Welcome to the physical and spiritual heart of Australia - Alice Springs and the red centre. Get ready to leave it all behind and step back in time as you marvel at the ancient landscapes which will leave you in awe, and immerse yourself in the culture of the first Australians who have walked the land for millennia - this is what the real Australia is all about. Central Australia truly is a place like nowhere else on Earth, a bucket list item for many that has to be experienced, and we can’t think of a better way to experience the beauty of the red centre than in your Hertz Rental car. From pristine permanent waterholes, imposing deep gorges, rusty red plains as far as the eye can see, sacred sites and ancient rock art, the Outback Capital has something for everyone.
Experience the Outback Capital
While Alice Springs is the perfect base for so many far flung outback adventures, that doesn’t mean that Alice Springs is any less of a destination worth visiting! The small but lively town of Alice Springs is a desert Oasis - a cultural hub with a rich and varied history, and plenty of stories to tell. While you’re in town, discover some of the local Indigenous art at one of the many galleries in town, or take a deep dive into the cultural history of central Australia and its people. Learn about the development of Alice Springs including its rich pioneering history, the old telegraph station and the Royal Flying Doctor museum. After soaking up all that Alice has to offer, it’s time to jump in your Hertz rental car to explore some of the natural beauty that surrounds Alice Springs. After an easy fifteen minutes drive out of town, you’ll find the iconic Kangaroo Sanctuary - an absolute must when you’re in Alice. Here you’ll be able to get up close and personal with baby red kangaroos, and learn about the amazing efforts of the team behind the orphan rehabilitation program. If you’re after a nature fix, you don’t have to venture too far to find yourself amongst some of the most spectacular landscapes Australia has to offer. Just fifteen minutes drive from Alice Springs, the East MacDonnell Range is one of the easiest and best ways to get a taste of nature in the Territory. Emily Gap and Jessie Gap are home to pristine waterholes, Aboriginal rock paintings and stunning scenery - this should absolutely be the first place you stop on your adventures. Looking for something to keep you going for a full day? Head about half an hour west of town to Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges for some of the best walking around Alice, as well as spectacular views and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Round out the day with a spectacular sunset from the top of ANZAC hill, just outside of town.
Journey into the Red Centre
No trip to Alice Springs is complete without the legendary drive down the Stuart into the heart of the red centre - Uluru and Kata-Tjutu. Get ready to pack up your Hertz rental car and hit the long road for the journey of a lifetime. Be forewarned - this is no day trip, and you wouldn’t want it to be. At 450 kilometres one way, you’ll want to space out your journey and plan to stay for a night or two. The township of Yulara, just a stone's throw away from Uluru, has plenty of great accommodation offerings catering to all budgets. You won’t want to be heading off in a hurry, as the best show comes as the sun sets - don’t miss the field of lights experience. Come sunrise, you’ll be treated to the most spectacular display of colours as the sun rises over the rusty red outback - truly an experience to remember. Before turning back towards Alice, don’t miss Kata Tjutu/Mount Olga, another must see in the area, just 40 minutes from Yulara. Another highlight on any red centre road trip is Kings Canyon and the Canyon Rim walk, one of the area’s premier hikes and a highlight of the Territory for many. Note that the waterholes around Kings Canyon are considered sacred sites, and swimming is not permitted.
Alice Springs is an Australian destination like no other. Rich cultural heritage, ancient landscapes, ancient rock art, and spectacular scenery like nowhere else all contribute to the incredible charm and beauty of Alice. With so many incredible places right on the doorstep of Alice Springs, you’ll be spoilt for choice should you decide to spend some time road tripping the Territory.
