If you’re looking for the best things to do in Alice Springs, don’t make the mistake of treating it as just the place you fly into before heading straight to Uluru. We nearly did exactly that, but after spending time here, I realised Alice Springs deserves a proper spot on your Red Centre itinerary.
The Alice Springs region is the gateway to Australia’s Red Centre in Northern Territory, with rugged landscapes, Aboriginal culture, desert wildlife, historic sites, art galleries, cafés and easy access to some of the most beautiful places in Central Australia. It’s also a great base for the West MacDonnell Ranges, East MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru.
Here’s what to do in Alice Springs, including the places we loved, the experiences worth booking and the tours to consider if you don’t want to self-drive.
How long should you spend in Alice Springs?
I’d recommend spending at least three days in Alice Springs. This gives you enough time to see the main sights in town, visit The Kangaroo Sanctuary, explore the West MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a few local cafés or sunset spots.
If you have four or five days, even better. You can add the East MacDonnell Ranges, Palm Valley, a hot air balloon ride, an Aboriginal art workshop or a longer day tour.
If you’re planning to continue from Alice Springs to Uluru, read my guide to driving Alice Springs to Uluru in a 2WD before you finalise your route. We nearly made a big mistake with our itinerary, so it’s worth knowing which roads are sealed and which routes to avoid in a 2WD, campervan or motorhome.
Best time to visit Alice Springs
The best time to visit Alice Springs is during the cooler months, from around May to September. The days are usually warm and sunny, but the temperatures are much more manageable than summer.
We visited in June and found it a great time to explore. It was hot, but not unbearable. If you’re planning hikes or outdoor tours, start early and carry plenty of water.
Best things to do in Alice Springs
1. Visit The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs
The Kangaroo Sanctuary was one of the most memorable things we did in Alice Springs. If you love wildlife, or you want an experience that feels unique to Central Australia, put this right at the top of your list.
The sanctuary was founded by Chris “Brolga” Barns, also known as Kangaroo Dundee, after he started rescuing orphaned joeys around Alice Springs. Today, it’s a 188-acre wildlife sanctuary for rescued kangaroos.
The only way to visit is on a guided sunset tour. It’s calm, personal and incredibly moving. You’ll learn about joey rescue, kangaroo rehabilitation and why checking a dead kangaroo’s pouch can sometimes save a baby joey’s life. Read my full Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs review before you book.
2. Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges
If you only do one day trip from Alice Springs, make it the West MacDonnell Ranges. This was one of the biggest highlights of our Red Centre trip.
The West Macs are just over an hour from Alice Springs and are full of gorges, swimming holes, red rock landscapes and easy walks. Some of the best stops include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.
You can explore independently if you have a car, or join a West MacDonnell Ranges day trip from Alice Springs if you don’t want to drive.
You can also read my full guide to the best things to do in the West MacDonnell Ranges before you go. It is easily one of the best day trips from Alice Springs – do not miss it!
3. See the East MacDonnell Ranges
Most visitors focus on the West Macs, but the East MacDonnell Ranges are worth considering too. They are usually quieter and feel more remote. I wish we had visited but we actually ran out of time.
Highlights include Emily Gap, Jessie Gap, Trephina Gorge and Corroboree Rock. You can also see Aboriginal rock art at Emily Gap.
If you want to see both sides in one day, book this West and East MacDonnell Ranges full-day small group tour.
4. Visit Alice Springs Desert Park
Alice Springs Desert Park is one of the best places to learn about the landscapes, wildlife and plants of Central Australia.
The park recreates different desert habitats, so you can see how animals and plants survive in harsh conditions. You might spot kangaroos, birds of prey, reptiles and nocturnal animals as you explore.
It’s also a great introduction to the desert before heading to the West MacDonnell Ranges or Uluru. There is a self-guided audio tour if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
5. Step back in time at Alice Springs Telegraph Station
Alice Springs Telegraph Station is one of the most important historic sites in town. It marks the original site of European settlement in Alice Springs and played a key role in the Overland Telegraph Line.
You can wander through historic stone buildings, learn about early communication in Central Australia and see how Alice Springs developed. If you’d like to visit as part of a guided day, book this Alice Springs 1 Day Alice Explorer Tour.
6. Head up to ANZAC Hill
For one of the best panoramic views over Alice Springs, head up to ANZAC Hill, also known as Untyeyetwelye.
You can drive most of the way up or walk if you want a bit of exercise. From the top, you’ll see the town, surrounding ranges and red desert landscape. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, and it’s also an important memorial site.
You can visit ANZAC Hill as part of this Alice Springs City Highlights Tour with Lunch and Sunset.
7. Learn about remote outback life
Alice Springs gives you a fascinating look at how people live, learn and access healthcare in remote Australia.
Start with the Royal Flying Doctor Service visitor centre, where you’ll learn how emergency healthcare reaches isolated communities across the outback. Then visit Alice Springs School of the Air, which teaches children living on remote stations and communities across huge distances.
You can book an Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre entry ticket here.
8. Visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre
If you’re fascinated by snakes, lizards and crocodiles, head to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre.
It’s home to more than 100 reptiles, including snakes, goannas, lizards and a saltwater crocodile. The wildlife of Central Australia is unique to the desert region, so this is a useful stop if you want to understand more about the animals that live around Alice Springs.
You can book an Alice Springs Reptile Centre entry ticket here.
9. Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride
One of the most magical ways to see the outback is from a hot air balloon at sunrise.
As the balloon lifts over the desert plains, you’ll see the landscape stretch out in every direction. The colours are especially beautiful early in the morning, when the sun starts to hit the red dirt and distant ranges.
Book a 30-minute dawn hot air balloon flight from Alice Springs here.
10. Go cycling or mountain biking
Alice Springs is surprisingly well known for cycling and mountain biking, with trails on both the east and west sides of town. The terrain ranges from easier desert tracks to more technical routes, so there are options for different skill levels.
You can rent a bike and explore the local trails, or look into guided rides with operators such as My Ride or Red Centre Adventures. It’s a fun way to see the desert landscape if you want something more active than a standard sightseeing day.
11. Explore Aboriginal art in Alice Springs
Alice Springs is one of the major hubs for Aboriginal art from Central Australia, with galleries, studios and cultural spaces showcasing works by Indigenous artists from across the region.
Start at the Araluen Cultural Precinct, home to the Araluen Arts Centre and works connected to famous Western Arrernte artist Albert Namatjira. You can also look out for Tjanpi Desert Weavers, a collective of women artists from remote Central and Western Desert communities who create woven baskets, sculptures and fibre artworks.
If you want a hands-on experience, book the following classes:
- Alice Springs Aboriginal Art Workshop with Marie Ryder
- Simpsons Gap sunset watercolour painting class
- Alice Springs Art Center Tour
12. Visit the Museum of Central Australia
The Museum of Central Australia is a great place to learn more about the region’s natural history.
You’ll find displays about fossils, ancient landscapes, desert animals, minerals and the geological story of Central Australia. It gives useful context before visiting places like the MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru.
It’s also part of the Araluen Cultural Precinct, so you can combine it with Aboriginal art galleries and other cultural stops nearby. This is a good option if you want something slower or indoors during the hotter part of the day.
13. Wander around Todd Mall Markets
If you’re in Alice Springs on a market day, head to Todd Mall Markets.
The markets usually run on Sundays from March to December and are a good place to browse local stalls, handmade jewellery, postcards, Aboriginal paintings, food and drinks.
It’s an easy way to spend a relaxed morning in town. Grab a coffee, wander the stalls and pick up a few souvenirs before heading out on an afternoon tour or drive.
14. Eat and drink around Alice Springs
Alice Springs has a more varied food scene than you might expect for an outback town. You’ll find cafés, pubs, restaurants and casual dining spots serving Australian classics, Indian, Chinese and Italian food.
For brunch and coffee, try Page 27 Café or The Goods Café. For drinks later in the day, Toddy’s Tavern is a casual option with cold pints, while Epilogue Lounge has a funkier feel and a good range of drinks.
If you’re interested in local flavours, look out for Australian dishes that use native ingredients or outback meats such as kangaroo, emu or crocodile. You’ll usually see these on tourism menus, pub menus or special dining experiences.
15. Hike part of the Larapinta Trail
The Larapinta Trail is one of Australia’s most famous long-distance walks. It stretches for around 231 kilometres along the West MacDonnell Ranges, starting near Alice Springs and passing through some of the most dramatic landscapes in Central Australia.
You don’t need to hike the whole trail to enjoy it. The route is split into sections, so you can walk shorter parts as day hikes or join a longer multi-day hike if you’re more experienced.
If you want to experience it with support, check out this Alice Springs Larapinta Hiking Trail 5-day adventure safari.
16. Visit during Parrtjima Festival
If you’re visiting Alice Springs at the right time of year, check whether Parrtjima is on during your trip.
Parrtjima is an annual Aboriginal light festival that celebrates culture, storytelling and art through large-scale light installations. One of the most striking parts is seeing the MacDonnell Ranges lit up at night, which makes it very different from a standard festival setting.
It’s worth planning around if your dates line up, especially if you’re interested in Aboriginal culture, art and photography.
17. Learn about Pine Gap from a distance
Pine Gap is one of the most famous places near Alice Springs, but it is not a tourist attraction you can visit. It is known to be Australia’s version of Area 51.
The joint defence facility has been surrounded by mystery for decades, and many visitors are curious about it. While you can’t tour the facility, you may hear about Pine Gap on local tours or while learning about Alice Springs’ more unusual modern history.
We asked many locals about it as it turns out there are over 2000 Americans working at Pine Gap. The locals told us that the Americans tell them they are ‘gardeners’ and it’s all a secrecy about working there. Naturally, we drove out to Pine Gap but we only got this far before turning around at the sign above.
18. Take a day trip to Finke Gorge National Park
Finke Gorge National Park is another brilliant day trip from Alice Springs if you have more time and the right vehicle.
The park is best known for Palm Valley, a remote desert oasis with rare palms, red cliffs and walking tracks. It’s about a two-hour drive from Alice Springs, but road conditions can vary, so check before you go, especially if you’re in a hire car or 2WD.
19. Use Alice Springs as a base for Uluru
You can visit Uluru from Alice Springs, but don’t underestimate the distance. It’s a long day if you’re doing it in one go, so think carefully about whether you want to self-drive, join a tour or stay overnight near Uluru.
If you only have one day, book this Uluru full-day tour from Alice Springs with BBQ dinner.
If you can spare more time, this 2-day Uluru and Kata Tjuta tour from Alice Springs or Yulara gives you longer to experience the area without rushing.
You can also read my guides to the best things to do in Uluru, the Uluru Base Walk and the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta before planning your trip.
Best tours from Alice Springs
If you’re not hiring a car, or you want to make the most of your time, these are some of the best tours from Alice Springs to consider.
For local sightseeing, book the following:
- Alice Springs 1 Day Alice Explorer Tour
- Alice Springs Red Centre Journey Tour with Morning Tea
- Alice Springs City Highlights Tour with Lunch and Sunset.
For bigger Red Centre adventures, consider the following:
- 3-day Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon camping tour,
- 4-day Uluru Rock to Rock Adventure Tour
- Ayers Rock overnight Kings Canyon experience
Alice Springs Accommodation: Where To Stay
If you’re planning a few days in Alice Springs, choose accommodation based on how you’ll be travelling. If you have a hire car, you’ll have more flexibility. If you’re relying on tours, stay somewhere central or somewhere tour companies commonly pick up from.
Luxury: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters
For a more comfortable stay, Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters is one of the best-known hotel options in town. It’s a good choice if you want resort-style facilities, a pool, restaurants and easy access to the Alice Springs Convention Centre and casino.
Mid-range: Mercure Alice Springs Resort
For a mid-range option, Mercure Alice Springs Resort is a solid choice. It works well if you want hotel-style accommodation without going for the most expensive option in town.
Budget: Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn
For a budget-friendly stay, Alice’s Secret Travellers Inn is popular with backpackers and independent travellers. It’s a relaxed option if you’re trying to keep costs down while spending money on tours instead.
For more Red Centre inspiration, read my travel guides
If you’re heading from Alice Springs to Uluru, make sure you read my Alice Springs to Uluru 2WD road trip guide before you go. We nearly made a big mistake with our route, so this is worth reading if you’re travelling in a 2WD, campervan or motorhome.
For one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Central Australia, read my Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs review before booking your sunset tour.
Uluru Travel Guides
If you’re still working out your Uluru itinerary, start with my guide to the best things to do in Uluru and my round-up of the best Uluru tours.
For walks, don’t miss my Uluru Base Walk guide and my guide to the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta. Both are amazing ways to experience the landscape up close.
If you’re comparing the bigger paid experiences, read my honest reviews of the 15-minute Uluru helicopter flight, the Uluru Field of Light dinner and the Wintjiri Wiru Uluru drone show.
And if you’re planning a longer Northern Territory adventure, my Darwin to Uluru road trip guide will help you plan the journey properly.
