Destination Guide - Alice Springs

  • Desert landscapeIndigenous man in the Red CentreDriving in the outbackTake The Ghan to Alice Springs
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Alice Springs is far more than the gateway to the Red Centre – it’s a lively little city offering unique experiences including desert horse riding, camel riding and hot air ballooning. Alice is also a great place to start if you intend to explore Uluru (Ayers Rock), Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and the MacDonnell Ranges. If you’re a fan of great Aboriginal art, bring your credit card.

The Basics

Currency: Australian Dollar (A$)
Population: 27,000
Time zone: +9.5
Daylight savings: Last Sunday in October to last Sunday in March
Language: English
Electricity voltage: 220-240V
Electricity hz: 50Hz
Electrical plugs: Australian-style plug with two flat angled blades and one vertical grounding blade
Mobile network: GSM

Highlights

  • Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park
  • MacDonnell Ranges
  • Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon)

Events

  • 26 January
    Australia Day
  • 21 April-7 May 2012
    Alice Springs Cup Carnival

Weather

The desert environment makes Alice Springs arid almost all year around. Winter (June to August) averages are a warm 25°C. In summer (December to February) it’s consistently 30°-35°C.

Getting there and around

Central Alice Springs is small enough to explore on foot. Bus and taxi services are also available. If you’re visiting national parks/Uluru, hire a car or take a guided tour.

Book an Alice Springs flight

Travel Insider Alice Springs suggestions

City Guide

Rock formations, Alice Springs
Alice Springs: Through the looking glass

Great art, powerful stories, a dynamic population and magnetic landscapes draw visitors to the Red Centre’s colourful meeting place.

Book a hotel

See & Do

Papunya Tula, Alice Springs
Papunya Tula, Alice Springs

63 Todd Mall.
+61 8 8952 4731.

Book an activity & experience

Further reading

Here are some suggestions for similar outback experiences.

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