Alice Springs Travel Guide
Alice Springs is known as the capital of Australia’s “Red Center” and is the launching pad for tours to popular places like Uluru and Kings Canyon. In fact, you’ll find that when you visit Alice Springs there’s not too much to do here. It’s a very small town, home to just 25,000 people. You can basically see most of the sites in a day.
But the town does have tremendous natural beauty, offering visitors scenic bushwalking trails, beautiful gardens, and lots of historic buildings.
Stop and stay in the town for a day or two on your way to Uluru.
This Alice Springs travel guide will help you save money and make the most of your (likely short) time here.
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Top 5 Things to See and Do in Alice Springs
1. See Uluru
This beautiful red rock formed over 550 million years ago. Tourists have been visiting the rock since the 1930s (it was first mapped by Europeans in the 1870s), and it’s of great spiritual importance to the local Aboriginals. Formerly known as Ayers Rock (after the Chief Secretary of South Australia Henry Ayers), the best way to visit is by going as part of a multi-day tour of the area or driving on your own. Admission is 38 AUD per person and is valid for 3 days. Just note that climbing on the rock is banned, and doing so is considered offensive to the local Aboriginals.
2. Visit the Reptile Centre
This is the largest reptile house in Central Australia, and inside, you’ll find poisonous snakes like Inland Taipans, Death Adders, and Mulgas, as well as lizards like the Perentie Goanna and Thorny Devils. The Gecko Cave is a whole exhibition dedicated to the variations of this species, which is native to Alice Springs. You’ll get to see crocodiles through a glass floor and watch lizards being fed. They have a daily reptile show that includes the supervised handling of animals. It’s super educational and a good place to visit with kids. Admission is 22 AUD.
3. Go hot air ballooning
Get an aerial view of the outback by taking a trip in a hot air balloon. This is a really popular activity, and there are tons of companies offering ballooning in and around Alice. It’s not cheap — expect to pay around 350 AUD for a 30-minute flight — but the stunning views are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can book hour-long flights for 430 AUD, which is a much better deal if you have the cash to splash out. Many companies will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the meeting point. Though the flight is short, the whole experience takes at least four hours. Weather concerns may keep a flight from happening, so it’s a good idea to book it for your first day in the area in case it needs to be rescheduled.
4. Wander Alice Springs Desert Park
Just 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the center of town lies this park where you can see hundreds of species of plants and animals such as barking spiders, emus, dingoes, and more! Spanning over 3,000 acres, it’s an excellent way to learn about the region’s environment. There are multiple walking trails that will take you through different botanical regions like woodlands, desert rivers, and sand dunes. You can see native birds of prey in the Nature Theater and visit the Nocturnal House for a glimpse at some endangered species. They have information on local wildlife as well as Aboriginal survival, including traditional techniques used for finding food and water. Admission is 39.50 AUD and children under five enter free.
5. Tour the MacDonnell Ranges
The ridges of the MacDonnell Ranges run parallel to the east and west of town and cover 644 kilometers (400 miles) of the Outback. The park is great for a day of hiking or a longer camping tour. There are over 200 species of birds here, as well as tons of wildlife, including wallabies, red treefrogs, dingoes, and more. Pretty much every tour operator in town can help you organize a trip. Half-day tours start around 155 AUD per person while full-day tours start around 235 AUD.
Other Things to See and Do in Alice Springs
1. Tour the museums
Head for the Cultural Precinct, where highlights include the Museum of Central Australia (8 AUD), which showcases the area’s natural history through all kinds of fossils and meteorites; and the Namatjira Gallery, which displays the territory’s largest collection of original paintings by the famous Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira (admission is free). Alice Springs’ museums are fairly small so they don’t take a lot of time to see.
2. Learn about the Royal Flying Doctor Service
The Flying Doctors were the first aeromedical organization in the world. They patrol the outback to provide emergency medical care to the region’s remote communities. The short museum tour provides all you need to know about this fascinating and essential service for residents in this part of Australia. As a history buff, I was enthralled by this museum. Growing up in a big urban area, it’s hard to imagine my ambulance being a plane! Admission is 22 AUD.
3. See the Olive Pink Botanical Garden
Opened in 1985, the Olive Pink Botanical Garden is located close to the scenic Todd River. Spanning over 40 acres, here you can stroll through the magnificent landscaped gardens and check out their collections of exotic plants, mature native trees, and shrubs. They specialize in plants native to this arid region of Australia. There’s a cafe where you can get a snack and plenty of shady spots to get out of the sun. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
4. Visit the Old Court House
Built in 1928 (which in Australian terms is very old), the Old Courthouse was originally the office of the administrator for this part of Australia before becoming the courthouse in 1980. It then became home to the National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame, a small museum immortalizing 100 Australian women who were first in their fields. That museum has since evolved into the Women’s Museum of Australia, which celebrates “any woman who is a pioneer in her chosen field from settlement to present day.” Admission is 21.50 AUD.
5. Hike the Larapinta Trail
If you’re a hiking enthusiast, don’t miss this 250-kilometer (155-mile) trail through high mountains in a semi-desert. Situated within a national park, the area is heavily populated by a range of bird species so you find a lot of bird watchers there. Most people spend 12-15 days hiking the trail, though it’s broken up into 12 sections should you just want to hike part of it. Admission to the trail is free, though there are some fees for camping. A 3-day guided trek costs around 1,895 AUD while a 6-day guided hike is around 3,895 AUD.
6. Hike Kings Canyon
Located just over 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Alice Springs, Kings Canyon is a great place to get out and hike while taking in the amazing natural beauty of the region. The walls of the canyon are over 100 meters (328 feet) high, offering amazing views and great hiking. There are a few short trails you can explore in a couple of hours, as well as a longer full-day trail (the Giles Track is 22 kilometers/14 miles). If you do visit, be sure to stick to the paths. Much of this area is sacred to the Aboriginals and leaving the paths is frowned upon.
How to Stay Safe in Alice Springs
Alice Springs is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. People are friendly and helpful and you’re unlikely to get into trouble.
Most incidents in Alice Springs tend to occur because visitors are not used to the country’s unique climate and wilderness. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. This is especially true if you’re driving through the outback. There are long, long distances without any towns in sight, so if you break down, you’ll want to be prepared. Make sure your vehicle always has lots of fuel too as you never know where the next gas station will be!
If you’re hiking, make sure you know what to expect ahead of time. Be on the lookout for snakes and spiders, and if you’re bitten, seek immediate care. Always check the weather before you head out and bring food, water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Solo female travelers should feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). Consult one of the many female travel blogs about the area for more specific tips.
If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.
Always trust your gut instinct and make copies of all your important documents.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:
Where to Stay in Alice Springs
Alice Springs has only a few hostels and budget hotels since it’s a small town. Here are my suggested places to stay in Alice Springs:
Alice Springs Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 36-50 AUD per night
- Hostel private rooms – 80-160 AUD per night
- Budget hotels – 90-200 AUD per night
- Luxury hotel – 300+ AUD per night
- Airbnb private rooms – 100-170 AUD per night
- Airbnb apartments – 110-175 AUD per night (double if you don’t book early)
- Campsite – 15-45 AUD per night
Food
- Pre-made sandwiches – 12-15 AUD
- Pub food – 15-30 AUD
- Takeaway spots – 12-20 AUD
- Casual restaurants – 25-55 AUD per meal
- Midrange restaurant – 55-75 AUD per meal
- Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 15 AUD
- Beer – 12-15 AUD
- Glass of wine – 12-15 AUD
- Cappuccino/latte- 5-6 AUD
- Bottled water – 2-3 AUD
- Groceries for a week – 90-150 AUD
Alice Springs Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 120 AUD Per Day
On a backpacker budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel, cooking the majority of your meals, and using public transportation to get around. You’ll need to limit your drinking and split a rental car if you want to see Uluru.
Midrange – 250 AUD Per Day
On a mid-range budget, you’ll be able to stay in a private room, eat out for some meals, split a rental car to go to Uluru or take a tour, and visit local museums. You’ll be comfortable but not extravagant.
Upscale – 500+ AUD Per Day
On a luxury budget, you can stay in a fancy hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car, and do whatever tours you want. The sky is the limit!
Alice Springs Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips
Australia is an expensive place to visit. If you aren’t careful, you’ll blow through your entire budget in no time flat! That’s especially true in this part of the country because of all the tours and activities people do here. Here are some ways to save money when you visit Alice Springs:
Bring a water bottle – The tap water in Australia is safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle to save money and lower your plastic use. Lifestraw is my favorite as it has a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
Bring food to Uluru – Food near Uluru is highly overpriced. Stock up on snacks from the supermarket before you set off on an adventure in this area.
Redeem hotel points – Sign up for hotel credit cards and use the points to pay for accommodations on your trip. Most cards give you 1-2 nights free when you sign up, which can help reduce your costs. This post will help you learn the basics so you can start earning points now and have plenty when it’s time to travel.
Go camping – If you intend to spend a few days up at Uluru, camping is an option as the resorts here are expensive. Expect to pay around 45 AUD per night for a basic plot.
Combine tours – Combine tours of Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Kata Tjuta to save money on the cost of an individual excursion. Expect to pay around 2,700 AUD for four-day excursion.
Buy a transit pass – Alice Springs has a bus system that covers Alice Springs and the surrounding towns. If you plan to visit sites around the area, you can get a day pass for 7 AUD, which may save over the 3 AUD ticket that’s only good for three hours.
Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find really nice Couchsurfing hosts all throughout the country. This way, you not only have a place to stay, but you’ll have a local host that can tell you the best places to go and things to see. Alice Springs doesn’t have a huge CS community, but it never hurts to check!
Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker hostel trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time.
Get a sightseeing pass – There are five main attractions in Alice Springs that have been bundled into one pass. If you want to spend a day exploring the town, the multi-attraction ticket is good for seven hours and will let you visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame, the Women’s Museum of Australia and Old Gaol, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Alice Springs School of the Air Experience, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility. The pass is 69 AUD and will save you money over paying for each individual entrance
Cook your own food – Eating out is not cheap. The best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. Alice Springs is a great place to bring snacks and meals. You can make your own picnic out there!
Share a ride – If you’re renting a car, find other travelers to split the price with. Dividing up the rental price and the gas will save you a good chunk of money.
How to Get Around in Alice Springs
Walk – The downtown area of Alice Springs is incredibly walkable so it’s entirely possible to get around without having to spend much on transportation at all.
Public transportation – Alice Springs has a public bus system. A single ticket is 3 AUD and lasts three hours. A single-day pass is 7 AUD. You can also get a 10-trip pass or a week-long pass for 20 AUD.
Taxi – Taxis are expensive. Fares are a minimum of 5 AUD and cost 2 AUD per kilometer so this isn’t a budget-friendly option. Skip the taxis if you can!
Bike rental – Bicycle rentals are available in Alice Springs starting at 65 AUD per day. You don’t need them to get around town; I’d only rent one if you plan to go biking outside the city.
Car rental – Getting a car rental is one of the most practical ways to get around Alice Springs and the area, and you can find prices starting from about 115 AUD per day. That might be out of budget, but it’s cheaper to drive to Uluru than it is to hop on a multi-day tour — especially if you can split the cost of the rental.
For the best prices, use Discover Cars. You can get a free quote using this widget:
Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking in Australia is relatively common, though hikers need to be mindful of the heat and lack of traffic in rural areas. For additional hitchhiking tips and advice, consult Hitchwiki.
When to Go to Alice Springs
Alice Springs’ climate can be extreme, with scorching hot summers and cold winters. Summer lasts from December to February, and the average temperatures range from 25-37°C (77-99°F), but sometimes can climb as high as 40°C (104°F). It’s dry here most of the year, but January is considered the wettest month. During the summer, you can expect three to five days with some rain, so pack accordingly.
Winter (June to August) is “cold,” with average temperatures between 5-23°C (41-73°F), and July is the coldest month. Temperatures may even drop below zero, making it not the best time to be camping. On the other hand, prices are definitely lowest during the winter. It’s also the driest time of year, but there are still a few days that get rain.
Spring (September to November) is pleasant with warm temperatures, but fall (March to May) really is the best time to visit. The days are warm and the nights are cool, with temperatures ranging from 12-30°C (54-86°F). This is also a great time to go to Uluru, but it can get a lot colder out there — sometimes dropping as low as 8°C (46°F). Spring gets more rain than fall, but it’s still only a few days here and there. Pack plenty of layers that will keep you warm and dry.
Alice Springs Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
- Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
- Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
- Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
- Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
- SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
- Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
- Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
Alice Springs Travel Guide: Related Articles
Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:
