Things To Do
in Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a remote desert town in Australia’s Northern Territory that serves as the cultural and logistical gateway to the Red Centre and the MacDonnell Ranges. It sits roughly midway between Adelaide and Darwin and mixes contemporary outback life with rich Aboriginal history and strong arts traditions. The town is surrounded by stark red landscapes, dramatic gorges and spinifex country that offer excellent opportunities for hiking, stargazing and wildlife spotting.
Despite its remoteness, Alice Springs has a compact town centre, markets, galleries and a practical travel infrastructure for exploring nearby national parks and trails.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, where you can learn about the history of communication in the Outback. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic paths that lead to the original buildings, and soak in the stories from informative guides. Afterward, head over to the Alice Springs School of the Air to witness a unique educational model for remote students.
In the afternoon, indulge in local art at the Araluen Cultural Precinct, which showcases Aboriginal art and culture through a variety of exhibitions. Take your time exploring the galleries, and consider attending a workshop to engage with local artists. To wrap up your cultural immersion, visit the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, where you can stroll among native plants and enjoy a quiet lunch at the café.
As the sun sets, make your way to Anzac Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Alice Springs and the surrounding ranges. This is the perfect spot for capturing the golden hues of twilight as the sky transforms. Conclude your day at a local restaurant, sampling authentic Australian cuisine while reflecting on the rich heritage you've explored.
Begin your morning with a drive to Simpsons Gap, one of the most picturesque locations in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Enjoy a guided walk along the gap, where you'll have the chance to see wallabies and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Take in the stunning rock formations and the tranquility of the area as you enjoy a relaxed breakfast picnic amidst nature.
After your morning adventure, spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful walking trails surrounding Simpsons Gap. Choose a short hike to the Standley Chasm, where you can marvel at the towering red rock walls and the vibrant colors that change with the sunlight. As you wander, keep an eye out for the unique flora and fauna that thrive in this arid environment.
Return to Alice Springs in the evening and unwind at a local café, sipping on some freshly brewed coffee or tea. As night falls, take a stargazing tour to witness the breathtaking night sky filled with stars, planets, and the Milky Way. This cosmic experience will leave you in awe of the vastness of the universe and the beauty of the Outback.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $4-5 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant (two courses) | $40-70 |
| ⛽Petrol (per litre) | $1.70-2.20 |
| 🚌Local bus/taxi fare (short trip) | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique desert landscapes and world-class hiking (Larapinta Trail)
- Strong Aboriginal culture, art centres and authentic experiences
- Clear night skies ideal for stargazing and astrophotography
- Remote location with long drives between attractions and limited services outside town
- Extreme summer heat and limited public transport options
- Some cultural sensitivities and restrictions around photographing or visiting certain sites
Places to Visit in Alice Springs
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic narrow gorge with towering cliffs and a waterhole—beautiful in early morning or late afternoon light and good for portraits and wildlife (black-footed rock wallabies).
A narrow red rock cleft best photographed around midday when the sun lights the chasm walls with intense colour—short walk from the carpark.
Quick drive from town for panoramic shots of Alice Springs and sunset vistas across the surrounding ranges.
Wide gorges with waterholes, reflections and sweeping landscape shots—great for sunrise, sunset and long-exposure water photography.
Good for close-up nature shots, bird photography and early-morning light among native plants and recreated habitat areas.
Food in Alice Springs
Alice Springs Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Lean, gamey red meat served grilled or pan-seared at many pubs and restaurants—look for sustainably sourced preparations on menus.
Must-Try!
A quirky outback classic available at some cafés and roadhouses; camel meat is often seasoned and served like a gourmet burger.
Desserts or pavlovas flavored with wattleseed or quandong offer a native twist and are often featured in cafés and upscale restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market in the town centre (usually on Sundays) selling local food stalls, baked goods, Indigenous art, hot drinks and snacks—great for trying local treats and meeting makers.
Street-food style options are primarily café-based—grab a quality coffee and a savory pastry from bakeries on Todd Mall or the surrounding streets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Seek permission before photographing people, cultural sites or art centres. Acknowledge that many places and rock art sites are culturally sensitive—follow signs and guides’ instructions.
Some nearby Aboriginal communities have alcohol restrictions; respect local rules and signage if travelling beyond town.
Outback people are generally friendly and informal—greetings and patience go a long way. Be prepared for a slower, more relaxed service style in remote venues.
Safety
Tipping in Alice Springs
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Australia. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is common in restaurants; tipping in pubs, taxis and for small services is discretionary.
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) and contactless payments are widely accepted in town; mobile pay is common. In remote roadhouses and smaller businesses cash may still be needed—carry some AUD for emergencies. ATMs are available in town but sparse outside the centre.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot daytime temperatures often exceeding 35–40°C (95–104°F). Expect strong sun, low humidity, occasional thunderstorms and short but intense summer storms; plan early starts and avoid strenuous midday activities.
Temperatures begin to moderate with pleasant days and cooler nights; great season for hiking with reduced heat and fewer flies than late spring/summer.
Mild to warm days and cold nights (can drop near or below 0°C/32°F). Clear skies, low rainfall and excellent conditions for day hikes and star photography—pack warm layers for evenings.
Warming temperatures with wildflowers in some years; can be windy and insects increase later in spring—good time for trails before the summer heat arrives.
Alice Springs at Night
Hiking in Alice Springs
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A renowned long-distance trail along the West MacDonnell Ranges; walkers commonly tackle sections (e.g., Standley Chasm to Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Pound) for day hikes or overnight camping with spectacular ridge and gorge scenery.
A popular loop offering varied terrain, birdwatching opportunities and excellent views—suitable for a half- to full-day hike depending on pace.
Short, well-marked walks that lead into the chasm and surrounding lookout points; best visited in strong light for colour and photography.
Short to moderate trails around the gap with good chances to spot rock wallabies and scenic cliff views—ideal for morning or late-afternoon walks.
Airports
How to reach Alice Springs by plane.
The primary airport serving the town with regular flights to major Australian cities (e.g., Adelaide, Darwin, Alice Springs connections). Short taxi or shuttle rides connect to the town centre.
About 4–5 hours’ drive from Alice Springs (by road) and the main gateway for Uluru and Kata Tjuta; useful if combining Alice Springs with an Uluru trip—limited regional flights connect here.
Larger airports offering national and international connections; travellers sometimes route through Darwin or Adelaide to reach Alice Springs by domestic flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population are Indigenous people (including Arrernte and other Central Australian groups) with strong cultural presence, art centres and community organisations.
A mix of public service workers, tourism staff, artists, pastoral and mining workers, and long-term families who make up the town’s settler population.
Large seasonal and continual influx of domestic and international tourists, as well as temporary workers in tourism and the resources sector.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
AFL is highly popular in Central Australia with strong community support, local leagues and regular matches drawing crowds.
Outback-style events like rodeos and horse-related sports are popular in the region and held at local shows and events.
Community sports like cricket and netball are commonly played and supported through local clubs, especially in warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Alice Springs.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at cafés and many restaurants; menus increasingly include salads, grain bowls and plant-based mains, but remote roadhouses may have limited choices—plan ahead.
Many eateries can accommodate vegan or gluten-free requests but always check in advance; bakeries and small cafés may have cross-contamination risks for celiacs.
Restaurants generally know common allergy protocols but in remote areas bring necessary medication and keep ingredient questions clear—carry essentials because specialist options can be limited.