Car Hire in Alice Springs
This information is correct as of July 2015.
Alice Springs is one of Australia's most famous outback towns. There is so much to see in and around Alice Springs, as well as the nearby attractions, that having to rely on public and often infrequent transportation would be such a waste of time! Rent a car in order to make the most of your stay. You'll be able to travel safe, fast, and free. You may book in advance or upon arrival although it would be far more convenient to pre-book your vehicle in advance. Use Skyscanner to compare prices and find out more about renting a car in Alice Springs.
Where to hire a car in Alice Springs
When renting a car in the Northern Territory, you'll need to carefully consider whether you need a car, 4WD, campervan, minibus, or motorhome. Car rental companies operating in Alice Springs include Hertz, Britz, Thrifty, Avis, Budget, Salamanda Travel, and Europcar. Location for pick-up and drop-off can be arranged, although the most popular places are from airports, train stations, or the hotel.
What to expect when hiring a car from Alice Springs
It would be a good idea to at least familiarise yourself with the road rules and regulations before driving off. Traffic in Australia travels on the left side of the road. Always keep this in mind, especially when you are turning at an intersection. Speed limits in Alice Springs are strictly enforced, so be on the lookout for the signs for speed limits. Speed limits apply on ALL ROADS even in places where there seem to be no signs. Road conditions vary: there are well-maintained paved roads, and there are gravel and unsealed roads. If you intend to travel on unsealed roads, make sure your vehicle is capable of handling it and that the car rental company will allow it.
The main roads leaving Alice Springs are Stuart Highway, Larapinta Drive, and the Ross Highway. Stuart Highway, or Highway 87, runs north to Darwin and south to Port Augusta. Larapinta Drive goes west and splits off to the Namatjira road, while Ross Highway goes east.
Getting to your destination
Darwin
Despite its small size, Darwin is a cosmopolitan city. The lifestyle in Darwin is relaxed and boasts of multiculturism. Attractions in this city are countless, and include the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, Aviation Heritage Centre, Batchelor Butterfly and Petting Farm, Territory Wildlife Park, and the Darwin Festival.
From central Alice Springs, follow National Highway 87 and National Highway 1 to reach Darwin.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage area in the southern portion of Australia's Northern Territory. It contains the famous single massive rock formation called Uluru or Ayers Rock, and for the range of rock domes Kata Tjuta.
Take Stuart Highway from Alice Springs to Erldunda Roadhouse, about 200 kilometres in the south. Make a right turn onto the Lasseter Highway. After about 245 kilometres you will arrive at the sealed tarmac road Yulara.
Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy, near the Uluru National Park, is a small town self-described as the opal capital of the world. Attractions include the Umoona Opal Museum, Desert Cave Hotel Museum, Josephine's Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage, Catacomb Church, St Peter & Paul Catholic Church, and the Graveyard.
Coober Pedy is 685 kilometres from Alice Springs via Stuart Highway.