Alice Springs is just as far away from any beach, as it is close… or so they say. Here we do ‘beaches’ Red Centre style.
Alice Springs will surprise and delight you with lots of activities right at your doorstep. Think swimming holes, awesome rocky landscapes, amazing wildlife and great foodie hangouts. Consider timing your visit with one of the quirky festivals like the Beanie Festival or the Henley on Todd Regatta – you definitely won’t regret it.
Day 1: Alice Springs
Once you arrive in Alice, hire a car and head straight out to Simpsons Gap. Catch the sun going down and be in awe of the changing colours of the rocks. The easy walk to Simpsons Gap is a pleasant one. Keep your eyes out for the local wildlife hanging out on the rock ledges.
Days 2 & 3: Alice Springs & West MacDonnell Ranges
The next couple of days are yours to explore in and around Alice Springs. There are plenty of places within an easy drive distance. We highly recommend you explore the West MacDonnell Ranges and all the waterholes in between. Our favourites include Glen Helen, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. Venture further and you’ll be rewarded with cool waters at Redbank Gorge.
Alice Springs has attractions suitable for everyone. Check out the Royal Flying Doctors Service, the Desert Park, School of the Air and the Araluen Cultural Precinct.
You could also choose to drive out to the Hermannsburg historic precinct, just over an hour’s drive, and discover the history behind this settlement and the importance that it holds today.
Day 4: Alice Springs
You can’t visit Alice without an early morning hot air balloon experience. With beautiful clear blue skies, red desert for days, and amazing views, the best way to see Alice and surrounds is from the peaceful floating sensation of a hot air balloon.
Start in Alice Springs
ExploreDay 1
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Hire & transport
Whether planning an off-road adventure, a relaxing campervan holiday or a weekend fishing trip, it's easy to hire a vehicle suited to NT's terrain.
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Simpsons Gap
See & doSimpsons Gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
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Alice SpringsView 1 options
Day 2
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Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park
See & doTjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161km west of Alice Springs.
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Glen Helen Gorge
See & doGlen Helen Gorge is a great place to view the West MacDonnell Ranges, take a cool dip, and is an important refuge for local wildlife.
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Ormiston Gorge
See & doOrmiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip, to see the towering red walls of the gorge and pound, and local plants and wildlife.
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Ellery Creek Big Hole
See & doEllery Creek Big Hole is one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.
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Alice SpringsView 1 options
Day 3
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Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tourist Facility & Museum
See & doSee, experience and learn through the wonder of technology as history is brought to life.
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Alice Springs Desert Park
See & doAlice Springs Desert Park is where the desert comes alive!
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Alice Springs School of the Air Experience
See & doAlice Springs School of the Air was established in 1951, pioneering HF radio as a way of delivering education to some of Australia’s most remote students.
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Hermannsburg Historic Precinct
See & doThe Hermannsburg Historic Precinct is now closed for the 2023 season.
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Alice SpringsView 1 options
Day 4
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Hot air ballooning
TourFor a unique Red Centre experience, wake before dawn and rise quietly into the fresh morning air in a hot air balloon. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscapes and wildlife.
Finish in Alice Springs
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Book it yourself
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NT Parks Pass
Required for entry to NT Parks. Read about passes & permits
3 nights’ stay at Alice Springs
Check-in: Day 1
Check-out: Day 4Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tourist Facility & Museum
Day 3
Alice Springs School of the Air Experience
Day 3
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Hot air ballooning
For a unique Red Centre experience, wake before dawn and rise quietly into the fresh morning air in a hot air balloon. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscapes and wildlife.
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