Alice Springs is just as far away from any beach, as it is close… or so they say. Here we do ‘beaches’ Red Centre style.
Alice Springs will surprise and delight you with lots of activities right at your doorstep. Think swimming holes, awesome rocky landscapes, amazing wildlife and great foodie hangouts. Consider timing your visit with one of the quirky festivals like the Beanie Festival or the Henley on Todd Regatta – you definitely won’t regret it.
Day 1: Alice Springs
Once you arrive in Alice, hire a car and head straight out to Simpsons Gap. Catch the sun going down and be in awe of the changing colours of the rocks. The easy walk to Simpsons Gap is a pleasant one. Keep your eyes out for the local wildlife hanging out on the rock ledges.
Simpsons Gap
West MacDonnell Ranges
Ormiston Gorge
Days 2 & 3: Alice Springs & West MacDonnell Ranges
The next couple of days are yours to explore in and around Alice Springs. There are plenty of places within an easy drive distance. We highly recommend you explore the West MacDonnell Ranges and all the waterholes in between. Our favourites include Glen Helen, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. Venture further and you’ll be rewarded with cool waters at Redbank Gorge.
You could also choose to drive out to the Hermannsburg historic precinct, just over an hour’s drive, and discover the history behind this settlement and the importance that it holds today.
Redbank Gorge
Glen Helen Gorge
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Day 4: Alice Springs
You can’t visit Alice without an early morning hot air balloon experience. With beautiful clear blue skies, red desert for days, and amazing views, the best way to see Alice and surrounds is from the peaceful floating sensation of a hot air balloon.
Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.
Alice Springs School of the Air was established in 1951, pioneering HF radio as a way of delivering education to some of Australia’s most remote students.
For a unique Red Centre experience, wake before dawn and rise quietly into the fresh morning air in a hot air balloon. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscapes and wildlife.
For a unique Red Centre experience, wake before dawn and rise quietly into the fresh morning air in a hot air balloon. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscapes and wildlife.