Alice Springs

Alice Springs

Town in Australia

Description

Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, both 1,500km away. It’s a popular gateway for exploring the Red Centre, the country’s interior desert region. Its 1872 origin as part of the Overland Telegraph Line (linking Darwin and Adelaide) is preserved in the vintage buildings and equipment at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve. 

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GUIDE TO ALICE SPRINGS

Alice Springs is a small town with a big heart. Known as the gateway to the Northern Territory’s ancient outback, your Alice adventure will be sure to leave an imprint of the very best kind.

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s ochre outback and hauntingly beautiful mountain ranges is Alice Springs. Known to the locals as “Alice”, this town embodies the quintessential Australian spirit, from the ancient desert it sits upon to the Aboriginal culture that is woven into the very fabric of life here. In the town itself, you’ll find an impressive array of outback activities from camel rides to sunrise hot air balloons. But escaping to nature isn’t difficult either. With an array of epic day trips accessible at your fingertips, you can float in freshwater swimming holes, explore the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon or marvel at the magnificent monolith, Uluru. There’s no doubt that Alice is the beating heart of Australia’s Red Centre.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN ALICE SPRINGS

Desert Mob Exhibition, Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs, NT © Tourism NT/KWP!

Journey along the arts trail

Australian Aboriginal art is the world’s oldest ongoing art tradition. Discover it for yourself on this arts trail, where Dreamtime stories and ancient history are woven into colourful creations, old and new.

Earth Sanctuary, Alice Springs, NT © Tourism NT/Matt Glastonbury

Gaze into the Milky Way

With its remote outback location, there’s little surprise that Alice Springs dazzles and delights when it comes to stargazing. Witness the magic of the Milky Way – with a side of champagne – on an astronomical experience at Earth Sanctuary.

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The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Alice Springs, Northern Territory © Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino

Meet baby kangaroos

You can’t go to Alice Springs without visiting the Kangaroo Sanctuary’s unbelievably cute orphans. Cared for by the ‘Kangaroo Rescuer’, Chris “Brolga” Barns, these adorable marsupials guarantee moments of awe, but be sure to book ahead.

Parrtjima Festival, Alice Springs, NT © Parrtjima/NTMEC

Attend a festival

From the quirky Camel Cup to the spectacular Parrtjima Festival which floods the MacDonnell Ranges with a dazzling display of light, there’s no shortage of fun festivals and events in Alice Springs. Check out the events calendar.

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Australian Ringneck, Olive Pink Botanic Garden, Alice Springs, NT © Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

Stroll around Botanic Gardens

The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is home to a remarkable collection of native plants and wildlife. Feast your eyes on them during a self-guided tour of the garden’s trails, taking in breathtaking views of Alice Springs and surrounds along the way.

Outback Ballooning, Alice Springs, NT © Tourism NT/Matt Cherubino

See Alice from the air

Start your morning on a high with a sunrise hot air balloon adventure. Float above the spectacular glowing outback, see wildlife roam across the West MacDonnell Ranges and, on land, tuck into champagne and a delicious assortment of tropical fruit.

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Road Trip on a dirt road in the Red Centre, NT © Offroad Images

Road trip along the Red Centre Way

Known as one of Australia’s most iconic road trips, The Red Centre Way winds through the remarkable red outback. Discover ancient landscapes, splash in freshwater swimming holes, and get to know the world’s oldest living culture on this epic trip.

Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs, NT © Alice Springs Desert Park

Encounter outback wildlife

It’s not difficult to encounter magnificent nature in Alice Springs, but for a real showstopper, head to the Desert Park. Here, you’ll find free-flying bird shows, exciting nocturnal tours and a plethora of eye-opening Aboriginal experiences. 

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Larapinta Trail, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, NT © Tourism NT/Paddy Pallin

Take on the epic Larapinta Trail

Winding through 223 kilometres (139 miles) of jaw-dropping outback, the Larapinta Trail practically defines “adventure”. Explore segments of this phenomenal route on a day trip or lace your hiking boots and set off on the ultimate outback escapade.

Ormiston Gorge, West Macdonnell, NT © Tourism NT/Jess Caldwell & Luke Riddle

Explore the Red Centre on a day trip

Surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, Alice Springs makes for the perfect base to explore the outback. From splashing in the freshwater holes of the West MacDonnell Ranges to flying over the ancient Uluru, here are the best day trips from Alice.

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Camel tours at Pyndan, Alice Springs, NT © Tourism NT/Maxime Coquard

Take a sunset camel ride

What’s a trip to the desert without riding into the sunset on the back of a camel? With radiant outback skies painted a glowing peach, roaming wildlife, and the tranquil sounds of the ancient Red Centre – it’s just as awesome as it sounds. 

Alice Springs Brewing Co, Alice Springs, NT © Tourism Australia/Nicholas Kavo

Visit the Red Centre’s brewery

If you’re looking to cool off with a refreshing ale, you’ve come to the right place. As the Red Centre’s only operating brewery, Alice Springs Brewing Co serves up tasty craft beers, locally sourced eats and an easy-going atmosphere.

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Telegraph history, Alice Springs, NT © Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

Visit the Telegraph Station

Venture back in time on a visit to the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, a heritage precinct preserving one of the original sites of European settlement in the area. Soak up its history on a guided tour and don’t forget your picnic.

Todd Mall Markets, Alice Springs, NT © Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught

Browse the Todd Mall Markets

In the heart of Alice Springs, you’ll find the bustling Todd Mall Markets. Visit on every second Sunday (from March to December) to peruse locally made arts and crafts, jewellery, woven baskets and wonderful works of Aboriginal art.

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