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Alice Springs

Located just 200 kilometres from the geographical centre of Australia is the outback town of Alice Springs, affectionately known as ‘Alice’.

There’s plenty to see and do in and around this isolated town; visit the home of unique outback community services the Royal Flying Doctor Service and School of the Air, wander through the town centre where you’ll find local Aboriginal art on display and meet friendly locals who’ll share their amazing stories about life in the outback.

The historic Telegraph Station is a must-see on a visit to Alice Springs. Built in 1872 as part of the Overland Telegraph line linking Adelaide to Darwin and Australia to the world, it’s a window into Australia’s pioneering past.

Alice Springs is bordered by the rugged MacDonnell Ranges and has a range of incredible Red Centre experiences right on its doorstep. Follow the Red Centre Way from Alice Springs to the remote Aboriginal community of Hermannsburg and you’ll witness the landscapes that inspired renowned Australian artist Albert Namatjira, who was born in this former German missionary town.

Travel further west through the breathtaking desert terrain of the West MacDonnell Ranges and you’ll discover unique natural wonders like Standley Chasm and Palm Valley, an oasis of palm trees in the rugged surroundings of Finke Gorge National Park.

Alice is also a gateway to some of Australia’s most iconic destinations including Uluṟu (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuṯa (the Olgas) and Kings Canyon and is part of the famous rail journey on The Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin.

Hermannsburg Aboriginal Community
For an insight into life in a remote Aboriginal community a visit to Hermannsburg is a must. A two and half hour drive west of Alice Springs, this outback community is best known as the birthplace of acclaimed Aboriginal watercolour artist Albert Namatjira. Travelling through the West MacDonnell Ranges it’s easy to see how this region inspired some of his greatest works.
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Palm Valley (Alice)
West of Alice Springs is the Finke Gorge National Park and the outback oasis of Palm Valley. Accessible only by 4WD from Hermannsburg via the dry bed of the Finke River, this lush valley is the only place in Central Australia where red cabbage palms can survive.
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Royal Flying Doctor Service
The Royal Flying Doctor Service is a not-for-profit organisation providing aero-medical care and emergency service to people living in remote areas across Australia.
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School of the Air
The Alice Springs School of the Air is a correspondence school for primary school aged children living in remote Central Australian communities and properties. The school was established in 1951 and used the radio equipment of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Alice Springs to make radio broadcasts to children throughout the region.
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The Telegraph Station
The historic Telegraph Station is a must-see on a visit to Alice Springs. Built in 1872 as part of the Overland Telegraph line linking Adelaide to Darwin and Australia to the world, it’s a window into Australia’s pioneering past.
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Palm Valley
West of Alice Springs is the Finke Gorge National Park and the outback oasis of Palm Valley. Accessible only by 4WD from Hermannsburg via the dry bed of the Finke River, this lush valley is the only place in Central Australia where red cabbage palms can survive.
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West MacDonnell Ranges
Alice Springs is flanked to the east and west by the rugged and ancient MacDonnell Ranges which stretch for 644 kilometres either side of the town. Venture west of Alice Springs through the breathtaking desert terrain of the West MacDonnell Ranges and you’ll discover how over time, erosion has created incredible gorges and gaps along the ranges that are just waiting to be explored.
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