Begin your central Australian adventure in Alice Springs, headquarters of the Outback and only a few hours’ flying time from Australian capital cities.
Nestled between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, ‘Alice’ is famous for its beautiful desert landscapes, colourful outback characters, opportunities for adventure and a strong Aboriginal culture.
Plan your stay
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Alice Springs itineraries
Watch Red Centre Local’s Tips
Frequently asked questions
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There’s plenty to see and do in the NT all year round. The Territory has two distinct climate zones: the tropical Top End and the semi-arid Red Centre.
Alice Springs and the Red Centre have 4 typical seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. The Red Centre is prone to extremes, with hot summer days (from December to February) and cold winter nights (June to August). Temperatures can drop below freezing overnight in winter and it can get very cold in the desert. Winter is the most popular time to visit as the days are crisp, cool and not too hot.
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) in the Red Centre bring warm days and cool evenings. Read more about the NT’s weather and seasons.
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By air - Alice Springs is the gateway to the Red Centre and its well-equipped airport is one of two Red Centre arrival points (Ayers Rock Airport is the other) for visitors travelling by air. The NT is serviced by major domestic and international airlines, providing passengers with easy access to destinations across the Territory from almost anywhere in the world.
Regular flights operate between Darwin, Alice Springs and Uluru. Other flights are operated between regional centres by Airnorth.
By road - Alice Springs is 1,500km from Darwin via the Stuart Highway. Journey by road to the NT on well-maintained, sealed highways, which provide the most direct routes between the NT and South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia. Once you cross the border into the NT from neighbouring states, explore these driving routes around the Territory.
By bus - Despite the vast distances, travelling by bus (coach) to the NT is easy and affordable. Major coach and tour companies run coach services between transport hubs such as Alice Springs and Uluru and destinations in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland.
By rail - The Ghan is one of the world’s great train journeys and is another way to travel to the NT. The Ghan travels an epic 2,797km (1,846 miles) between Adelaide and Darwin, stopping at Alice Springs and Katherine (note: it’s not possible to board The Ghan in Alice Springs). Watch the change in scenery as you traverse the heart of Australia through the Red Centre and Central Australia.
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One of the best ways to get around Alice Springs is by driving your own vehicle or a hire car. A public bus service operates around Alice Springs, along with taxis and an airport shuttle service.
Beyond Alice Springs town centre, 95% of the NT’s attractions are accessible by well-maintained roads. There’s plenty to explore in a 2WD regular car or campervan, as well as in all-terrain 4WDs. Hire companies operate across the NT, so if you fly into the Territory, arrange to collect a vehicle at Alice Springs Airport then hit the road on one of the Territory’s popular driving routes.
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Alice Springs is the festival capital of the Red Centre and hosts an exciting year-round calendar of events.
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Connection to Country is very much a part of the NT’s identity, where the breadth and depth of Aboriginal cultural experiences are like nowhere else.
There are many ways to learn and connect with the diverse Aboriginal cultures found throughout the Red Centre. Take a locally-guided tour; explore the art galleries and attractions along the Territory Art Trails or take a road trip through the Red Centre, home to World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Check the Events and Festivals page for art fairs and festivals, which is a great way to experience Aboriginal culture, and perhaps pick up some original artworks to take home.
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The Territory welcomes travellers of all abilities and aims to empower visitors with the necessary information to confidently plan your holiday. In the NT accessibility goes beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the compassionate and helpful nature of its locals.
Discover a variety of accommodation, tours and attractions tailored to different access needs, including hearing loss, vision loss, wheelchair access, and high support requirements. You can narrow down your search by region and accessibility preferences. If you can't find your preferred tour or attraction, we suggest contacting the business directly to find out about their accessibility. Many tourism operators are happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.
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Safety in any destination depends on various factors. Respect the environment, be aware of wildlife hazards, and stay informed about weather conditions and happenings in the local area. By being mindful of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy exploring the Northern Territory confidently.
Alice Springs has an outback vibe which reflects its Central Australian location. This outback town exudes adventure which attracts outdoor enthusiasts to its natural wonders, Aboriginal culture, and contemporary and traditional art offerings. Alice’s relaxed vibe is part of the attraction which lures visitors from around the world. Behind occasional adverse media headlines, Alice Springs’ vibrant, ancient culture and striking landscapes lure returning visitors to the Red Centre. Contrary media coverage is often not reflected by traveller’s on-the-ground experiences.
While the Northern Territory has remote and rugged areas, it’s essential to take the usual precautions you’d take anywhere. Popular tourism hubs like Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Alice Springs are well regulated with facilities and services to help visitors find their way around safely. Park Rangers, signage boards and online guides increase safety for visitors. As with any travel experience, exercise common sense, follow guidelines, and you’ll have a safe experience.
Experiences you’ll want to share
Check out what other travellers are saying about their Alice Springs holiday.
