Car & Van Hire - Alice Springs

Alice Springs is the gateway to the outback and offers travellers the kind of adventure you won't find in Australia's chic coastal cities. The Telegraph Station, dating back to 1871, is a historic site, making the spot where Europeans first settled in the area. It's also worth checking out the Alice Springs School of the Air, a remarkable achievement in distance education that serves the children who live dotted around the vast expanse of the Northern Territory.

Nature comes alive in Alice Springs. You can admire the outback landscape from Australia's largest hot air balloon, which drifts peacefully above the kangaroos, brumbies and other critters. If you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. This exciting reserve allows you to see the local animals in their natural habitat. You'll be able to admire the birds of prey, the adorable bilbies, and the numerous reptiles that live in the area. While at the park, you can also learn about the traditions and customs that have allowed the Aboriginal people to thrive in the desert for thousands of years.

If you're interested in experiencing the desert, you've come to the right place. Alice Springs has a desert golf course, camel trekking and plenty of hikes and trails to explore. One of the most interesting road trips will take you to Rainbow Valley, 75 km to the south. Visit at sunset to see how it got its name, as the fading light creates stunning, colourful patterns in the sandstone. Many travellers choose to camp overnight here, and it's a great way to see the desert up close and personal.

There are plenty of day trips to enjoy, including the mountains of the East Macs and West Macs. Here you can admire the majestic rock formations, as well as the ancient rock carvings created by Australia's earliest inhabitants. If you're lucky, you'll also see wallabies at play!

Finally, many visitors use Alice Springs as their base to visit the legendary Uluru, the enormous red rock that rises dramatically from the surrounding desert. The drive to the rock is 450 km, with well-marked roads and several interesting places to stop along the way. There's a hot debate about whether the sunrise or sunset is more impressive at Uluru - why not stay the night and decide for yourself?

The city of Alice Springs is very easy to navigate. The town centre has a simple grid layout, and roads are clearly marked and well-maintained. This is a small city, and if you're driving within it, you'll have no problems getting around. Most visitors plan to leave the city limits, making Alice Springs their home base while they go on day trips to explore the surrounding area. In that case, it's important to be very careful. The outback is known for its inhospitable environment, and driving can be a real adventure. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but you'll need to keep a clear head to make the most of it. Always put safety first, and don't start driving unless you have a clear idea of where you're going.

Many of the area's finest attractions, including Rainbow Valley and the East Macs, can only be reached by unsealed roads. This means that they are inaccessible unless you choose a 4-wheel drive. The journey to Uluru doesn't require a 4-wheel drive, as there are asphalt roads all the way. However, you can opt for a more remote route that will take you along unsealed roads if you're craving adventure.

Driving in the desert can be intimidating, particularly if you're going a long distance. Look for petrol stations on a map before starting your journey, and plan accordingly. It's a good idea to carry a physical map, as mobile signals can be weak if you're heading into the outback, and to plan your route before you go. Always carry more water than you think you'll need, as heat exhaustion is a real danger. Watch out for animals, too. Kangaroos and wild camels may seem adorable from a distance, but they can be a major threat on the roads.

Driving within the city limits after dark should not pose any problems. However, travellers should not risk driving at night in the desert or outback. Roads are often poorly lit, and it's very easy to get lost. Plus, most of the animals that live in the area are nocturnal. Travellers should always plan their itineraries carefully and avoid driving between dusk and dawn. In the worst-case scenario, be aware that the Australian emergency number is 000.