Alice Springs & Surrounds, Northern Territory

Ormiston Gorge - Alice Springs and surrounds The area surrounding Alice Springs is a land of deep chasms and gorges carved though rust coloured ranges. The desert landscape is punctuated by unexpected oases and waterholes and ancient meteorite craters. It is home to an ancient people whose culture is alive and well.

Alice Springs sits at the junction of the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. The spectacular West MacDonnell National Park is home to many amazing natural attractions, such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge and Pound. The renowned Larapinta trail runs 223km through the West MacDonnells and is one of the world’s great walks. To pioneering Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira, the West MacDonnells were his inspiration with their dramatic landscapes and ever changing hues.

Highlights of the East MacDonnell Ranges are Emily and Jessie Gaps, Trephina Gorge, Ndahla Gorge, Ruby Gap and Arltunga Historic Reserve. Arltunga was an important gold and gem prospecting area and for a while was the most important settlement in Central Australia. Now only a few restored stone buildings remain.

Hermannsburg (a historic Aboriginal settlement, and the birthplace of artist Albert Namatjira) and Palm Valley (Finke Gorge National Park) are an easy drive from Alice Springs.

Those looking to go further off the beaten track can explore the Simpson or Tanami Deserts, fossick for gems at Gemtree or Ruby Gap, or visit remote communities like Santa Teresa and Titjikala, where tours offer a chance to experience Aboriginal culture and watch artists at work.

A visit to the iconic Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home of the monolith Uluru, situated 461 kilometres south west of Alice Springs on the traditional lands of the Anangu Aboriginal people, is an unforgettable experience.

Articles

Blissful thermal pool

In Elsey National Park, palm trees shade a constantly flowing thermal pool on the Waterhouse River – bliss to swim in! At night, giant “flying fox” bats flit silently overhead, silhouetted against the stars. Jeannie Gunn's classic outback novel, “We of the Never Never”, was written near here in 1908.

Find life in the desert

Alice Springs Desert Park, a mere 10 minute drive from Alice Springs, gives you a sense of the vivid network of life that lies beneath the desert's barren appearance. Nestled into the McDonnell Ranges, it is a zoo, botanic garden and research centre in one tourist attraction. more

Flying Doctor Service

The Royal Flying Doctor Service, or RFDS, is as important today as when it began in 1928. It cares for all who live, work and travel the vastness of Australia. Enjoy the visitor centre in Alice Springs.

Here, under the rainbow

Come and see for yourself the magnificent diverse bands of colour - caused by water, weathering and erosion - that mark Rainbow Valley apart from other red centre icons. In the changing light of the early morning and late afternoon, the land really puts on a show. more

Ideal touring base

Alice Springs is a perfect base for an outback holiday, giving easy access to many natural wonders: Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park, Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and the MacDonnell Ranges. more

Indigenous cultural centre

For 40 000 years, Alice Springs has been a traditional ‘meeting place' for the trading of artefacts, knowledge, art and culture by the Arrente people. Visitors can experience this vibrant culture at the Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre, in Alice Springs. There, the Arrente people share their art, craft, food, and legends that give meaning to their culture. Visitors can learn to play a didgeridoo, throw a boomerang, and discover some of the symbolism behind central Australian art or bush tucker.

Plenty to do in Alice

The School of the Air still operates and you can tour the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The Alice Springs Desert Park tells the stories of the desert, its plants, animals, landscapes and people. more

Welcoming outback city

From its pioneering roots, Alice Springs has emerged into an attractive town, with a mall, shopping precincts, casino, and a range of cafes and restaurants. There are plenty of accommodation options too. more