Alice Springs is one of Australia’s most unique towns and a gateway to the wonders of Australia’s outback. Adventure awaits those who visit Alice Springs, from hot air ballooning to mountain range hiking and camel riding.
Don’t miss these 10 incredible things to do in Alice Springs when you next visit.
1. Swimming Holes
Alice Springs is a gateway to many of the Red Centre’s idyllic swimming holes. You’ll need a car to reach them, but they’re well worth the trek. Redbank Gorge is one of our favourites with stunning red cliffs and freezing water that’s perfect on those hot NT days.
You can also enjoy views of the McDonnell Ranges while swimming at Helen Gorge or a rare sandy beach at Ellery Big Hole. Got a 4WD? Visit John Hayes Rockhole in Trephina Gorge. It offers perfect swimming in an outback haven, particularly during cooler months.
2. Kangaroo Sanctuary
Visit hundreds of kangaroos at the sprawling Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs. The sanctuary offers rehabilitation for joeys and kangaroos, giving them a chance to later prosper in the wild.
You can see these creatures up close during a guided sunset tour when the kangaroos are most active. Learn more about their habits and unique traits, along with the history behind the sanctuary.
3. Earth Sanctuary
Only 15 minutes from Alice Springs, Earth Sanctuary offers incredible outback experiences. It’s also one of Australia’s leaders in ecotourism, prioritising sustainability in all it does.
Learn more about Australia’s ecology, culture and astrology on a number of guided tours and experiences. The stargazing is particularly breath-taking under an untarnished outback sky with dazzling constellations and the Milky Way Galaxy. You can also book traditional outback dinner and show nights with authentic bush tucker and thrilling story telling.
4. Hot Air Balloon
Alice Springs is an adventurer’s playground. One of the greatest adventures you can have is actually high above its rugged terrain on a hot air balloon ride. What better way to witness the true scale and grandeur of this unique piece of the world than with a bird’s-eye view.
You’ll float silently over the mulga scrub and desert oaks, passing alongside the dramatic West MacDonnell Ranges. Watch the landscapes unfurl beneath you, revealing red kangaroos, wallabies and other native wildlife. Most hot air balloon rides also include tropical fruits and champagne upon landing.
5. Desert Park
Drive seven kilometres from the centre of Alice Springs to reach a haven of Australian wildlife, history and culture. As you stroll through Desert Park, you’ll encounter ancient landscapes home to native flora and fauna. These range from cockatoos to red kangaroos and dingoes.
You can also watch high-flying birds of prey at the Nature Theatre and learn about edible plants from Indigenous guides. Each habitat offers exceptional birdwatching while the Nocturnal House reveals rare and endangered animals of the desert.
6. Camel Riding
Camel riding is a rite of passage in Alice Springs. About 15 minutes from the CBD, you can sit atop one of these magnificent creatures while soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of the outback.
Learn more about the region and its unique inhabitants during a half-day tour. You can often see wallabies, kangaroos and lizards while riding, along with native iron bark and mulga trees. There are also immersive sunset treks that showcase the beautiful silence and subtle sounds of the outback.
7. East MacDonnell Ranges Walks
The ‘East Macs’ are lesser known than their westerly cousins but shouldn’t be overlooked. The beautiful scenery is a hiker’s dream and you’ll find numerous reasons to venture on foot. One such spot is Trephina Gorge, where you can stroll along a sandy creek bed and cool off in the fresh water of John Hayes Rockhole.
Want to learn more about Indigenous culture and history? Walk through N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park, home to more than 6,000 prehistoric carvings. If you’re looking for a longer trek, join a guided seven-day walk through the ranges and along the Larapinta Trail. Ancient landscapes give way to gorges, waterholes and red quartzite rock formations on this journey.
8. Olive Pink Botanic Garden
Alice Springs is home to Australia’s sole arid zone botanic garden. As you wander along the trails within Olive Pink Botanic Garden, you can see wildflowers, butterflies and various species of bird. Keep an eye out for grazing hill kangaroos and native reptiles scurrying across the grounds.
The botanic garden is also home to unique native trees, including wattles, snappy gums and red mulgas. Those who get peckish after all their exploring can indulge in burgers, salads, tarts and cakes at the on-site Bean Tree Cafe.
9. Rainbow Valley
Rainbow Valley is a conservation reserve home to sandstone bluffs and cliffs. These multicoloured rocks become a natural spectacle during the changing light of early morning and late afternoon. There are also camping facilities within the reserve, so you can witness the outback’s night sky glittering above the bluffs.
Sacred to the southern Arrernte people, Rainbow Valley is also home to Indigenous history, from rock carvings and paintings to grinding stones. Hiking is one of the best ways to truly uncover the fascinating rock formations, sacred sites and native flora and fauna.
10. Aboriginal Art Galleries
The centre of Alice Springs is one of the best places to discover modern-day Aboriginal artwork. The town has numerous art galleries along Todd Mall showcasing the talents of Australia’s Aboriginal people.
Duck into Mbantua Gallery to browse paintings by Aboriginal artists from the Utopia region. Next, visit This Is Aboriginal Art to shop for contemporary dot paintings by leading artists. Just down the street is Papunya Tula Artists, a boutique gallery boasting works by local creators.
Uncover the wonders of Alice Springs
Alice Springs doesn’t hold anything back. It tempts you to explore within and beyond its limits, if only to see something impossible. Book your next holiday in Alice Springs through KAYAK for the best deals on hotels.
Photo Credit: Tourism Northern Territory
