If you’re off to visit Alice Springs in the heart of Australia, here are the 10 must-sees in this town, also known as the Red Centre.
Located in the heart of Australia, Alice Springs is an almost mystical town. Born in the 1870s thanks to the telegraph, it provided a link between Darwin and Adelaide. The town owes its name to Charles Todd, the man in charge of the cableway construction project, whose wife was named Alice. Gradually, Alice Springs began to prosper in the mid-20th century, becoming a leading destination for tourists traveling to kangaroo country.
Discover the cultural richness of a place born of colonial history between Europeans and Aborigines. And above all, admire the extreme beauty of the landscape surrounding the Red Centre.
So if you’re looking for what to do in Alice Springs, read on and discover this beautiful town and its surroundings.
1. Uluru
Photo credit: Unsplash – Holger Link
If you’re visiting Alice Springs, it’s impossible not to see the famous Ayers Rock. Located in the middle of the desert, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to one of the world’s most famous rock formations.
A World Heritage Site, Uluru is a place where you can discover its natural wonders. The park will dazzle you with its diversity of flora and fauna, its impressive canyon and its Aboriginal culture. A local guide can take you on a tour to teach you the history behind this deeply spiritual place.
From Alice Springs, you can choose from a range of day trips or multi-day excursions.
2. Larapinta
Photo Credit: Instagram – phedre117
What to do in Alice Springs Take on the challenge of hiking the Larapinta Trail! At 223 km, this trail offers breathtaking scenery. Larapinta starts in Alice Springs and ends in Mount Sonder. Along the way, you’ll be able to stop at a number of exceptional sites, including Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for a dip. Divided into twelve sections, the trail offers several levels of difficulty, so you’re sure to find the route that’s right for you.
Camp along the road and admire the region’s magnificent starry skies. Numerous tent sites and picnic tables are provided.
3. West MacDonnell Ranges
Photo Credit: Flickr – Christopher Wilson
If you’re looking for something to do in Alice Springs, a trip to the West MacDonnell Ranges is a must. Hire a 4×4 for the day to access all the natural sites. All you have to do on the way is open your eyes and observe magnificent gorges and waterholes, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. You’ll be able to take a hike and stop for a dip at any of them. Several places are particularly well known, such as Ellery Creek, Glen Helen and Ormiston Gorge.
The West MacDonnell Ranges are just 20 km from the city, perfect for a day trip.
4. East MacDonnell Ranges
Photo Credit: De GybasDigiPhoto / Shutterstock.com
Just 10 km east of Alice Springs, the East MacDonnell Ranges are also worth a visit. Start your journey at Emily and Jessie Gap. Here you can see the rock paintings that tell the story of the caterpillar’s dream. This is a sacred place for the Aboriginal people. Afterwards, head for Trephina Gorge, offering exceptional panoramic views. To round off the day, take a swim at John Hayes – and don’t forget your bathing suit!
If you’re looking for a change from hiking, there are several options. You can take a helicopter tour to admire the Red Center from the air, or go for a camel ride.
5. Desert park
Photo Credit: Flickr – Paul Balfe
Founded in 1997, Desert Park lets you discover the great diversity of animal and plant species in central Australia. You’ll marvel at owls, dingoes, kangaroos, wallabies, emus and other wild animals. A bird show is also scheduled to fill your eyes. Every day, there are activities to explain the natural environment of the different species present. And because animals also live at night, a nocturnal visit is also a must. This way, you’ll be able to observe some that you’re not used to seeing in broad daylight.
Desert Park is the best way to stay connected with nature when you visit Alice Springs.
6. The telegraph station
Photo Credit: Flickr – Geoff Young
The Alice Springs telegraph station was the foundation of the main town in Central Australia. Established in 1871, this historic reserve bears witness to the first European settlement in the heart of Australia. Guided tours are available to learn about the lives of telegraph operators and their families at the time.
Located 4 km from downtown, along the Todd River, you can also take advantage of the visit to go for a short hike in the surrounding area. Once there, picnics are available. Large lawns, plenty of barbecue facilities and public toilets are provided.
7. Olive Pink, the botanical garden
Photo Credit: Instagram – the_coconut_press
Right in the middle of an arid region, central Australia boasts a wide variety of special plant species. This botanical garden brings together the different plants of the region to be discovered on the walking trails. Wildlife is also very present in this garden. In fact, you’ll have the chance to see many birds and kangaroos.
Within the park, the Bean Tree café offers homemade cakes. It’s the perfect place to relax in the Australian heat.
Also inside Olive Pink is Tharrarltneme, otherwise known as Annie Meyer Hill. It’s a sacred site dear to the hearts of the Aboriginal people.
8. Art galleries
Photo Credit: Instagram – papunyatulaartists
In Alice Springs, Aboriginal art is an integral part of the culture. Visit one of the town’s many galleries to immerse yourself in one of the world’s oldest arts. Choose from the Papunya Tula Centre, Mbantua Gallery, Tjanpi Desert or Muk Muk Indigenous Fine Art. Of all Australian towns, Alice Springs has the most art galleries per capita. You’ll find paintings, jewelry and other products made by local artists.
It’s the history of the Aborigines that is expressed through this art. Watch Australian artists at work and chat with them to learn more about their heritage.
9. Reptile center
Photo Credit: Instagram – alice_springs_reptile_centre
When you visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, you’ll discover the largest collection of reptiles in the Northern Territory. You’ll find Terry the saltwater crocodile, monitor lizards and snakes. You can even handle a python and take a photo with it. Every day, a show is put on to teach you more about the wildlife of the Centre Rouge. The park is very involved in the preservation of local wildlife. They treat sick animals in the wild and reintroduce them to their natural environment as soon as they have recovered.
10. Todd Mall
Photo Credit: Instagram – bawangmarketstore
Located right in the heart of town, you can’t visit Alice Springs without taking a trip to Todd Mall Market. It’s the ideal place to pick up souvenirs. A market is held here every second Sunday between February and December. You’ll find handicrafts, art, jewelry and local and international food.
For the past twenty years, the market has welcomed locals and tourists from all over the world.
How to get to Alice Springs
- From France
As Alice Springs is located in the middle of Australia, the nearest metropolis is 1500 km away. The quickest way to get there is, of course, by plane. There are no direct flights from France. So you can make a stopover in Sydney or Melbourne and take advantage of the opportunity to discover these cities. Our partner Ulysse offers dozens of flights at the best prices.
To reach the city from the airport, there are several options: take a cab, rent a car, or take the shuttle bus directly into the center.
- From Australia
If you’re already in Australia, you can reach Alice Springs by train (the Ghan), especially from Adelaide or Darwin. The bus is also an option, but you’ll need to be patient: from Adelaide/Darwin, it’s a 20-hour bus ride! Finally, you can also opt for the car if you have a rental vehicle, or try car-sharing, an economical solution common among backpackers.
Where to stay in Alice Springs?
There are several options for accommodation in Alice Springs. There are four main areas where you can spend the night. If you like art and partying, we recommend the Gap or downtown. In each area, you have a choice: hotels, Airbnb or camping. To get an idea of the rates charged, consider gauging prices on a hotel comparator, which hosts the best offers according to your dates of stay.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Alice Springs,au