Sitting in the heart of the Red Centre, Alice Springs is one of Australia’s best-known country towns. Today, Alice Springs/Mparntwe is a place of contrasts. Hip, even hipster, cafes are dotted throughout its centre, while looming large over the township is the majestic MacDonnell Ranges – one of the most peaceful, awe-inspiring and gentle landscapes our country has to offer.
The town also draws a crowd due to its proximity to Uluru (relatively speaking – it’s still a 4.5 hour drive, but it’s the closest sizable township). But the town is an interesting place to visit in its own right, teeming with art, Arrernte culture and magnificent natural landscapes just a stone’s throw away.
How to get there
You can fly to Alice Springs from most Australian capital cities (excluding Hobart and Canberra). But if you want to arrive at this quintessential outback town by car, you’ll find yourself in prime road trip territory. Alice Springs is more or less halfway along The Explorer’s Way, an epic trans-continental road trip from Adelaide to Darwin that cleaves the country down the middle. We’ve put together some road-trip inspo in our Darwin to Alice Springs itinerary if you plan on driving from the top down. We’ve also put together a road trip itinerary between Uluru and Alice Springs, if you’re after the ultimate outback journey.
You can also visit Alice Springs with an all-inclusive rail holiday on The Ghan, the iconic train that which runs between Adelaide or Darwin to Alice Springs. Journey Beyond operates The Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs, then on to Darwin twice a week. The train also departs from Darwin once a week.
Top things to do in Alice Springs
There are plenty of things to do in Alice Springs itself, like visiting its dazzling array of art galleries and marvelling at the night sky at the local observatory. Alice Springs is also a great starting point from which to experience more of the Red Centre. Float over the landscape on a sunrise hot-air ballooning adventure or plod through the outback atop a camel. We’ve rounded it all up in our guide to the best things to do Alice Springs.
Best things to see around Alice Springs
We strongly recommend venturing further afield to immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes of Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges, the East MacDonnell Ranges and Trephina Gorge Nature Park. Here, you’ll get a true taste of the remote, rugged beauty Australia’s outback is known for and experience some of the most awe-inspiring nature in the country.
If your stay is short, then don’t miss a trip to Alice Springs Desert Park, which offers an insight into the Central Australian ecosystem. A gentle walking trail takes you through three distinct habitats – woodland, sand country and desert rivers, where you’ll encounter native animals and plants. It’s fascinating to behold, and offers a sneak peak into what you’ll uncover if you venture further out.
Alice Springs accommodation
You’ll find plenty of choice when it comes to places to stay in Alice Springs. from four-star hotels to a friendly hostel that’s taken over a former outdoor movie theatre. We’ve rounded up the best Alice Spring accommodation here. Looking for something more outdoorsy and low-key? We’ve rounded up the best camping and caravan parks in the area, too.
Best restaurants and foodie experiences
There’s no better place than the Red Centre to sample bush tucker ingredients. In Alice Springs, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cosy cafes that plate up flavorsome dishes heroing native Australian food. You’ll also find some great breweries, like Alice Springs Brewing Co, where you can sip on a cold beer in the company of dogs on the lawn. We’ve rounded up the best places to eat in Alice Springs here.
