Alice Springs is re-emerging and there has never been a better time to reconnect.
WORDS Mel Brautigam | PHOTOS Tourism NT & Mel Brautigam
There is something special about flying into Alice, above the vibrant colours and changing landscape (depending what time of the year you visit) but once you step off the plane and walk across the tarmac, there is a fresh, crisp air that hits your face – especially this time of year when the days are sunny and the nights freezing.
For me, Alice is more than a destination – it’s a place layered with memory and meaning. While I was born in Darwin, I spent much of my childhood in the Red Centre and have returned many times as an adult with my own family. There’s something about Alice Springs that lingers with you long after you’ve left – the raw beauty of red earth, surrounding ranges and the way the stars blaze across the desert sky.
With a population of roughly 30,000, the desert town is far more than its postcode. Tourism plays a big part of the community and with the desert stillness, blue skies, hot summers and cold winters, there’s a pulse in Alice you can’t explain until you feel it for yourself. This is a place of contrasts and resilience. A town that has faced tough times, yes – but also one that has held onto its spirit, its people, and its purpose. Today, Alice Springs is undergoing a quiet revival. From its thriving art scene to trendy cafes, spectacular swimming holes, and unforgettable road trip routes – there’s a renewed energy, that’s hard to ignore.
Go Beyond the Ordinary
Unique Experiences That Capture the Spirit of the Red Centre
Sunrise Ballooning Over the Outback
There’s no better way to experience the vast beauty of Central Australia than from above. As dawn breaks over the desert, a sunrise hot air balloon flight offers an unforgettable perspective of the expansive landscape. Collected from your accommodation and taken to the launch site, Outback Ballooning will guide you through essential safety checks before gently rising into the morning sky. Floating silently over the breathtaking beauty of the Red Centre, you may spot native wildlife including the iconic red kangaroo moving through the region below. With the sun casting golden light across the terrain, it’s a calmness, almost otherworldly way to witness the sheer scale and solitude of the outback.
Outback Ballooning Alice Springs | http://outbackballooning.com.au
Stargazing in One of the Clearest Skies on Earth
Central Australia’s night skies are among the clearest on the planet, and there’s no better place to explore the cosmos than at Earth Sanctuary. Located just outside Alice Springs, this family-owned eco-tourism destination offers immersive astronomical experiences tailored for every kind of stargazer. Whether you opt for the 1.5-hour Astro Tour, a 2.5-hour Dinner + Stars evening, or the ultimate 15-hour overnight adventure, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the universe – and your place in it. Hosted by passionate guides, the experience is equal parts scientific and spiritual, set beneath a radiant canopy of stars.
Earth Sanctuary | Colonel Rose Drive, Connellan NT 0873 | http://earth-sanctuary.com.au
Meet and Support Rescued Kangaroos
For a heartwarming and uniquely Australian encounter, The Kangaroo Sanctuary delivers an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. This world-renowned wildlife refuge, located just outside Alice Springs, is home to rescued red kangaroos – many of them orphaned joeys lovingly raised by founder Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns. The guided sunset tour is a gentle walk through the sanctuary’s 188-acre reserve, where you’ll learn about kangaroo care, conservation, and the personalities of the sanctuary’s furry residents. With no self-drive options for public tours, guests are transported via pre-arranged pick-up points. Note: tours are limited to guests aged 7 and over.
The Kangaroo Sanctuary |. http://kangaroosanctuary.com
A Scenic Escape into the West MacDonnell Ranges
Just 135km west of Alice Springs, Ormiston Gorge is a spectacular outback destination perfect for a day trip or overnight stay. Surrounded by towering red quartzite cliffs and ghost gums, this natural wonder offers breathtaking views, a year-round waterhole for swimming, and family-friendly or more challenging walking paths or hikes. Whether you’re picnicking by the water or setting up camp under the stars, the facilities make it easy – think barbecues, hot showers, and a kiosk with friendly staff on hand. Accessible via sealed roads, Ormiston Gorge is an unforgettable stop in the West MacDonnell National Park, blending rugged beauty with the comforts of a well-equipped campground.
Camping Bookings – http://parkbookings.nt.gov.au
A Sacred Slice of Central Australia
Set within the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) is a breathtaking natural formation carved through centuries of desert winds and rain. Towering 80 metres high and just 3 metres wide, the chasm comes to life around midday, when sunlight filters through the narrow gap to ignite the red rock walls in a brilliant, fiery glow.
This special place remains 100% owned and operated by the local Arrernte community, offering not just a scenic walk, but a deep cultural experience. Visitors can explore the short, shaded trail, encounter native flora and fauna, and take part in cultural workshops or stay overnight at the well-equipped campsite.
Entry is $12 for adults or $30 for a family of four – a small price for a truly unforgettable encounter with one of Central Australia’s natural and cultural treasures.
For Bookings |. http://standleychasm.com.au
The Artistic Heart of Alice Springs
A cultural hub just minutes from the Alice Springs CBD, the Araluen Art Centre showcases over 1,000 works from Central Australia’s thriving art scene. Don’t miss weekly arthouse films and standout exhibitions like Desert Mob, a powerful celebration of desert culture held each September.
https://araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au/
Family Fun in the Heart of the Outback
Families will love the blend of outdoor exploring and the interactive learning experiences Alice Springs offers. From native animals to hands-on heritage and outback swims, it’s a place where kids can unplug, explore and discover something new, as a family.
Step Back in Time at Megafauna Central
Travel millions of years into the past without leaving Todd Street Mall. At Megafauna Central, kids and adults alike can marvel at the ancient giants that once roamed Central Australia – think towering thunderbirds and enormous crocodiles from the Miocene Epoch. Budding scientists will love peering into the lab to watch real palaeontologists uncovering prehistoric secrets.
Free Entry | Open Monday to Saturday (Closed Tuesdays from 1 Nov–31 Mar) | 21 Todd Street Mall, Alice Springs
Go Wild at Alice Springs Desert Park
Explore the desert by day or join a magical night-time adventure. Open daily, the Alice Springs Desert Park is a must-visit for families who want to learn about desert ecosystems in a fun and interactive way. For a twist, sign up for the Nocturnal Tour, where small, guided groups are equipped with head torches to spotlight rare and endangered desert creatures like bilbies, echidnas and the elusive mala in their natural habitat.
Open 7 days, 7:30am–6pm | Allow 3–4 hours for a visit | Larapinta Drive, just 7km from the town centre
Make a Splash at the Aquatic & Leisure Centre
When it’s time to cool off or burn some energy, head straight to the Alice Springs Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Following a major upgrade, this family hub boasts an outdoor 50m pool, splash pad, water slides, and several indoor pools – perfect for swimmers of all levels. There’s even more fun on dry land, including an 18-hole mini-golf course, playground, beach volleyball, half basketball court, table tennis and outdoor gym equipment.
10 Speed Street (off Gap Road), Alice Springs | https://alicesprings.nt.gov.au/recreation/aquatic-leisure-centre
Eat Your Way Through Alice
Don’t let its size fool you – Alice Springs boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious food scene. For breakfast, head to Page 27 a popular hidden laneway café known for its all-day brekkie and lush courtyard vibes, or stroll over to Epilogue Lounge in the Todd Mall for top-tier coffee and an evening rooftop atmosphere.
Lunch is best enjoyed in uniquely local surrounds. Try the artistic calm of Bean Tree Café in the Olive Pink Botanic Garden or the industrial-cool charm of The Watertank Café, where the menu is as memorable as the setting.
As the sun sets, treat yourself to dinner inside DoubleTree by Hilton, Saltbush Restaurant which serves up fresh, seasonal Australian fare with a native twist. Or tuck into hearty, flavoursome dishes at the local-favourite Alice Vietnamese Restaurant.
And for a true local favourite, Italian food lovers can’t go past Casa Nostra Pizza & Spaghetti House. Just be sure to save room for their iconic vanilla slice!
The West MacDonnell Ranges
A Road Trip Through Timeless Beauty
With a backdrop of deep red cliffs, scrubby greenery and endless blue skies, the West MacDonnell Ranges is one of the Northern Territory’s most breathtaking drives. Winding through ancient landscapes, this scenic stretch invites you to slow down, pull over, and soak in the striking contrasts of the outback. Along the way, discover iconic natural wonders including Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, and Glen Helen – each a destination in its own right.
The 223km-long Larapinta Trail stretches through the entire West MacDonnell Ranges.
There’s adventure, intrigue and beauty to be found in every corner of the Red Centre
Long after your adventure ends, you’ll find traces of Alice still with you – the red dust on your shoes, the stories etched into memory, and that unmistakable sense of connection to something vast and timeless. Whether it’s been years or you’ve yet to visit, now is the perfect time to rediscover the magic of the Red Centre.
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