In Alice Springs you can learn about Australia’s indigenous culture, explore the desert by camel and hike to the top of a mountain range. The small town lies 1,500 kilometres (90 miles) north of Adelaide and the same distance south of Darwin. It’s completely surrounded by desert and bush, where trails provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as quad bike riding.
The town is a transport and distribution hub for Central Australia. It was established in the 1870s. Many soldiers passed through a staging camp here during World War II, which put Alice Springs on the map. Prior to the war, the town had a population of less than 500. Today, it’s more than 25,000.
Discover sacred Aboriginal sites and picturesque gorges in the nearby MacDonnell Ranges. The Larapinta Trail is 223 kilometres (139 miles) long, but many of its most scenic attractions can be visited in a day. Walk to panoramic lookouts and hidden watering holes. Serious hikers can tackle the track over several weeks.
Take a day hike to the top of Mount Gillen. The challenging trek is well worth the effort for spectacular views across the peaks and red sands of the desert. Bring water, a packed lunch and sun protection and avoid the climb during Alice Spring’s sweltering summer months.
If you don’t want to walk, sign up for a tour to explore the desert on a quad bike or camel ride. You can see the area’s native trees and flowers in the Alice Springs Desert Park. Learn about the animals that inhabit the outback at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre.
Alice Springs is known for its indigenous art scene. Explore the town’s independent galleries or spend a few hours at the Araluen Arts and Cultural Centre. View artefacts and old photographs that reflect the history of the area at the Aboriginal Australia Culture Centre and the Adelaide House Museum.
Fly into the remote town from most capital cities in Australia. Once here, hire a car to explore the surrounding region. You can easily get between the town’s main attractions on foot a common form of transport in this laid-back desert setting.
