Alice Springs The spiritual heart of Australia

Only have 24 hours to spend in Alice? Check out the top 10 things to do, and our Alice Springs 24 hour itinerary. Spend a few more days next time to take in all the sights and activities.

No passes or permits are required to visit Alice Springs.

Alice Springs is very easy to get around. You can explore the CBD on foot, hire a car, take a taxi, ride a bike, or book a tour.

Flying into Alice Springs Airport is the fastest option -- there are daily flights from most Australian capital cities. The popular Explorers Way driving route will take you all the way from Adelaide in South Australia to Alice Springs, and then on to Darwin. You can also take The Ghan rail journey south from Darwin or north from Adelaide.

Alice Springs is 1,496 km from Darwin. A flight from Darwin to Alice Springs takes around two hours, with flights departing daily. The full drive takes about 18 hours, we recommend taking at least 2 days.

Check out the Alice Springs Desert Park to learn about desert survival. Take a walk up Anzac Hill to discover the Red Centre's war history and get an amazing view of the town. Pop into the Alice Springs Reptile Centre or the Kangaroo Sanctuary to get to know a few of the local animals.

You will probably be spending lots of time outdoors experiencing the natural wonders of the region, so pack comfortable clothing and footwear, hat, sunscreen, plenty of water and a camera. If you forget to pack something, don't worry, you'll be able to find almost anything you need in Alice Springs.

Alice Springs has some of the best weather in Australia, boasting clear blue skies year-round. Remember, the desert can get very cold at night, especially from May to October, so make sure you pack for both hot and cold weather. The hottest months are December to February.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a highlight of the Red Centre, but there are plenty more attractions. The West and East MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, and Rainbow Valley are just some of the must-sees in the area. Continue north to visit Tennant Creek and on to the Top End.