Top Things to do in Alice Springs
What to do and see in Alice Springs, Northern Territory: The Best Nature & Parks
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. John Hayes Rockhole
7. 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.
8. Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
9. Chambers Pillar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
10. Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By cedric_akermark - Stockholm, Sweden
I was a bit worried going out on this long bike tour on my own in the midst of the summer heat. I was surprised by how well maintained the path is. It works really great to go from Alice Springs town centre out all the way. There's sealed paths all the way and quit decent signs. For the path itself from Flynn's grave out to Simpson's gap I'd recommend taking a photo of the map at the start or downloading one. Although it's impossible to get lost it's nice to have a sense of how much is left. There's some nice spots along the way to sit down. The first one of these has a tank with drinking water and drinking water is also available at Simpson's Gap. This was one of my biggest worries since it was 40 °C but with 1500ml of bottles it was well enough with these refill points. Biking gives a different experience of the scenery than driving. It's great to get a feel of the nature, enjoy the silence, take a few nice pictures. There's almost no steep hills, only gentle up and down. I just took it slow on the way up and enjoyed zipping down when it was sloping down. I'm not that fit but found it very possible to make it back and forth from Alice in an afternoon, although I was really tired afterwards. Just make sure you have enough protection agains the sun since there is very little shade along the way, enough water bottles and enough time so you don't get stuck in the dark.
