Alice Springs facts and guides
The heart of Central Australia is comprised of cavernous gorges, boundless desert landscapes, remote Aboriginal communities and a charming pioneering history.
Alice Springs was established by the early explorers and remains as the centre of activity in this region. From the early 1900s, the vast desert of Central Australia was explored for its promise of rubies and gold. Today, north of Alice is an adventure travel destination where visitors can still fossick for gems and explore the Australian desert while trekking, camping or four-wheel driving.
North-west of Alice, along the Tanami Track and south of Alice Springs in the Simpson Desert, the art styles and stories of the Aboriginal people give meaning to the surrounding landscape.
The most well-known natural highlights of Central Australia are the East and West MacDonnell Ranges that straddle Alice Springs and run for 223 kilometres.
Visitors to the NT’s Red Centre can enjoy views of dramatic scenery, bushwalking, swimming, four-wheel driving or quad-bike riding.
Places to go
MacDonnell Ranges
The ranges stretch out for hundreds of kilometres on both sides of Alice Springs.
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Simpson Desert
An endless horizon, rolling sand dunes and challenging four-wheel-drive tracks.
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Video Itineraries
48 hours in Alice SpringsRed Centre Way
Learn more about the Red Centre
Outback ballooning
Float with the wind above the red sand in a balloon, an outback sunrise from aloft is like viewing a painting of pastel blues, purples and yellows.
Photographic Journey Red Centre
Follow the journey of colours and discovery as six of Australia's leading photographers head deep into the Red Centre.
Bird watching - Deserts
Stretching from Tennant Creek to Alice Springs and Uluru in the south, this region is home to a diverse range of rare and interesting bird species.
