Discover the soul of the Outback. Alice Springs is an essential stop when venturing into Australia's interior. This city perfectly embodies the Australian way of life in the Red Centre. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture, striking natural landscapes and adventure, all sprinkled with quirks galore!

History

Central Australia's desert has been home to the Arrernte people for over 50,000 years. In Aboriginal tradition, Alice Springs is called Mparntwe.

The name Alice Springs was given by one of the members of the Overland Telegraph team, either John Ross or William Whitfield Mills. These surveyors discovered natural springs northeast of the town in 1871 while constructing Australia's legendary telegraph line. They named them Alice Springs in honour of Lady Alice Todd, the wife of Sir Charles Todd, who was superintendent of telegraphs in South Australia at the time.

Discovering Alice Springs

When we think of the Outback, we imagine dry, dusty landscapes with few amenities. Alice Springs stands apart from this picture. It's a vibrant, bold city where you'll find plenty of cultural attractions. Lace up your walking shoes and set out to explore the many curiosities of the Red Centre capital!

Explore galleries and museums

A pleasant place to stroll, Alice Springs' relaxed downtown brims with historic buildings and Aboriginal art galleries. Head to the Namatjira Gallery to admire the finest paintings by local artist Albert Namatjira. Visit the Museum of Central Australia, which houses an impressive collection of meteorites and fossils. Discover the incredible story of the Flying Doctors, the world's first air medical organisation, by exploring the Royal Flying Doctor Service visitor facility.

Visit the Old Courthouse

It's one of Alice Springs' oldest monuments. Built in 1928, the Old Courthouse originally served as the office of the administrator of this Australian region. It later became a courthouse in 1980, then was converted into a small museum, the "National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame", celebrating the 100 pioneering Australian women in their respective fields. Today, the institution has become the Women's Museum of Australia and honours all pioneering women in its chosen field, from colonisation to the present day.

Find your sanctuary for renewal

Need a break? Alice Springs boasts plenty of friendly restaurants and cafés to unwind. Just a short drive from town, a much-loved backpacker destination welcomes you in the privileged natural setting of Olive Pink Botanic Garden. At day's end, head to the Anzac Hill lookout to watch the sunset over Alice Springs, with the MacDonnell Ranges in the background.

Alice Springs at the gateway to the Australian Outback!

Alice Springs is a launching point for numerous Outback activities. Consider a camel trek through the heart of the desert, or perhaps a hot air balloon flight at sunrise. Hikers can tackle the Larapinta Trail. From town, you can easily reach the impressive Kings Canyon and the famous Uluru monolith. Don't miss the Alice Springs springs either, perfect for a revitalising swim.

Practical Information

When to visit?

The Alice Springs region experiences a rather extreme climate. Heat is scorching at the height of summer. From December to February, average temperatures range between 20 and 35 °C, but can reach 40 °C on the hottest days. Rainfall is largely concentrated in January (for the rest of the year, it's generally dry).

From June to August, it's winter. Average temperatures during this period range from 5 to 20 °C. July is considered the coldest month, with temperatures potentially dropping below 0 °C. While this isn't ideal for camping, general services tend to cost less in winter.

Between September and November, spring with its warm temperatures is a pleasant time to travel to Alice Springs. Autumn, from March to May, is also a good time to visit the town. During this season, temperatures average between 12 and 27 °C. However, bring a jacket for trips outside the city, as it can be considerably cooler, especially at Uluru.

You can reach most attractions in and around Alice Springs on foot. Cycling is a pleasant way to explore the town (rentals available at specialist shops). For trips beyond Alice Springs, you can hire a vehicle or sign up for excursions offered by your travel agency.

Alice Springs has an airport connected to all major Australian cities. Shuttles, taxis and car rental options are available at the airport to get you to your hotel. If you're feeling more adventurous, you can drive to Alice Springs along Outback highways, provided you're well-equipped and prepared. You also have the option of travelling by train on the railway line connecting Darwin to Adelaide.

What to do in Alice Springs?

• Discover Aboriginal artists' paintings at the Namatjira Gallery
• Stroll through Olive Pink Botanic Garden
• Watch the sunset from Anzac Hill lookout
• Hike along the Larapinta Trail
• Organise a trip to Uluru, etc.