Alice Springs

Arrival guide to Alice Springs

Alice Springs is the closest large town to the geographical centre of Australia. It is located in an area colloquially known as the ‘Red Centre’, a name that describes the red sand deserts that make the land so distinctive in this region. The town is actually the same distance from Adelaide as it is from Darwin.

Alice Springs was originally set up as a telegraph station in the 1870s to service the line that stretched from Adelaide to Darwin. The indigenous Arrernte people of the area have, however, lived here for thousands of years. The town is bisected by the normally dry Todd River. Local lore says that if you see the Todd River flow three times then you’ll stay for life. The MacDonnell Ranges are another notable landmark on the edge of town.

From ANZAC Hill, a short walk from the heart of town, you get an excellent panoramic view over the town and further to the MacDonnell Ranges

To have made it to Alice Springs you may have travelled either overland from Adelaide or Darwin; or flown from major Australian capital cities.

Most visitors are also heading further still to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) – the large rock monolith that rises from the relatively flat plains in.

Tourism is the biggest industry in town with most services catering to domestic and international travellers.

You can tour Alice Springs to Uluru and Kings Canyon on one of our popular tours. We offer Uluru tours from Alice Springs.

4 Day Uluru Tour from Alice Springs

The Alice Springs to Uluru bus takes you out to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park to see the best of the Red Centre.

For more detail on our best Uluru tours, check out Best Uluru tours.

Check out our blog about other tours in the Northern Territory. Find out more here: Top destinations to see in the Northern Territory.

Many of our Uluru tours are perfect for families and children. So check out our family-friendly tours in the outback.

If you are a senior looking to travel to from Alice Springs to see Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon check out our Uluru tours for seniors.

Is it worth visiting Alice Springs?

The perfect start and end point for your Uluru adventure it is worth spending a few days in Alice Springs. A great base to take a tour from. Local friendly people and great culture and art. Visit the Larapinta Trail and the MacDonnell Ranges from here.

What to see in Alice Springs?

Check out the Yubu Napa Art Gallery, Studio and Gift Shop in Alice. Check out art from the top artists in central Australia and the Top End. Meet indigenous artists who will greet you onsite and teach you more about their art.

Todd Mall Markets a great market that’s on Sundays from March to December. The perfect place to grab a souvenir to take home. Something unique from the locals.

Spending a day before and after your Uluru tour in Alice Springs is well worth it. See the cultural centre of Australia.

  • 3 Day Uluru, Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta TourSee Australia's famous Red Centre icons Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon from Alice Springs.
    Trip Styles:Budget

    See Australia’s famous Red Centre icons Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon from Alice Springs.

    $950
  • 4 Day Uluru Tour from Alice SpringsExperience the wonders of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon plus the opportunity to really experience the desert in Tjortja West MacDonnell Ranges.
    Trip Styles:Budget

    Experience the wonders of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon plus the opportunity to really experience the desert in Tjortja West MacDonnell Ranges.

    $1,150
  • Real Aussie Adventures, Small Group Adventure Tours Australia. Couple at Simpsons Gap Western MacDonnell Ranges
    5 Day Red Centre Camping Tour (Yulara to Alice Springs)Spend five days exploring the most breathtaking sites of Australia’s Red Centre on our outback camping tour. Uluru/Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and the Western MacDonnell Ranges.
    Trip Styles:Budget

    Spend five days exploring the most breathtaking sites of Australia’s Red Centre on our outback camping tour. Uluru/Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and the Western MacDonnell Ranges.

    $1,495
  • Real Aussie Adventures, Small Group Adventure Tours Australia. Man taking a photo of woman at Ormiston Gorge on our Northern Territory Tours.
    1 Day West MacDonnell Ranges TourExperience the spectacular outback scenery of Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges.
    Trip Styles:Budget

    Experience the spectacular outback scenery of Tjoritja West MacDonnell Ranges.

    $175
  • 3 Day Uluru Tour (Yulara to Alice Springs)Hike, explore, and have a blast discovering Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon. Let's make this adventure unforgettable!
    Trip Styles:Budget

    Hike, explore, and have a blast discovering Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon. Let’s make this adventure unforgettable!

    $995
  • Real Aussie Adventures, Small Group Adventure Tours Australia. Kings Canyon on our Northern Territory tours to Uluru and Kings Canyon
    3 day Uluru Adventure Tour from Alice SpringsUnleash your inner explorer on our epic 3-day Alice Springs to Uluru journey – where adventure knows no bounds!
    Trip Styles:Budget

    Unleash your inner explorer on our epic 3-day Alice Springs to Uluru journey – where adventure knows no bounds!

    $995
  • 5 Day Red Centre Camping Tour (Alice Springs to Alice Springs)Escape to the Outback on our 5-day Uluru camping tour. Explore, camp, and create unforgettable memories in Australia's heart
    Trip Styles:Budget

    Escape to the Outback on our 5-day Uluru camping tour. Explore, camp, and create unforgettable memories in Australia’s heart

    $1,495
  • Real Aussie Adventures, Small Group Adventure Tours Australia. Like sand through the hour glass, sand slips through Sailor Sam's hands at Kata Tjuta. Australia's Red Centre is home to natural wonder and cultural landmark, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Hike around the soaring rock domes, which glow at sunrise and sunset. Located approximately 40km west of Uluru, the ochre-coloured shapes are an intriguing and mesmerising sight.
    3 Day Camping Uluru TourEmbark on a budget-friendly 3-day Uluru adventure. Explore cultural sites, hike stunning landscapes, and camp under the Outback stars. Book now!
    Trip Styles:Budget

    Embark on a budget-friendly 3-day Uluru adventure. Explore cultural sites, hike stunning landscapes, and camp under the Outback stars. Book now!

    $729
  • People hiking along the Larapinta Trail at Euro Ridge
    5 Day / 4 Night Larapinta Trail TrekTrek the Larapinta Trail: a stunning 223km trek through the heart of the Australian outback, with breathtaking views and ancient landscapes.
    Trip Styles:Budget

    Trek the Larapinta Trail: a stunning 223km trek through the heart of the Australian outback, with breathtaking views and ancient landscapes.

    $2,980
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