The depot on Stokes Street
The Alice Springs depot is at 30 Stokes Street, in a light industrial part of town close to the centre. It is a short drive from most accommodation and easy to reach on the way out of town.
Buy food and water here. The next reliable supermarket is a long way from anywhere you will camp.
Heat sets the schedule
Summer in the Centre is severe, and a vehicle left in the sun becomes unpleasant quickly. Driving early and stopping early is the practical rhythm.
- Start before dawn on long legs and arrive before the worst heat
- Never leave anyone or anything living in a parked vehicle
- Check coolant, oil and tyre pressures at every fuel stop
Air conditioning works hardest in the middle of the day, so put the long stretches into the cooler hours.
Sealed roads to the rock
The Stuart Highway south and the highways west toward Uluru and Kings Canyon are sealed and straightforward. A conventional campervan is enough for that run. Fuel stops exist but are spaced, and some are small.
| Route | Surface | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Stuart Highway south | Sealed | Regular roadhouses |
| Lasseter Highway west | Sealed | Limited fuel |
| West MacDonnell road | Sealed then unsealed | Few services |
| Mereenie Loop | Unsealed | Permit may be required |
Dirt roads and permits
Some of the best country west of town sits at the end of unsealed roads. The loop through the West MacDonnells includes dirt sections, and access rules on the unsealed parts change, so check the current position before you commit to that route.
Vehicle classes at this depot are set by what the branch holds, so confirm the type you need when you book rather than expecting a particular model.
- Confirm the rental agreement allows the specific road
- Ask the operator about permits before you leave town
- Check road conditions after rain, as dirt sections close
Questions about hiring here
Can I drive to Uluru in a conventional vehicle?
Yes. The highways are sealed the whole way, and a campervan or passenger vehicle is sufficient.
Do I need a permit for the West MacDonnells?
Parts of the unsealed loop may require one. Ask the operator and check before you set out, as rules change.
How far apart are fuel stops?
Further than on the coast. Plan each leg around a known fuel point and do not pass one on a whim.