Nestled between the east and west MacDonnell Ranges, the “Alice” is known as the heart of the Australian outback. With ochre desert landscapes and breath-taking mountain ranges, Alice Springs is a nature-lovers dream come to life.
With a population just over 26,000, this outback haven is firmly intertwined with traditional Indigenous culture with many Aboriginal art galleries, traditional markets, and Alice Springs tours. Alice Springs sees nearly 500,000 tourists pass through the city every year, from young backpackers to seniors wanting to get back to nature. Come explore the red centre with animal encounters, stunning sights and delicious food all waiting for you.
This epic adventure into the heart of the Red Centre starts with 2 nights in Darwin visiting Litchfield National Park, Florence Falls and Wangi Falls. We then board the legendary Ghan for a unique and epic experience exploring the wonders of Australia’s vast interior. Spending 3 nights in Gold Service we start with a spectacular outback sunrise as we arrive into Alice Springs. Then stopping 'in the middle of nowhere' at Manguri then on to the sunscorched opal mining capital of the world - Coober Pedy. We then discover a dramatic change in landscape as we make our way for the beautiful green fields and pastoral lands of South Australia into Adelaide.
This epic adventure heads into the heart of the Red Centre starts with 1 night in Adelaide before travelling overnight in Gold Service onboard the mighty Ghan. Enjoy a night in Alice Springs visiting the West MacDonnell Ranges, then see the wonders of Uluru with 3 nights at Yulara including the stunning Sounds of Silence dinner. Re-board the Ghan for another night before finishing with 1 night in Darwin.
Begin your adventure by flying into Alice Springs. Explore the stunning Ormiston Gorge and West MacDonnell Ranges before enjoying a bush-style BBQ and a visit to the remarkable Standley Chasm. Next, visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service and Kings Creek Station on your way to Kings Canyon, where you'll immerse yourself in cultural experiences. From there, head to Yulara (Uluru) to experience the awe-inspiring sunset and sunrise over Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Trek with camels around Uluru and take in breathtaking aerial views before indulging in a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at the Sounds of Silence under the Southern night skies. Conclude your journey in the heart of the nation before flying home.
In the “Alice”, there are endless activities for all ages and mobility levels. You can start your morning with a tranquil sunrise hot air balloon adventure, or you can get up close with nature on a camel ride. After a mid-morning walk or hike, you can escape the heat in a freshwater swimming hole. If you want something more spectacular, take a private charter for a scenic flight across some of Australia’s oldest mountains and deserts.
Back on the ground, you can explore the local culture by visiting weekend markets, shows and art galleries. Consider popping into the Alice Springs Desert Park to get up and close with Australia’s cutest and deadliest animals.
Travel through history, with a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility or the School of the Air and learn about life in the outback from the locals. Take a tour of the old Stuart Town Goal built in 1907 and end your day at Anzac Hill, looking over the mountain ranges as the sunsets.
When the sun goes down on the red centre, the quirks of Alice Springs come to life. Plan your visit around one of Alice Spring’s funky festivals like the Beanie Festival, the Desert Festival or Australia’s longest light show installation at Parrtjima.
It’s no secret that the red centre is hot, so the best time to visit Alice Springs is between the months of April and June, when the climate becomes cooler. However, if you’re a lover of heat, then January is the month to go for you.
Make Alice Springs your HQ as you hop, skip and jump across the Northern Territory to other remarkable sights like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the Simpson Desert, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges.
The best way to see the outback is an Alice Springs tour package. Spend a few days exploring all the red centre has to offer with peace of mind that your itinerary, accommodation and meals are sorted. On our guided tours, you’ll experience an Alice Springs holiday that you’ll never forget.
Alice Springs hosts several vibrant festivals throughout the year. The Alice Springs Beanie Festival celebrates creativity and community through unique beanie designs. The Parrtjima Festival illuminates the town with stunning light displays, showcasing Aboriginal art and culture. The Henley-on-Todd Regatta is a quirky event featuring boat races on the dry Todd River. Additionally, the Desert Song Festival celebrates music and cultural diversity with performances across the town.
Alice Springs offers a range of popular activities, including visiting the Alice Springs Desert Park, exploring the MacDonnell Ranges, and learning about Aboriginal culture at the Araluen Cultural Precinct. Adventure seekers can enjoy hot air ballooning, hiking, and camel riding. The Alice Springs Reptile Centre and Olive Pink Botanic Garden are also must-visit attractions.
Alice Springs is approximately 450 kilometres (280 miles) away from Uluru.
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