When you are exploring Central Australia make sure you give yourself time for all the things to do in Alice Springs. See desert nature at Alice Springs Desert Park and Olive Pink Gardens. Look through the amazing Road Transport or Aviation Museums. Learn about Alice Springs history at the Telegraph Station.
You can immerse yourself in the culture of the Arrernte people at the Araluen Arts Centre, Standley Chasm and the Ochre Pits. Take in the stunning beauty of the MacDonnell Ranges from a hot air balloon, the back of a camel or on a walk at Trephina Gorge or Ormiston Gorge. And they are just a few of the things to do in Alice Springs. Read on for more Alice Springs attractions.
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Contents
- Things to do in Alice Springs FAQs
- Things to do in Alice Springs
- Alice Springs Desert Park
- Olive Pink Botanic Gardens & Bean Tree Café
- Telegraph Station
- RFDS Museum & John Flynn Grave
- Alice Spring Reptile Centre
- Women’s Museum of Australia & Old Gaol
- Araluen Cultural Precinct
- Araluen Arts Centre
- Central Craft
- Museum of Central Australia
- Central Australian Aviation Museum
- National Road Transport Museum & Ghan
- DKA Solar Centre Demonstration Facility
- School of the Air
- Anzac Hill Lookout
- Ride a Camel
- Hot Air Ballooning in the Desert
- Stargazing at Earth Sanctuary
- Kangaroo Sanctuary
- Alice Springs Heritage Sites
- Explore the MacDonnell Ranges
- Stay in Alice Springs
Things to do in Alice Springs FAQs
Best time to visit Alice Springs
It gets very hot in Central Australia from November to March. Many of the things to do in Alice Springs are outdoors and between the heat and flies, it is not fun during summer. The mornings in winter can be close to 0 degrees but the days are stunning and perfect for sightseeing.
How long do you need in Alice Springs?
There is a lot to do in Alice Springs so allow no less than 2 days. You could spend 3 – 5 days getting to all of Alice Springs attractions. Allow a day or two to explore the MacDonnell Ranges. You could spend 2 days looking through all the museums like the aviation museum, Road Transport Museum and Old Telegraph Station. Alice Springs Nature Park is a half day activity. Then there are camel rides, the excellent Royal Flying Doctors Tour and the amazing Kangaroo Sanctuary to visit.
Do I need a National Park Pass in the Northern Territory?
If you visit anywhere in the MacDonnell Ranges like Ormiston Gorge, Standley Chasm, Trephina Gorge or Ellery Creek Big Hole you will need a Northern Territory National Park Pass.
Things to do in Alice Springs
Alice Springs Desert Park
Part wildlife reserve, botanic gardens and cultural centre, the Alice Springs Desert Park is one of the best things to do in Alice Springs. Highlights include a twice daily free flight bird show, an excellent nocturnal house, and the Changing Heart movie that explains the creation of the Australia’s deserts and the MacDonnell Ranges.
Bird lovers will have a great time. Besides the free flight shows there are no less than 7 aviaries with a colourful collection of desert birds. You will also see red kangaroos, dingos and emus with keeper talks for each. Getting to pat the dingos as they go for a walk around the park was a bonus. With indigenous guides there are information sessions on things like animal tracking and surviving in the desert.
Allow 2 or 3 hours to look around, there is a bit of walking, but the Sand Country, Woodland and Desert River habitats are interesting to look through. It opens at 7.30am so you can beat the heat in summer. It is a couple of minutes out of Alice Springs on Larapinta Drive.
- Skip the queue and grab your Alice Springs Desert Park tickets here
- Alice Springs Desert Park Nocturnal Tour – See the park come alive at night
Read More: Visit Alice Springs Desert Park
Olive Pink Botanic Gardens & Bean Tree Café
Visiting the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens is another of our favourite things to do in Alice Springs. The Wattle Walk, Mallee Walk and Bird attracting gardens are all lovely spots to look through. Our favourite activity here is the short walk up Annie Meyers Hill where you get both great views of Alice Springs, but you can also spot black footed rock wallabies.
You can also do the Olive Pink Trail which tells the story of the formidable Olive Pink who established the gardens. For a $5 donation you can get an excellent guide to the gardens. If you go without the guide, there is still a lot of bird life and impressive sculptures to enjoy. Another feature of the place is the Bean Tree Café which serves fantastic food and drinks.
Read More: Olive Pink Botanic Garden & Bean Tree Cafe
Telegraph Station
For some reason it took us a couple of visits to Alice Springs to get to the historic Telegraph Station. Don’t put it off like we did, it is a fascinating and beautiful place that explores the history of Alice Springs from the building of the Overland Telegraph in 1872. History buffs can pay to go into the settlement or go on a guided tour. Besides the buildings, there is a huge collection of artefacts from the time.
Even if you don’t go into the compound, the lovely grounds are set on the Todd River and a large grass reserve with picnic and BBQ facilities. There is a café too. Several walks and bike tracks begin at the Telegraph Station including the Stuart Highway and Spencer Hill Walk and the Riverside Path which all take about 60 minutes. We did the Trigg Hill and Cemetery Walks on the property which provide great views of the Telegraph Station precinct.
- Alice Springs Highlights Tour including the Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctors, School of the Air, Reptile Park & Anzac Hill
RFDS Museum & John Flynn Grave
The Alice Springs branch of the Royal Flying Doctors has a museum and tours available to the public. The museum includes interactive and virtual reality experiences that the bring the history of the RFDS to life. The RFDS provide such an important service; it is always fascinating to learn about how they operate and got started. The paid tours run multiple times a day, seven days a week. There is a nice café on site too.
To top off your Royal Flying Doctor experience, you can go to John Flynn Memorial Reserve near the Alice Springs Desert Park on Larapinta Drive. This is where John Flynn, the founder of the RFDS, had his ashes scattered.
- Best of Alice Springs Full Day Tour – Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, School of the Air, Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctors, Reptile Centre
Alice Spring Reptile Centre
The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is located across the road form the RFDS museum. Our kids have always enjoyed visiting and learning about the RFDS, but if you need a carrot to get them through the RFDS tour, or the tour of the neighbouring Women’s Museum and Gaol, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre is it. With daily reptile shows and chances to hold a range of lizards, goannas and pythons, this is a fun family thing to do in Alice Springs.
- Best of Alice Springs Full Day Tour – Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, School of the Air, Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctors, Reptile Centre
Women’s Museum of Australia & Old Gaol
This is the third attraction in this precinct along with the RFDS museum and the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. It is only a couple of minutes walking between the three of them. Previously known as the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame, this is one on several excellent museums in Alice Springs.
Founded by Molly Clark in 1993, the Women’s Museum was inspired by the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and honours the role of women in outback Australia. There is an entry fee, allow over an hour to look through the 2000+ objects on display.
Araluen Cultural Precinct
The Araluen Cultural Precinct is towards the start of Larapinta Drive and, conveniently for us, also opposite the Alice Springs Tourist Park where we were staying. The area is home to the Araluen Arts Centre, Central Australian Museum, Central Craft and just around the corner, the Central Australian Aviation Museum. You could spend a good half day looking around them all.
Araluen Arts Centre
There is no shortage of art galleries in Alice Springs, but the Araluen Arts Centre is the biggest. With over 1100 pieces representing artists with a deep connection to Central Australia, it is an impressive collection to look through in a contemporary art space. As well as permanent displays, there is also a full calendar of visiting exhibitions so see what’s new when you stop by. There is a small entry fee.
Central Craft
Unfortunately, this was closed when we visited but if you have more luck than us you can see a big range of craft designed and created in Central Australia. Inside are galleries, studios and a retail outlet.
Museum of Central Australia
For a small fee you can have a look through this modern space. There are 2 levels, when we visited the entry level featured a photographic exhibition. Below was a natural history collection with interesting displays on Central Australia’s geology and wildlife. It is not the most interactive museum, but if you’re happy to read, there is a lot of information. The displays on outback meteorites were quite interesting. Allow 60 minutes to look around.
Central Australian Aviation Museum
Everyone from aviation buffs to families will have a fun time here. It’s probably our pick for a family activity in this Precinct. From the Drover out the front to a DC3, Connair Heron and the Kookaburra Glider, each of the dozen or so aeroplanes have a great story. As well as the planes, there are aviation related artefacts to look through, activities for the kids and even a Silver Ghost Rolls Royce that played a vital part in the history of Connellan Airways. The Museum is open Wednesday – Sunday 11–3. Allow 4 hours.
National Road Transport Museum & Ghan
If your idea of fun is anything transport related, you have to visit the National Road Transport Museum. You will want to allow at least 2 hours to look around. The museum includes the Shell Rimula Wall of Fame, Kenworth Dealer Hall of Fame, Old Ghan Train Museum and RSL Military Museum. Cars, trucks, tanks, bikes trains… fans of transport, young and old, will love it.
DKA Solar Centre Demonstration Facility
We weren’t sure what to expect here but it ended up being a real highlight of our visit to Alice Springs. This is a working museum of solar technology used in deserts. So, what you see is a park full of different makes, models and styles of solar panels. It is a spectacular sight!
A trail takes you past 22 different arrays. Each one has some information so you can learn about everything from monocrystalline panels to concentrating photovoltaic technology. If, like us, big words go over your head, it is a stunning place to walk through. You could just as easily think of it as a sculpture trail and be equally impressed! It’s free, allow 30-60 minutes depending on how deep you get into the technology.
School of the Air
Much like the Royal Flying Doctor Service, this is another Australian outback institution. There are tours and a talk you can book into. We arrived between tours so just had a look around the museum and displays in the foyer. Even those displays make you shake your head at how impressive the service is. Definitely worth booking ahead to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Book ahead for your Alice Springs School of the Air Guided Tour
Anzac Hill Lookout
Anzac Hill is a popular spot for lovely views across Alice Springs. You can walk or drive to the top of the lookout. If you decide to do the 15 – 20 minute walk to the top from Wills Terrace, you can stop and read the commemorative signage and plaques along the way. As well as great views, Anzac Hill also honours local men and women from Central Australia who have served in the military over the last 100 years.
- Alice Springs Highlights Tour including the Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctors, School of the Air, Reptile Park & Anzac Hill
Ride a Camel
Young and old will have a great time experiencing the Alice Springs desert landscape from the back of a camel. With the team from Pyndan Camel Tracks you can go on an afternoon or sunset camel ride. The camels are fantastic looking animals. You will rock and roll a bit as the they stand up, but it’s a relaxing ride from there. From your elevated view you can spot lots of wildlife as you explore White Gums Station set amongst the beautiful West MacDonnell Ranges.
- Book your Camel Ride Adventure in the afternoon or sunset
Hot Air Ballooning in the Desert
If the view from Anzac Hill Lookout isn’t enough, book a tour with the team from Outback Ballooning. Watch the sun come up over the MacDonnell Ranges on a 30 or 60 minute hot air balloon flight. The cool, calm desert conditions mean you can book with a low chance of cancellation.
- See the sun rise over the desert on a dawn hot-air balloon ride from Alice Springs. Spot wildlilfe and the sun light up the MacDonnell Ranges. Followed by light refreshments at the landing site
Stargazing at Earth Sanctuary
With so little light pollution and clear desert air, Central Australia is the perfect place for stargazing. You can immerse yourself in the stars with astronomy tours at Earth Sanctuary. Located 15 minutes south of Alice Springs, Earth Sanctuary have several astronomy experiences on offer from family friendly 90 minutes tours to a Sunset to Sunrise astronomy experience.
Kangaroo Sanctuary
The Alice Springs Kangaroo Sanctuary is the passion project of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns. His wildlife sanctuary located just out of Alice Springs looks after orphaned and rescued red kangaroos. You can visit and tour the sanctuary Wednesday to Fridays at dusk. You’ll do a meet and greet with the kangaroos and joeys and learn about the work Chris does. Note that children must be at least 7 years old to go on the public tours.
Alice Springs Heritage Sites
To get an insight into the history of Alice Springs you can do a self-guided walk through the middle of town. Park near Anzac Oval and do the loop up Todd Street and Todd Mall, then turn right and right again at Hartley Street to walk back towards the oval. Along the way you will see four heritage buildings.
Adelaide House Museum
Designed by John Flynn, this was the first hospital in Central Australia. Inside there is an impressive local history museum, some interesting short videos to watch and extremely knowledgeable volunteers.
Hartley Street School Museum
There is a small entry fee to get into this National Trust property that is the first purpose built school in Alice Springs. Built in 1930, it was used up until the 1980s when it fell into disrepair and was set to be demolished for a carpark.
The Residency
This lovely building was home to the first and only ‘Governor’ of Central Australia, John Cawood, between 1926 and 1931. You can have a look through the house which has several rooms set up with period decor.
Stuart Town Gaol
The construction of the neighbouring law courts almost saw the demise of the Stuart Town Gaol built in 1907-08. It was used up until 1938 which included a period in the 1920s when it doubled as the schoolhouse.
Indigenous Art Galleries
There are many places where you can get some indigenous art in Alice Springs. There are a couple of places in the Todd Mall including Talapi and This is Aboriginal Art. Yubu Nappa Art Gallery is also in the city centre on Hartley Street.
Explore the MacDonnell Ranges
One of the best things to do in Alice Springs is explore the stunning MacDonnell Ranges. You can see many of the best parts of the ranges on day trips from Alice Springs. While the West MacDonnell Ranges have some of the most popular features, the East MacDonnell Ranges also have some fun walks and spectacular sights. You will need a national park pass for the sites mentioned below.
- West MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Trip from Alice Springs – Visit Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, Mount Sonder, Ochre Pits, Ormiston gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole. Inc morning tea, picnic lunch and afternoon snacks
Standley Chasm
40 minutes from Alice Springs
Standley Chasm is a deeply significant place to the local Arrernte people who own and run the site. You can do a self-guided walk through the chasm. Guided tours will give you a great appreciation of the importance of the site to the Arrernte. The best time to visit Standley Chasm is midday when the sun appears between the steep walls. There is a café and campground at Standley Chasm. There is an entry fee to Standley Chasm.
- West MacDonnell Ranges Half Day Tour from Alice Springs – Visit Simpsons Gap, Stanley Chasm and Flynn’s Grave Memorial. Inc Traditional Aussie Morning Tea
Redbank Gorge
1 hr 49 minutes from Alice Springs
Redbank Gorge might be getting a bit far from Alice Springs for a day trip, but this is one of our favourite spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges, so we have squeezed it in. The gorge is stunning with towering red rock walls. Beyond the main swimming area are a series of smaller pools which you can swim through.
Read more in our Redbank Gorge Guide
Ochre Pits
70 minutes from Alice Springs
The Ochre Pits are an interesting site between Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge. There is an easy walk to the colourful ochre cliff walls that have been used for generations by the local Arrernte people. It is just a quick stop but worth doing, we couldn’t believe the colour of the rocks.
Read More: Cultural Ochre Pits
Ormiston Gorge
90 minutes from Alice Springs
Ormiston Gorge is a spectacular place with amazing rock formations. Go for a swim or do the 2.5km Ghost Gum Loop Walk to the lookout for spectacular views. We did the loop walk with our kids and they loved it. There is also an 8.5km Ormiston Pound Walk. The road is sealed into the carpark.
Ellery Creek Big Hole
60 minutes from Alice Springs
Ellery Creek Big Hole is both a fun place for a swim and you can do the 3km Dolomite Loop walk to take in the scenery. There is a 2km unsealed track which is fine for 2WD in dry conditions. The swimming area is a 5 minute walk from the carpark.
Trephina Gorge
60 minutes from Alice Springs
Trephina Gorge is in the East MacDonnell Ranges and is one of the best day trips and things to do in Alice Springs. Before you get to Trephina Gorge you can stop at Jesse Gap, Emily Gap and the striking Corroboree Rock. Each of them is a 15 – 30 minute stop. At Trephina Gorge you can do The Gorge Stroll, Trephina Creek Ramble and Panorama Walk in a day which gives you a great look at the place.
- East MacDonnell Ranges Full Day Remote 4wd Tour from Alice Springs
Rainbow Valley
75 minutes from Alice Springs
Rainbow Valley is south of Alice Springs. You will need a park pass and a 4WD to visit here. To get the full rainbow effect of Rainbow Valley it is best seen early or late in the day when the sun hits the colourful rock walls.
- Rainbow Valley Sunset Half Day 4wd Tour – Get off the beaten path and watch the sunset over the valley’s red sandston formations with cocktails, coffee and snack platter.
Hermannsburg Historical Precinct
80 minutes from Alice Springs
The Hermannsburg Historical Precinct includes over a dozen buildings that made up the Fink River Mission Station, or Hermannsburg Mission. Founded by Lutheran Missionaries, this was the longest running mission in Australia. Learn about the confronting history of the Arrarnta people and the missionaries. You can also take in the natural beauty of the area at the nearby Palm Valley (4WD needed). The road is sealed to Hermannsburg.
Can you do a Day Trip Kings Canyon?
Preferably not. It is about a 3.5 hour drive from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is sensational, but you are better off spending a night at Kings Canyon. Ideally you want to start the Rim Walk first thing in the morning. It is cooler and watching the sunrise over the canyon is magic.
- Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs – Uluru Sunrise & Sunset, Guided Walks at Uluru, Kings Canyon & Kata Tjuta. Glamping Accommodation and delicious meals included
Read More: Complete Guide to Kings Canyon Walks
Stay in Alice Springs
- Ooraminna Station – One of our favourtie places to stay near Alice Springs. Choose from themed cottages, glamping or camping. 33km from Alice Springs
- Squeakywindmill Boutique Tent B & B – Luxury tent with a terrace, mountain views, private bathroom & coffee machine. Continental breakfast. 12km from Alice Springs
- Desert Palms – Secure Studio Villas surrounded by tropical gardens & lagoon style pool
- Quest Alice Springs – Serviced studio apartments with BBQ and outdoor pool area
- Mercure Alice Springs Resort – Motel style rooms with restaurant with buffet breakfast
- Discovery Parks Alice Springs – Surrounded by the MacDonnell Ranges with 2 pools, recreation room and adventure playground
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