Alice Springs & Surrounds 3 Day Itinerary

Start your engines

If you have arrived in Alice Springs by any other means than driving, it is highly recommended that the first thing you do is hire a vehicle for the trip. There is so much to see and do in and around Alice Springs and having your own reliable mode of transport will mean you won’t miss a thing.

First stop, Alice Springs Desert Park

Make your first destination the Alice Springs Desert Park. Situated on Larapinta Drive, the Desert Park is a ‘must see’ for every visitor to the Red Centre.

Spot rare and endangered animals in the low light of the nocturnal house and discover the star attractions at the ‘free-flying birds of prey’ show. Here you’ll see the desert come to life.

Stroll along the 1.6 kilometer trail to experience 3 separate habitat areas within the park. There are informational talks throughout the day, including a presentation on Aboriginal Survival. Make your way around the park at your leisure, and then relax with some refreshments at the onsite café.

Take in the history at the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve

Make your way to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve and get your body moving on a mountain bike tour, leaving from the Trail Station.

Tours leave at 2:30pm daily and are led by an experienced local rider, with all gear provided. You can also organise to go at a time of your choosing if you give the company 24 hours prior notice. No experience is needed; this is a great activity for people of all ages.

Drift away on a hot air balloon ride

Rise early and take to the skies in a hot air balloon for a magnificent bird’s eye view of Alice Springs and the Red Centre. As you drift into an outback sunrise of pastel blues, purples and yellows, keep an eye out for native wildlife and the iconic Red Kangaroo down below.

Indulge your senses at Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Once your feet are planted firmly again on the ground, it’s time to indulge in a cooked breakfast at the Bean Tree Café which you can find nestled in the Olive Pink Botanic Garden.

It is Australia’s only arid zone botanic garden and the perfect place to relax for breakfast or lunch amongst the native surrounds. Take the time to wander along the walking trails to see the hundreds of plant species that are native to the Red Centre, or spot some of the 80 bird species which have been recorded at the park.

Kangaroo Sanctuary

The Kangaroo Sanctuary, located just right outside of Alice Springs, rescue and raise orphaned baby kangaroos at a large 188 acre kangaroo sanctuary. Experience a leisurely walk through the Sanctuary’s 188 acre wildlife reserve where you might meet the kangaroo characters from Kangaroo Dundee and many others.

Soak up the spirituality of Simpsons Gap

Get to know the outskirts of Alice Springs and hit the road heading 18 kilometres west of Alice Springs along Larapinta Road to Simpsons Gap, which is an impressive opening between the towering cliffs of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The area is also an important spiritual site to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, where several dreaming trails and stories cross.

See the beauty of Ellery Creek Big Hole

Continue along Larapinta Drive, turning right at Namatjira Drive towards Ellery Creek Big Hole where you can stop for a refreshing swim. This location is one of the most popular and picturesque swimming, camping and picnic spots in the region. You’ll understand why when you set eyes on the spectacular waterhole surrounded by the high red cliffs and sandy creek.

Lunch at Glen Helen Lodge

Driving further west, stop over at Glen Helen Lodge. The landscape around Glen Helen is truly spectacular with towering sandstone walls greeting you as you arrive. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the delicious food available on the menu for lunch – however, not many people can go past the famous Glen Helen Burger.

Enjoy lunch teamed with a cold drink as you relax on the back veranda of the restored homestead overlooking the majestic Glen Helen Gorge.

If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for a 4WD tour or a scenic helicopter flight to discover more of the area.

See Alice by camel

Make your way back to Alice Springs in time for a sunset camel tour at Pyndan Camel Tracks. A camel ride will definitely be an experience you’ll want to tell your friends about.

The camel tour starts at Pyndan Camel Tracks yard, through White Gums Station and follows an avenue of Iron Bark and Mulga trees across a clay pan flat. You’ll be led on your ride by one of Pyndan’s camel experts who will tell you more about these iconic animals.

Finish the ride and the end of your journey with amazing views of the glowing MacDonnell Ranges as the sun goes down.