DESTINATION

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is cradled within the impressive MacDonnell Ranges, the traditional land of the Arrernte people to whom we pay our respects.

The ranges glow with golden light at dawn and dusk, and the mighty River Red Gums stand sentinel along the usually dry Todd River as it wends through the town. Its nearby surrounds hold a diversity of local native flora, and the streets, parks and gardens are full of native plants.

Just like the environment, the people of Alice Springs are very diverse with many traditional cultural groups and people from all around the world making it home.

It is a vibrant town with festivals, events, museums and art galleries showcasing both indigenous and non-indigenous histories.

The flora and fauna of central Australia will be showcased on our town afternoon outings to Olive Pink Botanic Garden and Alice Springs Desert Park.

Getting to Alice Springs

Alice Springs is located almost precisely in the geographical centre of Australia; it is a thriving, modern community of 28,000 Territorians, this makes it easily accessible from everywhere in Australia, with a flight time of under 3 hours from all mainland capital cities.

You can fly to Alice Springs on a QantasLink flight from Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin. Please visit the Alice Springs Airport website for a schedule of flights into Alice Springs.

  • Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is located 10 minutes out of Alice Springs town centre.

  • There is an airport shuttle service into town that is available to book at the airport or online prior to your arrival

  • There are taxis and hire cars available at the airport or in town

For true romantics, there’s no better way to get to Alice Springs than on a three-day train journey aboard the Ghan, which runs from Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin.

Alice Springs offers three bus routes that operate between Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays). However, the best way to get around is by car, bike or on foot.

Central Australia

The arid and semi-arid areas cover roughly 70 per cent of Australia. The landscapes are many and varied with rugged ranges, long parallel sand dunes, sweeping sand and gibber plains, ephemeral lakes and meandering watercourses. The geology and form of the landscape play a big role in defining soil types and the types of vegetation that can grow.

The MacDonnell Ranges are at the centre with numerous others spread throughout the region. Beyond the ranges, much of the country is flat or undulating with grassy plains, sand dunes, clay pans, salt lakes and stony plains occasionally divided by sandy river beds.

Some of the natural features to explore are Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Watarrka (Kings Canyon) National Parks, the many gorges, waterholes and gaps, and the open and forever-changing expanses. There are places to camp and relax; and there are many trails for hikers, such as the 130 km Larapinta Trail through the West MacDonnell Ranges, the walks around Uluru and Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.

Visiting Alice Springs

The weather in August can vary significantly with winter sometimes holding on or the warmth of spring can be in the air. At this time of year, it is usually described as ‘Just beautiful!’.

The conference events and excursions will be outdoor, so bring some warm clothes in case you have to rug up.

Alice Springs, despite what is said in the media, is a fascinating place to live and visit. As with many places in Australia and around the world, it does have its fair share of troubles. As you would do anywhere, keep your personal items with you or stored safely, and should you venture out, go with a friend or in a group, and avoid wandering after dark.

Sightseeing

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, Alice Springs is a vibrant outback town brimming with culture, history, and natural wonders. It’s the perfect base for exploring some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes, while offering unique experiences in its own right.

Start your visit by delving into the region’s rich Aboriginal culture and history at the Alice Springs Desert Park or the Araluen Cultural Precinct, where art galleries and museums showcase the traditions and stories of the Arrernte people. The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is another must-see, offering scenic walking trails and a peaceful spot to enjoy native flora. For a hands-on wildlife encounter, head to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can meet some of the desert’s fascinating creatures.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring the MacDonnell Ranges, which stretch out to the east and west of Alice Springs. The ranges are filled with dramatic gorges, waterholes, and walking trails. Highlights include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, and Ormiston Gorge—perfect for a refreshing swim or a photo-worthy hike. Keen hikers can tackle parts of the Larapinta Trail, one of Australia’s premier long-distance walks, offering breathtaking views of the rugged terrain.

No trip to Alice Springs is complete without a visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, around five hours’ drive away. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the iconic Uluru, a sacred sandstone monolith, and the striking domes of Kata Tjuta. Sunrise and sunset here are unforgettable experiences, with the rock’s colors shifting dramatically in the changing light.

Back in town, don’t miss the quirky local attractions like the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum or the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, which marks the town’s origins. Adventurous visitors can take to the skies in a hot air balloon for panoramic views of the desert or opt for a camel ride to experience travel as the early explorers did.