The 10 things to do in Alice Springs

Are you going to visit Alice Springs in the heart of Australia? Discover the 10 must-sees of this city, also known as the Red Center.

Located in the heart of Australian territory, Alice Springs is an almost mystical city. Born in the 1870s thanks to the telegraph, she made the connection between Darwin and Adelaide. The city owes its name to the project manager of the construction of the cable car, Charles Todd, whose name was Alice. Gradually, Alice Springs began to flourish in the middle of the twentieth century, until she became a top destination for tourists travelling to the country of the kangaroos.

Discover the cultural richness of this place from the colonial history between Europeans and Aboriginal people. And above all, admire the extreme beauty of the landscape around the Red Center.

So if you're looking for what to do in Alice Springs, read more and discover this beautiful city and its surroundings.

1. Uluru

If you come to visit Alice Springs, it is impossible not to see the famous rock Ayers Rock . Located in the middle of the desert, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is one of the most famous rock formations in the world.

Ranked as a World Heritage Site, Uluru will make you discover its natural wonders. The park will dazzle you with the diversity of its fauna and flora, impressive canyon and aborigine culture. A local guide can visit you to teach you the history that emerges from this deeply spiritual place.

From Alice Springs, several excursions are offered, either on a day or on several days.

2. Larapinta

What to do in Alice Springs? Take up the challenge of hiking on the trail Larapinta ! With 223 km, this trail offers breathtaking landscapes. Larapinta starts in Alice Springs to finish in Mount Sonder. On the way, you can stop on several exceptional sites like Simpsons Gap or Ormiston Gorge . Think about taking your bathing suit so you can swim. Cut into twelve sections, the trail offers several levels of difficulty so that you find the road that matches you.

Camp along the road and admire the beautiful starry sky of the region. Many pitches for tents and picnic tables are planned for this purpose.

3. West MacDonnell Ranges

If you're looking for a trip to Alice Springs West MacDonnell Ranges is a must. Rent a 4×4 for the day to access all natural sites. On the road, you only have to open your eyes and observe beautiful gorges and water points where a diverse fauna and flora live. You can hike there and stop at each place for a little swim. Several places are particularly known, such as Ellery Creek , Glen Helen or Ormiston Gorge .

The West MacDonnell Ranges are just 20 km from the city, which is perfect for a one-day getaway.

4. East MacDonnell Ranges

10 km east of Alice Springs, East MacDonnell Ranges also worth a look. You start the road by Emily and Jessie Gap. You can see the rock paintings telling the story of the dream of the caterpillar. It is a sacred place by the Aboriginal people. Later, join Trephina Gorge offering exceptional views. To finish the day, swim in John Hayes, and above all, remember your bathing suit!

If you want to change some of the hikes, there are several options available to you. It is possible to take a helicopter ride to admire the Red Center seen from the sky or to take a walk on camel back.

5. Desert park

Founded in 1997, Desert Park discovers the great diversity of animal and plant species in central Australia. You will marvel at the owl, dingos, kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and other wild animals. A bird show is also programmed to put your eyes full. Every day, animations are planned to explain the natural environment of the various species present. And because the animals also live at night, the night visit is also to be done. In this way, you can observe some that you don’t usually see in the middle of the day.

Desert Park is the best way to stay connected with nature when you visit Alice Springs.

6. The telegraph station

Alice Springs Telegraphic Station is the origin of the creation of the main city of the Australian Centre. Established in 1871, this historic reserve attests to the first European occupation in the heart of Australia. Guided tours are offered to know the lives of telegraphists and their families at the time.

Located 4 km from downtown, along the Todd River, you can also enjoy the visit for a short walk around. Once on site, it is possible to picnic. Large lawns, many barbecue facilities and public toilets are planned.

7. Olive Pink, botanical garden

In the middle of arid region, the centre of Australia has a wide variety of particular plant species. This is botanical garden gathers the different plants of the region to discover on the courses-promenades. Wildlife is also very present in this garden. Indeed, you will have the opportunity to meet many birds and kangaroos.

Within the park, the Bean Tree coffee offer you homemade cakes. This will allow you to rest a little under the Australian heat.

Inside the Olive Pink is also Tharrarltneme, otherwise known as Annie Meyer Hill. It is a sacred site that is dear to the Aboriginal people.

8. Art galleries

In Alice Springs, Aboriginal art is fully part of the culture. Visit one of the many galleries in the city to immerse yourself in one of the oldest arts in the world. Here you have the choice: center Papunya Tula , the Mbantua gallery, Tjanpi Desert or Muk Muk Indigenous Fine Art. Among all Australian cities, Alice Springs is the one with the most art galleries per capita. You will find paintings, jewellery and other products made by local artists.

It is all the history of the aborigines that manifests through this art. Watch Australian artists live and chat with them to learn more about their legacy.

9. Reptile center

By making you to Reptile center From Alice Springs, you will discover the largest collection of reptiles in the North. There you will find Terry the sea crocodile, varans, lizards, or snakes. It is even possible to manipulate a python and take a photo with it. Every day, a show is planned to learn more about the wild life of the Red Centre. The park is very involved in preserving local wildlife. They treat sick animals that are in nature and reintroduce them into their natural environment as soon as they are healed.

10. Todd Mall market

Located in the heart of the city, you can't visit Alice Springs without a tour Todd Mall Market . This is the ideal place to go back with memories. A market is held every second Sunday between February and December. You will find handicrafts, art, jewellery and local and international food.

For about 20 years, the market has been hosting locals and tourists from all over the world.

How to get to Alice Springs?

• From France

Since Alice Springs is located in the middle of Australia, the nearest metropolis is 1500 km away. The fastest way to get there is, of course, to take the plane. There is no direct flight from France. You can then make a stopover in Sydney or Melbourne and enjoy it to discover these cities. Our partner Ulysses offers dozens of flights at the best prices.

For reach the city from the airport , several solutions offer you: take a taxi, rent a car, or take the shuttle that takes you directly to the center.

• From Australia

If you are already in Australia, you can join Alice Springs in train (the Ghan), especially from Adelaide or Darwin. The bus is also an option but be careful, you will have to arm yourself with patience: from Adelaide/Darwin, count about 20 hours bus! Finally, you can also opt for the car if you have a car rental vehicle , or try it carpooling , an economical and common solution at backpackers.

Where to stay in Alice Springs?

There are several options for being staying in Alice Springs . There are four main quarters where you can spend the night. If you like art and party, we recommend Gap or the city centre. In each neighborhood you have the choice: hotels, Airbnb or camping. To get an idea of the prices practiced, think about jaunting prices on a Compare hotels which hosts the best offers according to your dates of stay.