By Car in Alice Springs and Ayers Rock

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By Car

Driving to and Around Alice Springs

The Stuart Highway, commonly called the Track, is the only road into Alice Springs. The town center lies east of the highway. The 1,693-km (1,000-mi) drive from Adelaide takes about 24 hours. The drive from Darwin is about 160 km (100 mi) shorter than the drive from Adelaide, and takes about 21 hours.

Many travelers choose to explore the region independently, which makes renting a car necessary. Doing a self-drive tour of the Red Centre gives you the opportunity to explore at your own pace, as well as go off the main roads into the scenic desert. Keep in mind that a four-wheel-drive vehicle is imperative for doing this, and any unpaved roads can quickly become impassable during periods of rain; the N.T. Road Report has up-to-date information.

A speed limit of 130 km per hour (80 mph) applies on the Stuart Highway and 110 km per hour (70 mph) on most other regional roads.

There is almost no cell phone reception along the entire Stuart Highway in this area, but it is a well-traveled road, so in case of emergency put on your hazard lights and stay by your car -- someone will be along soon. If you break down, contact the Automobile Association of the N.T. for emergency road assistance. And whatever happens, don't leave your vehicle.

Driving to and Around Ayers Rock Resort

The five-hour-plus 440-km (273-mi) trip from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Resort is a very long haul, and somewhat of an adventure. The road is paved, but lacks a shoulder, and is one lane in each direction for the duration. The un-scenic route often induces fatigue, and signs along the road encourage drivers to stop and rest.

From the resort it's 19 km (12 mi) to Uluru or 53 km (33 mi) to Kata Tjuta. The road to Kata Tjuta is paved. Routes between hotels and sights are clearly marked, and since car-rental costs are competitive with bus tours, renting a car may be best for larger parties.

Contacts

Automobile Association of N.T (08/8981-3837; 13-1111 emergency road assistance. www.aant.com.au). N.T. Road Report (1800/246199. www.roadreport.nt.gov.au).

Car Rental

Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty have offices in Alice Springs. All rent conventional cars as well as the four-wheel-drive vehicles needed to drive some of the wilder, unpaved Territory roads. Britz and Maui rent motor homes, which are another popular way to explore the Red Centre.

Renting your own car is a very good idea if you prefer to explore Uluru & Kata Tjuta on your own schedule; the only other ways to get to the national park are on group bus tours, or by renting a chauffeured taxi or coach. Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty-Territory Rent-a-Car all rent cars at Ayers Rock Resort. Be sure you arrange for your rental early, since there are a limited number of cars available.

Rental Agencies

Avis (Shop 21B, Coles Complex, Bath St. at Gregory Terr., Alice Springs. 08/8953-5533 or 13-6333. www.avis.com.au). Britz (Stuart Hwy. at Power St., Alice Springs. 08/8952-8814 or 1800/331454. www.britz.com). Budget (Shop 6, Capricorn Centre, Gregory Terr., Alice Springs. 08/8952-8899 or 13-2727. www.budget.com.au). Hertz (76 Hartley St., Alice Springs. 08/8952-2644 or 13-3039. www.hertznt.com). Maui (Stuart Hwy. at Power St., Alice Springs. 08/8952-8049 or 1300/363800. www.maui-rentals.com). Thrifty (Stott Terr. at Hartley St., Alice Springs. 08/8952-9999 or 1300/367227. www.rentacar.com.au).