Rating: 🤷🏻‍♂️ It's Ok

Spent a few days here, it's a very interesting town! A few cool places to check out, but its the perfect place to start your trip to Uluru! Just be careful it can be quite dangerous.

Alice Springs is the beating heart of the Outback. Surrounded by red desert landscapes, ancient mountain ranges, and rich Aboriginal culture, this small town offers big adventures. It’s the gateway to iconic destinations like Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges and a destination worth exploring on its own.

Top Things to Do in Alice Springs

• Alice Springs Desert Park – See desert wildlife, Aboriginal culture, and landscapes all in one.

• ANZAC Hill Lookout – Best panoramic views over the town and surrounding ranges.

• Pyndan Camel Tracks – Explore the outback, with guided tours through red desert landscapes and views of the MacDonnell Ranges atop a gentle, well-trained camel.

• Olive Pink Botanic Garden – Peaceful desert flora garden with walking trails.

• Outback Ballooning – A breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert and MacDonnell Ranges

• Larapinta Trail – One of Australia's best multi-day hikes (or do short sections like Ormiston Gorge).

• Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum – Learn how remote healthcare changed the Outback.
  

Nearby Natural Wonders (Day trips or longer)

• West MacDonnell Ranges – Explore gaps, gorges, and swimming holes (Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge).

• Uluru & Kata Tjuta – 4.5-hour drive or short flight; culturally and spiritually powerful sites.

• Kings Canyon – Epic rim walk, towering cliffs, and desert oases.

• Rainbow Valley – Colourful rock formations at golden hour.
  

How Many Days to Spend in Alice Springs

• Minimum: 2–3 full days – Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park, explore local Aboriginal art galleries, take in the view from Anzac Hill, and try a camel ride or hot air balloon flight over the desert.

• Ideal: 4–5 days – Add day trips to the West MacDonnell Ranges (Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge), visit the Telegraph Station, and enjoy desert sunsets.

• More time? Use Alice Springs as your starting point for a Red Centre road trip to Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the Larapinta Trail.

Best Time to Visit

• Autumn (Apr–May): Perfect temps for hiking and road trips.

• Winter (Jun–Aug): Cold nights, mild days — ideal for desert exploring.

• Spring (Sep–Oct): Still dry with wildflowers blooming.

• Summer (Nov–Mar): Very hot — 40°C+ days are common, but fewer crowds.
  

Where to Stay

• Budget: Alice Lodge Backpackers, YHA Alice Springs

• Mid-range: Desert Palms, Diplomat Hotel, Mercure Alice Springs

• Luxury: Crowne Plaza Lasseters, DoubleTree by Hilton

• Camping/Caravan: BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park or NT Parks sites for road trippers
  

Where to Eat & Drink

• Page 27 Café: Trendy laneway café, top coffee and brunch.

• Epilogue Lounge: Rooftop bar, live music, and modern Aussie cuisine.

• The Overlanders Steakhouse: Classic Outback dining (try camel, croc or kangaroo).

• Hanuman: Upscale Thai/Indian fusion at Lasseters.

• The Juicy Rump: Great pub meals, part of the casino complex.

• Alice Springs Brewing Co.: Craft beers and chill Outback vibes.
  

Travel Tips

• Book accommodation early during festivals like Parrtjima or desert races.

• Sun protection is essential – hat, SPF, long sleeves, and lots of water.

• Respect cultural protocols – Especially at sacred sites.

• 4WD not required for Alice, but great for exploring further out.

• Fly or drive in – The drive from Adelaide or Darwin is epic but remote.
  

Budget Breakdown (per day)

• Accommodation: $30–$200 AUD

• Food: $20–$60 AUD

• Park Entry (Desert Park, Telegraph Station): $10–$40 AUD

• Fuel or car hire: $60–$100 AUD

• Day tours (if not self-driving): ~$120–$250 AUD
  Tip: Consider a multi-day pass if you’re doing multiple Alice Springs attractions.

How to Get There

• By Air: Alice Springs Airport (ASP) – flights from Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Darwin

• By Road:

  • From Uluru: ~4.5–5 hrs

  • From Darwin: ~15 hrs

  • From Adelaide: ~15 hrs

• By Train: The Ghan – iconic luxury rail journey from Adelaide or Darwin

• Car rental or campervan recommended for exploring beyond the town