Deep in the Red Centre area of Australia, sandwiched between the two major cities of Darwin and Adelaide, is the nature’s heartthrob of the country called Alice Springs. It is the perfect spot for adventure seekers to catch on to nature and thrill simultaneously.
From exquisite wildlife, scenic hiking trails, and alluring sunsets to rich and hidden cultural points, this place has everything in the middle of nowhere! Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Kata Tjuta’s rocky trails make a popular pit spot for camping lovers.
However, having a reliable power source like Jackery’s portable generator becomes a must-have when stuck in the middle of nowhere. A portable battery pack for camping will help you power your cooking range, charge your phone, and power your camera. After all, you don’t want to miss that sunset, right?
So, hope along as we explore more about these portable power sources in this guide below.
Fun Activities To Do In Alice Springs
Alice Springs is nature’s sweet spot, where the laid-back desert landscape offers tons of opportunities for you to explore. Moreover, its historical connection with the Arrernte people makes it a cultural hot spot in Australia.
Here are some of the fun activities that you can do in Alice Springs to make your trip worth it.
1. Hike on the Larapinta Trail
Home to the people of Arrernte, the Larapinta trail is one of the top 20 trek points in the world. Located on the western border of Alice Springs, this trail is a 231-kilometer-long bushwalking hike. It starts at the Telegraph station of Alice Springs, transverse through the west of MacDonnell ranges, and then runs straight till its endpoint on Mount Sonder. Due to its difficult trek, the trail is divided into 12 sections, each with diversified viewpoints.[1]
The course of Alice Spring unfolds many mesmerizing views, bringing nature and history together. On your way, you can explore different key attractions like Simpsons Gap or Ellery Creeks. The trail is also filled with many archeological sites and sacred temples with rich historical backgrounds for tourists to explore.
2. Camping at Rainbow Valley
While visiting Alice Springs, a stop at the Rainbow Valley is a must-have. The sandstone bluffs and cliffs of Rainbow Valley are well known for their colourful and altering hues. From ochre red and orange in daylight to dusky hues of purple in the night, the valley reflects nature’s presence at its best. With these views, a sunset in Rainbow Valley is hard to miss!
You can catch up with a tour guide from Alice Springs to Rainbow Valley. It is a 75-kilometre ride to the south. The best way to shorten your trip is to catch a four-wheeler. Don’t miss a stop at Mushroom Rocks, a nature-carved tunnel that is a by-product of wind and rain. Camp a night here and watch the sky full of stars, making your trip memorable for life.[2]
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your power sources, like portable generators or an extra pair of batteries. Once you run out of power, they are hard to find in the middle of the desert landscape!
3. Explore Kangaroo Sanctuary
A trip to Australia is incomplete without getting a first-hand kangaroo experience. The kangaroo sanctuary in Alice Springs is home to many unique kangaroo species, especially the Red Kangaroo.
Here, you get to see these exquisite creatures in their natural habitat. They offer a sunset tour, which is 2.5-3 hours long, giving a close insight into kangaroos. The tour is open from Wednesday to Friday, 3 days a week. Adult tickets cost $105 each, and children’s tickets for 7-17 years are $95 each. For safety purposes, tours are not allowed for children under 7.[3]
4. Visit the birthplace of Albert Namatjira.
Albert Namatjira is a prominent addition to the cultural heritage of Hermannsburg. Namatjira was an artist of Aboriginal descent who was aspiringly called a white man in the traditional setting of Hermannsburg.
Namatjira became known for his watercolour-based landscapes of the Australian lands.[4] His home, which is located 1.5 km from Alice Springs, is a popular tourist attraction. Visit his gallery, where his original works are displayed. You can enjoy refreshments at KatAnga Tea Rooms on your way.
Significance of Portable Generators on Camping Trips
Camping trips are fun unless you run out of resources and get stuck in the middle of nowhere. All the fun can instantly change into a tormenting experience that nobody would want. Thus, in such cases, having a backup power source like a portable generator is necessary.
These portable generators help you in many ways, such as:
- Providing a source of light in the dark
- Allowing storage of food in refrigerators
- Charging up mobile devices, laptops, and cameras
- In emergencies, it can be a source of communication
- Ensures safety in wild and remote areas
How To Choose An Ideal Portable Generator For Camping?
There are many different types of portable electric generators available in the market. From various sizes to voltage and efficiencies, you can find a wide variety. However, to make your camping experience smooth and hassle-free, it is important to choose a portable generator that suits your demands and needs.
To help you figure out which type of generator fits your Alice Springs camping requirements, here are a few features you can consider to select your ideal type.
1. Assess Your Camping Needs
The first step before buying any portable generator is to evaluate your camping needs. If you are going into desert terrain like Alice Springs, you are likely going to need portable appliances. These can include kitchenware like refrigerators, sandwich makers, stoves, or kettles. You will also need light sources like hanging bulbs, power banks, portable fans, and other devices. And, not to mention the heart of a traveller – your camera and smartphones.
Thus, while buying a generator, keep your requirements in mind. It will help you get a battery source that fulfils the required power capacity of all your camping equipment without shutting out of the blue.
2. Choose the Right Capacity
The capacity of your portable generator depends on the appliances you are taking along. When planning for Alice Springs, you can expect a power source with a minimum capacity of 1-2kWh. It will help you cover your phones, cameras, laptops, and basic kitchen appliances like stoves or kettles that you wish to take along.
For increased efficiency, you may also opt for portable diesel generators, which provide 10-15% more energy. But once you run out of fuel, refuelling might become a problem. Therefore, get a power source with reliable backups.
Moreover, your capacity range also depends on how you plan to travel. A simple tent will need a low to medium power source. But if you are taking a camping RV, it might need much more than just a medium one!
3. Consider Portability and Size
Camping and trekking is itself a tedious job. Apart from the excitement of exploring new landscapes, the pressure of walking with added kilos in the form of portable generators can be too much to handle. Thus, work smart and get a generator that is both efficient in power and smaller and compact!
Lightweight generator designs can easily fit in your backpacks without any added burden. In such cases, portable solar generators are the most reliable option. With solar generators, you have a compact power source, and you don’t have to worry about power at all!
4. Evaluate Charging Options
When packing for camping, make sure the charging ports of your devices are compatible with your portable generators. The best option is to go for a generator that has multiple charging ports. These include AC and DC outlets for different appliances and USB ports for chargers.
If you are using a solar generator, make sure your generator comes with solar input to attach solar panels. Be prepared beforehand as no one would want to get stuck in a lonely road on top of the mountains.
5. Check Durability and Weather Resistance
Lastly, when packing up for Alice Springs on a rugged trail like Larapinta, you are going to need a durable battery option. So, get a generator that has weather resistance features. A good resistance can tolerate harsh temperatures like those of Australia. With splash-proof designs, your generators can always be protected from unannounced rainy showers!
Scale Up Your Camping Experience With Jackery’s Portable Generators
Whether it is a trip to Alice Springs or a normal outdoor picnic, portable generators can take that experience from ordinary to extraordinary. They provide a steady source of power for all your camping activities without any recharge.
Keeping that legacy alive, Jackery provides the best portable solar generators for all kinds of outdoor adventures. They are perfect for field trips and camping sites. You can invest in Jackery’s portable solar generators and save your fuel expenses for many years to come. So, explore these reliable options in detail below.
1. Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus
Perfect for the solo traveler or small groups, the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is your trusty companion for the Larapinta Trail. With its robust 288Wh battery and 300W output, it’s ready to power your essential gadgets through the most remote stretches of your hike.
- Battery & Design: With a weight of a mere 3.75 kg, this generator is a breeze to carry on your back as you traverse vast landscapes. Its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery promises up to 3000 cycles, ensuring reliability for years to come.
- Output & Charging: Featuring an AC output for your cooking appliances, a carport for auxiliary power, and multiple USB-C ports for your smartphone and camera, this generator is a one-stop power hub. Recharge it swiftly with an AC adapter in just 2 hours, or harness the power of the sun with its compatible solar panels.
- Reliability & Durability: With ChargeShield Technology, your generator maintains 80% battery life even after extensive use, making it an investment that stands the test of time. Its compact form is wrapped in a durable shell, ready to withstand the elements of the Australian outback.
2. Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
For those seeking to scale up their camping experience with a group or a more extensive stay, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is the powerhouse you need. It’s designed to light up your nights under the Southern Cross with its impressive 2042.8Wh capacity.
- Build & Function: Engineered with 62 layers of protection from ChargeShield Technology, this generator is a testament to durability and eco-friendliness. Its whisper-quiet operation and emission-free technology let you blend into the tranquillity of the desert.
- Capacity & Expansion: Ideal for a longer stay or a larger group, this generator can be paired with additional batteries to expand its capacity up to 12kWh. It’s the perfect backup for your off-grid adventures, ensuring your camp is never left in the dark.
- Versatility: Whether you’re brewing coffee in the morning, charging your camera, or setting up a night of stargazing with your electronic devices, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has the output ports to accommodate it all.
Conclusion
When travelling to Australia, a trip to Alice Springs is a must. Camping under the wide starry sky of this desert landscape will be the trip of your lifetime. To make that trip even more special, take a portable generator along.
The ideal generators for such situations have to be durable and have longer capacities. Jackery has been working since 2012 to make reliable, portable generators that can tolerate all weather. So, if you want to make your trip special, get a Jackery solar generator today!