Accommodation and Travel

Accommodation must be booked by the competitor and is NOT included in your entry fee.

On this page you’ll find:

ACCOMMODATION

All stages of the 2025 Run Larapinta Stage Race will be based out of Alice Springs just like 2024 – so we encourage competitors to stay at one of our two recommended hotels in Alice Springs for the duration of the event:

  • The Mercure Alice Springs Resort – a 4 star hotel near the centre of town
  • Discovery Parks Alice Springs – a caravan park with cabins and other options – as a more budget friendly accommodation option

Airport and Race Transfers will be made from these two accommodations venues ONLY

Mercure Alice Springs Resort (Official Event Hotel for 2025)

This is where the Rapid Ascent crew stay and is the location of the race registration, competitor briefing and selected functions.

Nestled on the banks of the famous Todd River only a 5-minute walk from the town centre, The Mercure Alice Springs Resort combines friendly and efficient outback service with modern, comfortable facilities in 4.5-star surrounds.

SPECIAL EVENT RATE: 30% discount for competitors staying over the event period.

TO BOOK:

  • CLICK HERE to receive the 30% special discount rate by booking directly with Mercure. Competitors must book through this link. Discount will then automatically apply to those booking dates between 15 -18th August. (Discount does not apply outside these dates).**
  • **13 NOV UPDATE: Some event dates recently SOLD OUT. Please check DIRECTLY with Mercure on email below…
  • Email reservations for inquiries only: [email protected]

Discovery Parks Alice Springs (Official budget hotel for 2025)

We recommend this accommodation venue if you are on a budget, and not staying at The Mercure.

Located just 5 minutes from Alice Springs CBD is Discovery Parks Alice Springs (formerly Big4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park), a convenient spot to base yourself when in Alice Springs. It has a range of superb facilities including: swimming pools, camp kitchens, phone reception, wifi and it’s directly opposite a brewery!

A wide range of accommodation options is available depending on your budget and needs. From luxurious, self-contained deluxe cabins to budget-friendly rooms, safari tents and sites for caravans and tents, there is something for everyone!

(As the cabins are all Self-contained, you can shop online at Coles Alice Springs and get it delivered directly to your Cabin!)

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS: CLICK HERE to view their accommodation range

SPECIAL EVENT RATE: Discounted rates for competitors staying during the event period for a minimum of two nights.

TO BOOK:

Please note there will be no Rapid Ascent camp village this year

OTHER ALICE SPRINGS ACCOMMODATION

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Another great hotel option, 1.5km from The Mercure.

This 4.5 star resort is set amongst the stunning MacDonnell Ranges and adjoins the Alice Springs Convention Centre. All rooms and suites boast complimentary internet and a private balcony or courtyard showcasing magnificent views.

Telephone: 08 8950 7777
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.crowneplazaalicesprings.com.au

Double Tree by Hilton – Alice Springs

Another great hotel option, 1km from The Mercure.

DoubleTree by Hilton is just 2km from the town centre and provides newly renovated rooms including balconies with garden and mountain views over the MacDonnell Ranges.

Telephone: 08 8950 8000 ( 1-855-610-TREE)
Location: 82 Barrett Dr, Alice Springs.
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/aspdadi-doubletree-alice-springs/

OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:

There is an abundance of other accommodation options in Alice Springs, from camping or staying in a cabin to motel/ hotel rooms to apartments with full kitchen or that at home feeling with a B’nB.

Click Here for a full accommodation listing

RACE TRANSFERS 

Rapid Ascent provides transport for competitors to and from the Start and Finish of each stage each day. We will pick up and drop off from the two official event hotels only (The Mercure and Discovery Parks). These race transfers are INCLUDED in ‘The Package’ entry option or can be purchased separately for $295 per person.

Entered the event, but not the package? If you want to add in the Race Transfers to your entry, you can purchase it as a merchandise item HERE. All RACE TRANSFER bookings must be made by 8:00am AEST 6 August 2025.

The exact schedule for pick up and drop off times will be published nearer the event.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Arriving Thursday 14 August and Friday 15 August:

Rapid Ascent will coordinate your airport arrival transfer to the event hotels (Mercure and Discovery Parks ONLY) in Alice Springs on Thurs 14 and Friday 15 August. These transfers are included in ‘The Package’ entry option.

If you are arriving on a different date OR if you did not book ‘The Package’ entry option you must book your own airport transfer directly with Alice Silver Passenger Services e-mail [email protected] or phone: 0477 245 941

  • Special discounted rate for participants $18. Please let Alice Silver passenger services know you are competing in the event to receive the discount.

Departing Tuesday 19 August:

Rapid Ascent will coordinate your departure airport transfers from the event hotels (Mercure and Discovery Parks ONLY) to the airport on Tuesday 19th August. This transfer is part of ‘The Package’ entry option.

If you are departing on a different date OR if you did not book ‘The Package’ entry option you must book your own airport directly with Alice Silver Passenger Services e-mail [email protected] or phone: 0477 245 941

  • Special discounted rate for participants $18. Please let Alice Silver passenger services know you are competing in the event to receive the discount.

FLIGHTS

Qantas

Qantas offers Flights to Alice Springs from most Australian capital cities. Prices often fluctuate from week to week, and it is not at all uncommon to pick up flights for around $350 or less each way with Qantas from most capital cities if you keep a look out. Do NOT book flights to Uluru. This is 450km from Alice Springs.

www.qantas.com.au

Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia offers flights to Alice Springs from Darwin and Adelaide. www.virginaustralia.com/au

THINGS TO SEE AND DO AROUND ALICE SPRINGS

Central Australia is obviously an incredibly scenic and inspiring place with a massive range of things to see and do both near and far from Alice Springs.

There are numerous tourist attractions and activities that be may be completed during the race week itself if you want to bundle into a car or catch a tour to places like Simpsons Gap or the Alice Springs Desert Park. Or there are even more that are further afield that we’d encourage you to book an extra night or two before or after racing.

Alice Springs Desert Park

The ruggedly beautiful Australian desert is teeming with life. Discover the unique birds, plants, and animals of Alice Springs Desert Park on a self-guided tour. Get up close with dingos, wander through the kangaroo enclosure and listen to fascinating presentations. Park entry includes access to talks, walking trails, the world’s largest nocturnal house, and more. No visit to Alice Springs is complete without this authentic wildlife experience. Once you arrive at Alice Springs Desert Park, there is so much to see. We recommend taking in the: – Nature Theatre Show – Nocturnal House – Survival in the desert presentation – Big-screen movie (trace four and a half billion years of the evolution of the Australian desert during this cinematic presentation) – Dingo territory, kangaroos, and aviaries

For More information or to book Visit : https://www.emurun.com.au/tours/alice-springs-desert-park-entry-transfers/