Alice Springs

The heart of Australia’s Red Centre lies in Alice Springs. Scratch the surface of the Northern Territory’s red-dirt dominion because there’s another world to unveil.

With big skies and even bigger local personalities, Alice (as it’s known at home) lets loose. The landscape inspires both ancient and contemporary arts, which vibrate in galleries and studios across town. Venture into Alice Springs’ outback and discover the lay of the land on foot, on horseback or in a dusty four-wheel drive. The pastel-hued mountains that ring the town soon give way to some of Australia’s most stirring scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alice Springs

What is Alice Springs known for?

Alice Springs is the gateway to the Red Centre, a popular launching point for trips to Ayers Rock (aka Uluru) and the surrounding areas. Trek Kings Canyon, ride a camel across the Simpson Desert dunes and admire Aboriginal art. If you're looking for outback adventures, you've come to the right place!

How far is Ayers Rock from Alice Springs?

Alice Springs is about a 5-6 hour drive from the famous rock formation Uluru (also knows as Ayers Rock). You definitely shouldn't rush the trip, though, because this is the journey of a lifetime. Hop on the Red Centre Way, which loops down through Uluru and back to Alice Springs and shows you plenty of stunning scenery along the way.

Who is Alice Springs named after?

Alice Springs is named after the wife of Sir Charles Todd, former Superintendent of Telegraphs. Sound strange? Not when you learn that the town began as a telegraph station called Stuart, after Australia's most famous explorer, John McDouall Stuart. At first, only the town's watering hole was called "Alice Springs", but this name was given to the whole town in 1933 after it was linked to the railway.