Motorhome Experience
The Uluru area proved to be the perfect backdrop for our motorhome adventure. We rented both a 2-sleeper and a 6-sleeper motorhome. The basic 2-sleeper Toyota, which I used in the initial days, lacked cabin air conditioning and was a bit cramped for my height. It featured a tiny kitchen and a small freezer, but the only positive aspect was its decent fuel efficiency compared to the other vehicles.
After upgrading to the Mercedes 2-sleeper, I found it much more comfortable. This motorhome had ample space, a good-sized freezer, a well-equipped kitchen, cabin air conditioning, and even a toilet and shower. Its fuel consumption was moderate, but the company had locked the extra seats, so they couldn’t be used while traveling.
Our 6-sleeper Mercedes was spacious but had a higher fuel consumption. We even ran out of fuel once before reaching the next gas station! It was equipped with a large freezer, kitchen, cabin air conditioning, toilet, and shower. However, the rear seating area had limited comfort, as the cabin air conditioning only worked when connected to shore power at campgrounds, leaving those in the cabin somewhat warm. The fixed seating in the cabin offered no recline or adjustment options. You might wonder if 6 adults can sleep in it-while it’s cozy, 4 adults and 2 kids (or 5 adults) can fit comfortably
Rental Company Restrictions
Our rental agreement came with several important restrictions.
- Speed Limit: We couldn’t exceed 110 km/h, or it would breach the contract and void insurance, even though most Northern Territory highways have a limit of 130 km/h.
- Sealed Roads Only: Driving on unsealed oroff-road terrain was prohibited, except for a 12 km stretch to access campsites. When we attempted to reach Kings Canyon from Uluru (300 km away), we disovered all tracks were closed due to extreme heat. This detour meant our trip to Alice Springs took 6 hours instead of the potential 3.5,as we had to backtrack to Lasseter Highway. This meant missing opportunities to explore Namatjira Drive and Larapinta Drive.
- Additional Driver Fees: Even for the 2-sleeper motorhome, they charged extra for adding a second driver.
- No Nighttime Driving: Driving after dark was prohibited. In the outback, this restriction can be challenging, especially if unforeseen delays mean reaching the next stop after nightfall. Interestingly, we saw few roadkill incidents along the way, adding some perspective to this rule.
- Daily Drive Allowance: We opted for unlimited kilometers, but typically, the rental includes 250 km per day, with extra charges of $1-2 per km beyond that. Over our 10-day trip, we drove around 3,300 km.
- Time Frame: Unlike standard car rentals that count 24 hours as a day, the motorhome company expected returns by 4 PM. If late, they charged for an additional full day. We also experienced 1-2 hours of delay during pick-up, as the vehicles were rarely ready on time.
Our motorhome adventure in the Uluru area proved to be a memorable experience, filled with both challenges and rewards. While our rental agreement included some notable restrictions – like speed limits, sealed-road requirements, and no nighttime driving these guidelines helped us stay safe and respectful of the environment. Despite the occasional detour and the extra fees for additional drivers, we covered about 3,300 km across 10 days, taking in remarkable sights.
Motorhome travel remains an ideal way to explore Australia’s vast landscapes, particularly in places like the Outback, Darwin to Adelaide, Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, and the scenic coastal routes from Melbourne to Adelaide. Given the chance, we’d choose this mode of travel again, appreciating both the freedom and the immersive experience it offers.
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