Things to do in Alice Springs

All about Alice Springs

When to visit

Alice Springs has scorching hot summers, but in the fall the town enjoys warm days and cool nights. March and May are be best months to visit, when temperatures range from 54 to 81°F (12–27°C). Spring (September through November) is also a good option; the weather is similarly pleasant, and the town hosts a variety of events, including the 10-day Desert Festival, an annual music and arts extravaganza that takes place in late September and early October.

Getting around

You can get to most places of interest in Alice Springs on foot or by renting a bicycle. While there is a public bus system, it’s of little use to travelers. For trips further afield—including trips to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the Kata Tjuta rock formations, or Kings Canyon—you should either rent a car (four-wheel drive is required on the area’s unpaved roads) or book a guided tour that includes a pickup from your accommodations.

Traveler tips

Known as the art capital of Central Australia, Alice Springs boasts the most art galleries per capita of any town or city in the country. In the middle of town, you can visit Todd Mall Market, which is lined with print shops and galleries, including Mbantua Fine Art Gallery. You should also head east of downtown, to the Araluen Arts Centre, which showcases contemporary Aboriginal art.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alice Springs best known for?

Alice Springs is known as the gateway to some of central Australia’s most recognizable landscapes, including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the MacDonnell Ranges. The desert town is also a gateway into Aboriginal Australia and home to many art galleries and cultural centers where you can learn about the area’s original peoples.

How do I spend a day in Alice Springs?

With one day in Alice Springs, you can take a hot air balloon ride over the ochre-red landscape that surrounds the town; check out aboriginal art at one of the galleries on Todd Mall; visit the historic Telegraph Station; watch the sunset from Anzac Hill; and stargaze in the evening.

Is it safe to walk around Alice Springs at night?

Yes and no. If you stick to well-trafficked areas, walking is safe, but practice caution, especially after 10pm. Note that Alice Springs has a high crime rate relative to other Australian towns of its size, and tourists have been victims of incidents of harassment, robberies, and physical violence.

How far is Uluru from Alice Springs?

While Alice Springs is the gateway to Uluru, it is still a fair distance—about 280 miles (450 kilometers). It will take you at least 5.5 hours to drive from Alice Springs to Uluru, but you can break up the trip with stops at places such as Kings Canyon along the way.

How do I get to Kings Canyon from Alice Springs?

From Alice Springs, take the Mereenie Loop Road (5.5 hours), Ernest Giles Road (5.5 hours), or Stuart and Lasseter Highway (5 hours) to Kings Canyon. The Stuart Highway, Lasseter Highway, and Luritja Road are paved, but you’ll need a four-wheel drive on unpaved Mereenie Loop Road and Larapinta Drive.

How long should you stay in Alice Springs?

Two or three days is enough time in Alice Springs. It allows you to visit a few museums, galleries, and historic spots and take a day trip to MacDonnell Ranges. However, if you plan to use Alice Springs as a base for a trip to Uluru, you will need more time.

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