Alice Springs, Northern Territory: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Ever wondered about the secrets of the Australian outback? Alice Springs sits right in the heart of the country. It’s a place where nature’s beauty, culture, and adventure come together. Imagine flying over the desert in a hot air balloon at dawn or exploring the stunning rock formations of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

This place has experiences that will amaze you. It’s a true gem of the Australian Outback.

• Discover the natural wonders and diverse wildlife of the Alice Springs Desert Park
• Explore the striking East and West MacDonnell Ranges, home to ancient rock art and picturesque gorges
• Soar over the outback landscape at sunrise in a hot air balloon for a breathtaking aerial perspective
• Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and living traditions of the local Indigenous communities
• Uncover the hidden gems and unique attractions that make Alice Springs a must-visit destination in the Northern Territory

Start your day with a stunning hot air balloon ride over the outback near Alice Springs. As you soar above, look for kangaroos, brumbies, and camels below. The sun will light up the MacDonnell Ranges, creating a beautiful golden glow.

There are 30-minute and 60-minute hot air balloon rides in Alice Springs. They are perfect for enjoying the sunrise over the MacDonnell Ranges. After the ride, you can enjoy a glass of sparkling wine and some light snacks. You can even help the crew pack up the balloon.

“Watching the sun rise over the desert from a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience. The colors and shadows play across the landscape in a breathtaking display.” – Frequent Balloonist

Step into the Australian outback and meet the amazing wildlife of Alice Springs. At the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, you’ll see over 100 reptiles. This includes goannas, thorny devils, and the big frill-necked lizard in their home.

Don’t miss the Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs for a unique wildlife adventure. Here, you’ll see playful orphaned joeys with “Kangaroo Dundee” Chris Barnes. As the day ends, the kangaroos start to move around. This is a great time to see these famous animals in the wild.

The Alice Springs Desert Park is another place to learn about desert life. It has three different desert areas and a show with flying birds of prey. It’s a great way to see the plants and animals of Central Australia.

“The Alice Springs Desert Park is a must-visit for anyone interested in the unique desert ecosystems of the Red Centre. The opportunity to see so many rare and endangered species up close is truly special.”

Whether you’re looking at reptiles, playing with joeys, or exploring the Desert Park, you’ll love the wildlife of the Australian outback.

Dive into the wonders of Central Australia at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Walk through three unique desert areas and watch the amazing free-flying birds of prey show. See local reptiles, bats, birds, and the rare Australian Bilby in the dark, cool nocturnal house.

Learn about the Aboriginal customs and ancient living culture from local guides. They’ll tell you about bush food, bush medicines, and more.

The Alice Springs Desert Park is a great place to see the desert’s native flora and fauna. Walk through different desert areas, each full of unique plants and animals that live in the tough desert. Look up at the sky for the free-flying birds of prey during their daily show.

For a closer look at night creatures, go to the nocturnal house. There, you can see the Australian Bilby and other desert animals.

The Alice Springs Desert Park is also a place to learn about Aboriginal culture and customs. Guides share their knowledge, giving you a deeper look into the area’s ancient culture. You’ll learn about traditional bush foods and medicines, and how the local Indigenous people connect with the land.

“The Alice Springs Desert Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the unique flora, fauna, and culture of Central Australia. The free-flying birds of prey show and the nocturnal house are truly captivating experiences.”

Alice Springs sits in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory. It’s full of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Visitors can watch the sunrise over the majestic MacDonnell Ranges or explore the desert wildlife. This city promises an unforgettable journey through the Red Centre.

One top activity is taking a hot air balloon ride to see the sunrise over the outback landscape. As the sun rises, look for kangaroos, brumbies, and camels below. It’s a magical way to start the day.

At the Alice Springs Desert Park, you can learn about the desert environment. Walk through three different desert habitats and see birds of prey flying. You might even spot an Australian Bilby in the nocturnal house. Guides share stories of Aboriginal customs and ancient living culture.

For those who love the outdoors, hiking in the West MacDonnell Ranges is a must. You’ll find hidden gorges, tall mountains, and ancient rock art. Or, head to the East MacDonnell Ranges to see the Arltunga Historical Reserve and Trephina Gorge.

Don’t miss Rainbow Valley for its stunning sandstone cliffs and rock formations. They turn colorful at sunrise and sunset. You can also visit the place where famous artist Albert Namatjira was born.

Alice Springs has something for everyone. Whether you want adventure, culture, or nature, you’ll find it here. It’s a place that will leave a lasting impression.

“Alice Springs is the heart of the Australian outback, where the land, culture and people come together in a truly unique and captivating way.”

Head into the vast West MacDonnell Ranges, 160km west of Alice Springs. This area is full of outdoor adventures and beautiful sights. Take a guided tour or a self-guided road trip to see places like Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm.

Find cool spots to swim in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Dive into the clear waters of Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, and Glen Helen Gorge. These spots are fed by the ranges. Hike to the Ochre Pits to see the natural ochre colors and learn about Aboriginal culture.

• The Larapinta Trail spans 223 kilometers, making it one of Australia’s most challenging multi-day walks.
• Ellery Creek Big Hole is located 88 kilometers west of Alice Springs.
• Standley Chasm is a 40-minute drive west of Alice Springs and charges a $12 entrance fee.
• Serpentine Gorge is situated 100 kilometers west of Alice Springs.
• The Ochre Pits are located about 110 kilometers west of Alice Springs.
• Glen Helen Gorge is 132 kilometers west of Alice Springs.
• Ormiston Gorge is located 135 kilometers west of Alice Springs.
• Redbank Gorge is 156 kilometers west of Alice Springs.

Looking for a tough hike or a place to swim? The West MacDonnell Ranges have it all. Enjoy the stunning views and learn about the area’s rich culture.

Explore the East MacDonnell Ranges, a stunning area 150km east of Alice Springs. This region is full of natural and cultural wonders. It’s a place where nature and history meet.

At Emily Gap and Jessie Gap in Yeperenye / Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, find ancient rock art. These sites show the deep culture of the area with their detailed carvings and paintings. Then, head to N’Dhala Gorge Nature Park, only reachable by 4WD, to see over 5,000 ancient petroglyphs on the sandstone walls.

In Trephina Gorge Nature Park, take on the Chain of Ponds, Trephina Gorge, and Panorama Walks. These trails range from 2km to 3.5km and are perfect for hiking. Afterward, relax in John Hayes Rock Hole, a peaceful spot for swimming.

Visit Arltunga Historical Reserve, the remains of Central Australia’s first town. Check out the visitor center, see the bush pub, and think about camping overnight. This lets you dive deep into the town’s history.

The East MacDonnell Ranges are full of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, four-wheel-driving, and birdwatching. Plan your trip to this amazing region and discover its natural and cultural wonders.

“The East MacDonnell Ranges offer a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders, from ancient rock art to captivating geological formations. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the heart of Australia.”

Get ready for an amazing outback adventure by camping at Rainbow Valley near Alice Springs. This beautiful spot is in the James Range and is very important to the Southern Arrernte people. Make sure to visit during the stunning sunset. At this time, the sandstone bluffs change from bright red to beautiful purple colors.

Walk to the famous Mushroom Rock, a unique sandstone shape with a natural arch. As you wander, look for native animals that live in this dry oasis. After the sun goes down, head to a campsite. These sites have toilets, barbecues, and picnic tables for a real camping in the outback feel.

“The colors at Rainbow Valley are simply breathtaking. Watching the sunset turn the sandstone into a vibrant canvas of reds, oranges, and purples is a memory I’ll cherish forever.”

Rainbow Valley in the Northern Territory is perfect for a peaceful getaway or to connect with the land. Experience the beauty of the outback and make memories under the stars.

Head to Hermannsburg, just a 1.5-hour drive west of Alice Springs, to see where famous Aboriginal watercolor artist Albert Namatjira was born. Check out his old home, the museum, and art gallery with his original works. Don’t forget to stop for lunch or a snack at the Kata Anga Tea Rooms.

The Hermannsburg Historic Precinct shows off German-style buildings from the old mission. It’s a peek into the area’s deep cultural roots. Then, visit the Hermannsburg Potters. Here, artists make colorful, handmade ceramic pots that show off the region’s unique art traditions.

In Hermannsburg, you’ll dive into Albert Namatjira’s artistic world. His watercolor paintings show off the stunning Hermannsburg Alice Springs landscapes. Visit the Albert Namatjira art gallery to see his art and learn about his life and influence on Australian art. Make sure to check out the Hermannsburg Potters too, and maybe take a piece of this culture home with you.

“The landscape of Central Australia has always been a source of inspiration and reflection for me. In my art, I strive to capture the beauty and essence of this land, just as Albert Namatjira did before me.”

– Local artist, Hermannsburg Potters

Alice Springs in the Northern Territory is a place of stunning natural beauty and wildlife. You can soar over the desert in a hot air balloon at sunrise or dive into the rich culture and traditions of the area. This town in central Australia offers an adventure you won’t forget.

When planning your trip, make sure to check out the Alice Springs Desert Park, Anzac Hill, and the Todd Mall Markets. You’ll see the rugged beauty of the outback and spot native animals like kangaroos and camels. You’ll also learn about the Aboriginal heritage that makes this place special.

Alice Springs has warm days, cool nights, and events and festivals all year round. It’s the perfect spot to start your journey to the Northern Territory’s amazing natural sights. Start planning your trip to this incredible town and see what it has to offer.