Top Things to do in Alice Springs
Top 10 Things to do in Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Stunning landscapes and a unique pioneering history create a diverse and exhilarating destination to explore. A thriving, spirited outback center, Alice Springs is as famous for the personality of its locals and traditional art as it is for the natural wonders, including the stunning Larapinta Trail and the MacDonnell Ranges surrounding it.
Restaurants in Alice Springs
1. The Larapinta Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 515 reviews
Ranked as one of the world’s top 20 treks, the Larapinta Trail is a 231-kilometre path that follows the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder. Experience key attractions in the region such as Simpsons Gap and Ellery Creek Big Hole, weave past some of the world’s most ancient rock formations, and sleep under the stars.
Reviewed By R0sie26 - Sydney, Australia
take a day to explore the gorges and swim in Ellery Big Creek waterhole and Ormiston Gorge, Stanley Chasm and Simpson Gap are wonderful.
2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 514 reviews
The Kangaroo Sanctuary is located on a 188-acre wildlife reserve just outside of Alice Springs. Owned by Chris 'Brolga' Barnes, it is fulfilling his life-long dream of a sanctuary that is home to orphaned kangaroos. Most of the rescued kangaroos have been rehabilitated to the wild, however some have learnt to love humans too much and remain permanently at the sanctuary. Take the sunset guided tour (Tuesday to Friday) throughout our reserve and meet the Kangaroo characters from Kangaroo Dundee (BBC/Nat Geo Series). Our motto is Animals Come First!
Reviewed By Wanderlustemily - Newcastle, Australia
If you are ever in Alice Springs make sure you make time to attend @thekangaroosanctuary the work Brolga has done and is doing for these beautiful animals is amazing.
3. Finke Gorge National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Finke Gorge National Park is well known for the impressive Palm Valley where the Red Cabbage palms grow. Camping and picnic facilities are available, enjoy Four Wheel Driving and Walking. Its approximately 138 kilometres from Alice Springs and a 4WD is required to access the Park. Tours operate to the Park.
Reviewed By rosiebJ6715DZ
This was an OMG experience. Travelling along the Finke riverbed and into the heart of Palm Valley .. then seeing and feeling the ancientness and the stories contained in each and every contour of the Earth's surface, and in the explosion and expanse of the vegetation, was an absolute once in a lifetime experience.
4. Alice Springs Desert Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,981 reviews
Alice Springs Desert Park is an inspiring portrayal of Australia’s central desert environment that effortlessly blends the plants, birds, animals and people of our arid regions within one, extraordinary tourism and conservation facility. Our ‘natural’ attraction is as distinctive as the Australian desert itself - a truly unique experience that continues to captivate and educate travellers from every corner of the globe. There’s much more to deserts than meets the eye and our visitors are astonished by the life and beauty they discover on their journey with us.
Reviewed By 725angelai - Canberra, Australia
This facility is part of the NT Conservation Commission. It offers the opportunity to learn a lot about the indigenous and arid habitats and animals at one location close to Alice Sprinsg. You willl find a selection of habitats, animals, aboriginal culture, lots of free presentations, lots of signposted information,the unforgettable and heart-stopping bird show, and the inspirational endangered species breeding program and Nocturnal Tour. If you get the general entry and the nocturnal tour, there is a saving - also you can do these on separate days. Allow at least half a day.
5. Alice Springs Reptile Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 969 reviews
The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is a privately owned park which displays an extensive range of reptiles from the Northern Territory of Australia including Terry the Saltwater crocodile and large Perentie Goannas. The talk and handling sessions are a must and are at 11am, 1pm Saturdays only. Due to COVID restrictions the Centre is only open on Saturdays until the 19th of December, and bookings are required.
Reviewed By mandyegg2k - Coxhoe, United Kingdom
What a fantastic place with knowledgeable staff and close ups of a crocodile, thorny devil etc. The guy doing the reptile tour is passionate and it shows. Entertaining and brilliant. Wish we had more time here.
6. Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,371 reviews
Located within the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, the Telegraph Station is the birthplace of the Alice Springs township. Is is an excellent value and must see destination to add to your itinerary while visiting the Northern Territory, and situated 4km north of the Town Centre, is easily accessible for a visit. The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Established in 1871 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide and also linking with an underwater cable network to London. Consequently creating the first real communication between Australia and England. Time your visit with one of our 4 daily guided tours (included in the price of your entry). The guided tours will immerse you in the history of the Telegraph Station and the township. Most noteworthy, you will learn about how this monumental innovation that connected Australia to the rest of the World!
Reviewed By StephenD3376
What a marvellous opportunity to step back in time, We would both have loved the chance to participate in one of the evening activities that can be experienced here.
7. Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,309 reviews
Winner of the 2012 Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Award for Best New Tourism Development. Since 1928 the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has provided 24-hour emergency medical services to those who live, work and travel throughout Australia. Today, the RFDS provides the finest care to more than 275,000 Australians each year – that’s one person every two minutes. Visit the original Alice Springs working base operating since 1939 to learn more about this unique service. The theatre allows the visitor to watch in comfort the life size hologram of John Flynn telling the story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, a truly amazing experience! The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a non profit organization, with 100% of all profits made from tours, purchases in the cafe and from our online store going straight to the replenishment of medical equipment.
Reviewed By swhealey
We did a tour of this as part of the “A Town Like Alice“ tour. A very professional & modern setup. The introductory presentation is very good & followed by a very good hologram movie. The museum layout is very good & well worth the wandering around. There is a very good quality gift shop too. Well worth the visit - I would highly recommend visiting.
8. Mount Gillen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
Alhekuulyele (Mount Gillen) walk is officially closed as of the 2nd of December 2020 at the request of the Traditional Custodians for both cultural and safety reasons.
Reviewed By 216kevinl - Alice Springs, Australia
We finally climbed to the top, the trail itself is pretty well established, as we were told, where it forks, the right is a bit gentler than the left, but much like Rome, all roads lead to the top. There is a bit that requires hands, so if you're limited, you may want to stop at that point. At the peak is a marker, and views of Alice Springs and the surrounds. Even on a cool day, take water, and maybe a snack for energy. We walk ~10ks daily, and it was still some effort, so if your activity level is more towards the couch potato zone, perhaps just walk the trail from Flynn's Grave t Desert Park or beyond.
9. Road Transport Hallf of Fame
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Take a nostalgic trip into Australia's - and the world's - transport history at the National Road Transport icon. Become engrossed in, and perhaps relive, your own transport experiences surrounded by a unique collection of workhorses from yesteryear.
Reviewed By utya - Adelaide, Australia
This is a truly outstanding collection and is worthy of a visit by enthusiasts and, more to the point, those who could not give a toss about trucks and road transport. The collection is huge and a real tribute to those men and women who have put their lives into the transport business across Australia. Just to see the huge collection of individual portraits and stories about those who have been inducted is really quite overwhelming. Then there is the range of vehicles, restored, originals, and wrecks; and the very impressive collection of Kenworths. This is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Alice. It was all put together by volunteers and is managed by volunteers! Well done - a real monument to the industry and its people.
10. Anzac Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,467 reviews
Anzac Hill is the most visited landmark in Alice Springs. An ideal spot for a lookout over the town and the surrounding ranges, particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. The Anzac Hill memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 and is now dedicated to all those who have served in the defence of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated.
Reviewed By bulletjeff - Alice Springs, Australia
I guess most travelers make their way to the top of Anzac Hill (Untyeyetwelye to the Arrerente traditional owners of Alice Springs (Mparntwe) and rightly so as it affords a great view of the town with the MacDonnell Ranges as a backdrop. Probably the best time to visit is at sunset, especially if there are some clouds.
