The Best Alice Springs Accommodation For Every Traveller

Chalk it up to friendly locals, boutique safari tents, fancy hotels, or the timeless charm of the desert, but we’ll never get tired of an Alice Springs getaway.

Whether you’re venturing to the gateway town to delve into the rich Aboriginal culture, explore its rugged beauty, or stare at the millions of stars in the clear night sky, there’s a wide array of hotels to choose from (and camping options if you prefer). Want to tick off the magnificent monolith of Uluru and the Red Centre on the same trip? There’s plenty of incredible places to wash off the red dust and stay at Uluru and throughout the Red Centre.

Here’s our pick of the best spots to lay your head in Alice Springs.

1. Sturt Desert Pea House

If you’re looking for an oasis in the desert for a large family or group of friends, you’ll find it at the spectacular Sturt Desert Pea House , a 10-minute drive from central Alice Springs.

the living room interior at Sturt Desert Pea House — Historic charm and modern comforts meet in this spectacular stay just outside Alice Springs.

Here, you’ll have comfy beds for eight, kitchen stocked with quality coffee and teas, media room with a huge television, plus books and board games and even an office with a printer.

the reading area inside Sturt Desert Pea House — There are plenty of spaces to relax after a day of exploring.

In this historical house with all the mod cons, every seat is comfortable – impressive given there are three lounge areas, two dining tables and two outdoor tables. If you can drag yourself away from the saltwater pool or fire pit, there’s a Vietnamese restaurant just 300 metres away.

a bonfire setup outside Sturt Desert Pea House, Alice Springs — End the day around the fire pit.

2. Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

If you’re seeking top-notch luxury in the desert, then some of the most opulent digs can be found at the Crowne Plaza . With its 205 rooms (including 12 suites) decorated with Aboriginal art and a well-stocked minibar plus four restaurants, superb pool, huge fitness centre, a spa with soothing treatments and nearby Lasseters casino, the Crowne Plaza caters to those who appreciate finer comforts.

a couple relaxing in the pool at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters — Enjoy the expansive pool at Crowne Plaza. (Image: Tourism NT/Peter Eve)

Despite its seemingly secluded setting looking out to the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, this sprawling complex is just two kilometres from central Alice Springs – a bit far to meander to town, but there are plenty of taxis available to get you to and from your suite.

3. DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

Home to one of the best Indian/Thai restaurants in the Northern Territory, Jimmy Shu’s Hanuman, the DoubleTree Hilton is the pick of the bunch for foodies. You’ll also find Saltbush here, a restaurant where fresh produce and Australian bush food form the foundation of its unique lunch and dinner menus.

nighttime at DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs — Views of the breathtaking MacDonnell Ranges are another highlight of every stay.

Beyond its gastronomic allure, this haven of luxury, featuring 228 slick guest rooms, is positioned a mere 500 metres from the casino and convention centre. Unwind by the pool or embark on a workout at the compact gym, all while admiring the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges.

The Double Junior Suite features a large living area and lounge.

4. Stay at Alice Springs Hotel

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option in a prime downtown spot, choose Stay at Alice Springs . Spend a night in one of the hotel rooms, or if you’re keen to prep your own meals, opt for a two-bedroom apartment with full kitchen. Outside, in the Todd Mall there’s all of downtown Alice Springs at your fingertips – restaurants, bars and shops. Cool off in the pool and utilise the handy guest laundry and onsite parking facilities.

the spacious surroundings at Stay at Alice Springs Hotel — Stay at Alice Springs Hotel is a spacious budget-friendly option.

5. Mercure Alice Springs

Nestled on the banks of the (usually dry) Todd River, the Mercure Alice Springs is a fuss-free stay, where you’ll find cheap and cheerful rooms. The pool is a hit on warm days, the buffet brekky is basic but satisfying and the on-site restaurant Barra on Todd serves up some winning meals, including fresh barramundi with a green apple salad. Positioned within an easy stride from the town centre, you’ll have access to cafes, shopping and dining, while still waking up to the tranquil sounds of chirping birds.

6. YHA Alice Springs

At this YHA , the movie experience is elevated, thanks to its unique history as a former open-air cinema, now repurposed into a budget-conscious hostel. Every evening, you can enjoy films under the stars on the original outdoor screen. Perfectly positioned in the centre of town, this hostel is an ideal spot for wallet-conscious backpackers, offering both private rooms and co-living rooms full of bunk beds, with female-only and male-only options.

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7. Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay, Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs stands out for its central location and excellent value. Single, queen and king rooms are simple with the bare essentials, but there’s an onsite tavern (catch live music on Thursdays and Karaoke on Fridays) plus a café serving breakfast and lunch and a pleasant saltwater pool.

8. Quest Alice Springs

Nestled amongst the eucalypts along South Terrace and within walking distance of town, Quest Alice Springs offers very comfy, quiet, apartment-style accommodation.

the exterior of Quest Alice Springs — Quest Alice Springs is within walking distance from town.

With roomy studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments available, it suits solo travellers and families alike. The decent outdoor pool and BBQ area offer a great way to unwind after a big day out under the Alice Springs sun.

the room interior of Quest Alice Springs — Check into the spacious apartment-style accommodation at Quest Alice Springs.

9. Desert Palms

Nestled amidst lush palm trees, this slightly dated family-friendly motel is located on a quiet street about 30-minutes walking distance from town. Each of the 80 villas are private havens, boasting kitchenettes and verandas. The large swimming pool is a big hit with the kids. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find yourself at the Alice Springs Golf Club or casino. For breakfast either grab a bite from the on-site kiosk or visit the Double Tree by Hilton next door for a buffet breakfast treat.

For more incredible ways to explore, read our travel guide to Alice Springs.

Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

“By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

still from kangarro film — See *Kangaroo*, then visit the real-life filming locations.

And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

“There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

artist at Many Hands Art Centre — Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move — Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

“The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

3. Ormiston Gorge

woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs — Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

4. Standley Chasm

woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs — Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

5. Simpsons Gap

three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs — Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs — Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

“It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

7. Larapinta Drive

aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs — Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

8. Todd River

competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs — Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.

The top Alice Springs accommodation for every traveller