Best Travel Guide Alice Springs

Alice SpringsGuide was updated: 2024-06-27

Alice Springs, or 'The Alice', lies in the heart of Australia and is unofficially considered the capital of the Outback. While it was once regarded as a 'dead heart' during colonial times because of the surrounding barren landscapes, today both residents and visitors recognise the physical and spiritual importance of Australia’s Centre. It is alive with Aboriginal traditions and sacred sites, a vibrant local art and culture, fascinating pioneering history and incredible landscapes.

Do & See

Alice Springs is a great base for a holiday in Central Australia, so do allow at least a week to see the town and the surrounding area. Although you will likely still barely scratch the surface of what there is to do and see, the following spots should not be missed.

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Uluru

Distance in Australia is a whole other thing to compared what you are probably used to, and Uluru (or Ayer's Rock) is approximately 450 km southwest of Alice Springs — considering the vast distances existing in Oz, that is practically nothing. The large sandstone formation is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, in the pristine vastness of nature. The ground is sacred to the Aṉangu, the Aboriginal people in this area.

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Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta, also known as Mount Olga or The Olgas, is similar to Uluru but different in shape. Lying only about 365 km southwest of Alice Springs, it is — compared to its 'sibling' Uluru — only a stone's throw away, and definitely worth a visit. Once a single piece of rock, the Olgas are now made up of 36 domed formations that have weathered over millions of years. Admire the impressive rocks from afar, for example, by taking the Valley of the Winds walk — a looped trail with fantastic viewpoints. You can walk right through the grooves for some stunning vistas and fewer crowds.

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Karlu Karlu

Karlu Karlu, as the Aboriginal Australians say, or The Devil’s Marbles, are gigantic rounded granite boulders spread across a valley. They are one of the main tourist attractions in the Northern Territory. While pathways with information boards and a camping area on the grounds allow visitors to experience this sight all year long, rangers offer an exciting program of live events between May and October.

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Anzac Hill

For a fantastic first glimpse of Alice, you should wander up to this war memorial from where you can also savour in the city's beautiful surroundings. This viewpoint is best visited at sunrise or at sunset, so start or finish your day right by heading up here. This monuments is dedicated to the ANZACS (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) of World War I. Dawn services are held each year on ANZAC day, April 25th.

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Alice Springs Desert Park

Alice Springs Desert Park is a great introduction to the plants, desert habitat and animals of the area, and you will definitely need a full day to explore it all. Also, learn more about Aboriginal culture, and do not miss the free staff talks, the birds of prey display or the hourly film. Check the park's website for tour and feeding schedule.

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National Road Transport Museum

This museum contains three different departments — Road transport Hall of Fame, Kenworth Museum and Old Ghan Road — that are all committed to provide a nostalgic trip into Australia's transport history. While the original carriages of the historic Ghan railway are on display, you can also enjoy a traditional morning or afternoon tea inside a narrow gauge locomotive.

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Population:	25,912
Currency:	Australian Dollar (AUD) $1 = 100 cents
Emergency Numbers:	Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade: 000 Local Police: +61 8 895 188 88 Hospital: +61 8 895 177 77
Newspapers:	Alice Springs News: alicespringsnews.com.au Northern Territory News: www.ntnews.com.au Central Australia Holiday & Visitor Guide
Website:	www.discovercentralaustralia.com northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds
Opening Hours:	Most shops are open Mon–Sat 9am–5:30pm but some of them may close down earlier on Saturdays, while others may also establish independent opening hours.
Tourist Information:	Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre 41 Todd Mall, Alice Springs +61 8 895 258 00 Opening hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat & Sun 9:30am–4pm