Lying in the heart of the tough and isolated Red Centre of Australia’s Northern Territory, Alice Springs is the most famous of all the country’s Outback towns. It’s a travel hub for the region, located at a crossroads in the centre of the country. Surrounded by huge gorges, endless desert stretching out towards the horizon and Aboriginal communities, there’s plenty to see and do here. Alice Springs is the access point for Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) as well as Kings Canyon. Despite being more than 1,500 miles from the nearest city, the town is thriving, which gives you some indication that the isolation is no barrier to success.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Alice Springs
Alice Springs Desert Park - Lying just outside the town, this vast nature reserve is a great place to spot flora and fauna, with walking trails and birds of prey circling overhead.
Kings Canyon - Found in the Watarrka National Park, the canyon has been formed by millions of years of erosion, creating a unique landscape of steep cliffs and stone domes.
Uluru - A colossal red rock formation jutting out of the desert, this monolith is one of the most identifiable landmarks on the planet. It’s a place of great spiritual significance to the Aboriginal people in the area.
Kata Tjuta/The Olgas - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and where Uluru can be found, the wider park is well worth exploring with a series of large rock domes known as the Olgas.
Things to See in Alice Springs
The Desert Park is a great place to start, with some incredible wildlife to spot all around. Walk the trails and keep your eyes peeled for birds of prey circling overhead. If plants are your thing, the Olive Pink desert botanical garden is stunning, especially after a rare rain. When night falls, being so far from any major city means there is no light pollution to spoil the blanket of stars that appear overhead. Find a good spot and and stargaze until the sun comes up. Visit Adelaide House, the first stone building in the town or learn more about the region at the Old Timer’s Museum - which gives you a glimpse into how life used to be here.
Things to Do in Alice Springs
Take an early morning balloon ride up and over the town and watch the sun come up over the horizon. What better way to start the day? Explore the town on two wheels by renting a bike, or get out onto the trail on a quad bike or motorcycle. If you’re looking for something more tranquil, go for a round of golf or explore on the ‘ship of the desert’ via the camel tracks. Take an excursion to Uluru and Kings Canyon to see two of Australia’s most impressive natural sights. You should not forget that this geological backdrop has set the scene for a grand sweep of human history too, and you can learn more about it at the Museum of Central Australia.
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