Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes and rich history of Alice Springs tour. Discover the unique flora and fauna, indigenous culture, and breathtaking sunsets that make this a truly unforgettable destination.
Alice Springs offers activities for everyone throughout the year. It has museums, galleries, nature parks, and tours for different interests. You can reach Alice Springs by air or by driving. Once you have your transportation and accommodation sorted, use this guide to plan your stay and things to do in Alice Springs.
Art Galleries
Art galleries can be found in both the CBD and light industrial areas of Alice Springs. These galleries strongly emphasise Indigenous Australian art, showcasing the sacred beliefs and traditions of the local Arrernte people. Visitors can purchase art or explore the collections to gain an appreciation for Alice Springs’ cultural heritage.
Dining
A wide range of culinary choices await in Alice Springs. The town’s eateries offer dishes from diverse origins, such as Indian, Chinese, Italian and traditional Australian. Distinct local delicacies like crocodile, emu, and kangaroo are available in Australian fare establishments. Moreover, numerous taverns and lounges in Alice Springs provide alcoholic beverages.
Nature Walks & Hiking
The area surrounding Alice Springs is ideal for day trips, where you can enjoy hikes and explore various locations, such as the Todd River, Telegraph Station, Desert Park, Simpsons Gap and Olive Pink Botanic Gardens. Consider joining a walking tour to enhance your understanding of Alice Springs.
The Larapinta Trail is a prominent hiking trail near Alice Springs. It spans 231km along the West MacDonnell Ranges and has 12 sections. These sections can be completed as a multiday hike or individually. Various options for hiking are available.
Hiking trails can also be found in the East MacDonnell Ranges at Trephina Gorge and between Emily and Jessie Gap. Nature walks provide stunning views of the natural beauty of the Central Australian desert and offer an opportunity to learn about the region’s unique local flora and fauna.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Bicycling and mountain biking attract numerous outdoor enthusiasts in Alice Springs. My Ride and Red Centre Adventures provide bicycle rentals and led excursions for riders. The locale features tracks on the city’s East and West parts. East-side trails cater to intermediate and proficient bikers, whereas those on the West are solely for experienced riders. The flat landscape also makes biking within Alice Springs a favoured pastime.
Wildlife
Central Australia boasts wildlife that is distinct and tailored to its arid environment. In Alice Springs, one can engage with indigenous fauna by exploring the Desert Park and Reptile Centre, where regional experts conduct guided walks. Furthermore, those in Alice Springs can participate in Pyndan Camel Tracks for a sixty-minute journey, riding camels and possibly spotting kangaroos and animals near the MacDonnell Ranges.
Astronomy & Sunsets
Alice Springs presents an apparent night sky. Minimal light pollution ensures even the dimmest of star formations are visible. Delve into the celestial canopy at the Earth Sanctuary, a favoured spot in Alice Springs. Most of the town boasts a luminous, vivid skyline ideal for star observations.
One can experience riding a camel at sunset
Experience the beauty of the Ilparpa Valley in Alice Springs with Pyndan Camel Tracks. Enjoy a peaceful camel ride and witness stunning views of sunsets over the ranges. The camels are well-trained by Marcus, an experienced ‘camel man’. Free pick up from Alice Springs accommodation is provided.
Aerial Tours
Several operators in Alice Springs offer aerial excursions, including hot air balloon flights, sailplane flights, picturesque air tours, and chopper trips. These adventures grant you breathtaking overhead perspectives of the Alice Springs area, allowing you to witness the skyline blending with the sky and attempting to identify notable landmarks below.
Explore stunning gardens
If you enjoy nature, you can spend a half or full day exploring the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens. You can visit the Visitor Centre at the gardens, grab a meal at the café, and stroll along the walking tracks to observe the native plants and animals.
Play at one of the best desert golf courses
The golf course in Alice offers a unique experience with its manicured greens and rolling fairways set against the red MacDonnell Ranges. Golfers worldwide are attracted to the challenge of this course, which features narrow fairways bordered by rocky outcrops and a rough that lives up to its name. Amenities include a pro shop, motorised buggies, a floodlit driving range, a putting green, a clubhouse and a restaurant.
History & Museums
Alice Springs’ museums are located within the CBD and Stuart Terrace area, and more are spread across the town. These institutions highlight the evolution of transportation in Central Australia, displaying items related to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, ancient megafauna that previously roamed the region, and the indigenous wildlife that now flourishes in the nearby areas. During standard business times, guests can access the Alice Springs museums and purchase tickets at the entry point.
Day Trips to Surrounds
Excursions to areas neighbouring Alice Springs can be booked with several tour operators. These outings encompass tours to the East and West MacDonnell Ranges and Uluru. Every one of these locations provides an assortment of special events and sites.
Explore the stunning West Macs
The West MacDonnell Ranges are located 160km West of Alice Springs. They are known for their picturesque scenery, excellent hiking trails, swimming spots, and natural wonders. You can either join a tour or drive yourself. At Simpsons Gap, you can spot black-footed rock wallabies near the permanent waterhole. Standley Chasm’s walls turn bright red at noon. Take a swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole.
Explore Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen, and the Ochre Pits, a sacred site still utilised by local Aboriginal people.
Discover the East Macs
One should head east from Alice Springs to explore the East MacDonnell Ranges. You can see Aboriginal rock art at Emily Gap, and nearby Jessie Gap, which is an excellent spot for a picnic. Corroboree Rock has a circular walking track, and Trephina Gorge is one of the top attractions in the East. In N’Dhala Gorge (only accessible by four-wheel drive), you can view over 5,000 ancient rock carvings. At the Arltunga Historical Reserve, you can wander among the ruins of Central Australia’s first town. Lastly, explore Ruby Gap, a beautiful location where small garnets were once discovered.
You can camp at Rainbow Valley
Rainbow Valley is a place to plan for sunset. It is a colourful sandstone bluff with bands that change from blazing ochre to purple in the dying light. There is a short walk to Mushroom Rock, an unusual sandstone formation. It has a natural tunnel formed over millennia. You can join a day trip from Alice Springs, which is 75km south and requires a four-wheel drive. Alternatively, you can take your gear and camp. The area has toilets, barbecues and picnic tables available.
Visit the birthplace of Albert Namatjira
Hermannsburg is a settlement west of Alice Springs, known as the first town in central Australia. It is home to the renowned Aboriginal watercolour artist Albert Namatjira. Visitors can explore his home and the museum, enjoy refreshments at the Kata Anga Tea Rooms, and browse the Namatjira Gallery, which features original paintings by Albert Namatjira and works by the acclaimed Hermannsburg Potters.
