Should You Visit Alice Springs?

Are you thinking about visiting Alice Springs, Australia? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Alice Springs worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this town for two to four days because of the many great activities. Alice Springs is the gateway to Australia's Red Center. It's near hiking and natural beauty. There are also several wildlife centers and interesting sights in the area.

Alice Springs Telegraph Station Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Reasons to Visit Alice Springs

Hiking
Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Museums
There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Food
There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Nightlife
It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Shopping
There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.




Things to Consider Before Visiting Alice Springs

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Alice Springs might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Alice Springs here or see if Alice Springs is expensive here.

Related

What is Alice Springs most famous for?

Alice Springs is most famous for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. People visit this impressive town for its great hiking. Many people love the museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, too. It is often described as charming, friendly, laid back, and outdoorsy.

What is the most famous sight in Alice Springs?

The most popular sight in Alice Springs is Alice Springs Desert Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Alice Springs on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Alice Springs Desert Park and other attractions here.

How touristy is Alice Springs? Is it a popular town to visit?

Alice Springs is a popular town for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Historical Alice Tour: $111
  • East MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group: $225
  • Alice Springs Desert Park Nocturnal Tour: $21
  • Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: Alice Springs School of the Air Guided Tour Ticket: $9.26
  • Palm Valley 4WD Day Tour: $161
  • Alice Springs Camel Tour: $60
  • Palm Valley 4WD Tour from Alice Springs: $158

How long should I spend in Alice Springs?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Alice Springs is two to four days. Since Alice Springs has a variety of activities such as hiking, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Alice Springs? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Alice Springs?.