Alice Springs, known as ‘the Alice’ or just ‘Alice’, boasts a rich and fascinating history. Visitors who come to explore this unique region take a piece of Central Australia home with them.
The first European to navigate Central Australia was explorer John McDouall Stuart between 1861-62. A decade later, surveyor William Mills came across a waterhole and called it Alice Springs after the wife of Sir Charles Todd, the Postmaster General of South Australia. A telegraph station was subsequently erected nearby.
An influx of drovers and miners (in search of gold) was the impetus to establish a town called Stuart, located 3kms from the (now) Old Telegraph Station. The district flourished and, in 1933, Stuart was renamed Alice Springs.
With a population of around 25,000 residents, Alice Springs is a great base to explore the outback terrain. You can take a camel or quad bike ride, see the Red Centre from the air
in a hot air balloon or helicopter flight, or explore the many Aboriginal art galleries in town. Many of the local art galleries showcase hundreds of aboriginal artists from the Utopia region and surrounds. With its extensive range of art and artists, you can select pieces of art that are as unique and inspiring as the landscape of this special place.
Explore the regions’ flora and fauna at Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs Reptile Centre, The Kangaroo Sanctuary and The Olive Pink Botanic Gardens.
Alternatively, you can always sample the wide range of cafés or fantastic restaurants here. Then again, experiencing the wonders of the many famous national parks in the region might be more your thing.
There really is so much to see and experience here within the town, its surrounds and the wider region. There are amazing adventures, stunning sunsets, unique events and breathtaking scenery to enjoy. To make the most of your time make sure you stop in at the multi award-winning Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre located on the corner of Todd Mall and Parsons St, Alice Springs. Let the friendly and knowledgeable staff help with all your travel needs and enquiries. Alternatively, check out the website, www.discovercentralaustralia.com or call 1800 645 199.
Enjoy your stay!
Danial Rochford CEO, Tourism Central Australia
Todd Mall, Alice Springs, Credit: Tourism Australia
Todd Mall, Alice Springs, Credit: Tourism Australia
Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Credit: Tourism Australia
Welcome to Alice Springs. We are delighted that you have chosen the Red Centre for your holiday.
Visit the original Alice Springs Royal Flying Doctor Service working base and discover its importance to outback Australians and the medical care required to service isolated regions. Step inside the replica RFDS aircraft and feel what it’s like to be a patient at 15,000 feet.
ALICE SPRINGS SCHOOL OF THE AIR
Visit ‘The World’s Largest Classroom’. Pioneering HF radio as a way of delivering education to some of Australia’s most remote students since 1951, today Alice Springs School of the Air delivers lessons online and is an integral part of children’s lives. The School’s Visitor Centre shares stories about school from afar and brings to life the journeys, dreams and achievements of student life in the Australian Outback.
A historic museum precinct with indoor and outdoor displays, presenting the story of the connection of Australia to the rest of the world through Telegraph Communication in 1871. The station is still an operational post office. Guided tours available as well as the Trail Station wifi café and souvenir shop.
ALICE
Home to over 100 reptiles, the centre displays its inhabitants in recreations of their natural environment. Here you can meet snakes, goannas, thorny devils and frill-necked lizards. Check out Gecko Cave and meet Terry the Saltwater Crocodile. Daily interactive talks and handling sessions. Between May & August, the recommended viewing times are between 11am and 3pm when the reptiles are most active.
See the desert come alive and learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in Central Australia at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Follow pathways through three desert habitats to the free-flying birds of prey show in the Nature Theatre. Feel the adrenalin rush as raptors fly over your head. Nature Theatre show is daily at 10am in Summer (1 November to 28 February) and daily at 10am & 3pm during Winter (1 March to 31 October). Spot local reptiles, bats, birds and the Australian Bilby and discover how the Aboriginal people find and prepare food, create bush medicine and store water. www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au
Meet a kangaroo! The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs rescue and raise orphaned baby kangaroos at a large 188 acre kangaroo sanctuary. The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs run guided sunset tours so visitors can experience and enjoy kangaroos up close in natural bushland. Tours must be prebooked.
With something for everyone in the family, The National Road Transport Hall of Fame is a unique museum showcasing the rich and important history of the road and transport industry and the essential role it’s played in servicing remote areas of Australia and the Outback.
Alice Springs School of the Air , Credit: Tourism Australia
Man holding a barn owl at the Alice Springs Desert Park, Credit: Tourism NT/Annie Nguyen
National Road Transport Hall of Fame, Credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia
SUNSET FROM ANZAC HILL
Take the time to marvel in the most visited landmark in Alice Springs, Anzac Hill is the ideal spot for an overview of the town.
WOMEN’S MUSEUM OF AUSTRALIA
Located in the heritage-listed Old Gaol on Stuart Terrace, The Women’s Museum of Australia has four permanent exhibitions and the Old Gaol can be explored through interactive experiences in the cells and recreation areas that once held prisoners. Celebrate and be inspired by the courage, grit, determination and perseverance of women from all walks of life across the thematic exhibitions.
THE OLIVE PINK BOTANIC GARDENS
Wander through beautiful gardens at the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens. Here you can ask questions at the Visitor Centre, enjoy a bite to eat from the café and meander the short walking tracks amongst the native flora and fauna on show.
ARALUEN CULTURAL PRECINCT
Known as the keeping place of stories, Araluen holds some of the most significant works of art in Central Australia and brings to the stage world-class performances from around the nation. The Araluen Galleries showcase the Contemporary Aboriginal art movement, particularly of Central Australia and the Western Desert Region as well as significant local contemporary artists in their response to place. www.araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
HERMANNSBURG HISTORIC PRECINCT
Visit the birthplace of Albert Namatjira. Hermannsburg
Historic Precinct is located 125km west of Alice Springs. The drive is highly scenic with beautiful landscapes and photographic opportunities along the way. Historic Precinct, Art Gallery & Kata Anga Tearooms. www.hermannsburg.com.au
MUSEUM OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
The Museum of Central Australia is based in the Araluen Cultural Precinct and tells the story of the region’s unique natural history, following the evolution of the landscape and the fascinating creatures that inhabited it. From the big bang to the present day, meteorite fragments, fossils and interpretive displays detail the geological history of Central Australia.
A camel ride against the stunning backdrop of the West MacDonnell Ranges is a signature Red Centre experience. Take in the peace of the desert on camel back with Pyndan Camel Tracks and see kangaroos, birds and other wildlife as you experience the true beauty of the outback. Owner Marcus has worked with the camels for 30 years and the camels are gentle and well trained. Bookings are essential. Free pick up from Alice Springs accommodation. Tours depart 12pm, 2.30pm and sunset. www.cameltracks.com
For a truly memorable experience, watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon floating peacefully over the outback with kangaroos, brumbies and camels roaming far below. A breathtaking way to appreciate the vast remoteness of the Australian Outback. Enjoy light refreshments & sparkling wine in the middle of nowhere! www.outbackballooning.com.au
GOLF
Try one of the world’s best desert golf courses where large tee blocks, fully grassed rolling fairways and huge well-bunkered putting greens are set against the stunning natural backdrop of the ancient MacDonnell Ranges. Suitable for players of all skill levels. Pro shop, motorised buggies, floodlit driving range and putting green, clubhouse and restaurant. www.alicespringsgolfclub.com.au
Teeing off at the Alice Springs Golf Club : Tourism NT/Oliver Eclipse
The town of Alice Springs is rich in Indigenous history and storytelling.
Alice Springs (Mparntwe) has been home to Aboriginal inhabitants, the Arrernte people, for over 50,000 years. The Arrernte people lived in family groups and were hunter gatherers who lived off the resources available to them in the region.
Traditionally, the Arrernte people believe that the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges were created during the Dreamtime by huge caterpillars.
The Aboriginal presence in Alice is strong today. The cultural and spiritual connection of the people to this region echoes in every rock and landmark, and there are many opportunities to learn about and understand Aboriginal culture.
The region possesses one of the most culturally significant icons of both Aboriginal and Australian culture, Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the true outback spirit that defines this land in many ways. Nature is omnipresent in the Centre, which gives visitors the opportunity to completely relax and unwind.
Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Tour, Watarrka, Credit: Tourism Australia Anmatjere Man Sculpture, Aileron, just north of Alice Springs, Credit: Tourism NT/Sean Scott SEIT Outback Australia NT, Credit: Tourism AustraliaAboriginal acrylic painting arose in the 1970s in Papunya inspired by the arrival of a school teacher, Geoff Bardon. Bardon set his students the task of painting a mural, which was eventually completed by the elders in the region who utilised traditional elements in the mural.
Aboriginal acrylic paintings draw on the iconography of Indigenous life, and the art is a reflection of the artist’s relationship to the land, life and Dreaming. It also conveys the relationship and interaction between Indigenous and Western cultures.
Alice Springs is home to many talented Aboriginal artists whose stunning works are for sale. Tommy Crow’s ‘Sunset Dreaming’ paintings are a unique representation of the rugged Central Australian landscape and are well worth checking out. His art is available for sale atwww.sunsetdreamingaustralia.com.au
The Yubu Napa, Mbantua Aboriginal Art Gallery, Papunya Tula Artists, Jila Arts and the Aboriginal Australian Art & Culture Centre all showcase a wonderful array of local Aboriginal art.
Galleries and Theatre
Find our opening hours at: araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au
61 Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs
@araluenartscentre
Alice Springs’ rich Aboriginal heritage is celebrated in the fascinating art produced by the local Indigenous people.Yubu Napa Art Gallery, Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught Shopping for art at Mbantua, Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught Papunya Tula Artists gallery, Credit: Tourism NT/Rhett Hammerton
Alice Springs boasts a diverse shopping experience with a number of unique specialty stores on offer.
Alice Springs brings its own unique spin to shopping, offering both traditional shopping outlets and a range of specialty stores inspired by its rugged history and surrounds.
Alice Plaza located at Todd Mall and Yeperenje Shopping Centre located along Hartley Street will service much of your shopping needs with boutique and chain stores on offer. The Todd Mall Markets, which occur on a Sunday every fortnight - mid March to early December, feature an array of stores selling local produce, and arts and crafts. The market is a popular way to while away a relaxing Sunday morning. www.toddmallmarkets.com.au
Alice Springs boasts a number of stores that sell Aboriginal art to the public. Take a treasured piece of Alice home with you to enjoy for years to come.
Alice Springs Fan Arcade, Credit: Tourism NT/Elise Derwin
The West MacDonnell National Park or “Tjoritja” has been inhabited by the Western Aranda Aboriginal people since ancient times. This spectacular landscape remains culturally vital to the local Aboriginal people today.
Located 132kms from Alice Springs, Discovery Parks Glen Helena former cattle station - offers a great base from which to explore the region. The lodge can assist you with arranging an exploratory 4WD tour, scenic heli flights over Glen Helen Gorge and surrounds, or a magical sunset tour.
The lodge is well positioned along the renowned Larapinta Trail, which is divided into 12 sections. Keen hikers can choose to embark on a shorter or longer hike along the trail, before putting up their weary boots at the lodge and enjoying authentic outback hospitality in the bar and bistro. If you have time, check out these local attractions: Ormiston Gorge, Simpsons Gap, Ochre Pits, Standley Chasm and Ellery Creek Big Hole.
West Macdonell Ranges, Simpsons Gaps, Credit: Tourism Australia
Glen Helen, Credit: Tourism Australia
Standley Chasm, Credit: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia
The world-renowned Larapinta Trail follows the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges for 223kms and there’s a number of specialist walks. Travellers of all fitness levels can experience suitable sections in day trips or overnight hikes. This exciting long distance walking trail is divided into 12 sections, each a 1-2 day walk in its own right. The trail encompasses some of the key attractions of the ranges such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen Gorge.
Simpsons Gap is located 11kms from Alice Springs and is the easiest site to access. The site includes a visitor information centre, a picnic area and short walks suitable for a variety of fitness levels.
Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the largest permanent waterholes in the region. For an easy walk past the red cliffs of Ellery Gap, start at the picnic and camping areas and head down to the waterhole for a swim.
Ormiston Gorge consists of a series of smaller waterholes. To view the largest waterhole, take an easy walk from the visitor information centre, and picnic and camping areas. For stunning views along the length of the ranges, take the Ghost Gum Lookout Walk or the longer Ormiston Pound Walk.
Glen Helen Gorge offers spectacular views of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Here you can also view Mount Sonder, which changes colours with the light and is one of the highest points in Central Australia.
Finke Gorge National Park offers a 4WD track that takes you into Palm Valley where you can walk among the red sandstone bluffs and through forests of palms. Water captured by the porous rock has created a desert oasis for many plants that are remnants of a much wetter period. Camping and picnic areas are also available. Heading west from Alice Springs, Larapinta Drive and Namatjira Drive are fully sealed and will provide access to the key attractions within the West MacDonnell Ranges.
While not as well known as the West MacDonnell Ranges, the East MacDonnell Ranges boast places of spectacular natural beauty. Your first stop along the highway is Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park where you can see some Aboriginal paintings and spiritual sites. Carry on along the Ross Highway and stop at Corroboree Rock for great photo opportunities.
Trephina Gorge, accessed from Ross Highway, winds its way through the MacDonnell Ranges and can be reached most of the year by conventional vehicles. There are several camping areas, day-use picnic areas and some short walks down the dry river-bed which is surrounded by large rock faces.
Along the Plenty Highway, you can try some fossicking at gemfields where you might find your own garnets or zircons (visitors need to ask permission from owners to fossick on private property). Alternatively, you can take a tour to the gemfields where equipment is supplied.
N’Dhala Gorge is reached by a 4WD track that crosses the Ross River and should only be attempted by experienced drivers. The Gorge hosts one of the largest sites of Aboriginal rock engravings, which is open for public viewing. Back on the Ross Highway, travel further east to Arltunga Historical Reserve. The Reserve protects the site of one of the largest gold rush towns in Central Australia where many mines and buildings are displayed and there is an opportunity to take one of several self-guided walks. 4WD vehicles can explore sections of the Binns Track, which provides access to the reserve.
Exploring Jessie Gap, Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught Trephina Gorge Nature Park, Credit: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught Spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges, Credit: Tourism NT/Sean ScottWhen travelling to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, it’s recommended that visitors make their first stop at the Cultural Centre where they will gain a great introduction to Anangu Culture and an understating of this unique desert environment.
You can purchase a park permit at the entry station or online at parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/plan/passes which is vaild for three days. The park fee is charged to help maintain infrastructure and the environment. Part of the park fees also goes back to the Anangu traditional owners to help them maintain their families and the Mutitjulu community.
Please note that, from 26 October 2019, it was prohibited to climb to the top of Uluru.
Field of Light Uluru Uluru’s spectacular light show, the Field of Light art installation by international artist Bruce Munro, is the largest Field of Light to date. Overwhelming in size, covering more than seven football fields, over 50,000 stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres bloom as darkness falls over Australia’s spiritual heartland. It is a truly spectacular sight to see.
There are two walks at Kata Tjuta:
Walpa Gorge Walk (2.6kms return / 1 hour) – Walpa (meaning windy) Gorge is a desert refuge for plants and animals. The rocky track gently rises along an ephemeral stream, passing inconspicuous rare plants and ending at a grove of flourishing spearwood. Experience the sheerness of the domes and the vastness of the landscape.
The Valley of the Winds Walk (7.4kms full circuit / 3 hrs) –The track to Karu (1st) Lookout, 1.1kms from the carpark, is moderately difficult with some loose rocks to negotiate so please mind your step and wear sturdy footwear. The view is breathtaking and worth the little bit of effort. This lookout is also the closure point when the temperature reaches 36 degrees or greater. The track to Karingana (2nd) Lookout, 2.7kms from the carpark, is challenging and very steep in places but also worthwhile. The remainder of the Valley of the Winds Walk takes you down between the domes, through creek beds and away from everyone and everything. Please note commercial photography is not allowed.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk climbs steeply up from the valley floor offering spectacular views into the Canyon below. This is a 6km loop and is suitable for fit walkers. The walk takes visitors around the top of the Canyon through weathered, buttressed domes of the “Lost City” and the sheltered “Garden of Eden” with permanent waterholes and lush vegetation.
From Alice Springs you can either take the Lasseter Highway or if you have a 4WD head out along the West MacDonnell Ranges and take the Mereenie Loop Road. Please note, the Mereenie Loop Road is on Aboriginal land and so you will need a permit. Permits are available from the visitor information centre on the corner of Todd Mall and Parsons Street, Hermannsburg Petrol Station or Kings Canyon Resort.
Walpa Gorge walk, Credit: Tourism NT Uluru Field of Light, Credit: Tourism Australia Hiking the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Credit: Tourism Australia
Alice Springs Desert Park is the essential introduction to the deserts of Central Australia. Where the desert comes alive!
Deserts are rich with life with thousands of stories to be explored. Experience the spirit of a living culture; explore a vibrant botanic wonderland and get up close with outback animals and characters that epitomise the fun and adventurous spirt of the red centre.
At the Desert Park guides share stories of the desert that will help you to appreciate and enjoy this beautiful landscape while you are travelling through it!
Habitats are a snapshot of what you are going to see on your trip and a visit to the Desert Park will give you a wonderful background to what you will see on your journey.
The desert is vibrant and alive and at the park you will see just how true this is.
No two days at the Alice Springs Desert Park are ever the same. As the season change, different plants dominate and different animals become active. There are so many stories to tell. On a typical day you can expect to:
• L earn how Aboriginal people find food or medicines in the desert and how to identify some of the important plants and animals they use at ‘Survival in the Desert’
• W itness a free flying bird show at Nature Theatre
• Discover clever adaptations of plants and animals which allow them to live in a dry environment
• See endangered desert mammals and learn what is being done to save them in the Nocturnal House
• Stroll along a dry river bed and find out why the river red gums which line it are so important to animals
• L earn how to identify desert birds and how they fit into the web-of-life
• Catch a glimpse of the Centre’s history back through four and a half billion years.
At night, go spotlighting on a Nocturnal Tour. Your guide will lead you to the Mulga Walk, a large predator-proof enclosure located in the foothills of the MacDonnell Ranges. Join your guide in small groups as you walk through a rich desert habitat full of life. Stopping to spotlight endangered animals of Central Australia showcasing their natural behaviours. Get up close to animals including bilby, echidna and mala in the foothills of the MacDonnell Ranges.
Day entry is open 7.30am to 6.00pm with last suggested entry 4.30pm with Nocturnal Tour’s operating in the evenings.
The Desert Park is approximately a 10 minute journey from the centre of Alice Springs. The Park is accessible by motor vehicle, touring coaches or a dual cycle and walking path off Blain Street.
Check out our website for more details
www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au or call (08) 8951 8788. You will leave the Desert Park with new stories, skills and some of the secrets of the desert.
The first camel was imported into Australia in 1840 and was followed by a herd of 24 camels in 1860 for use in the Burke and Wills expedition.
Camels can travel up to 400kms within many days without the need to drink much water. Hence why, from 1866, camels were bred in Australia for 50 years to produce working camels of superior quality. Imports continued until the early 1900s and were used as draft and riding animals by people pioneering the dry interior. The camels brought into Australia were commonly the one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) which are found in hot desert areas and highly suitable to the Australian climate.
Camel rides are a very popular tourist activity in the Centre. To enquire about bookings and costs, call Pyndan Camel Tracks on 0416 170 164.
If you’re in Alice Springs in July, make sure you get to experience the Alice Springs Camel Cup. Fun for the whole family, tickets cost $25 for adults and $60 for families. Children under 12 are free.
FEBRUARY
Imparja Cup Indigenous cricketers battle it out in this annual competition.
APRIL
Alice Springs Cup Carnival Girl’s Day Out, Family Day, Ladies Day, The Rock Bar Young Guns Day. www.alicespringsturfclub.org.au
Alice Springs Heritage Festival April to May, most events are free. www.nationaltrust.org.au
Easter In Alice Easter long weekend Parrtjima
A festival of light.
MAY
Bangtail Muster Parade Rotary Club of Alice Springs. Todd Mall comes alive with carnival floats. www.alicespringsrotary.org
Uluru Camel Cup Camel race at Uluru Camel Farm. www.ulurucamelracingclub.com
JUNE
Tatts Finke Desert Race Two-day race, off road for bikes, buggies, cars and quads. www.finkedesertrace.com.au
Alice Springs Beanie Festival Beanie displays, workshops and competitions. Located at Witchetty’s at Araluen. www.beaniefest.org
JULY
Alice Springs Show www.alice-springs.com.au
Alice Springs Camel Cup Iconic camel race, held at Blatherskite Park. www.camelcup.com.au
AUGUST
Run Larapinta Larapinta Trail
Rotary Henley On Todd Regatta
A regatta on the dry banks of Todd River Parade, beach sprint and more. www.henleyontodd.com.au
The Redback
A festival of wheels www.rapidascent.com.au/theredback
SEPTEMBER
Desert Song Music festival over 10 days in September www.desertsong.com.au
Desert Festival September to October. www.desfest.com
Bush Bands Bash
Indigenous music event. www.facebook.com/BushBandsBash Red Centre NATS
Motoring event www.redcentrenats.com.au
OCTOBER
Alice Springs Masters Games www.alicespringsmastersgames.com.au
NOVEMBER
Alice Prize Arts Festival Located at the Araluen Cultural Precinct. www.aliceprize.com
DECEMBER
Alice Springs Christmas Carnival Todd Mall & Council lawns. www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au
For the most up to date Calendar of Events and dates, go to www.discovercentralaustralia.com/events
Henley on Todd Regatta, Alice Springs, Credit: Henley on Todd IncTODD MALL MARKETS
Sunday every fortnight, 9am - 1pm
mid March to early December
Todd Mall, Alice Springs
www.toddmallmarkets.com.au
COUNCIL NIGHT MARKETS
One Thursday every month from June to December, 5pm - 9pm Todd Mall, Alice Springs
www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au
