Alice Springs, located in the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory, offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences. Here are the top ten attractions in the vicinity of Alice and some a bit further down the road!
- Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise: Experience the stunning landscape of Alice Springs from above in a hot air balloon, especially beautiful at sunrise.
- Alice Springs Reptile Centre: A fascinating place to learn about local wildlife, including an array of reptiles native to the area.
- School of the Air Visitor Centre: Discover the innovative educational system for children living in remote Australian area.
- Alice Springs Desert Park: Explore local flora and fauna in their natural habitats, complete with bird of prey show.
- Olive Pink Botanic Gardens: Wander through these gardens featuring native plants and serene walking track.
- Sunset Camel Ride in Ilparpa Valley: Enjoy a unique camel ride at sunset, offering a different perspective of the desert landscape.
- West MacDonnell Ranges: Explore natural beauty with sights like Simpsons Gap and Standley Chase.
- East MacDonnell Ranges: Visit areas rich in natural beauty, including Emily Gap and Jessie Gap.
- Rainbow Valley: Camp near the colorful sandstone bluffs, particularly stunning at sunset.
- Hermannsburg Historic Town: Explore the birthplace of famous Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira and learn about local history.
Beyond Alice
Uluru (Ayers Rock): A mere 450kms from Alice Springs, this iconic, massive sandstone monolith is sacred to the Anangu people. It stands 348 meters high with a circumference of 9.4 km, and is over half a billion years old. Best viewed at sunrise or sunset, its color transformations are breathtaking. Uluru is also home to rare plants, animals, important spiritual sites, and ancient rock art.
Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park): Located between Alice Springs and Yulara, Kings Canyon offers the spectacular 6km Rim Walk with panoramic views and landmarks like Priscilla’s Crack and The Lost City. The area also features the more accessible 2.6km Kings Creek hike. Additional activities include dining under the stars and scenic helicopter flight.
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas): Comprising 36 dome-shaped sandstone rocks spread over 20km, with the highest point, Mount Olga, at 1066m above sea level. The site offers two walks: the 7km Valley of the Winds walk and the 2.6km Walpa Gorge Walk. Visiting the Cultural Centre provides insights into the Anangu people’s culture. Helicopter rides offer views of the area’s inaccessible parts.
