Nestled between the beautiful MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by gorges and stark desert plains, this outback township offers a delicious contrast to the usual holiday experience.
It might surprise you to find the Territory's third largest city smack bang in the centre of Australia. 'Alice', as it's affectionately known, is home to people with a love of hot desert days, clear cold nights, and a wry sense of humour.
Alice began as a repeater station for a 3200km overland telegraph line, which linked Australia to the rest of the world. Soon after, gold was discovered, and the town has been growing ever since. Now a source of cultural riches, Alice is a mecca for indigenous art, with galleries lining the streets. On the town's outskirts, you can hear Aboriginal dreamtime stories and learn about bush medicine. Understand the challenges of outback living when you visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air. There are many tours that explore the MacDonnell Ranges and surrounding areas. Visit the chasms, gorges and remarkable views, and don't miss the adorable rock wallabies at Simpsons Gap.
Click here to check out what Alice Springs has to offer!
Explore Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, travel on the unsealed Mereenie Loop, into Palm Valley, relax at Glen Helen and return to Alice Springs via the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Base yourself at Alice Springs and gain a deep insight into the rich history and Aboriginal culture of this region. Include a trip to Rainbow Valley, which is treasured with Aboriginal artifacts and engravings. Vivid, colourful canvasses take inspiration from the hidden life of the Central Australian desert. Discover the Outback through the eyes of resident artists in some of Australia's most famous Aboriginal art communities.
Experience the desert - driving on dirt roads, bush camping and sleeping under the clearest southern stars you can imagine. Venture into the warm heart of Australia and experience the three jewels of the Red Centre's crown. Stay in Alice Springs before joining a safari through the Red Centre.
Tatersall's Finke Desert Race
Australia's premier off-road racing event that attracts bike and car buggy entries from around Australia and overseas. It's a multi-terrain, two-day race through desert country from Alice Springs to the small Aputula (Finke) community and is reputed to be one of the most difficult off-road races in one of the most remote places in the world.
The Alice Springs Beanie Festival
A unique event that celebrates this great Australian icon. It's the place people can come to find the perfect beanie from more than 4,000 displayed at the Araluen Cultural Precinct in Alice Springs. A full weekend with music, the famous tea shop, the Beanie Olympics, and a fantastic program of textile workshops and crafts for kids.
Alice Springs Camel Cup
While camels may have a reputation as dedicated 'ships of the desert', these magnificent beasts are certainly not short on personality. Racing them can prove a nightmare for riders and handlers but fantastic viewing for spectators. Entertainment is assured, with nine races scheduled around the dusty outback track throughout the day.
ASSA ABLOY Henley-on-Todd Regatta
A day of fun where teams and individuals race 'boats' in the dry bed of the Todd River in Alice Springs Have fun and enjoy the hilarity as you watch seemingly sane people race in bottomless 'eights', 'oxford tubs', 'bath rubs' and 'yachts' through the deep coarse sand.
Desert Mob
Desert Mob is an Aboriginal art festival held in Alice Springs. It celebrates and defines a living art movement that is expressed through the heritage values of the oldest living culture in the world. The art is diverse and complicated, vibrant and intense, and reflects the expansive cultural landscape that is the inspiration of the stories.
Alice Springs Masters Games
09 - 16 October 2010
Alice Springs Masters Games are known as 'The Friendly Games', a unique event that enables mature-aged athletes to embrace the thrill of their favourite sport in a friendly environment.
Bonus Offer
The following FREE offers are available for travellers who make a holiday booking with a value of at least AU$300 per person with Territory Discoveries by 30 June 2010. Bonus offers are valid for travel until the end of June 2010. Browse our NT holiday deals, discuss your plans with our outback holiday experts and make the most of this incredible offer.
Choose from the following FREE offers
1. Alice Springs Airport Shuttle - free return ticket
2. Alice Wanderer Sightseeing - free tour
3. Alice Springs Reptile Centre - free entry
4. Alice Springs Desert Park - free entry
Conditions
Special Alice Springs Offers
Journey to the Rock!
Tour Includes: 3 nights 4.5 star accommodation in Alice Springs, Rainbow Valley Cultural Tour, Dot Painted Mountain Bike Experience, 5 days Campervan Hire with Britz, Desert Park Entry, Sounds of Silence Dinner, Dot Painting Workshop Self-Drive. More
Ghan Central Explorer
Tour Includes: 3 nights 4.5 star accommodation Alice Springs, 3 day car hire including unlimited kilometres, 1 hour Camel Ride, The Didgeridoo Outback Dinner and Show, Amazing Alice Pass Gold Service Sleeper on the Ghan including 1 night sleeper & all meals on board - Alice Springs to Darwin... More
Comfy Camping
Tour Includes: 3 nights 4.5 star accommodation in Alice Springs, Alice Springs Desert Park Entry, 3 day Goanna Dreaming 4WD Safari, most meals, swags and camping equipment, experienced tour guide, guided walks, accommodation transfers and national park fees. More
