Best Things to Do in Alice Springs (2027)

From headline sights to easy half-day trips, these are the best things to do in Alice Springs, a Red Centre outback town in Northern Territory, Australia, with tips drawn from how people really visit.

Alice Springs is the main town in Australia’s Red Centre, a desert outpost surrounded by red ranges and ancient gorges. It is the gateway to Uluru and Kings Canyon, and a place to learn about Aboriginal culture, outback life and a stark, beautiful landscape.

1. Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park

A wildlife park with native animals, desert plants and talks about Aboriginal culture, a good introduction to the Red Centre.

2. See the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre

Exhibits explain how the service has delivered medical care across the outback for nearly a century.

3. Explore the West MacDonnell Ranges

A scenic drive passes gorges, waterholes and rock formations such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge.

4. Swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole

A deep, cold waterhole surrounded by red cliffs, a refreshing stop in warm weather.

5. Visit the Araluen Cultural Precinct

Galleries and museums display Aboriginal and contemporary art, with a strong collection of local works.

6. Climb Anzac Hill (Untyappe)

A short climb above town with views over the town and ranges, a popular sunrise and sunset spot.

7. Go stargazing

The clear desert sky is spectacular, with several tour operators offering guided viewing.

8. Take a hot air balloon ride

Flights at sunrise float over the ranges and the plain, a dramatic outback experience.

Alice Springs Quick Facts

• Location: Northern Territory, Australia.
• Type of place: Red Centre outback town.
• Best time to visit: Visit from May to September, when days are warm and sunny and nights are cool, ideal for walking and touring the West MacDonnell Ranges. Summer from December to February is extremely hot, often above 38 °C (100 °F), and outdoor activities are limited to early mornings. Winter nights can drop below freezing.
• Suggested time: 2 to 3 days, or 1 day if you are short on time.
• Busiest: June to August and school holidays. Quietest: December to February.

What to Eat in Alice Springs

Outback menus feature kangaroo, barramundi, bush tucker and Australian classics. Try cafés in the center and local markets, and enjoy a steak dinner under the stars.

Getting Around

Alice Springs Airport has direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Darwin. The Ghan train runs from Adelaide to Darwin, stopping in town, and a rental car or tour is needed to see the ranges.

Money-Saving Tips

Alice Springs is more expensive than southern cities because of its remote location. Save with group tours, self-catering, camping and visiting in shoulder seasons.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating distances and heat while driving.
• Visiting in summer and planning midday activities.
• Not carrying enough water and fuel.
• Taking photos of people without permission.

Best Time to Do These Things

Visit from May to September, when days are warm and sunny and nights are cool, ideal for walking and touring the West MacDonnell Ranges. Summer from December to February is extremely hot, often above 38 °C (100 °F), and outdoor activities are limited to early mornings. Winter nights can drop below freezing. Distances in the Red Centre are huge, and services between towns are limited. Carry plenty of water and fuel, tell someone your route, and avoid driving at dawn or dusk when animals are on the road.

Top-Rated Tours in Alice Springs

These are the best-reviewed options currently listed for Alice Springs, based on traveler ratings and review counts on Viator. Prices are starting prices and change with date and group size.

• Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner — rated 4.6 from 659 reviews, from $291.
• Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs — rated 4.8 from 455 reviews, from $276.
• West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs — rated 4.7 from 372 reviews, from $182.
• Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs — rated 4.8 from 199 reviews, from $711.

How to Fit It All In

Most visitors need 2 to 3 days to cover the highlights without rushing, and 1 day is enough for the essentials. Our Alice Springs trip-length guide shows how to split the days, and the best time to visit page helps you choose the season. Distances in the Red Centre are huge, and services between towns are limited. Carry plenty of water and fuel, tell someone your route, and avoid driving at dawn or dusk when animals are on the road.

Plan Your Trip

More Alice Springs planning help: best tours and experiences in Alice Springs, best time to visit, things to do, where to stay and how many days you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one thing to do in Alice Springs?

Visit the Alice Springs Desert Park tops most lists. A wildlife park with native animals, desert plants and talks about Aboriginal culture, a good introduction to the Red Centre..

What can I do in Alice Springs in one day?

Visit the Desert Park early while animals are active and temperatures are mild.

Is it worth booking a guided tour in Alice Springs?

Tours save time on logistics and often include entry or transport. Listed tours start around $28 with a typical price near $276. The most-reviewed option we list is Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner, rated 4.6 from 659 reviews and starting around $291.

Are there good day trips from Alice Springs?

Go stargazing and Take a hot air balloon ride are popular add-ons. See our trip-length guide for how to fit them in.