When returning your rental vehicle to one of our locations please ensure to re-fuel your hire car to the agreed level. Park in the driveway in front of the building and return the keys immediately to a Rental Cars staff member in the Thrifty office.
Alice Springs Downtown
Monday:08:00-16:30
Tuesday:08:00-16:30
Wednesday:08:00-16:30
Thursday:08:00-16:30
Friday:08:00-16:30
Saturday:08:00-12:00
Where is the branch located?
We are located at 71 Hartley Street, Alice Springs.
Alice Springs Downtown Information
If returning your vehicle outside of business hours simply park in the driveway of our branch, lock the car and place keys in dropbox on the left-hand side of the front gate.
Not available at this location.
If you are late for your booking it is important to get in touch with the branch so that we can make alternate arrangements. If you have arrived at the branch out of hours and if you haven't made prior arrangements for an after-hours collection you will need to pick-up your rental car the following day.
Car Rental Alice Springs Downtown
Alice Springs is the gateway to Australia’s Red Centre, where dramatic landscapes, rich Aboriginal culture, and incredible wildlife encounters await. Whether you're exploring Uluru, hiking through the West MacDonnell Ranges, or discovering the town’s unique history, here’s how to make the most of your visit.
Welcome to Alice Springs, a remote town that’s the beating heart of the Australian outback. This vibrant hub offers a unique mix of adventure, cultural experiences, and stunning desert scenery. With a Thrifty rental car, you can easily explore everything from ancient rock formations to historic sites and breathtaking road trips. Let’s dive into the best things to do in and around Alice Springs!
Alice Springs Telegraph Station: Where it All Began
Start your journey with a visit to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the birthplace of the town. Established in 1872, this historic site was part of the Overland Telegraph Line, which connected Australia to the rest of the world. Today, you can explore the original stone buildings, learn about the area’s European settlement, and enjoy a picnic by the Todd River.
Araluen Cultural Precinct: The Heart of Aboriginal Art
For a deep dive into Aboriginal art and culture, head to the Araluen Cultural Precinct. Home to an extensive collection of Central Australian artwork, the precinct features Albert Namatjira’s famous watercolours and rotating exhibitions of contemporary Aboriginal artists. While you're there, visit the Museum of Central Australia and the Strehlow Research Centre, which hold fascinating displays of the region’s Indigenous heritage.
Alice Springs Desert Park: Meet the Outback’s Wildlife
Get up close to Australia’s unique desert creatures at the Alice Springs Desert Park. This immersive wildlife park showcases the flora and fauna of Central Australia, from wedged-tailed eagles to elusive bilbies. The free-flight bird show is a must-see, where native birds of prey demonstrate their incredible hunting skills. The park also offers guided cultural experiences, where you can learn about bush medicine and traditional Aboriginal survival techniques.
Day Trips and Scenic Drives from Alice Springs
Simpsons Gap: A Short and Stunning Escape
Just 15 minutes from town, Simpsons Gap is one of the most accessible and breathtaking sites in the West MacDonnell Ranges. This sacred Aboriginal site is known for its towering cliffs, refreshing waterhole, and black-footed rock wallabies that often appear at sunrise and sunset.
Standley Chasm: A Natural Wonder at Midday
A 40-minute drive west of Alice Springs will bring you to Standley Chasm, an awe-inspiring gorge carved into the sandstone by thousands of years of erosion. Visit around midday when the sun shines directly through the chasm, lighting up the walls in vibrant shades of red and orange. The short, easy walk to the chasm takes you through tall cycads and ghost gums, adding to the beauty of the experience.
Ellery Creek Big Hole: A Refreshing Swimming Spot
For a cool escape, take a one-hour drive to Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of Central Australia’s most picturesque swimming holes. Surrounded by towering red cliffs, this permanent waterhole is an oasis in the desert, perfect for a swim or picnic under the shade of the trees.
Ormiston Gorge: Iconic Views of the Outback
Drive 1.5 hours west to Ormiston Gorge, where a short hike will reward you with panoramic views of the rugged outback. The gorge is home to a year-round waterhole, making it a great spot for swimming. The Ghost Gum Lookout Walk is an easy 20-minute trail that provides one of the most stunning vistas in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Uluru & Kata Tjuta: The Ultimate Outback Road Trip
For a bucket-list adventure, take the 4.5-hour drive to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Witness the changing colours of Uluru at sunrise and sunset, take the 10.6km base walk around the rock, and explore the sacred domes of Kata Tjuta. Along the way, stop at Kings Canyon, where the Rim Walk offers breathtaking views over the George Gill Range.
Experience Alice Springs with Thrifty
Alice Springs is a land of adventure, where ancient landscapes, rich culture, and unique wildlife come together. Whether you're exploring the town, hiking the MacDonnell Ranges, or road-tripping to Uluru, having a Thrifty rental car will make your journey as easy as it is unforgettable. Book your car today and get ready for an epic outback adventure!