A Guide to Touring Alice Springs

The Red Heart of Australia is a true haven, an oasis surrounded by rugged deserts and the beautiful McDonnell Range. Home to the best Northern Territory attractions such as Kings Canyon, Uluru and Simpson Desert; Alice Springs is also rich in Aboriginal history. Here’s your guide to Alice Springs.

Getting to Alice Springs

• Qantas flies direct from major Australian cities to Alice Springs
• Virgin Australia has direct flights from Darwin and Adelaide
• Centrally placed from the cities of Darwin and Adelaide there is a central highway connecting the 3 cities, Alice Springs is roughly 16hrs drive from either city. Gas stations and restaurants line the route
• The Ghan is lovely train ride, treating you to fine vistas of the area, it runs between Adelaide and Darwin passing Katherine and Alice Springs

Tips to Consider Before Touring Alice Springs

• Do visit a local Visitor Centre to gather information on where to visit and what to see https://www.discovercentralaustralia.com/
• Read up on what to pack and what to wear depending on the time of year you plan to visit https://www.australia.com/en/facts-and-planning/weather-in-australia/weather-in-alice-springs.html

Must Visit Places in Alice Springs

• Visit the Aboriginal Art Galleries – the place has been occupied for over 30,000 years and is home to the Arrernte Aboriginals. Do visit Papunya Tula Gallery, Aruluen Arts and Tjanpi Desert Weavers 

Learn About the Outback Culture of Alice Springs

There are plenty of historical sites to visit and learn about the origins of Alice Springs

• Alice Springs Telegraph Station
• The Royal Flying Doctor Services
• Araluen Cultural Precinct
• School of the Air Visitor Centre

Explore the McDonnell Range, Framing Alice Springs

The McDonnell Range spreads like a jagged fence from east to west of Alice Springs. The place is chock full of adventure with lures of hiking, swimming in freshwater ponds, 4WD thrills and camp grounds to savour.