Alice Springs

Travel Guide

Red Centre
Alice Springs
Alice Springs
Alice Springs
Alice Springs
Whether you want to experience the natural beauty of Australia's Red Centre or explore the history of the area, this outback town offers a unique Aussie experience.

Alice Springs is a small town in the very centre of Australia. It is surrounded by desert and scrubland on all sides and is an equal 1500 kilometres (930 miles) from Darwin in the north and Adelaide in the south. The town was founded as far back as the 1870s, but the population remained low until it became a major staging area for soldiers during the Second World War. It’s the primary transport hub and distribution centre for Central Australia, but still feels as far from the rest of the world as you can possibly get.

Fill up on water, pack some lunch, and head out to explore the MacDonnell Ranges. The ridges and gorges are dotted with watering holes and sacred Aboriginal sites. Walk a leg of the Larapinta Trail to see some of its more spectacular areas or even take a few weeks to tackle the entire 223 kilometre (139 mile) trail. If that’s a bit too extreme, tour the desert on camel back or jump on a quad bike.

For one of the best views in the region, climb Mount Gillen. It’s a tough trek and should be avoided at the peak of summer, but getting to the summit is well worth the effort. Learn about local flora and fauna at Alice Springs Desert Park. For a closer look at some of Central Australia’s most fascinating creatures, check out the Alice Springs Reptile Centre.

Any history buffs should head to one of the town’s many museums. Drop by the Aboriginal Australia Culture Centre to learn about native Australians or spend a couple of hours browsing the collection at the Adelaide House Museum. Art lovers should note that Alice Springs is a centre of indigenous art, with several galleries scattered around town. Be sure to check out the collection at the Araluen Arts and Cultural Centre.

Alice Springs is a town at the heart of a region like no other. Surrounded by the red deserts of Central Australia and home to some excellent cultural institutions, it’s not a place you’ll forget.

Where to stay in Alice Springs

Alice Springs showing golf and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people

Desert Springs

Travelers come to Desert Springs for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Alice Springs Golf Club and Lasseters Casino while you're in town.

Desert Springs
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Ross

You'll enjoy the restaurants and sporting events in Ross. You might want to make time for a stop at Frontier Camel Farm or Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.

Ross
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The Gap

Unique features of The Gap include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Alice Springs Transport Heritage Centre or Royal Flying Doctor Service while you're exploring the area.

The Gap
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East Side

Travelers come to East Side for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve and Joint Geological-Geophysical Reserve while you're in town.

East Side
Alice Springs showing camping and night scenes as well as a couple

Connellan

Visitors to Connellan enjoy its gardens, and if you want to do some exploring, Chambers Pillar is worth a stop.

Connellan
Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park showing desert views

Mount Johns

Mount Johns is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Heavitree Gap and Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.

Mount Johns
Diplomat Motel Alice Springs
Diplomat Motel Alice Springs
3.5 out of 5
20 Gregory Terrace, Corner Hartley St and Gregory Terra, Alice Springs, NT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,454 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
P3,454
P3,799 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 28 - Mar 1
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (999 reviews)
"It was a nice place , but bath/spa , I wouldn’t have as it didnt look very clean , had no spoon to make coffee. Sliding doors were very hard to open and close and lock"

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2025

Diplomat Motel Alice Springs
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
93 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
Fully refundable
The price is P5,069 per night from 28 Feb to 1 Mar
P5,069
P5,576 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 28 - Mar 1
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (996 reviews)
"NA"

Reviewed on Feb 4, 2025

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, an IHG Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
4.5 out of 5
82 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
The price is P5,103 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
P5,103
P5,613 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (993 reviews)
"Nice property with a beautiful view of the mountains. The staff was amazing and very attentive!!"

Reviewed on Feb 6, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Alice Springs
Quest Alice Springs
4.5 out of 5
9-10 South Terrace, The Gap, NT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Alice Springs Golf Club ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (360 reviews)
"The hotel receptionist was wonderful and helped me with several things I needed. The room was very clean and quiet. Across the street is a nice walking trail and it's close to a couple of restaurants, within walking distance. I enjoyed my stay."

Reviewed on Nov 17, 2024

Quest Alice Springs
Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge
Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge
3 out of 5
1 Palm Circuit, Ross, NT
Stay at this 3-star campground in Alice Springs. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Heavitree Gap and Heritage ...
7.8/10 Good! (44 reviews)
AN EXCELLENT MOTEL,CARAVAN AND CAMPING COMPLEX
"THE " Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge " was just such a refreshing place to stay at minimal cost. The staff at reception "LESLIE AND PAGE were so helpful and refreshingly honest in their attitude towards customers and their respective jobs. The cleaning and room preparation was excellent and the cleaning ..."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2014

Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge
Squeaky Windmill
Squeaky Windmill
2 out of 5
971 Ilparpa Rd, White Gums, NT
Stay at this campground in Alice Springs. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Ilparpa Swamp Wildlife Protected Area and Kuyunba ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Glamping in Alice Springs!
"Beautiful views! Glamping tents were so spacious and the kitchenette was so well appointed. Michelle was very welcoming and even built a fire for roasting marshmallows. A great alternative choice for staying near Alice Springs. Only 10 minutes from town. We stayed in July, which was pretty cold in ..."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2019

Squeaky Windmill
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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