Refuelling in Central Australia

When you’re exploring the Northern Territory by car, it is important for your comfort and safety to know where your next fuel stop is located. The Territory is vast and with hundreds of kilometres in between destinations, it pays to know how much fuel you’ve got, how long you need it to last to get you to your next fill up location, and how much you need to budget for your trip.

To make your planning easier, we’ve compiled a list of all major refuelling stops throughout Central Australia. As fuel availability may vary across remote areas, travellers are encouraged to check with local Visitor Information Centres and FuelWatch before departure for the latest updates on fuel supplies, including any temporary restrictions or outages along the Stuart Highway.

Travelling with Electric Vehicle (EV)

Central Australia features a developing network of EV chargers focused on the Stuart Highway and main tourist hubs, connecting Darwin, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, and Uluru. However, significant outback distances mean drivers must rely on specific fast-charging corridors and destination locations.

Alice Springs
  • Outback EV: Located at 28 Railway Terrace. Features fast chargers supporting CCS2 and CHAdeMO standards.

  • DoubleTree by Hilton (Barrett Drive): Features multiple destination chargers (including Tesla) for patrons.

  • Crowne Plaza Alice Springs (Barrett Drive): Offers Tesla Destination Chargers.

  • Alice Springs Town Council: 93 Todd St.

 

Tennant Creek
  • NRMA Fast Charger: Located at the Three Ways Roadhouse (north of Tennant Creek).

  • Outback Caravan Park: Provides power outlets for backup or slower top-up charging.

 

Yulara (Uluru Region)

Yulara Town Centre / Hotels: Offers Tesla Destination and AEVA TOCA 22kW charging stations, typically complimentary for resort patrons.

 

Remote Roadhouses

Between major towns, some remote roadhouses (such as Barkly Homestead) may offer 10A standard plug outlets for emergency or cabin-guest charging, though these require extended charging times. 

Because outback gaps between charging stations can exceed 400 km—particularly between Coober Pedy and Erldunda on the route up from South Australia—it is highly recommended to map out your exact route and check real-time charger statuses using the PlugShare Map before departing.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. With fuel supply pressures and long distances between petrol stops, planning ahead is essential when travelling throughout Central Australia.
Some of the stations on Stuart Highway have petrol available 24/7, but majority have set opening hours so check ahead where possible. Most stations are roadhouses, and so camping overnight until the station opens is possible. Very few stations are self-service.
Unleaded (91) and diesel are the most accessible. Premium fuels (95/98) and LPG are less common and mainly available in larger towns. Please refer to https://myfuelnt.nt.gov.au for more detailed information on regional petrol availability.
With current petrol supply instability, stations may have limited availability or temporary outages, so it’s important to stay informed. You can do so by contacting local Visitor Information Centres, checking fuel watch apps or simply phoning the service station ahead to check fuel supply, restrictions or outages.
Caltex Larapinta, 26 Diarama Close
BP, 73 Gap Road
Shell Coles Express, 6 Larapinta Drive
Or the caravan park you are staying at.
One-way car rental is available between major locations including Yulara, Alice Springs, and Darwin with Thrifty and Hertz. If you book through this website, you can save on total cost with unlimited kilometres.

Need a hand choosing or booking your red centre adventure?