Travel advice, travel information for Central Australia

Travel information

The Australian Outback can seem so remote and isolated and planning your self-drive adventure requires a lot of preparation. There is no doubt about it, the Red Centre is a big place and knowing where to find food and fuel stops is just as important as the journey itself.

Fuel and food stops can often be between 100 km and 300 km apart. Travelling in remote areas may require you to carry additional fuel because some remote service stations have restricted opening hours and limited credit card facilities. It is advisable to carry basic supplies such as a tyre jack, spare tyre, tyre repair kit, radiator hoses, fan belt, tow rope and ignition parts.

DIY Tourguide offers tours from Alice Springs to Uluru and Kings Canyon, and along the Red Centre Way (West MacDonnell Ranges). Take the hard work out of planning your self-drive adventure and find the nearest fuel, food and accommodation here

Travelling further afield in the Northern Territory?

Use the NT Highway Services guide to help you plan your fuel, food and camping stops.

Travel safely on Outback roads in Australia

In the Outback, travel distances are long and the roads are straight as a pin, stretching endlessly before you.

Whether you are on a 4x4 safari, on a caravanning or camping holiday or taking a vacation with the whole family, chances are you will be driving for hours at a time. In between all your sightseeing, hiking or walking adventures, or overnight hotel stops there are a few simple rules you should abide by on Outback roads. Here are some helpful safe driving tips to keep you safe. Food and Accommodation page

After more information about attractions, places to stay, things to do and tours in Central Australia?

Visit, call or email the Visitor Information Centre Alice Springs. Tourism Central Australia offers comprehensive information services at the Visitor Information Centre at 60 Gregory Terrace. A Visitor Information desk is also located at the Alice Springs Airport and the Alice Springs Train Station.

P: 1800 645 199 or (08) 8952 5800

E: visinfo@tourismca.asn.au

W: www.tourismcentralaustralia.com.au

View current events for the Central Australian region

Fuel, Food and Accommodation stops to help plan your trip to Central Australia

If you are travelling from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) or on the West MacDonnell Ranges, the following guide will help you plan stops along your journey. Opening hours can be restricted in remote areas. It is best to call ahead if you are travelling outside of normal hours.

From Alice Springs to Ayers Rock

Stuarts Well Roadhouse – (90km)
Stuart Highway
Ph: +61 8 8956 0808
Fuel, Restaurant, Bar, Motel Accommodation, Caravan & Camping

Erldunda Roadhouse – (200km)
Cnr Stuart & Lasseter Highways
Ph: +61 8 8956 0984
Fuel, Store, Café, Restaurant, Bar, Motel Accommodation, Caravan and Camping

www.desertoaksresort.com

Mt Ebenezer – (250 km)
Lasseter Highway
Ph: +61 8 8956 2904
Fuel, Store, Restaurant, Bar, Art Gallery,Motel Accommodation, Caravan and Camping

http://www.waru.org/communities/imanpa/roadhouse.php

Curtin Springs Roadhouse – (360 km)
Lasseter Highway
Ph: +61 8 8956 2906
Fuel, Café, Bar, Store, Motel Accommodation, Caravan & Camping

www.curtinsprings.com.au

Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) – 433km
Yulara Drive, Yulara
Ph: +61 8 8957 7888
Fuel, Restaurants, Bars, Post Office, Supermarket, Hotel and Cabin Accommodation, Caravan & Camping

www.voyages.com.au

Red Centre Way (West MacDonnell Ranges) – From Alice Springs

Standley Chasm – (50 km)
Larapinta Drive
Ph: +61 8 8956 7440
Kiosk, picnic facilities

www.standleychasm.com.au

Glen Helen Resort (132 km)
Namatjira Drive
Ph: (08) 8956 7489
Fuel, Restaurant, Bar, Motel Accommodation, Caravan and Camping

www.glenhelen.com.au

Hermannsburg (126 km)
Larapinta Drive
Ph: (08) 8956 7480
Fuel, Supermarket, Camping

Looking for a car rental, RV, motorhome or campervan for your self-drive adventure tour?

Check out these car rental outlets for more information and special deals.

Alice Camp N Drive (www.centralcarrentals.com.au) Ph: +61 8 8952 0098
Apollo Motorhome Holidays (http://www.apollotrade.com) Ph: +61 1800 777 779
Avis (www.avis.com.au) Ph: +61 8953 5533 or 136 333
Britz Campervan Rentals (www.britz.com.au) Ph: +61 1800 331 454
Budget Car & Truck Rentals (www.budget.com.au) Ph: +61 8 8952 8899 or 13 27 27
Europcar (www.europcar.com.au) Ph: +61 8 8955 5994
Hertz NT (www.hertznt.com.au) Ph: +61 1300 132 105
Johnno’s Campertrailers Alice Springs (www.campertrailer.com.au) Ph: +61 8 8953 5027
Kea Campers (Australia) (http://au.keacampers.com) Ph: +61 1800 252 555
Maui Rentals (www.maui.com.au) Ph: +61 8 8952 8049
Thrifty Car Rental (www.thrifty.com.au) Ph: +61 8952 9999 or 136 139

Watch your speed!

Outside built-up areas, the default speed limit in the Northern Territory is 110 km/hr. A speed limit of 130 km/hr applies on some parts of major Northern Territory Highways, such as the Stuart Highway between Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock). Other speed limits may apply in some areas.

Water – the stuff of life!

Always carry water on you when travelling in the Outback. You should carry spare water in your car and drink water regularly throughout the day to keep from dehydrating. In summer, when undertaking any outdoor activity it is 1 for 1 – one litre every hour.

Speed Limits*

Built-up Area: the speed limit in built-up areas in the Northern Territory is 60 km/hr, unless a sign indicates that another speed limit applies.

* Disclaimer: DIY Tourguide takes no responsibility if speed limits change

Long Distance and Fatigue

Driving long distances in hot weather can cause fatigue and lead to accidents. STOP and REST at least every two hours, change drivers, take a walk, drink some water.

Single Vehicle Rollovers

Slow down on unsealed roads and don’t overcorrect if you drift off the edge of the road. Even sealed roads in the Northern Territory can be narrow.

4WD Vehicles

Take extra care in 4WD vehicles. Handling characteristics differ from standard passenger cars, such as the effect of high winds. Engage 4WD when travelling on unsealed roads.

Wandering Stock and Small Animals

Always look out for wandering animals on or near the road and avoid travelling at night. Swerving to miss small animals on the road can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.

Alcohol

The legal limit in the Northern Territory is 0.05 BAC. The safest level is zero for long drives, as alcohol can lead to the onset of fatigue.

Road Trains

Road trains are up to 53.5m long and 2.5m wide and have three trailers. Allow at least one kilometre of clear road ahead before overtaking. Give plenty of notice if you are in front and are coming to a stop.
Caravans

Ensure your caravan is loaded evenly, and slow down on corrugated surfaces if driving on dirt roads. Please be courteous and pull over where safe, to let faster drivers pass you.

Dust

On unsealed roads, slow down or stop until dust settles and no longer obscures your vision. Watch for approaching vehicles throwing up stones and only overtake if your vision is clear.

Aboriginal Land

A permit is required when travelling on roads over Aboriginal land. Obtain from local tourist centres.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians may be encountered on town or rural roads. Be particularly careful at night.

Travelling with Pets

Dogs and cats cannot be taken into any Northern Territory National Park and many caravan parks do not allow pets. The Tourism Central Australia Visitor Information Centre can provide advice about dog kennels and catteries in Alice Springs.

Email or Call us on +61 8 8952 9412

Plan your roadtrip in Central Australia