The top Alice Springs accommodation for every traveller

Leah McLennan Leah McLennan
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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.

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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
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.
Leah McLennan
Leah McLennan is a freelance writer based in Darwin. She was a journalist in Sydney for over a decade and counts her time as travel editor for Australian Associated Press as one of the highlights of her career. From exploring remote campsites in the Top End with her family, to seeking out new art galleries in faraway cities, she’ll grab an adventurous or arty travel experience within her reach.
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Discovering East Arnhem: Australia’s most unique and rewarding corner

    Joanne Millares Joanne Millares
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    Hard to reach and harder to forget, East Arnhem offers something rare in modern travel: the chance to slow down and experience Country on its own terms.

    The sky feels bigger in East Arnhem . It stretches wide and uninterrupted above rouged earth, stringybark woodland and beaches so empty they seem to belong to another era. The coastline curves for kilometres without a footprint and the horizon runs on forever.

    For comedian Lou Wall, the scale of the place was the first thing that hit them.

    “The sheer openness,” they say. “The sky feels infinite and the land stretches out endlessly. It’s pretty breathtaking visually.”

    But the physical landscape is only part of the story. The real reward isn’t only the scenery but the shift in perspective the journey brings. Visitors stop trying to tick off the destination and a real engagement takes over.

    “It made me never want to travel again,” Wall jokes. “In that I never wanted to leave East Arnhem.”

    Getting there

    Aerial shot of East Arnhem’s coastline as cars trace the curve of the shore.
    Sail along the remote coastline on an expedition cruise.

    Reaching East Arnhem is part of the adventure. Travellers typically fly into Gove Airport near Nhulunbuy via Darwin or Cairns, or arrive by expedition cruise along the remote coastline. Others make the journey overland along rutted dirt roads that cut through East Arnhem’s small pockets of monsoon forest.

    However you arrive, there’s a distinct feeling of crossing into somewhere different. Permits are required to visit the region, reflecting the fact that this is Yolŋu land where communities and traditional owners maintain deep cultural connections to Country.

    The extra planning becomes part of the experience. By the time visitors arrive, they understand they’re entering a place not just of respect, but also patience and curiosity.

    At one with nature

    East Arnhem’s  landscapes leave a strong imprint. For Wall, one place in particular still lingers in their memory: Ngalarrkpuy , also known as Lonely Beach, near Bawaka Homeland.

    “I genuinely felt like I was living inside an Instagram filter,” they say. “One of the most stunning feats of nature I’ve ever seen. The water was so clear I swear I could see even the fish smiling.”

    Across the region, natural experiences unfold at a slower pace. Fishing, beachcombing and island hopping reveal the rhythm of the coastline. The tides shape daily life and the vastness of the landscape makes even simple moments feel downright cinematic.

    For visitors with limited time, Wall says the Bawaka Homeland experience is unmissable.

    “I just left and I’m already planning when I can get back there.”

    The sense of remoteness is part of the appeal. In a country where many beaches are crowded and well-trodden, East Arnhem’s coastline still feels wonderfully wild.

    Immersing in local culture

    A visitor spends a meaningful moment alongside Yolŋu guides, gaining insight into their deep cultural knowledge and connection to the land.
    Experience authentic moments with the locals.

    Culture is woven through every experience in East Arnhem. Visitors have the opportunity to spend time on Country with Yolŋu guides and knowledge holders who share stories and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

    For Wall, one of the most powerful moments came during a conversation with a Yolŋu elder.

    “I got to meet a traditional elder, Mayalil, in Nhulunbuy,” they say. “Listening to her talk about her home made the land feel alive in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

    The region is also home to internationally recognised Aboriginal art centres where artists shape works deeply connected to land and family knowledge.

    Music carries the same cultural energy. East Arnhem has produced globally recognised artists such as King Stingray and Baker Boy, blending Yolŋu language, storytelling and contemporary sound.

    Wall experienced this musical spirit first-hand.

    “A jam session around the fire was it for me,” they say. “Letting the deep joy and history of their music wash over me…  and meeting a few of the King Stingray musicians was unreal.”

    These moments of human connection often become the most memorable part of a visit.

    Spotting local wildlife

    An aerial view of the beach shows tiny figures lined up across the white sand, moving as if in a rhythmic dance.
    Step into a world where nature reigns.

    The wildlife of East Arnhem adds another layer to the experience. The region is home to an extraordinary range of animals, from waterbirds and turtles to dugongs, dolphins and the formidable saltwater crocodile.

    Wall admits they didn’t actually spot a croc during their visit.

    “Devastatingly, I didn’t see one,” they laugh. “But with all the stories from the locals I definitely gained a healthy respect for caution.”

    Some of the most memorable wildlife encounters can be surprisingly small., At Banubanu Beach Retreat on Bremer Island, Wall remembers walking along the beach one morning and watching it come alive.

    “As you walk through the sand you see hundreds of crabs scurrying into their holes as you pass by,” they say. “Such a small thing, but it was completely magical.”

    Moments like this reveal the quieter rhythms of East Arnhem, where even the smallest creatures seem to play a part in the landscape.

    Visitors who make the journey soon learn the most important travel tip of all.

    “Go in open-minded with a sense of curiosity,” Wall says. “Be prepared to ditch your plans. The land and the locals will guide you on an adventure no spreadsheets could ever compete with.”

    And most importantly, they add, don’t rush.

    “The land and people deserve your time and attention. You’ll be all the better for slowing down.”

    For more information on visiting East Arnhem, head to eastarnhem.com.au .