Attractions

A place rich in culture, art and history, Alice Springs and the surrounding areas have an enthralling story to tell. Whatever your interests, from ancient geology, Aboriginal creation beings and desert survival, natural wonders and delicate environments, determined explorers and corageous pioneers, you can learn and experience it all, at a myriad of specialised attractions that each share a piece of the story.

Alice Springs is the largest settlement in Central Australia. The town has a population of approximately 25,000. There is plenty to do in Alice Springs, including museums, art galleries, restaurants and bars and the town is located close to several other primary attractions which call the Red Centre home. There are ample opportunities to hire vehicles from Alice Springs to visit these attractions.

Visit the world famous Royal Flying Doctor Service or hear the stories of remote kids brought together in a virtual classroom across the vast landscape, at the Alice Springs School of the Air. See the birthplace of this iconic outback township and learn about the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line, which was incremental in connecting Australia with the rest of the world, at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. Follow the historical trek from the early cameleers to modern-day road trains at the National Road Transport Hall of Fame. And, be sure to pay tribute to the contribution of women to the region’s development, at the Women's Museum of Australia and Old Gaol Alice Springs.

The Museum of Central Australia will give you an overview of the region, explaining some of the significant geolgical events that have shaped the landscape and help you to identify local birds and animals you might see on your travels, whilst admiring the mega fauna that once roamed the country. The Museum is a part of the Araluen Cultural Precinct which hosts a number of other museums, interpretive centres and galleries that are sure to fascinate including; The Central Australian Aviation Museum, Central Craft and the Araluen Arts Centre. 

If wildlife is what you want then take yourself to the Alice Springs Desert Park and plan your visit around their teriffic daily program. For a greater appreciation of all things reptillian, go to The Alice Springs Reptile Centre, with live handling sessions scheduled daily. If cute and cuddly is more your thing, then book yourself on a tour to The Kangaroo Sanctuary.

The MacDonnell Ranges are made of some of the oldest rock formations in Australia, aged approximately 1.2-2.4 billion years old. There are many trails for walking and gorges for swimming scattered throughout them full of natural beauty.

Head west out of town and wander amongst the white-washed buildings of 19th century Hermannsburg. Once a Lutheran mission and home to Aboriginal landscape artist Albert Namatjira. Or, imagine the lives of miners during the gold rush at the Arltunga Historical Reserve, east of town, where well preserved stone buildings and miners’ camps are open to visitors.