Alice Springs Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Red Centre
Alice Springs
Alice Springs
Alice Springs
Alice Springs

Whether you want to experience the natural beauty of Australia's Red Centre or explore the history of the area, this outback town offers a unique Aussie experience.

Alice Springs is a small town in the very centre of Australia. It is surrounded by desert and scrubland on all sides and is an equal 1500 kilometres (930 miles) from Darwin in the north and Adelaide in the south. The town was founded as far back as the 1870s, but the population remained low until it became a major staging area for soldiers during the Second World War. It’s the primary transport hub and distribution centre for Central Australia, but still feels as far from the rest of the world as you can possibly get.

Fill up on water, pack some lunch, and head out to explore the MacDonnell Ranges. The ridges and gorges are dotted with watering holes and sacred Aboriginal sites. Walk a leg of the Larapinta Trail to see some of its more spectacular areas or even take a few weeks to tackle the entire 223 kilometre (139 mile) trail. If that’s a bit too extreme, tour the desert on camel back or jump on a quad bike.

For one of the best views in the region, climb Mount Gillen. It’s a tough trek and should be avoided at the peak of summer, but getting to the summit is well worth the effort. Learn about local flora and fauna at Alice Springs Desert Park. For a closer look at some of Central Australia’s most fascinating creatures, check out the Alice Springs Reptile Centre.

Any history buffs should head to one of the town’s many museums. Drop by the Aboriginal Australia Culture Centre to learn about native Australians or spend a couple of hours browsing the collection at the Adelaide House Museum. Art lovers should note that Alice Springs is a centre of indigenous art, with several galleries scattered around town. Be sure to check out the collection at the Araluen Arts and Cultural Centre.

Alice Springs is a town at the heart of a region like no other. Surrounded by the red deserts of Central Australia and home to some excellent cultural institutions, it’s not a place you’ll forget.

Where to stay in Alice Springs

Alice Springs which includes golf and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people

Desert Springs

Travellers come to Desert Springs for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Alice Springs Golf Club and Lasseters Casino while you're in town.

Desert Springs
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Ross

You'll enjoy the restaurants and sporting events in Ross. You might want to make time for a stop at Frontier Camel Farm or Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.

Ross
Red Centre featuring tranquil scenes as well as an individual female

Alice Springs CBD

If you're spending some time in Alice Springs CBD, Todd Mall and Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime Gallery are top sights worth seeing.

Alice Springs CBD
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The Gap

Unique features of The Gap include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Alice Springs Transport Heritage Centre or Royal Flying Doctor Service while you're exploring the area.

The Gap
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Mount Johns

Mount Johns is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Heavitree Gap and Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.

Mount Johns
School of the Air featuring signage as well as a small group of people

Braitling

The restaurants and shopping are a few reasons travellers visit Braitling. Though there aren't many top sights in the neighbourhood, you can visit Larapinta Trail Trailhead and Alice Springs Telegraph Station, a few notable attractions nearby.

Braitling
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG

4.5 out of 5
93 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
The price is AU$135 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$135
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"Location Bike use Pool Dining"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

4.5 out of 5
82 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
The price is AU$149 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$149
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
"Beautiful. Had a very relaxing stay. Be careful of golf balls from the driving range if you have mountain view. A few close calls while sitting on the balcony!"

Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Elkira Court Motel

Elkira Court Motel

3.5 out of 5
65 Bath Street, Alice Springs, NT
The price is AU$132 per night from 17 Oct to 18 Oct
AU$132
17 Oct - 18 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a conference center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
7.8/10 Good! (581 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Elkira Court Motel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Alice Springs

Quest Alice Springs

4.5 out of 5
9-10 South Terrace, The Gap, NT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Alice Springs Golf Club ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (376 reviews)
"Our room was small and basic. Just a small thing but there was nowhere to drain dishes after washing."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Quest Alice Springs
Vatu Sanctuary - The Kingfisher (2 bedroom with direct access to the pool)

Vatu Sanctuary - The Kingfisher (2 bedroom with direct access to the pool)

Braitling
Stay at this apartment in Alice Springs. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Anzac Hill and Alice Springs ...
"Wonderful accommodation in Alice Springs, comfortable and private. Really enjoyed our stay and the host! Thank you"

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2025

Vatu Sanctuary - The Kingfisher (2 bedroom with direct access to the pool)
Vatu Sanctuary

Vatu Sanctuary

2.5 out of 5
18 Knuckey Avenue, Braitling, NT
Stay at this apartment in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Anzac Hill and Alice Springs Telegraph Station are ...
Excellent place in Alice Springs
"I stayed in a studio which was very spacious and comfortable. It has all modern amenities. Communal areas are great! I specially liked the artwork in the rooms and outside. Overall fantastic place."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2017

Vatu Sanctuary
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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