Need a fun day trip or epic outback adventure in Australia? Head to Alice Springs! Explore red desert landscapes, Aboriginal culture, and outdoor adventures in the heart of the Northern Territory. Whether you're hiking ancient gorges, learning Indigenous traditions, or gazing at the star-filled outback sky, Alice Springs offers a unique and unforgettable journey into Australia’s Red Centre.
Alice Springs Highlights:
- MacDonnell Ranges: Hike, swim, and explore dramatic gaps, gorges, and waterholes stretching east and west of Alice Springs.
- Alice Springs Desert Park: Experience desert ecosystems and Aboriginal culture through wildlife exhibits, cultural talks, and botanical gardens.
- Araluen Cultural Precinct: Visit art galleries, a museum, and a sacred site showcasing Aboriginal and contemporary Australian art and heritage.
- Olive Pink Botanic Garden: Wander scenic trails through native desert plants and relax in a beautiful outdoor café setting.
- Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum: Learn the inspiring history of Australia’s life-saving aerial medical service founded in the Outback.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Alice Springs is during the cooler months from April to September. Mild days and chilly nights are ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. Summers (October–March) are very hot with occasional storms but offer quieter travel and vibrant desert colors after rain.
How to Get There
- By Plane: Alice Springs Airport (ASP) offers direct flights from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Darwin.
- By Train: The Ghan, one of the world’s great train journeys, runs from Adelaide to Darwin with a stop in Alice Springs.
- By Car: Access via the Stuart Highway if undertaking a longer outback road trip through central Australia.
Where to Stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs – Comfortable resort-style accommodation with a pool, golf course views, and easy town access.
- Mercure Alice Springs Resort – Riverside hotel offering cozy rooms, Indigenous art displays, and a relaxing tropical vibe.
- Desert Palms Alice Springs – Private villas with kitchenettes surrounded by gardens and a pool for a quiet, relaxed stay.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Markets at Todd Mall
Browse local crafts and savor affordable street food in a lively setting.
For 20 plus years, the Markets at Todd Mall continue to attract tourists, local visitors, and residents of nearby cities. This not for profit market takes place outdoors and hosts many types of stallholders, who sell a wide range of products. The Markets operate ten months a year, only closing during the months of January and February. Some of the categories of products for sale include, clothing, arts and crafts, jewelry, books, food, well-being products and more. Specialty items consist of dogs products, honey, stainless steel windspinners, frozen sorbet, and hot or iced coffee beverages.
Todd Mall, Alice Springs NT 0870, Australia, Phone: +61-4-58-55-55-06
⮕ Larapinta Trail
Hike rugged ridges and admire breathtaking sights on an exciting outback trip.
The Larapinta Trail is an ancient, rugged landscape fit for multi-day treks. A small, specialized company, called Trek Larapinta, offers guided trekking tours on this trail. Originating in 1998, Trek Larapinta takes small groups of eight hikers on interpretive tours around the Larapinta Trail. They believe taking a group with eight or fewer people allows for a more intimate and educational experience. It's also more sustainable and provides a better quality experience for trekkers. Each trek is led by a professional, highly trained, and experienced guide to ensure a well-organized and safe, yet adventurous trip.
PO Box 9043 Alice Springs NT 0871 Australia, Phone: +61-13-00-13-32-78
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ The School of the Air
Discover remote education and explore this unusual learning experience.
During the 1950's the first School of the Air opened, so that children living in remote areas of Australia, also called "The Bush," could receive an education. An HF radio receiver was the main form of communication between student, classmates and teacher. Parents also contributed by teaching some lessons and assisting with school assignments. The School of the Air provides students a Radio Transceiver and the Government funds the cost of their education. Improvements in technology helped to advance the curriculum over time. Students of the Alice Spring School of the Air are spread out over a total of 386 thousand square miles.
80 Head St, Alice Springs NT 0870, Australia, Phone: +61-8-89-51-68-00
⮕ Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
Walk through pioneer buildings and learn history on a quiet weekend visit.
Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a Historical Reserve that marks the spot of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Established in 1871, the station was responsible for relaying messages to and from the Overland Telegraph Line. Communication along this line connected Australia’s NT population with one another, and with the British Empire. With the invention of the telegraph line, messages written in Morse code could be sent from Alice Springs to England in five hours, compared to three or four months when sent by boat. Today, visitors can participate in a guided tour to learn more about the history of Telegraph Station.
Herbert Heritage Dr, Stuart NT 0870, Australia, Phone: +61-8-89-52-39-93
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Aboriginal Australia Art & Culture Centre
Explore indigenous art and discover deep cultural sights on a meaningful trip.
The Aboriginal People and the Torres Straight Islanders were the first to inhabit Australia and its surrounding islands. These groups are also referred to as the Indigenous Australians. Together, they represent nearly two-and-a-half percent of Australia's total population. To create art, Aboriginal people traditionally used what was available from their environment, to represent the ‘“Dreaming and their World.’’ In the different regions of Australia, Aboriginal art included ground drawings, rock art, and body paintings. At the Aboriginal Australia Art & Culture Centre, they source murals and artwork from the Aboriginals of Alice Spring and communities throughout Australia.
125 Todd St, Alice Springs NT 0870, Australia, Phone: +61-8-89-52-34-08
⮕ Kangaroo Sanctuary
Visit rescued kangaroos and enjoy a heartwarming family wildlife encounter.
The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs opened in 2011, just six years after Chris Barns founded the Baby Kangaroo Rescue Centre. The Kangaroo Sanctuary is a 188-acre wildlife sanctuary for rescued and orphaned adult and baby kangaroos. After rescuing the kangaroos, staff rehabilitate them and when ready, release them into the wild. For kangaroos who can’t rejoin the wild for whatever reason, they continue to live at the Sanctuary on a full-time basis. In 2015, the first wildlife hospital in Central Australia was built with the help of donations and fees paid by visitors who took a tour of the Sanctuary.
Colonel Rose Dr, Kilgariff NT 0873, Australia, Phone: +61-8-89-65-00-38
Where to Eat
- Hanuman Alice Springs – Highly rated Asian fusion restaurant serving Thai, Indian, and Nonya cuisine in a stylish setting.
- The Overlanders Steakhouse – Iconic outback steakhouse offering hearty Australian dishes including kangaroo, camel, and barramundi.
- Page 27 Café – Cool hidden laneway café loved for excellent coffee, brunch favorites, and relaxed vibes.
If you are interested in local events:
- Parrtjima Festival (April) – Stunning annual light and culture festival celebrating Aboriginal art and storytelling through dazzling installations across the desert.
- Henley-on-Todd Regatta (August) – Quirky dry riverbed boat race featuring hilarious competitions and uniquely Alice Springs humor.
- Desert Song Festival (September) – Celebration of music, song, and stories from Central Australia’s diverse cultures and communities.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes to 1 Hour of Alice Springs:
- Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) (50 min) – Hike to a dramatic natural rock cleft glowing red in the midday sun, managed by the local Arrernte community.
- Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park (15–20 min) – Visit sacred Aboriginal sites with beautiful rock paintings and short, easy walks.
- Ilparpa Claypans (20 min) – Discover reflective claypans surrounded by desert scrub, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
- Telegraph Station Historical Reserve (5–10 min) – Step back to the 1870s and learn about Alice Springs’ early European settlement history.
- Simpsons Gap Bicycle Trail (45 min by bike) – Scenic paved cycling trail linking Alice Springs to stunning desert landscapes at Simpsons Gap.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Alice Springs located?
- The township of Alice Springs is in the Northern Territory of Central Australia.
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What are some common nicknames for Alice Springs?
- Locals often refer to Alice Springs as ‘The Alice’ or simply ‘Alice’.
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What is the historical significance of Alice Springs?
- In earlier times, this region was the heart of Aboriginal life, providing shelter, food, and water to Indigenous communities.
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Why do people visit Alice Springs today?
- Visitors appreciate the town for its cultural diversity, rich history, and scenic landscapes.
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What activities can visitors enjoy in Alice Springs?
- Trek the Larapinta Trail – One of Australia’s most iconic walking trails.
- Go on an all-day camel ride – Experience the beauty of the outback from a unique perspective.
- Discover Indigenous art and music – Explore galleries and performances showcasing Aboriginal culture.
- Shop at the Todd Mall Markets – Find local crafts, food, and souvenirs.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (September-November) – Warm temperatures and blooming desert landscapes.
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs – A comfortable stay with scenic mountain views.
Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park – Learn about native wildlife and Aboriginal culture.
Summer (December-February) – Hot and dry, great for early morning outdoor activities.
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters – A stylish resort with a pool and casino.
Explore the MacDonnell Ranges – Hike through stunning gorges and rock formations.
Fall (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer tourists.
Alice Springs Mercure Resort – A relaxing retreat with easy access to attractions.
Take a hot air balloon ride – Experience breathtaking views of the Red Centre at sunrise.
Plan Your Trip