Deals > Explore > Alice Springs > Alice the town
Henley-on-Todd Regatta
This regatta, set on the dry Todd River bed, involves 17 different competitive events, including an iron man/woman, white water kayaking and a bath tub race. Vessels and equipment are supplied, but those interested can build and bring their own boat to race!
Camel Cup
The Camel Cup is more extravagant and entertaining than any ordinary horse race. With nine races, a Mr and Miss Camel Cup, rickshaw races and a game of polo on camels, amusement abounds at this outback event.
Alice Springs Beanie Festival
Held at the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct annually in June, this is a unique event celebrating a truly Australian icon - the beanie. Centralian craftspeople from remote areas and Alice Springs have taken up the challenge to raise beanie making into a distinctive regional art form. Beanies are given distinguishing characteristics and decorated with seeds, various fibres and embellishments
The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)
Brainchild of the Reverend John Flynn, the Royal Flying Doctor Service was the first aerial medical organisation of its type in the world. The RFDS began it service from Alice Springs in 1939 and it is now possible to visit the working base in town and enjoy an audio-visual presentation, a guided tour of the communications area and browse the interactive museum.
Alice Springs Cultural Precinct
The Alice Springs Cultural Precinct is located a short drive or walk from the city centre and is home to some of the most interesting cultural and historical attractions in Alice Springs. Its various landmarks showcase performing and visual arts, the natural history of the region, Aboriginal culture and European settlement and include the Albert Namatjira Gallery and the Museum of Central Australia.
Todd Mall Markets
Todd Mall is the pedestrian precinct at the heart of Alice Springs and features shops, restaurants, public entertainment and tourist attractions such as the John Flynn Memorial Church and Adelaide House. Markets are generally held every two weeks (weekly in July) with stalls selling local art and craft, second-hand books, clothes, souvenirs, food and other knick-knacks.
Alice Springs Desert Park
The award winning Alice Springs Desert Park is the perfect introduction to life in Central Australia’s arid zone habitats. Located a short bike ride or drive from town, the park uses integrated displays of plant, animal and human elements to educate visitors about the desert. Enjoy an excellent introductory movie in the theatrette before acquainting yourself with rare and endangered desert wildlife in the nocturnal house.
ANZAC Hill
The most visited landmark in Alice Springs, ANZAC Hill affords a panoramic view of the town and surrounding MacDonnell Ranges. The monument on top of the hill is dedicated to all those who have served in the defence of Australia. The RSL and War Museum are located at the bottom of the Hill and welcome visitors.
Alice Springs Telegraph Station
Situated four kilometres north of modern day Alice, The Alice Springs Telegraph Station was the town’s original site. Built in 1872, it is the best preserved of the 12 stations along the old Overland Telegraph Line that once relayed messages between Adelaide and Darwin. Restored buildings now house various artefacts from early last century.
Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and an intense desert landscape, the township of Alice Springs is Australia’s most famous outback town.
Called Mpwante by the traditional owners, the Arrernte people, and situated just 200 kilometres south of the geographic centre of Australia, the town of Alice Springs began as a repeater station along the Overland Telegraph Line.
The introduction of camels, development of pastoral industry and discovery of alluvial gold, combined with the town’s secluded location, has lead to the creation of an unrivalled community identity and a wealth of quirky festivals and events.
Alice Springs desert climate and landscapes encourage a healthy outdoor lifestyle and sets a great scene for outback adventure. Quad and mountain-bike riding, trekking along the Larapinta Trail, four-wheel driving, bush camping and swimming in lush waterholes are popular activities.
The stories of Australian history and heritage overflow in Alice Springs, with a rich cast of characters, Afghan cameleers, flying doctors and outback explorers. Today it is possible to pay homage to their legacy at various sites around the town and surrounding area.
Alive with culture and Aboriginal art, the pedestrian-only Todd Mall gives a sneak peek into the traditions and stories of the Arrernte people with water colours of desert landscapes and dot paintings of the seasons.
