A Soulful Guide to Alice Springs
Located in the centre of Australia’s vast outback is Alice Springs. This town offers many activities to connect with the Country, surrounded by desert plains and mountain ranges. From viewing Aboriginal art that tell stories of the Dreamtime, to absorbing the Northern Territory’s natural beauty with a hot air balloon ride or day trip to Uluru, Alice Springs is the gateway to Australia’s rich ancient culture.
In Town
Immerse yourself in Aboriginal Art on the Desert Art Trail
Aboriginal Art is quite possibly the world’s oldest artform dating back 80,000 years. Following the Desert Art Trail in Alice Springs offers a variety of opportunities to view these sacred designs. Try the Araluen Arts Centre, home to several galleries of Central Australian Aboriginal Art that hold thousands of pieces, as well as frequent exhibitions and events.
Head over to Wilkinson Street to see the beautiful baskets and sculptures made by the Tjanpi Desert Weavers, or try Fogarty Street to view sculptures, fabrics and jewellery made from recycled materials by Tangentyere Artists. You’ll find art in other places, when simply strolling through town too.
Meet the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park
Alice Springs Desert Park is a great place to spend the day seeing and learning about native wildlife and plants that call the desert outback home. From the tiny Bilby that comes alive on nocturnal tours, to the Wedge-tailed eagle that puts on a spectacular show in flight, the park is a delight to visit year round.
View the dazzling Milky Way at the Earth Sanctuary
Being isolated from the city light pollution has its advantages, and a trip to the Earth Sanctuary 15 minutes outside of Alice Springs is a great way to do so. Enjoy unobstructed views of the night sky on a tour, where star constellations and planets will be pointed out by an experienced guide.
Outside of Town
Soar above the outback in a Hot Air Balloon
See an ever expanding outback coated in the morning sunlight from the skies. Hot air ballooning in Alice Springs offers stunning views of native flora, fauna and big red kangaroos. Additionally, see and the iconic West MacDonnell Ranges, home of the iconic Larapinta trail.
This unforgettable experience is capped off with a morning cocktail and light refreshments amongst the bush.
Discover Uluru, the sacred heart of the Red Centre
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is Australia’s most iconic landmark and a world-renowned natural wonder. The sandstone monolith is approximately 550 million years old. The local Anangu people regard the surrounding landscape as a sacred site where earth and memories coexist.
A day trip here will allow you to circumnavigate its base, and discover its towering walls, rock art sites, tranquil waterholes and hidden caves. Viewing Uluru’s colours change before your eyes at sunset, is a sight we hope everyone can experience one day.
Venture to Palm Valley and its surroundings
Palm Valley is home to a variety of sandstone pinnacles, amphitheatres and gorges, and it is a treat to explore. Wander alongside Red Cabbage Palm Trees and see the unique wildlife of the Finke Gorge National Park. As you drive, see the scenic Finke River, one of the world’s oldest watercourses
Make sure to stop by the Aboriginal Community of Hermannsburg, renowned for its Aboriginal art collection from the likes of the famous Albert Namatjira