Alice Springs to Darwin Campervan Hire ONE WAY

Alice Springs to Darwin One Way Campervan Itinerary

Day 1: Alice Springs to Wycliffe Well, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 380 km (236 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 4 hours

Things to See:

Tropic of Capricorn Marker (just outside Alice Springs)
Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles (giant granite boulders near Wauchope)
Wycliffe Well (known as Australia’s UFO capital)

Day 2: Wycliffe Well to Tennant Creek, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 130 km (81 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Highlights:

Battery Hill Mining Centre (learn about the gold mining history)
Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre (Aboriginal art and culture)
Lake Mary Ann (popular for picnics and swimming)

Day 3: Tennant Creek to Daly Waters, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 410 km (255 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 4.5 hours

Must-See Stops:

Daly Waters Pub (iconic outback pub with quirky decor)
Stuart Tree Historical Reserve (historic marker from Stuart’s expedition)
WWII Airstrip Memorial (near Daly Waters)

Day 4: Daly Waters to Mataranka, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 165 km (103 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours

Things to Experience:

Mataranka Thermal Pool (natural hot springs surrounded by palm trees)
Bitter Springs (crystal-clear thermal pools, great for a swim)
Elsey National Park (scenic walks and waterholes)

Day 5: Mataranka to Katherine, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 106 km (66 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Highlights:

Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge (boat cruises, kayaking, and hiking)
Katherine Hot Springs (natural thermal pools for swimming)
Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre (local art and exhibitions)

Day 6: Katherine to Pine Creek, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 90 km (56 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Must-See Stops:

Pine Creek Railway Museum (historic gold mining town)
Umbrawarra Gorge Nature Park (swimming, picnicking, and hiking)
Copperfield Dam (relaxing spot for picnics and fishing)

Day 7: Pine Creek to Litchfield National Park, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 180 km (112 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours

Things to See:

Magnetic Termite Mounds (unique termite mounds)
Florence Falls (waterfall and swimming area)
Wangi Falls (popular for swimming, hiking, and picnicking)

Day 8: Litchfield National Park to Darwin, Northern Territory

Distance: Approximately 115 km (71 miles)

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions in Darwin:

Mindil Beach Sunset Market (local food, crafts, and sunset views)
Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Darwin Waterfront Precinct (swimming lagoon, restaurants, and shops)

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of licence do you need to hire a campervan in Alice Springs?

Aussie travellers need a valid, full Class C (car) license to rent a camper in Alice Springs—no Ls, Ps, or probationary licenses allowed. Foreigners will need an International Drivers Permit (IDP) or an English translation of a comparable license. You’ll need to be 21 or older, regardless of nationality, to rent a camper in Alice Springs. Drivers under 25 must pay a young driver surcharge. Most rental companies don’t want you taking their vehicles on rugged, unsealed roads. Always confirm the policy before venturing off the tarmac.

Can additional drivers be added to the campervan rental agreement?

Yes, it’s standard for most companies to allow an additional driver. This driver and any others must be named on the rental agreement, and there may be a nominal fee.

Additional drivers must also hold an appropriate driver’s licence and must meet driver age requirements.

Are caravan or holiday parks available around Alice Springs and in the outback?

Yes, many options are available. Some popular choices include the Ayers Rock Campground (close to Uluru), Alice Springs Tourist Park and the BIG4 MacDonnell Range.

Can I rent a campervan if I’m under 21 years old?

Most campervan rental companies in Australia require the driver to be 21 years of age or older to rent from their full range of vehicles.

Some companies will rent to drivers between 18 and 21, but only certain models may be available. A couple of companies have higher age requirements: 23 (Leisure Rent) and 24 (Captain Billy’s). Enter the driver’s age into our search tool and we will filter available vehicles to match.

For young drivers, additional insurance may be required and special conditions may apply.

Do I have to pay a bond (security deposit) when renting my vehicle?

When renting a vehicle, it is standard to be charged a bond (security deposit), also known as ‘excess’, which is the amount the renter is liable to cover in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle.

The bond amount fluctuates based on the insurance package selected at the time of rental and is charged and debited on the renters’ credit or debit card.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.

Alice Springs to Darwin Campervan Rental

Alice Springs to Darwin One Way Campervan Rental