🗺 Tourism Information
Alice Springs is the third-largest town in the Northern Territory. The town is halfway between Darwin and Adelaide, about 1,500 km each way.
In the town centre, you can explore many galleries, museums and cultural information centres like the Adelaide House, the Flying Doctor Tourist Facility or the Araluen Cultural Precinct as well as to get everything you need for your tours and trips out of town. Many cafes and restaurants offer a wide variety of snacks and treats whenever you feeling hungry and thirsty.
Just a short walk from the CBD is the iconic Todd River, a dry riverbed that can flow when rainfall hits. You are considered to be a local when you've seen the Todd River flow three times.
With deep spiritual origins dating back more than 30,000 years, Alice Springs has an abundance of rich culture and history.
The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the MacDonnell Ranges and the Red Centre Desert. About 450kms down the road is Uluru, the large sandstone rock formation that is a spectacular sight any time of the year, and this could be in fact the reason that many visitors will choose Alice Springs as the gateway to Uluru and make the most of other tours near by.
The adventure awaits!
The desert climate of Alice Springs makes travel possible all year round, though you need to be prepared for spikes and dips in temperature.
In summer, the thermometer can push into the forties and in winter it dips below freezing on cool nights. The differences in oscillation can be around 15C between day and night.
There are two distinct seasons that you need to consider when to travel.
The Dry Season: It runs from May to October. Temperatures range from 10°C to 34°C with humidity of around 20 to 35% and there’s little to no rain. The days are sunny, and the nights are fresh. Locals know it’s the Dry when the dragonflies come out to play.
Many travellers find this time of year the most comfortable, as the moderate temperatures make activities such as bushwalking, hiking, camping and cycling ideal, and most areas can be easily accessed.
The Wet/Tropical Summer: Stretches from November to April. The yearly average temperatures during this period usually range from 25°C to 41°C and humidity can reach around 80%.
Towards the year’s end, tropical cyclones, monsoonal rains and storms allow you to marvel at nature. At sunset, the sky lights up with a magnificent display of purple, pink, blue and orange hues. When it rains, watch the clouds bank up on the horizon and lightning strikes electrify the skies.
Many locals and experienced travellers believe the Wet is the best time to visit because it’s when the land truly comes alive with vegetation and colours can be richer. With suitable travel arrangements and advice from those who know the terrain, you’ll encounter a land of lush beauty and impressive storm activity.
⚠️ Attention! Due to the high temperatures, During the whole of the year, its advised to be extra careful when exposing to the sun as the rays are strong and temperatures will increase significantly during the day. Always carry a bottle of water, wear a hat and protect with sun cream even if it’s a cloudy day.
Due to the arid and dry terrain in Alice Springs and the outback region, you need to protect yourself against the sun, dehydration and the mosquitos! Alice Springs Airport is 17 km from the town centre and offers flights to major Australian capitals as well as regular flights to regional hubs - Tennant Creek and Katherine. When arriving at the airport there are no public busses, so taking a taxi, renting a car or booking a transfer service directly to your hotel are the only options form the airport.
The Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is 17km away from the city Another longer option but by far more interesting, is taking the train with Great Southern Railways, which offers rail journeys on the Ghan through the Northern Territory. These stop in Alice Springs on route from Adelaide to Darwin.
Travelling to the Northern Territory by bus is easy and more affordable, however travel times are very long and you would only receive phone signal and Wi-Fi close to the major urban centres. Major coach and tour companies run coach services between transport hubs in the Territory and destinations in Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland. For details check the Greyhound Australia website.
A regular bush bus service also connects Alice Springs with remote townships and travels North to Tennant Creek and Katherine. There’s also local public transport bus services within Alice Springs, but timetables are far between and are often used by the homeless and the less fortunate communities.
In the centre of Australia, with its vast deserts and ochre mountains, the city of Alice Springs stands as a focus of local life. Alice Springs is easily the largest settlement in Central Australia. It’s also a hub for all the communities in the region, with people living in more remote parts of the Northern Territory coming here for major services and events.
It's a melting pot of culture, history, and adventure, offering visitors a unique experience in the Australian outback. Surrounded by the MacDonnell Ranges and vast desert landscapes, Alice Springs is a hub for exploring the region's natural beauty and Aboriginal culture.
For tour information, check the visitor centre at Todd Mall street. 
Alice Springs Civic Centre and beginning of Todd Mall Street. Below you can discover more in details about the local places to see within Alice Springs which don’t require a day trip and you can easily walk or drive a few minutes to reach:
Anzac Hill: It’s probably the number one place to see the best views of Alice Springs for free! The place is ideal to take spectacular sunrise and sunset photos of the MacDonnell Ranges.
Located at the northern end of Bath Street, right in the centre of town, is Anzac Hill. It’s a short climb for about 10 min. And whilst you’re taking in the view, remember that this hill is a Sacred Site for Central Arrernte women, associated with corkwood honey and child raising.
History and culture comes together in Alice Springs 
The Memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 (Anzac Day) and was originally dedicated to all those members of the armed services. 
It’s a short climb for about 10 min to the top of the hill. Araluen Cultural Precinct: is home to four art galleries, three museums and a theatre! The arts museum has a large collection of paintings from all over Central Australia, including works by Albert Namatjira. The Strehlow Research Centre for Aboriginal Culture, the Museum of Central Australia and the Connellan Aviation Museum are also located in the Precinct. Price of the Art Gallery is 8 AUD but the Connellan aviation museum is free entry. It’s about 25 min walk from the city.
The Araluen Cultural Precinct is home to four art galleries. 
The museum has a large collection of paintings from all over Central Australia 
You can also visit the Connellan Aviation Museum nearby. The Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum: Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service is an Outback legend. Alice Springs is an integral part of the Royal Flying Doctor Service network. There’s a thoroughly detailed museum with a holographic theatre (self-guided guided tours are available), a “live to air ” screen depicting locations of all RFDS planes, a giftshop and one of Alice’s very best cafes in shady grounds. The RFDS Visitor’s Centre is open 7 days per week. It’s a short 600m walk along Hartley Street, south from the Post Office. Cost is around $22 per adult.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum building. The Alice Springs Telegraph Station: This is where the town of Alice Springs started, where the Overland Telegraph Station established a repeater station and an iconic town was born. There’s now a great café serving yummy homemade treats, too.
The Telegraph Station is a favourite picnic and BBQ destination for locals, with shady trees, lots of lush grass and free gas BBQs.
Adelaide House Museum: Located in Todd Mall street, this house was built-in 1926, and was the first hospital in Alice Springs. Adelaide House was the only medical centre in Central Australia until the opening of the hospital in 1939 and, at its peak, catered for a population of 950 people. Since 1939 it has been used variously as a hostel, as accommodation for nurses during the war, a manse for the Presbyterian Church and a meeting place for church groups. It was restored in 1983 and is now a museum of local history.
The building is closely associated with Rev. John Flynn, its aero-medical offshoot, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia. It is a simple museum, but the volunteers work hard to preserve the memory of the tough and dedicated people who served the outback since the turn of the century. Note it's closed to visitors between Dec. and early March.
The Adelaide House Museum Alice Springs Botanical Gardens: If you are wondering around the city and want to take a peaceful rest and enjoy some nice vegetation and views, head to the FREE gardens. The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is a 16-hectare botanic garden. It specialises in plants and landscapes native to the arid central Australian region.
Opened in 1985, the Olive Pink Botanic Garden features over 600 plant species, including Indigenous bushfood and medicine plants. It includes the Registered Sacred Site Tharrarletneme (Annie Meyers Hill), which is significant to the Arrernte people, where many teach and learn about local plants.
The garden is a recreational, educational, and cultural resource for the community and visitors. It offers self-guided walks, picnic areas, and stunning views of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from Tharrarletneme. You can also enjoy a relaxing coffee in the garden café.
The entrance to the gardens is free! 
Take a climb to see the views or relax in the garden café! 
With many fauna around the gardens, you might spot a few friendly locals! Possibly the most isolated town in all of Australia, Alice springs is located right in the middle of Australia! Surrounded by desert and harsh landscapes, Alice Springs is famous for its neighbour Ayers Rock (Uluru) and if your looking to see some amazing Australian country, then this is it! Tours are a must if you want to explore more the depths of the Australian outback and know insights about its history, culture and aboriginal stories.
Uluru is spectacular to look at every angle with interesting carvings and geometry that gives it an extra character which forms the essence of many Aboriginal stories. Guides and programmes are fully prepared to make your experience in the outback a true adventure, but also keeping you safe and providing useful and practical tips along the way, as these harsh weather conditions might not be suitable for everyone! Therefore, taking tours and keeping to their itineraries is the best advice to enjoy all the outback has to offer !
The highlight of tours from Alice Springs are listen below: Ayers Rock (Uluru) Day Trip: One of the most popular destinations in Australia 🇦🇺 and seen around the world 🌏 is this magnificent rock formation which dates millions of years ago and which stories are plenty on how it originated and why it is there today. The fact is, its quite a mystery today to even explain some of its features. Its no wonder that it has become a mystery and has deep rooted stories with the aboriginal community which have many stories to explain the rock and its meaning. You are welcome to also share these stories on your way to discover this wonder of our planet!
If you are staying in Alice Springs, taking a trip to Uluru is about 3 hours by car each way. So driving many hours on the road cam be tiring. Instead we would recommend taking a day trip tour which covers the full day and you get to spend most of the day around the rock and enjoy an evening clear sunset 🌇 with barbecue included and wine which can add a special feeling to your trip! The return back to Alice Springs is around midnight.
On the way, you also get to see the sister rock, Mount Conner! 
You have the opportunity to also see the salt lakes on the way get right close to the nature! The day tour covers a trip from Alice Springs to the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to see Uluru (Ayers Rock), Australia’s most iconic sight. Go deep into this sacred site, which offers not only spectacular colours but deep spiritual significance, on two guided walks and a visit to the cultural centre. Discover local Aboriginal history and traditions during this culturally sensitive tour, culminating in a sunset and a glass of wine /beer / juice.
The return is another 4 hours drive by bus back to your accommodation.
The cost of this tour ranges about AUD 350.
Tours are in comfortable air conditioned busses or mini-busses. There are many tours which covers the rock and its surroundings, however the most popular is the day tour. Other tours include overnight in tents ⛺️ to watch the night clear star lit sky. However the increase in price might not be worth it if you are only staying for the night view since conditions in tents can be harsh, as much effort as the tours will try to make it sound interesting. You will need to consider the heat in summer , intense insects activity, dry climate and cold temperatures🌡 if visiting in winter.
For the trip, its essential you come well prepared with extra phone📱charger, plenty of water, sun cream of SP50+, sunglasses, hat and mosquito head cover and repellent. If you want to take good shots of the rock, its also recommended you bring a tripod and a good camera, like a DSLR one.
Its worth to spend a little time checking the tour providers to compare activities, ratings, offerings and price of course before you book.
✅️Tip: it's advised that you book your tour a few weeks before arriving as the one day tours, they tend to sell out fast and spaces are limited due to the area size. You can also get cheaper tours if you register first time on some travel apps and get the first usage 10% discount like on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Photo Gallery
West MacDonnell Ranges: Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park (otherwise known as the ‘West Macs’), located just outside of Alice Springs. Has over 161km of natural beauty and natural water holes, it makes for a great water hole hopping day trip from Alice Springs. Floating in a refreshing, natural plunge pool in the middle of the desert is one of outback Australia's most memorable experiences.
The park encompasses an ancient landscape sculpted over time by climatic elements. It’s also a refuge for rare and threatened plants as well as wildlife, including the uncommon bird species such as the Peregrine Falcon.
Features of the landscape are significant to the Arrernte people, including the Ochre Pits that have long been a quarry for important ochre pigments.
There are plenty of places to camp in the park, with varied access and facilities. Camping fees apply and overnight visitors should bring their own water supplies.
If you are looking to include the West MacDonnell Ranges as part of a tour, then these cost about AUD 300 per adult. The tour select the highlights of the ranges, and have many spots, including Simpsons Gap, the beautiful Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Ormiston Gorge Lookout, Ochre Pits and the Mount Sonder Lookout.
West MacDonnell Ranges
Alice Springs Desert Park: Located 15-minute drive from the centre of Alice Springs. This stunning park – part wildlife sanctuary, part botanic garden – is a mix of carefully re-created desert habitats (sand, woodland and desert rivers) and is bursting with life. You’ll get face-to-face with kangaroos, emus, birds of prey, walk-thru aviaries and the biggest nocturnal house in the Southern Hemisphere, whilst learning just how diverse and full of life Australia’s deserts are. Prices are about 20 AUD per adult and can take a couple of hours to explore.
Beyond the incredible scenery and laid-back atmosphere that Alice Springs brings, there are still numerous options when it comes to nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a pub, club or even casino, the choice is yours. There are also a few sports bars that broadcast international events along with music festivals throughout the year.
While you’re staying in Alice Springs check the below choice of pubs, but if you decide to continue the party, keep in mind that Alice Springs is considered a ‘dry’ city which means no drinking in public and only on private premises like bars and restaurants.
If you’re looking for a mix of pubs all in walking distance of each other start on Todd Street. Here you’ll find a diverse range of bars like The Rock Bar, Bojangles Saloon & Restaurant and Monte’s Lounge. Monte’s Lounge has the only beer in town and its fair share of beers on tap.
Just a five-minute drive from Todd Street and you’ll reach the Lasseters Casino. For a late night feed, choose from one of four restaurants, another four bars, a sports theatre, night club and TAB facilities. Here you’ll be set for the night with R&B music after dark or watch live sporting events with the largest plasma screen in town.
⚠️Attention! Due to the locals, in particular the many aboriginal which reside in Alice Springs, drinking alcohol and violence can be frequent sights, specially during weekends and evenings. It's advised to take extra care when visiting any places in the city at night and avoid any confrontation. Many of the aboriginals will congregate near pubs, supermarkets and bus stations and can be quite loud when together.
Alice Springs does have a few tourist shops and interesting malls along Todd Mall street. You can find small art galleries with aboriginal art on sale, as well as shops selling Australian hand made gifts and leather products like hats, belts and bags. Todd Mall is the centre of Alice Springs, and is the place to wander through Aboriginal, buy mementos, grab a book from Red Kangaroo Books and savour the very best coffee whilst dining alfresco.
Every second Sunday, the Todd Mall markets are on (entry is free), which is a great way to meet locals and savour some tasty Thai, Indian or Vietnamese food and grab yourself a legendary Todd Mall mango sorbet. There are a few actual malls like Alice Plaza or Target Alice Springs where to find local shops and inspire your gifts and memories.
Todd Mall street is where most shops are located. 
Small malls and local shops at the corner of Parsons and Todd Mall Streets. When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Alice, you have plenty of options and budgets. Choose from comfortable B&Bs, elegant award-winning resorts, self-contained cabins, familiar hotel chains, or serviced apartments. You can even pitch a tent or park your van on a grassy site in one of the many holiday parks close to town. For something different check in for a night or two on an historic working cattle station.
It is not a big city, so finding something close to the city centre if not driving is a good option. But if have a car, its worth checking some of the more distant hotels which offer a wide range of spacious rooms and facilities. Most of the good hotels and renowned names are outside of the city and close to the convention centre.
Tours and transfer services from the airport 🛫, offer pick ups from all locations when it comes to accommodation, so its one less point to worry about.
Budget friendly hostels and self catering apartments are also available and offer basic but convenient accommodation at about 60 to 70 AUD per night 🌙.
Most hotels and chains cost around 120 to 150 AUD per night.
✅️Tip: If you are visiting for a few days and plan to see more than just the Uluru Rock, its definitely worth staying in Alice Springs, as there are more activities and tours departing from Alice Springs than the Uluru town. Plus , Alice Springs is significantly cheaper when it comes to accommodation than Uluru.
⚠️Attention: if you are visiting during the summer ☀️ months, (December to March ) make sure the rooms are well ventilated and have air conditioning. Its also important to have mosquito 🦟 repellent and nets as this season, there are abundant flying insects.
Alice Lodge, is one of multiple budget places where to stay in Alice Springs. While you can explore most of Alice Springs itself with just a day trip, we recommend taking at least 4 days to experience all the spectacular outback scenery in the area. Uluru, Kata Tjuta National Park, and Kings Canyon are all worth visiting from Alice Springs.
