Things to Do in Alice Springs, Australia: Your Ultimate Red Centre Guide

Standing in the very heart of Australia, surrounded by ancient ochre landscapes and endless desert horizons, Alice Springs feels like you've reached the edge of the civilized world—and that's precisely its appeal. I'll never forget my first morning in "Alice" (as locals affectionately call it), watching the sunrise paint the MacDonnell Ranges in shades of burnt orange and deep crimson while the cool desert air slowly warmed. It was a moment that perfectly captured what makes this remote outback town so extraordinarily special.

Alice Springs is not just a stopover on the way to Uluru—it's a destination that deserves your full attention. As Australia's most famous outback town and the cultural hub of the Red Centre, Alice Springs offers an authentic slice of Australia that feels worlds away from the coastal cities most tourists visit. With a population of around 25,000 people living in one of the most isolated settlements on the planet, this is a place where Aboriginal culture thrives, pioneer history comes alive, and the raw beauty of the Australian desert surrounds you in every direction.

Whether you're planning a quick visit or an extended exploration of the Red Centre, this comprehensive guide will help you discover the best things to do in Alice Springs. From walking ancient trails and meeting orphaned kangaroos to exploring underground telegraph stations and floating in refreshing desert swimming holes, Alice Springs promises experiences you simply won't find anywhere else.

Things to Do in Alice Springs, Australia

Why Alice Springs Should Be on Your Australia Itinerary

Before we dive into the specific attractions, let me explain why this remote desert town deserves more than just a quick overnight stop. Alice Springs sits almost exactly in Australia's geographical center, making it the perfect base for exploring the wider Northern Territory. It's the gateway to iconic destinations like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, and the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges.

But beyond its strategic location, Alice Springs possesses a unique character shaped by its Aboriginal heritage, pioneering history, and contemporary outback culture. The traditional owners, the Arrernte people, have inhabited this region for over 30,000 years, and their presence remains deeply woven into the fabric of daily life. You'll find Aboriginal art galleries, cultural centers, and opportunities to learn about Dreamtime stories that explain the ancient landscape surrounding you.

The town itself offers surprisingly sophisticated amenities—excellent restaurants serving native bush tucker, vibrant arts venues, quirky festivals, and comfortable accommodations—all wrapped in an undeniably authentic outback atmosphere. If you're planning your Australian adventure and need to handle your travel documentation, apply for an Australia eVisa through Australian Immigration Services, which specializes in streamlining the eVisa application process. Their expert guidance makes visa preparation hassle-free, allowing you to focus on planning your Red Centre adventure.

Why Alice Springs Should Be on Your Australia Itinerary

Essential Things to Do in Alice Springs, Australia

1. Trek the Legendary Larapinta Trail

When discussing the best things to do in Alice Springs, hiking the Larapinta Trail inevitably tops the list for outdoor enthusiasts. Ranked by National Geographic as one of the world's top 20 treks, this 223-kilometer trail follows the ancient backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station to the summit of Mount Sonder.

Now, before you panic about the distance, let me clarify: you don't need to tackle the entire trail to experience its magic. The Larapinta is divided into 12 sections of varying difficulty and length, each accessible by road at designated trailheads. This means you can easily complete day hikes or multi-day sections based on your fitness level and available time.

Some of the most spectacular sections include the walk to Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), where towering rock walls squeeze together creating a narrow gorge that glows brilliant orange when the midday sun shines directly overhead. The trail to Ormiston Gorge showcases desert waterholes surrounded by towering ghost gums, while the climb to Brinkley Bluff rewards hikers with panoramic views across ancient ridgelines.

For serious trekkers attempting the full trail, the journey typically takes 12-16 days and requires careful planning. Water tanks are positioned at regular intervals (though you should always carry sufficient water between them), and several commercial operators offer guided treks with comfortable camps and meals provided. The trail traverses some of the world's most ancient rock formations—dating back 800 million years—making every step feel like walking through geological history.

The optimal hiking season runs from April through October when temperatures are manageable. Summer months (November to March) bring extreme heat that makes hiking dangerous, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F).

2. Meet the Kangaroos at The Kangaroo Sanctuary

If I could recommend only one experience from all the things to do in Alice Springs, Australia, visiting The Kangaroo Sanctuary would be it. This extraordinary wildlife sanctuary, made famous by the BBC/National Geographic documentary series "Kangaroo Dundee," offers an intimate encounter with Australia's red kangaroos that will absolutely melt your heart.

The sanctuary was founded by Chris "Brolga" Barns, who began rescuing orphaned baby kangaroos (joeys) from the pouches of mother kangaroos killed in road accidents. What started as a personal rescue mission in 2005 has grown into a 188-acre wildlife sanctuary that rehabilitates kangaroos and, whenever possible, releases them back into the wild.

Guided sunset tours run Wednesday through Friday and must be booked well in advance—they sell out weeks ahead during peak season. The experience begins when Brolga himself (yes, the star of the TV show personally leads many tours) greets you with baby joeys tucked into cloth pouches, giving you a chance to gently meet these adorable orphans who still require round-the-clock care.

As you walk through the sanctuary at dusk, wild kangaroos emerge from their daytime rest, hopping freely across the landscape. The level of trust these animals show toward Brolga is genuinely moving—kangaroos will approach him for affection, nuzzle against his legs, and allow visitors to sit quietly nearby while they graze. It's not a zoo or a staged wildlife encounter; it's a genuine sanctuary where animals come first, and you're privileged to enter their world.

The tour lasts approximately 2.5-3 hours and includes bus transfers from Alice Springs accommodations (private vehicles aren't permitted to the sanctuary to protect the surrounding wildlife habitat). At $105 per adult and $95 per child (ages 7-17), it's worth every cent—and your tour fee directly supports the sanctuary's ongoing rescue work since they receive no government funding.

3. Explore the Historic Telegraph Station

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve represents one of the most important sites in Australia's communication history and offers fascinating insight into the challenges of 19th-century outback life. Built in 1872 as part of the Overland Telegraph Line connecting Darwin to Adelaide (and thus Australia to the rest of the world), this station made Alice Springs' existence possible.

The beautifully preserved stone buildings sit beside a spring-fed waterhole—the original "Alice Springs" that gave the town its name. Walking through the restored telegraph operators' quarters, kitchen, and Morse code station brings the past vividly to life. Costumed guides share stories of the isolated families who staffed this remote outpost, maintaining communications while enduring extreme temperatures, flash floods, and the challenges of living hundreds of kilometers from the nearest settlement.

The reserve encompasses extensive grounds perfect for picnicking beside the permanent waterhole, where you might spot resident birdlife or even wallabies grazing at dawn or dusk. Several walking trails depart from here, including Section 1 of the Larapinta Trail if you're feeling ambitious.

Entry costs just $12 for adults, making it excellent value for history enthusiasts. The site is located about three kilometers north of town and easily accessible by car or bicycle.

4. Float in the West MacDonnell Ranges Waterholes

One of the most refreshing and scenic things to do in Alice Springs during warmer months is swimming in the pristine waterholes scattered throughout Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. These permanent water sources, carved over millennia by seasonal rivers, offer stunning natural swimming pools surrounded by towering rock walls and ancient ghost gums.

Ellery Creek Big Hole features a wide, deep pool perfect for swimming, with a small sandy beach and picnic facilities. The water remains bracingly cold year-round (often around 12-15°C), which feels incredibly refreshing after a hot day exploring the desert. Local advice: enter slowly to let your body adjust to the temperature shock!

Ormiston Gorge showcases perhaps the most spectacular setting, with rust-red cliffs towering above a large waterhole. The Ormiston Gorge Ghost Gum Walk (20 minutes return) leads to a lookout with breathtaking views, while the longer Ormiston Pound Walk (7.5 kilometers, 3-4 hours) ranks among the best day hikes in the region.

Glen Helen Gorge, located about 130 kilometers west of Alice Springs, features a picturesque waterhole where the Finke River cuts through the MacDonnell Ranges. The on-site Glen Helen Resort offers accommodation and meals if you want to make it a full-day excursion.

All these waterholes can be visited as day trips from Alice Springs, though I recommend allocating a full day to explore multiple sites along the scenic drive through the West MacDonnells. The waterholes are busiest during Australian school holidays, so visit early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience.

5. Climb Anzac Hill for Panoramic Desert Views

For the best views in Alice Springs without requiring fitness levels suitable for the Larapinta Trail, Anzac Hill delivers stunning 360-degree panoramas of the town and surrounding MacDonnell Ranges. This quick activity ranks among the essential things to do in Alice Springs during your visit.

The hill sits just one kilometer from the town center and can be reached by car (free parking at the summit), bicycle, or a moderately steep 15-minute walk from town. The summit features a war memorial honoring Australian servicemen and women, making it particularly meaningful to visit around dawn on Anzac Day (April 25) when a memorial service is held at sunrise.

Timing your visit for sunrise or sunset maximizes the visual impact. Dawn light bathes the desert in soft pastels before the sun emerges dramatically over the eastern ranges, while sunset creates spectacular silhouettes of the jagged peaks as they glow orange and crimson. Even midday visits on clear days reveal the vast scale of the desert landscape stretching endlessly in all directions.

The summit also includes interpretive signage identifying the various ranges, gaps, and landmarks visible from this vantage point, helping orient you to Alice Springs' geographical context. It's an ideal first activity when you arrive, providing perspective on the landscape you'll explore during your stay.

6. Immerse Yourself in Aboriginal Art and Culture

Understanding and appreciating Aboriginal culture represents one of the most meaningful things to do in Alice Springs, Australia. As the cultural heart of Central Australia, Alice Springs offers exceptional opportunities to engage with Indigenous art, history, and contemporary Aboriginal life.

The Araluen Cultural Precinct serves as the primary hub for art and culture, housing multiple galleries within one complex. The Museum of Central Australia tells the natural history story of the region, while the Strehlow Research Centre preserves important Aboriginal cultural materials and archives. However, the highlight is the collection of works by Albert Namatjira, the pioneering Aboriginal watercolor artist whose stunning landscape paintings brought Central Australian scenery to international attention in the mid-20th century.

Beyond Araluen, dozens of Aboriginal-owned art galleries line Todd Mall and surrounding streets. These aren't tourist traps but genuine commercial galleries representing artists from remote communities across Central Australia. Mbantua Fine Art Gallery and Cultural Museum, Tangentyere Artists, and Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands Art Centre) all showcase extraordinary paintings, sculptures, and crafts created by Aboriginal artists. Many galleries offer artist talks and demonstrations, providing deeper insight into the stories and techniques behind the artwork.

For hands-on cultural experiences, several operators offer Aboriginal-guided tours. These experiences range from bush tucker walks where you learn about traditional food and medicine plants, to Dreamtime storytelling sessions that explain how the landscape was formed by ancestral beings. These tours, led by Aboriginal guides, provide authentic perspectives you simply cannot gain from museums or books alone.

7. Experience the Alice Springs Desert Park

The Alice Springs Desert Park brilliantly showcases Central Australia's desert ecosystem in a thoughtfully designed wildlife park just seven kilometers from town. Unlike traditional zoos, this facility focuses entirely on the unique animals, plants, and landscapes of Australia's arid regions, making it one of the most educational best things to do in Alice Springs for understanding the environment surrounding you.

The park divides into three distinct desert habitat areas: Desert Rivers, Sand Country, and Woodland. You'll encounter over 120 animal species including thorny devils, perenties (massive monitor lizards), bilbies, dingoes, and a incredible variety of desert birds. The large walk-through aviary allows you to observe birds behaving naturally without barriers.

Don't miss the Nature Theatre presentations scheduled throughout the day. The free-flight bird show features desert raptors like wedge-tailed eagles and kites soaring overhead, demonstrating their hunting techniques. The nocturnal house allows you to observe animals that are active at night, including the adorable mala (rufous hare-wallaby) and various bat species.

Aboriginal guides present cultural talks explaining traditional uses of desert plants, survival techniques, and the deep connection between Indigenous people and this harsh landscape. These presentations add invaluable cultural context to the natural history displays.

Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore thoroughly. The park opens at 7:30am (smart timing to see animals when they're most active before the heat sets in). Entry costs $37 for adults and $18.50 for children, representing excellent value for the quality of the experience.

8. Discover Unique Outback Festivals and Events

Alice Springs' event calendar features some of Australia's most unique and quirky festivals, making festival timing an important consideration when planning your visit. If your travel dates align with any of these events, they qualify as must-see things to do in Alice Springs.

Parrtjima (April 4-13, 2025) is Australia's largest light festival, transforming the ancient MacDonnell Ranges into a spectacular canvas for light installations, projections, and Indigenous storytelling. The festival celebrates Aboriginal culture through contemporary technology, creating a unique fusion of ancient and modern.

The Alice Springs Beanie Festival (June 20-23, 2025) celebrates the art of knitting and crochet with thousands of handmade beanies displayed and sold. It sounds quirky (because it is), but the creativity and artistry on display is genuinely impressive, with beanies ranging from traditional designs to elaborate sculptural pieces.

Finke Desert Race (June 6-9, 2025) is the Southern Hemisphere's largest off-road motorsport event, where motorbikes, cars, and buggies race 460 kilometers from Alice Springs to the remote community of Finke through brutal desert terrain. Even if you're not a motorsport enthusiast, the atmosphere in town during race weekend is electric.

Desert Mob (September 11 - October 26, 2025) celebrates Aboriginal art with exhibitions featuring artists from across Central Australia. This annual event at Araluen Arts Centre provides rare opportunities to meet artists, watch demonstrations, and purchase authentic Aboriginal artwork.

These festivals book out accommodation months in advance, so plan early if you want to attend. They showcase Alice Springs' distinctive character and the creativity thriving in this remote outback town.

9. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert

For an unforgettable perspective on the Red Centre's landscape, a hot air balloon flight ranks among the most spectacular things to do in Alice Springs, Australia. Floating silently above the desert at sunrise, watching the MacDonnell Ranges emerge from darkness as light spreads across spinifex-covered plains, creates memories that last a lifetime.

Outback Ballooning operates flights year-round (weather permitting), offering 30-minute and 60-minute flights. The experience begins around 90 minutes before dawn with pickup from your accommodation. At the launch site, you'll watch the massive balloon inflate before climbing into the basket for your flight.

As you drift with the wind currents, the pilot provides commentary on the landscape below while expertly navigating between various altitudes. From several hundred meters up, you gain incredible perspective on Alice Springs' isolation—desert stretching endlessly in all directions with the MacDonnell Ranges creating a dramatic ridgeline. Closer to the ground, you might spot kangaroos, wild camels, or other wildlife.

After landing, the crew packs up the balloon while you celebrate with sparkling wine (ballooning tradition!) and a light breakfast in the bush. The entire experience lasts about four hours from pickup to hotel return.

Ballooning isn't budget-friendly ($325-450 depending on flight duration), but many travelers consider it a once-in-a-lifetime splurge that's absolutely worth the cost. Weather occasionally cancels flights, so book early in your trip allowing time for rescheduling if necessary.

10. Visit Standley Chasm at Midday

Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye in the Arrernte language) represents one of the most photographed locations in Central Australia and definitely merits inclusion among the top things to do in Alice Springs. Located 50 kilometers west of town within a privately-owned section of traditional Arrernte land, this narrow gorge creates a spectacular natural phenomenon that's best experienced at a very specific time.

The chasm's towering 80-meter walls squeeze together, creating a passage so narrow in places that you can touch both sides simultaneously. The rock walls display brilliant rust-red and orange hues from iron oxide, but the real magic happens around midday when the sun reaches the perfect angle to illuminate the entire gorge from above. For approximately 30 minutes around noon, sunlight floods the chasm, causing the walls to glow with extraordinary intensity—it's absolutely stunning.

The walk from the entrance/café to the chasm takes about 20-30 minutes along a well-maintained path following a rocky creek bed. Wear proper closed-toe shoes as the path can be uneven, and bring water. An entry fee ($12 adults) applies, which goes directly to the traditional owners who manage the site.

Time your visit to arrive at the chasm around 11:30am to ensure you're there when the light is best. The site gets busy with tour groups around midday, so arriving slightly earlier allows you to secure a good viewing spot. Outside peak light times, the chasm remains beautiful but lacks the extraordinary illumination effect.

Essential Things to Do in Alice Springs, Australia

Planning Your Alice Springs Adventure

When to Visit

The best time for most things to do in Alice Springs falls during the cooler months from April through October. May to August brings the most comfortable weather for hiking and outdoor activities, with warm days (20-25°C) and cool nights (sometimes dropping near freezing). September and October warm up but remain pleasant.

Summer (November through March) brings extreme heat with temperatures regularly exceeding 35-40°C (95-104°F). While accommodation rates drop significantly and crowds disappear, the heat makes daytime hiking dangerous. If you visit in summer, plan outdoor activities for very early morning or late afternoon only.

Getting Around

Alice Springs is surprisingly spread out, and most major attractions lie outside town, making a rental car highly recommended. The airport sits 15 kilometers from town center ($30-35 by taxi/Uber). Several car rental companies operate at the airport.

For those without vehicles, numerous tour operators offer day trips to surrounding attractions. This costs more than self-driving but provides expert commentary and eliminates navigation concerns.

Where to Stay

Accommodation options range from budget backpacker hostels ($25-40 per night in dorms) to comfortable mid-range motels ($120-180 per night) and a handful of upscale hotels. Alice Lodge Backpackers receives consistently positive reviews from budget travelers, while Desert Palms Alice Springs offers comfortable villas with pools at mid-range prices. DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs provides the most upscale option in town.

Book well in advance during festival periods and Australian school holidays (late June-early July, late September-early October) when accommodation fills quickly and prices increase.

Planning Your Alice Springs Adventure

About Australian Immigration Services

Before embarking on your Red Centre adventure, ensure your travel documentation is properly arranged. Australian Immigration Services specializes exclusively in eVisa applications, offering professional guidance that simplifies the often confusing visa application process. Rather than struggling through government websites independently, their experienced team walks you through each step, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. With their support, you can focus your energy on the exciting part—deciding which of these incredible things to do in Alice Springs you'll experience first.

Beyond Alice Springs: Day Trip Destinations

While there's plenty to occupy you within Alice Springs proper, the surrounding region offers extraordinary day trip opportunities. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park lies 450 kilometers south (5-6 hour drive), making it a challenging but possible day trip, though most people allocate 2-3 days for proper exploration of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park sits 320 kilometers southwest and showcases dramatic sandstone cliffs, permanent waterholes, and the spectacular Rim Walk that ranks among Central Australia's best day hikes.

Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve features colorful sandstone formations that glow magnificently during sunset, located 100 kilometers south of Alice Springs on unsealed roads requiring 4WD vehicles.

Beyond Alice Springs: Day Trip Destinations

Final Thoughts

Alice Springs exceeded every expectation I had before my first visit. I initially viewed it as merely a stopover en route to Uluru, but I quickly discovered this remote outback town deserves recognition as a destination in its own right. The combination of ancient Aboriginal culture, pioneering history, spectacular natural landscapes, and genuine outback character creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Australia.

The things to do in Alice Springs, Australia showcase extraordinary diversity—from trekking world-class trails and floating in crystal-clear desert waterholes to meeting orphaned kangaroos and experiencing the world's longest light festival. Whether you're an adventure seeker, culture enthusiast, nature lover, or simply someone seeking authentic Australian experiences away from coastal tourist crowds, Alice Springs delivers.

What makes Alice Springs truly special is its authenticity. This isn't a manufactured tourist destination but a real working town that happens to exist in one of the most spectacular and culturally significant regions of Australia. The locals—both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal—take genuine pride in their home and welcome visitors warmly while maintaining the town's essential character.

Give Alice Springs at least three full days if possible, though a week wouldn't be excessive for those who want to properly explore the surrounding regions. The relaxed pace of outback life encourages you to slow down, soak in the landscape, and appreciate the unique privilege of experiencing Australia's Red Centre.

Pack your hiking boots, bring sunscreen and a hat (the desert sun is intense), and prepare yourself for an outback adventure that will change your perception of Australia. Just remember to arrange your visa through Australian Immigration Services well before your trip, and you'll soon be counting down the days until you're watching the sunrise over the MacDonnell Ranges from Anzac Hill, floating in the refreshing waters of Ellery Creek Big Hole, or walking among kangaroos at sunset with Brolga sharing stories of rescue and rehabilitation.

The heart of Australia is waiting for you, and it's far more extraordinary than you ever imagined.