Alice Springs

Arrival guide to Alice Springs

Alice Springs is the closest large town to the geographical centre of Australia. It is located in an area colloquially known as the ‘Red Centre’, a name that describes the red sand deserts that make the land so distinctive in this region. The town is actually the same distance from Adelaide as it is from Darwin.

Alice Springs was originally set up as a telegraph station in the 1870s to service the line that stretched from Adelaide to Darwin. The indigenous Arrernte people of the area have, however, lived here for thousands of years. The town is bisected by the normally dry Todd River. Local lore says that if you see the Todd River flow three times then you’ll stay for life. The MacDonnell Ranges are another notable landmark on the edge of town.

From ANZAC Hill, a short walk from the heart of town, you get an excellent panoramic view over the town and further to the MacDonnell Ranges

To have made it to Alice Springs you may have travelled either overland from Adelaide or Darwin; or flown from major Australian capital cities.

Most visitors are also heading further still to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) – the large rock monolith that rises from the relatively flat plains in.

Tourism is the biggest industry in town with most services catering to domestic and international travellers.

You can tour Alice Springs to Uluru and Kings Canyon on one of our popular tours. We offer Uluru tours from Alice Springs.

4 Day Uluru Tour from Alice Springs

The Alice Springs to Uluru bus takes you out to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to see the best of the Red Centre.

For more detail on our best Uluru tours, check out Best Uluru tours.

Check out our blog about other tours in the Northern Territory. Find out more here: Top destinations to see in the Northern Territory.

Many of our Uluru tours are perfect for families and children. So check out our family-friendly tours in the outback.

If you are a senior looking to travel to from Alice Springs to see Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon check out our Uluru tours for seniors.

Is it worth visiting Alice Springs?

The perfect start and end point for your Uluru adventure it is worth spending a few days in Alice Springs. A great base to take a tour from. Local friendly people and great culture and art. Visit the Larapinta Trail and the MacDonnell Ranges from here.

What to see in Alice Springs?

Check out the Yubu Napa Art Gallery, Studio and Gift Shop in Alice. Check out art from the top artists in central Australia and the Top End. Meet indigenous artists who will greet you onsite and teach you more about their art.

Todd Mall Markets a great market that’s on Sundays from March to December. The perfect place to grab a souvenir to take home. Something unique from the locals.

Spending a day before and after your Uluru tour in Alice Springs is well worth it. See the cultural centre of Australia.