Considered the heart of Australia's Red Centre, Alice Springs is the gateway to the natural wonders of the vast Northern Territory. The city is a popular starting point for journeys to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon, and features a unique atmosphere that takes influence from both Aboriginal Australian and outback culture. With plenty of opportunities to go hiking, fishing, or camping, Alice Springs is perfect for lovers of the outdoors as well as those looking to learn more about the ancient roots of the Northern Territory.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Alice Springs
Also known simply as "Alice," Alice Springs offers access to eclectic destinations both within its city borders and out in its surrounding arid plains. With truly spectacular natural wonders just a step away, Alice Springs is the perfect place for your next outdoor adventure.
Araluen Cultural Precinct - Home to a number of art galleries, theaters, public installations, and museums, Araluen is the artistic and cultural heart of Alice Springs. Visit the Albert Namatjira Gallery in the Araluen Arts Centre to see watercolor works by the Aboriginal Australian artist, or stop by the Museum of Central Australia and Central Australia Aviation Museum to learn about the history of the region.
Alice Springs Desert Park - Spread over 3,212 acres (1,300 ha), Alice Springs Desert Park serves to educate the public about the native flora and fauna of the central Australian desert. An important area to the Arrernte people, the park features exhibition areas to learn about Aboriginal and Arrernte practices alongside walkthrough habitats that showcase endemic desert ecosystems.
MacDonnell Ranges - Alice Springs offers easy access to the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. The Larapinta Trail, a world-class long-distance bushwalking trail, is located in the West MacDonnell National Park and passes natural landmarks like the Finke River, Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, and Ochre Pits.
What to See in Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a hub for Aboriginal Australian art, with venues such as the Papunya Tula cooperative and Albert Namatjira Gallery showcasing local works by Aboriginal groups from the Western Desert. For amazing views of natural beauty, climb to the peak of Anzac Hill, which offers panoramic vistas of the entire city with the ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges in the distance. Hop aboard a helicopter or hot air balloon to see the splendor of the entire Australian Outback stretched out before you. In the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, get the chance to see a wide variety of plants from Australia's arid central region.
Sightseeing in Alice Springs
Alice Springs is a popular starting point for journeys to Uluru (Ayer's Rock). The sandstone formation, which towers 2,831 feet (863 m) over the surrounding region, holds great cultural significance for the Anangu people who are indigenous to the area. Join a day tour for a beautiful introduction to Uluru, or discover the true wonders of the formation and its surrounds by embarking on an extended camping trip that visits the nearby Kings Canyon and the Valley of the Winds in Kata Tjuta as well. For a day trip closer to the city, head to Palm Valley in the Finke Gorge National Park, where you can go off-roading on sandstone river banks or looking for the red cabbage palms for which the valley is named. Alice Springs itself is full of artistic and cultural treasures as well. The city highlights Aboriginal traditions and crafts through events like the Desert Mob exhibition and symposium, and the annual Desert Song Festival.
