Why visit Alice Springs in a maui campervan?
Travelling by campervan opens up a world of freedom, especially in a place like Alice Springs. With vast distances between nearby attractions (probably need air quotes for that one) and the convenience of having your accommodation on wheels, a campervan road trip offers unmatched flexibility. Unlike traditional hotel stays, travelling by campervan allows you to experience the Red Centre’s unique attractions on your own schedule.
Alice Springs is a region where amenities can be sparse, and having a motorhome or camper ensures you’re always prepared, whether you’re visiting popular sites like the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve or exploring off-the-beaten-path locations like the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve. With a maui campervan hire, you’ll have all the essentials with you—making it easier to visit lesser-known destinations that often get overlooked by tour groups.
Plus, you’ll have access to staying overnight in remote locations. This provides a more intimate connection with nature, offering an authentic outback experience that hotel-based trips simply can’t match. Whether you’re travelling with your partner or enjoying a romantic escape, Alice Springs is the perfect place to explore by motorhome.
Looking for more motorhome and campervan tips to start planning your Australia road trip? Check out our top itineraries and guides below:
What to see and do in Alice Springs
There’s no shortage of things to do in Alice Springs, but if you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary, this section is for you. From unexpected historical gems to rare wildlife encounters, here’s a closer look at some of the best Alice Springs attractions you won’t want to miss on your road trip.
1. Explore the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
The Telegraph Station Historical Reserve is an essential stop on any Alice Springs travel itinerary, especially if you’re interested in the town’s early days. This beautifully preserved site marks the very beginning of Alice Springs as a settlement, with restored buildings that date back to the late 1800s. It’s a place where you can step back in time and learn about the vital role this station played in connecting the remote Outback to the rest of Australia. It’s also a peaceful spot for bushwalks and picnics, surrounded by wildlife.
2. Discover the Ghan Heritage Railway Museum
While the Ghan is often associated with a luxurious train journey across Australia, few travellers take the time to explore the Ghan Heritage Railway Museum in Alice Springs. This museum provides a fascinating deep dive into the history of this iconic railway, which played a crucial role in linking Australia’s remote regions to the more populated south. For couples, it’s an unexpectedly enriching experience, offering a chance to learn about the grit and determination it took to build this railway through some of the harshest terrain on the continent. What makes this museum particularly special is the way it connects the past with the present, showing how the Ghan not only transported goods but also helped shape the culture of the Northern Territory. The museum may be overlooked by many, but it’s a must-see for anyone interested in the story of how the Outback was connected to the rest of the country.
3. Experience the Alice Springs Desert Park after dark
While Alice Springs Desert Park is a popular daytime attraction, few visitors realise that it transforms into something even more magical after dark. On the park’s Nocturnal Tours, the desert comes alive as the sun sets, and traveller’s can witness a whole new side of the Outback. This guided experience allows you to see rare nocturnal animals, including bilbies, echidnas, and mala wallabies, that only come out after the heat of the day subsides.
What’s truly unique about the Nocturnal Tour is the opportunity to witness creatures that most people will never see in the wild. Plus, you will gain some serious insight into their world as the guides share about the conservation efforts that protect these endangered species. If you’re curious about how the desert’s ecosystem thrives at night, this tour is a must-do for your Alice Springs road trip.
4. Visit Megafauna Central
If you’re a fan of prehistoric creatures, Megafauna Central is an attraction like no other in Aus. This museum, dedicated to the ancient giants that once roamed the Australian Outback, showcases some of the most incredible fossil finds in the country. From gigantic wombats to terrifying marsupial lions, the exhibits provide a glimpse into a time when these mega beasts dominated the landscape.
What sets Megafauna Central apart from other natural history museums is its focus on the specific region of Alice Springs and its surrounding areas. It’s a rare opportunity to learn about Australia’s prehistoric past in the very place where many of these fossils were discovered. The museum is small but packed with fascinating exhibits, making it an ideal stop for couples looking to add a bit of science and history to their Alice Springs itinerary.
5. Tour the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve
About 145km south of Alice Springs, the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve is one of the most fascinating yet often overlooked attractions in the area. Thousands of years ago, meteorites crashed into the earth, leaving behind a series of large, surreal craters that now serve as an incredible reminder of the power of nature. Walking around the meteorite impact craters is an otherworldly experience, making you feel as though you’ve stepped onto the surface of another planet. The reserve’s remoteness ensures a quiet, contemplative visit—a far cry from the busier tourist spots in Alice Springs.
This spot is particularly special, not only for the science and history behind the craters but also for the stargazing opportunities it offers. With very little light pollution in the area, it’s a prime location for gazing at the night sky, adding a fun nighttime activity to your Outback adventure. For campervan travellers, it’s the perfect day trip from Alice Springs!
6. Walk through a contemporary art desert oasis – Yubu Napa Art Gallery
Art lovers will be pleasantly surprised in the heart of Alice Springs at the Yubu Napa Art Gallery. This contemporary gallery showcases a stunning collection of Aboriginal art, along with jewellery and textiles from local and regional artists. What makes Yubu Napa particularly special is its emphasis on connecting visitors with the artists themselves, offering a deeper understanding of the stories behind each piece.
The gallery offers a peaceful break from the usual hustle and bustle of Alice Springs attractions. With ample parking nearby, you can take your time wandering through the gallery, perhaps even finding a unique piece of artwork to take home as a memento of your trip.
7. Visit the Aboriginal bush traders café for a true taste of the Outback
If you’re looking for a taste of the true Outback, the Aboriginal Bush Traders Café offers a dining experience unlike any other in Alice Springs. This socially responsible café supports Aboriginal artists and local communities by trading ethically sourced products and serving dishes inspired by native bush foods. The café’s menu features traditional Indigenous flavours in modern dishes, giving visitors a unique opportunity to taste ingredients like bush tomatoes, wattleseed, and even kangaroo meat.
This is an unforgettable culinary adventure, providing a window into the rich cultural heritage of the Northern Territory. Don’t miss the chance to sample their signature dishes, which showcase the best of bush food in a contemporary setting. After a long day exploring Alice Springs, this is the perfect spot to refuel and try something truly unique.
8. Attend the Parrtjima Festival (Only During Specific Dates)
The Parrtjima Festival is a one-of-a-kind annual event in Alice Springs, blending Aboriginal culture with cutting-edge technology through breathtaking light installations. Held over ten nights in April, this festival transforms the vast Outback landscape into a glowing, illuminated canvas, creating an unforgettable visual experience. For couples, the festival offers a romantic and awe-inspiring night under the stars as the desert lights up with stories told through light and art.
What makes Parrtjima unique is that it’s the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world. It offers a rare opportunity to engage with Indigenous culture in a contemporary format. If your campervan road trip coincides with the festival dates, it’s a must-see event!
Where to stay in Alice Springs
After exploring the many things to see in Alice Springs, you’ll need a comfortable base to return to at the end of the day. Luckily, Alice Springs offers a range of excellent accommodation options for campervan travellers. Whether you prefer a centrally located tourist park or a more expansive holiday park, there are plenty of places to set up camp while enjoying all that Alice Springs has to offer.
Alice Springs Tourist Park
The Alice Springs Tourist Park is centrally located, offering a convenient base for travellers looking to explore Alice Springs. This well-maintained park features all the facilities you’ll need during your stay, including powered sites for campervans, a swimming pool to cool off after a day of exploring, and BBQ areas for relaxed, outdoor dining. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with family, this park provides a quiet, friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Big4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park
For those looking for a larger, family-friendly option, the Big4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park is another excellent choice. Situated just a short drive from the centre of Alice Springs, this popular holiday park offers spacious, well-maintained campervan sites, as well as a heated pool and regular activities to keep visitors entertained. Whether you’re travelling with kids or simply want a more social atmosphere, the Big4 MacDonnell Range offers the perfect balance of amenities and Outback charm.
Ready to explore Alice Springs?
From exploring ancient meteorite craters to attending the one-of-a-kind Parrtjima Festival, Alice Springs offers an array of unusual and unexpected attractions that will make your road trip truly unforgettable.
Ready to start your adventure in Alice Springs? You can book your maui motorhome online and pick it up from one of our campervan hire locations before heading off on your journey to the heart of Australia’s Red Centre.