicle collection:

Additional drivers may incur and additional fee per driver per day.
Booking Amendment fee to change your reservation.
Baby Seats, Child Booster Seats and Child Seats are an additional fee per day
Satellite phone, first aid kits, heater/fan, toilet chemicals, prepaid gas bottle, camp chairs, camp tables are available to hire for extra fees.

If you choose to book direct with the campervan hire company, ensure you carefully review the inclusions, exclusions and terms and conditions before booking.

Caravan Parks Alice Springs

Once you have collected your campervan in Alice Springs, the next common question is where to stay in Alice Springs. If you have arrived on a midday flight It is recommended that you plan to stay in Alice Springs for your first night, as you will need to do a grocery shop and it is a very long drive. You should not drive at night time due to the high risk of running into wildlife on the road, and fatigue after a long day is also a high risk. When you set up your campervan for the first time, if you are still in Alice Springs it is then much easier to get assistance to resolve any issues.

It is recommended that you stay at a caravan park in Alice Springs to ensure you have a level of security for your campervan. Recommended campsites in and around Alice Springs include the following:

The Big4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park is located on the southern side of Alice Springs, and has ensuite powered sites, powered sites and unpowered sites.
The G’Day Mate Tourist Park is located on the southern side of Alice Springs, and has ensuite powered sites, powered sites and unpowered sites.
The Alice Springs Tourist Park is centrally located and has powered and unpowered sites.
The Heritage Caravan Park is located on the southern side of Alice Springs, and has powered and unpowered sites.
The Wintersun Cabin & Caravan Park is located on the northern side of Alice Springs, and has powered sites.
Temple Bar Caravan Park is located out of town on the western side of Alice Springs and has unpowered sites.

Ayers Rock Campground

With a campervan you are able to camp at Uluru in the Ayers Rock Campground, which is located in the Yulara township. Ayers Rock Campground has both powered and unpowered sites which you should pre-book as early as possible. Note that you are not allowed to camp overnight in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

There is always more space to camp without a booking as they have a large overflow unpowered camping area, however if you end up in that section expect to have a long walk to the bathroom facilities.

Kings Canyon Camping

With a campervan you are able to camp close to Kings Canyon at either of the following options. Ensure you book ahead!

Kings Canyon Resort has powered and unpowered sites.
Kings Creek Station has powered and unpowered sites.

Australia Car Hire FAQs

Renting a car in Australia is very similar to other international destinations. Below is our summary of FAQs for renting a hire car in Australia.

How to rent a car in Australia?

The easiest option to find a car rental for Australia is to check out the options on RentalCars.com. Rentalcars.com will quickly help you to find the best priced car rental option, and then enable you to quickly complete your booking. You pay nothing up front and you can change or cancel your booking without paying any amendment fees.
Click here to compare options and book your Australian Car Hire through RentalCars.com

What side of the road do Australians drive on?

In Australia we drive on the left hand side of the road. If you are coming from a country where you drive on the right hand side, be aware that it takes a few days to get used to the change.

In my personal experience I am usually ok when I am driving with other traffic – when I am most at risk is when I am driving in a car on the other side when there is no other traffic present – let’s just say that I have made a few mistakes and fortunately did not have a traffic accident.

Will my Australian hire car have air conditioning?

Any car rented from a major hire company will have air conditioning as standard

Will my Australian hire car have unlimited kms/mileage?

It depends – some rentals will be unlimited and others will have a kilometer / mile limitation. Ensure you check out this aspect when you make your car hire booking.

What fuel/gas is used in Australia?

In Australia there are several different types of fuel. Most hire cars will use standard unleaded fuel, either with our without ethanol added – depending on the fuel company this can be called Unleaded 91 or E10. There are premium unleaded fuels also available called either Unleaded 95 or 98. You would normally only expect to use premium fuel in premium vehicles. The final fuel is Diesel – many vehicles in Australia use Diesel, including standard cars, 4WD vehicles and trucks. When you go to fill up your car there should be a sticker beside the fuel cap advising which fuel to use. All fuel options are readily available in the more populated parts of Australia.

Do I need an International Drivers Permit to rent a car in Australia?

An International Drivers Permit (IDP) is basically an official document which translates your home country drivers licence into the local language. For renting a car in Australia, I recommend that you purchase an IDP before leaving your home country. You can also check with your selected hire company to confirm whether it is required.

Join the Uluru Travel Planning Facebook Group!

You are welcome to join the Uluru Travel Planning Facebook Group – it is a great resource to enable you to ask questions about your upcoming trip to Uluru!

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you book after clicking on one of these links then we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Anne Sutherland-Smith

Anne Sutherland-Smith is the creative force behind Pretraveller.com, a travel blog that specializes in offering insightful guidance for exploring Japan, South Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Her passion for these diverse and dynamic regions shines through in her expert advice, particularly in helping travellers stay connected with the latest in SIM cards, pocket WiFi, and eSIMs.

With an unquenchable thirst for Asian and Oceanian cultures, Anne has carved out a niche as a knowledgeable guide for those venturing into the bustling streets of Tokyo, the historical alleys of Kyoto, the vibrant scenes of Seoul, the scenic landscapes of Australia, the vibrant markets of Hong Kong, or the futuristic cityscape of Singapore. Her articles are full of practical tips and detailed information, ensuring travellers are well-equipped for their journeys.

Anne’s approach is grounded in providing reliable, authoritative travel content that enhances the travel experience. From navigating the complexities of digital connectivity on the go to immersing in the local culture, her advice is designed to make travel both enjoyable and seamless.

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