How To Spend A Week In Alice Springs

It may seem as though the Australia outback has fallen a little off the tourist radar, but we highly recommend spending some time in the beautiful area of Alice Springs.

As the artistic capital of central Australia, Alice Springs boasts more art galleries per capita than anywhere else in Australia and seems to always be in festival mode. That means there is plenty to do in a week along with loads of cheap accommodation in Alice Springs.

Take In the View

Anzac Hill is the perfect spot to take in The Alice. You can either take the stairs by Wills Terrace, or if that’s not quite your cup of tea, take a drive up Anzac Hill Road for sensational views of the town and the gorgeous MacDonnell Ranges.

Go for a Hike

There are plenty of amazing hiking opportunities in Alice Springs. Start off at the Visitor Information Centre just off Todd Mall and head northwest along Parsons Street, where you will pass heritage buildings including the 1908-built Old Stuart Town Gaol where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip stayed for a few nights back in 1963. Continue on for exploration and a history of the area.

Grab a Bite to Eat

After an invigorating hike, be sure to try a traditional Australian meat pie or a decadent toastie.

Go Shopping

The shopping in Alice Springs is very much based around Aboriginal art.

Dine Like a Local

Or rather, dine with the locals in a gastro pub or outback circus like Monte’s. It’s a great Alice Springs dining experience complete with traditional pub grub. If you want something more than burgers and pizzas, there are plenty of great local restaurants to try.

Go for a Ride

Alice Springs boasts more than 200km of sensational mountain biking trails. Beat the heat by heading off on an early morning tour or even rent a bike and head off exploring in your own time.

Get In Some Culture

The Araleun Arts Centre is arguable the pinnacle of the Alice Springs art circuit. The centre focuses on contemporary Aboriginal art, complete with a gallery that showcases the works of renowned artists. There’s a professional theatre, too, so you may want to take in a show while you’re at it.

Go for a Walk

If you didn’t spot any cut wallabies during your hike, head out to the Alice Springs Desert Park where you are sure to see plenty of Central Australia creatures. If you’d rather walk closer to the centre, go for a walk around the stunning Olive Pink Botanic Garden where you can see more than 600 central Australian flora.

Don’t Miss Out

Finally, during your week long stay in Alice Springs, be sure to book a day trip to the waterholes, gorges and sacred sites of the West MacDonnell ranges. You can either hire a car and drive yourself or join an organised tour where you will be taken to key stops like Ormiston Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ochre Pits, and much more.

With so much to see and do in Alice Springs, you may even find yourself extending your stay!