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.
![woman crossing water using stepping stones at simpsons gap](https://images.northernterritory.com/v3/assets/blt0a1258326b2bae62/blt23d071939d984550/636b7429034df70564d7aadf/woman_crossing_water_using_stepping_stones_at_simpsons_gap.jpg?width=370&height=434&fit=crop&auto=webp&quality=80)
![woman standing in the bush looking at the west macdonnell ranges](https://images.northernterritory.com/v3/assets/blt0a1258326b2bae62/blt8961147bdeb43b7a/636b742ff64baa69f6b1dce5/woman_standing_in_the_bush_looking_at_the_west_macdonnell_ranges.jpg?width=770&height=434&fit=crop&auto=webp&quality=80)
![couple relaxing on the sand by the waters edge at ormiston gorge](https://images.northernterritory.com/v3/assets/blt0a1258326b2bae62/bltee867aa22b806c70/636b742a96efb40f5447db8d/couple_relaxing_on_the_sand_by_the_waters_edge_at_ormiston_gorge.jpg?width=1170&height=659&fit=crop&auto=webp&quality=80)
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.
![close up view of the rock at redbank gorge with the water in the background](https://images.northernterritory.com/v3/assets/blt0a1258326b2bae62/blt7d2a4b9aea38a165/636b74314b59af085b9289bd/close_up_view_of_the_rock_at_redbank_gorge_with_the_water_in_the_background.jpg?width=370&height=434&fit=crop&auto=webp&quality=80)
![scenic sandstone of glen helen gorge and there rflection in the water](https://images.northernterritory.com/v3/assets/blt0a1258326b2bae62/bltae835895ae78ebc2/636b742d546a195a864f8001/scenic_sandstone_of_glen_helen_gorge_and_there_rflection_in_the_water_.jpg?width=770&height=434&fit=crop&auto=webp&quality=80)
![hikers walking along the banks of ellery creek big hole on the larapinta trail](https://images.northernterritory.com/v3/assets/blt0a1258326b2bae62/bltfab69be327e9c302/636b743405d3e80ca83bcaec/hikers_walking_along_the_banks_of_ellery_creek_big_hole_on_the_larapinta_trail.jpg?width=1170&height=659&fit=crop&auto=webp&quality=80)
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.
Download the Alice Springs explorer itinerary
Day 1
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Simpsons Gap
See & doSimpsons Gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Day 2
Drive:
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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.
Drive:
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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.
Drive:
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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.
Day 3
Drive:
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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.
Drive:
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Alice Springs Desert Park
See & doAlice Springs Desert Park is where the desert comes alive!
Drive:
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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.
Day 4
![](https://images.northernterritory.com/v3/assets/blt0a1258326b2bae62/blt9e8de503961d1cee/636b743bc67d3c040be8a2b8/woman_standing_on_a_rock_by_the_waters_edge_looking_at_ormiston_gorge.jpg?width=84&height=14&fit=crop&auto=webp&quality=80&blur=1)
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NT Parks Pass
Required for entry to NT Parks. Read about passes & permits
3 nights’ stay at
Check-in: Day 1
Check-out: Day 4
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