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.

Alice Springs Convention Centre

The Alice Springs Convention Centre is located at 93 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs, NT, Australia.

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.