Travel & Things To Do
Travelling to Central Australia is easy! However, August is a popular time to dip your toes in the red dirt. Planning ahead is key.
Flight time from Sydney: 3 hours
Flight time from Adeldaide: 2 hours
Driving time from Sydney: 29 hours (make it a roadtrip!)
Direct flights from Sydney are only available with Qantas.
There are a number of options for your stay in Alice Springs. Most hotels are within walking distance of the town centre.
Hotels we recommend:
- Crown Plaza HERE
- Double Tree by Hilton HERE
- Mecure Hotel HERE
Airbnb's are also available throughout town on airbnb & booking.com
Discovery Parks is also a great option for anyone travelling with children, as it has a lot of family friendly facilities on site - and whilst camping is an option they also have cabins and rooms. You will need to hire a car or use a taxi service to get into town from this location. You can find more information HERE
Alice Springs is the perfect home base for seeing some of the most extraordinary sights in Central Australia.
Most of the below locations can be visited as day trips from Alice Springs, however camping is always an option throughout the national parks.
We would strongly recommend hiring a car for your time in Alice Springs if you wish to do some exploring.
Overnight Attractions
- Uluru / The Olga's (5 hours from Alice Springs)
- Kings Canyon (4.5 hours from Alice Springs)
Daytrips
West MacDonnell Ranges
These ranges stretch for 161kms, west of Alice Springs. There are a range of gorges, permanent water holes and beautifully scenic walks along this stretch. Pack a picnic (facilities are limited) and enjoy the desert!
Our Top Picks: Stanley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge (perfect camping atop the ranges!)
East MacDonnell Ranges
Stretching for 150kms East of Alice Springs and are most known for gaps, gorges, bush walks, Aboriginal art and geological formations. There are places to stop along the way, with Ross River Homestead being the final stop before you reach 4WD roads only. There is a 'pub' at the homestead to enjoy some real desert hospitality!
Our top picks: Trephina Gorge, Emily Gap, Jessie Gap.
Things to do in the Town Centre
- Alice Springs Telegraph Station
- Royal Flying Doctors Service Museum
- School of the Air
- Araluen Art Centre
- Alice Springs Camel Tours
- Hot Air Ballooning
- The Alice Springs Desert Park