Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Rachel Claire, Pexels
Alice Springs serves as a central hub for exploring Australia's Red Centre, offering access to stunning desert landscapes, ancient cultural experiences, and unique wildlife encounters. Visitors are drawn to its natural beauty, the rich Aboriginal heritage, and a variety of outdoor adventures within the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges.
While Todd Mall in the town center is designed as a cultural and retail precinct with galleries and markets, recent reports indicate it has experienced a significant decrease in foot traffic and business closures. Some taverns or pubs in Alice Springs may offer opportunities to socialize.
Top 7 Things to do in Alice Springs
Visitors to Alice Springs can engage in a variety of experiences, including wildlife encounters, cultural and historical learning, panoramic viewpoints, and outdoor adventures within the surrounding desert landscapes.
1. Alice Springs Desert Park
Explore Central Australia's desert environments and meet native animals in their natural habitats. The park features free-flying bird shows, a nocturnal house to observe desert creatures, and presentations on Aboriginal cultural connections to the land. It offers an immersive experience into the unique ecology of the Red Centre.
Cost: Adult entry is typically around $30-$35 AUD. Some tour packages include entry.
Transport: Located approximately 7-11 km west of the town centre on Larapinta Drive. A public bus (Route 400) from the Post Office costs $3 AUD and takes about 16-30 minutes. A taxi costs approximately $22-$27 AUD and takes about 9 minutes. Walking or cycling is possible via a shared path, taking over an hour. Tour operators often include transfers from accommodation.
2. Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility
Discover the essential role of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in providing medical care across Australia's vast outback. The facility offers historical insights through displays, an immersive theatre experience, and a chance to learn about the challenges and innovations of remote healthcare. Visitors can explore the original Alice Springs working base.
Cost: Adult entry is approximately $22 AUD, Concession $16 AUD, and Child (6-10 years) $15 AUD. A family pass (2 adults + 3 children) is around $68 AUD.
Transport: The facility is centrally located in Alice Springs. It is within walking distance or a short taxi ride from most town accommodations.
3. Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
Visit the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs, an important telegraph station that connected Australia to the world. The historic stone buildings are well-preserved and house museum displays. Guided tours provide a deeper understanding of the station's pivotal role and its connection to the Stolen Generation narrative.
Cost: Adult entry is approximately $16.10 AUD, Concession $13 AUD, Under 16 $9.90 AUD, and a Family pass $40.55 AUD. Guided tours are included in the entry fee.
Transport: Located about 4 km north of the town centre. It is accessible by car (free parking available), or a scenic walk/cycle along the Riverside Path by the Todd River.
4. Anzac Hill
Ascend Anzac Hill, known as Untyeyetweleye in Arrernte, for panoramic 360-degree views over Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges. This memorial site is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset, offering a peaceful vantage point to appreciate the desert landscape.
Cost: Free.
Transport: The hill is centrally located. It can be reached by a moderate 15-minute walk via the Lions Walk from Wills Terrace, or by driving up Anzac Hill Road where free parking is available near the summit.
5. Alice Springs Reptile Centre
Encounter a diverse collection of over 100 reptiles native to Central Australia, including goannas, thorny devils, frill-necked lizards, and venomous snakes. The centre features a Gecko Cave and an underground viewing area for a saltwater crocodile. Daily interactive talks and handling sessions offer close-up experiences and educational insights into desert wildlife.
Cost: Adult entry is $23 AUD, Children (4-16 years) $12 AUD, Concession $19 AUD. Family passes range from $60-$82 AUD depending on the number of children.
Transport: Located approximately 1.6 km from the town centre. A public bus from the Post Office can take about 29-33 minutes for $3 AUD, or a taxi for about 3 minutes costing $10-$12 AUD.
6. The Kangaroo Sanctuary
Join a guided sunset tour to meet rescued orphaned kangaroos, including those featured in the 'Kangaroo Dundee' documentary. This 188-acre wildlife reserve focuses on the rehabilitation and care of kangaroos, offering an opportunity to learn about these iconic Australian marsupials and even hold a joey in a pillowcase, mimicking a pouch. Tours are pre-booked and run in the late afternoon as kangaroos become active.
Cost: Adult tours are approximately $155 AUD, and Child (7-17 years) tours are $145 AUD. Children under 7 are generally not permitted on public tours.
Transport: Public tours include bus transfers from designated pick-up points at various accommodations in Alice Springs. Private vehicles are not allowed for public tours to protect the environment.
7. Hot Air Ballooning over the Outback
Experience the serene beauty of the Central Australian desert from above during a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Drift silently over the rugged MacDonnell Ranges and Owen Springs Cattle Station, observing the vast landscape and potentially spotting native wildlife like kangaroos below. The experience concludes with light refreshments and sparkling wine.
Cost: A 30-minute flight costs approximately $305-$365 AUD for adults, plus an insurance fee (around $30 AUD). A 60-minute flight is around $385-$440 AUD for adults, plus insurance. Child rates are available.
Transport: Operators like Outback Ballooning provide complimentary transfers from Alice Springs accommodation to the launch site. The total experience typically lasts about four hours.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
