Alice Springs

Walk the Larapinta Trail

Stretching just over 223 kilometres from Alice Springs to Mount Sonder, the Larapinta Trail gives enthusiastic walkers an intimate look at the Australian outback. Trailing through the West MacDonnell Ranges and National Park, the walk covers diverse terrain of arid mountains, gorges, dry creek beds and waterholes. Expect to see important Aboriginal sites and the occasional snake as you make your way through the desert on a hike that usually takes just under a week to complete. Not surprisingly this is one of the most highly regarded walks in the country.

Go myth busting at Alice Springs Desert Park

Prepare to have your preconceived notions of the desert shaken up by a visit to Alice Springs Desert Park. Here you can get up close and personal with the people and animals that call this so-called barren terrain home, and in doing so learn that it is not so barren at all. Watch eagles soar through the sky, admire echidnas on a nocturnal tour, and hear the secrets of the desert told by those who know it best.

Find ancient rock art at Emily Gap

Join the red-tailed black cockatoo of Emily Gap to admire ancient Aboriginal artworks of the desert. Part of Yeperenye nature park, which also includes Jessie Gap, the area plays an important role in telling the caterpillar dreaming story of the Aboriginal people, which tells how Alice Springs was formed. Not to be touched or photographed, these artworks have limitless spiritual and cultural significance, making them one of the most important spots in Alice Springs, Australia.

Cycle to Simpsons Gap

Found just 18-kilometres west of Alice Springs, cycling to the Simpsons Gap is a great way to get outdoors and see the West MacDonnell Ranges without embarking on the full 6-day walking hike of the Larapinta Trail. Cruising past red quartzite peaks you may spot gorges, limestone, and an array of wildlife as you become one with the great Australian outback.

Tatts Finke Desert Race

Grab your vehicle of choice - bike, car, buggie or quad - and spend two days thrashing about in the wild in one of the most remote and difficult off-road races in the world. The Tatts Finke Desert Race has been running annually since 1974, making it an important part of Alice Springs heritage.

Apex Camel Cup

Red CentreNATS

Blatherskite Park and Alice Springs Inland Dragway ignite during the Red CentreNATS festival, which drags in automotive fans from across the region. The event’s 3-day program features serious scrutineering, burnout competitions, off road jumps and more.

Parrtjima, A Festival in Light

The 10-day Parrtjima festival honours the artistic heritage of Australia’s indigenous culture by an integration with modern technologies. The result is a visually astounding display of Aboriginal art installations that celebrate this ancient culture, making Parrtjima a rapidly evolving festival worth visiting Alice Spring for.

Desert Festival

Desert Festival (or ‘des fest’ as the locals often call it) is a Spring celebration of all things Central Australia. Packed with music, arts, and plenty of unique outback traditions, this event has been inspiring the local community and engaging visitors for over 15-years.

Adelaide House Museum