Alice Springs - Northern Territory

Population - 27,000

Situated almost in the centre of Australia, 1650 km south of Darwin, in the Northern Territory and 1600 north of Adelaide in South Australia, Alice Springs is the only city in Central Australia. In fact Alice Springs has the second largst population in the Northern Territory. The Alice as Alice Springs is commonly known, especially by locals is a thriving community of around 27,000 permanent residents, a number that fluctuates with the ebb and flow of the tourist season. The city nestles in a gap in the Macdonnel Ranges, with rugged rock formations as backdrops to most views, and is a very livable small city with all of the modern conveniences of a modern city, but an outback town feel.

The first European discovery of the area was by John McDoullStuart and his exploring party, in 1860 on his second expedition to cross Australia from the south to the north. He and his party again passed through the MacDonnell Ranges in 1861 on his third expedition, which lead to his successful crossing of the continent and his return south in 1862. Within 10 years the Overland Telegraph Line had been connected through Central Australia and had followed much of Stuarts expeditions path. It was the Overland Telegraph Line that resulted in the settlement of the area and to the founding of a town in Central Australia, and that town was to eventually become known as Alice Springs. To begin with the original name for the telegraph repeater station built in the gap in the MacDonnell Ranges, was Stuart Repeater Station and a small semipermanent waterhole nearby that supplied water for the telegraph operators and linesmen was named Alice Springs after Alice Todd, wife of the Post Master General of South Australia and instigator of the Overland Telegraph project, Charles Todd. A large dry riverbed nearby was named the Todd River after him as well. The Telegraph Station soon became known as the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and had its name offically changed to that.

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station was soon to become a central point at which explorers, pioneer pastoralists and prospectors would congregate, and the discovery of the Arltunga Goldfield, about 100km east of the telegraph line, in 1887, lead to a rush of men to the field, which was the first major influx of Europeans into the area. To bring supplies into the golfields and to the Telagraph Stations, Afghan cameleers would trudge for weeks on end from the railhead at Oodnadatta. These so called Afghans or ‘Ghans’ were not from Afghanistan at all, in fact they were immigrants from the Pathan tribes, who originated in the North-West frontier of the then British India ( which is now Pakistan). This was the beginning of the boom for Central Australia, and soon the small community at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, was joined by a town about a mile away on the banks of the Todd River. The town was named Stuart, and remained so until the 1930's when there was so much confusion amongst the administration in Adelaide that it was decided that the town and the telegraph station should have the same name and in 1933 the town of Stuart became Alice Springs. There is still a suburb called Stuart to carry the name of one of Australia’s greatest explorers.

Accommodation

Alice Springs has a great variety of accommodation options. Most levels are catered for, including caravan parks and cabins, hotels, motels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, backpacker hostels, and resorts.

Whatever your style, you'll find a great place to stay in Alice Springs.

Tours around Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a tourism hub. There are hundreds of tour options in and around the Alice.

Whatever your style, you'll find a great Tour in Alice Springs.

Things To See and Do

There are so many Things To See and Do in and around Alice Springs.

Start with a visit to the Visitor Centre

Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre

60 Gregory Terrace
Alice Springs
Northern Territory,
PO Box 0870
Alice Springs
Northern Territory, 0871
Phone 1800 645 199 or (08) 8952 5800
Fax (08) 8953 0295
Email: visinfo@tourismca.asn.au
http://www.centralaustraliantourism.com/

Alice Springs has a lot of interesting attractions to suit everyone. The centre of town is a good place to start.

• Todd Mall
  Todd Mall is a pedestrian mall with a large number of shops, galleries and cafes. Souvenir hunters will find plenty of options and there are many art galleries of both Aboriginal Art and European Art in and around the town centre. Landscapes in Central Australia draw large numbers of artists to try to capture the beauty and power of the place. The Mbantua Art Gallery and Cultural Museum in Todd Mall is home to one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art in Australia, over 1,500 square metres of fabulous displays, with more than 200 Aboriginals artists represented, and specialises in indigenous art from the Utopia region of Central Australia. The Mbantua Cultural Museum, on the second floor of the Gallery, has many displays and information on the customs and lifestyle of the Aboriginal people. The museum also houses an exhibition on the life and works of famous artist Emily Kame.
• Adelaide House
  In the centre of the mall in a small park is Adelaide House, one of the earliest buildings in Alice Springs, designed by Reverend John Flynn and built in 1920 to be the Australian Inland Mission Hospital. Adelaide House is now a museum where You can learn the story of Reverend John Flynn, see what it was like for the Bush Nurses of the Australian Inland Mission and even see a Traeger Pedal Radio, all of which were brought about because of Flynn’s dream for “a Mantle of Safety.”
• John Flynn Memorial Uniting Church
  In the same park as Adelaide House is the John Flynn Memorial Uniting Church which was built in 1955-6. Built after Flynns’ death, the design was a result of a national architectural competition incorporating passive cooling, and local and national symbolism in its design. It was opened by Prime Minister Robert Menzies in 1956, and commenced another of John Flynn’s dreams that a cathedral be built in Central Australia where people of all faiths could worship.
• Anzac Hill
  At the northern end of the main shopping precinct is Anzac Hill, possibly Alice Springs’ most visited landmark. You can drive up via Schwarz Crescent to the car park or walk up the steps from Wills Terrace. From the War Memorial at the top of the hill you get a panoramic view of the town and the majestic East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Anzac Hill is best visited in the morning, as the sun peeks over the landscape.
• RFDS
  The Royal Flying Doctor Service or RFDS Base on Stuart Terrace, not far from the centre of town, was another part of Reverend John Flynn’s dream. The Royal Flying Doctor Service looks after an area of more than 7 million square kilometres, that’s larger than Western Europe, with 27 bases and 51 aircraft operating Australia wide. Flynn’s Aerial Service took to the skies on the 5th of May 1928 to help sick and injured outback people, with help from famous pioneer aviator Hudson Fysh and Alfred Traeger’s invention of the pedal radio. The fine heritage buildings of the Alice Springs base were originally built in 1939, and today You can join a guided tour that is very informative about the great work done by the RFDS personnel and wander through the interactive museum at your leisure.
• School Of The Air
  Another part of Reverend John Flynn’s grand dreams was launched after his death and continues to this day. A uniquely Australian response to the challenge of providing education in a vast, sparsely populated country, the Alice Springs School of the Air was officially opened in 1951. Teachers have been delivering regular lessons to pupils throughout the outback via HF radio practically ever since. The introduction of satellite internet technology has been a huge step forward enabling a video-conferencing style of teacher-pupil interaction. See how the teachers, students and parents involved in this great programme have utilized the technology throughout the years in what is very much ‘The World’s Largest Classroom’. The Alice Springs School of the Air is based at 80 Head St.
• Fred McKay Museum
  Another of Central Australia’s inspirational outback heroes was Rev Fred McKay. The Fred McKay Museum is located in the Fred McKay Education Centre at St Phillip's College on Schwarz Cres. You can learn more about his work in the development of hospitals, medical services, and hostels for school children and his support of bush mothers. Also explore 'Voices from the Heart' - a project which shares insights into who and how people live in the outback and what makes them tick. There are stories told by indigenous and white Australians about their own experiences, of ordinary people who achieved extraordinary success against huge challenges. Take the five minute Silent Walk to the Fred and Meg McKay Peace Garden, resting place of Fred and Meg McKay, which is adjacent to the Swag Chapel which was hand built by students and staff.
• Alice Springs Telegraph Station
  The Alice Springs Telegraph Station Complex is situated 4km north of the town centre along the North Stuart Highway, by turning east into Heritage Drive. This is where in 1872 European settlement in the Alice Springs area all began. The Alice Springs Telegraph Station is the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line, the original stone buildings have been restored and set up to be the way they were when the men of the Overland Telegraph worked here, relaying messages across Australia between Adelaide and Darwin and across the world. The collection of original 1900’s style furniture and other items is excellent, bringing the buildings to life. With its magnificent setting amongst the scenery of the MacDonnell Ranges, the historical reserve also offers opportunities for walking, picnicing and wildlife observation. It is also possible to walk or cycle along the excellent track from the town centre along the Todd River. The Telegraph Station is open daily from 8am to 5.30pm.
• The Residency
  Situated on the corner of Parsons and Hartley Streets, The Residency, constructed in 1928, has become a tangible symbol of the brief independence and Vice Regal power Central Australia once had from the Northern Territory. The building is a good example of adaptation to life in an arid environment, and also represents a unique reminder of the regional response to Government and administration that recognised differences in the Territory which are no longer apparent in this age of increased communications, technology and transport. Almost all individuals who have been resident in the building, or who have had occasion to be official guests, including Queen Elizabeth II, have had a significant impact on Northern Territory history. Although closed during December, January and February, the Residency is worth a visit.
• Hartley Street School
  In 1930 a school was set up on Hartley Street cater for the increasing population resulting from the town's status as a railway terminal. As enrolments increased over the next decade continual overcrowding lead to a kindergarten and classroom, designed by the architect, B.C.G. Burnett, to be constructed in 1945. The wooden floors and distinctive octagonal shape of the new addition with its adjacent classroom provide a great contrast with the concrete floored, simple design of the earlier construction. On 20 September 1950, the first broadcast of the School of the Air was made from a small studio at the school. In 1953, students of secondary level and four teachers were moved to a new school under construction at the base of Anzac Hill. By 1964, the school was earmarked for closure as the first three grades had already been moved to the new school at Traeger Park with the last remaining pupils transferring in 1965. The museum is open Monday to Friday at 39 Hartley Street.
• Araluen Cultural Precinct
  An outstanding opportunity to experience a wide range of cultural and historical attractions is available at the Araluen Cultural Precinct. The complex hosts several major museums, cultural sites and galleries.
  • Araluen Arts Centre
    The Arts Centre includes the Albert Namatjira Gallery, with paintings by the famous Hermannsburg painter Albert Namatjira, and members of his circle of painting friends and family. The Centre also has a performing arts section where live performances are held.
  • Museum of Central Australia
    This is a well presented natural history museum focussing mainly on the Central Australian region. Take a journey through the fascinating evolution of Central Australia from the big bang to ancient rocks containing the earliest traces of life and evidence of a great inland sea. Follow the development of the landscape and local mega-fauna to the more familiar mammals, reptiles and insects found today. The museum features a replica of a local paleontological dig, an ancient waterhole with some surprising mega-fauna including a giant freshwater crocodile and the largest bird that ever lived, Dromornis Stirtoni, dated at eight million years.
  • Strehlow Research Centre
    The Strehlow Research Centre is the place to discover the history of the local Aboriginal culture. Originally started with the works of Ted Strehlow, working with the Elders of the Arrente People, this collection of information is possibly the best preserved history of a people with no written history.
  • Yeperenye Sculpture
    The Yeperenye Sculpture is an exciting project of collaborative public art work that celebrates the Yeperenye (Ayepe-arenye) caterpillar, the most important of the three caterpillars that are the major creative ancestors of Alice Springs. The three metre high Yeperenye sculpture includes information and artworks detailing the caterpillar’s habitat, life cycle and cultural significance.
  • Two Women Dreaming Track
    This walk around the precinct includes seven registered sacred sites and trees of significance.
  • Central Craft
    Housed in the building that was originally the single staff quarters and mess for Connellan Airways employees, is the Central Craft Studios. In the studio you can watch and talk to the artists at work, before exploring the shop where local art and craft is sold. There’s a diverse range of crafts including jewellery, pottery, weaving, printed silk and woodwork.
  • Central Australian Aviation Museum
    The precinct was once home to Eddie Connellan, a pioneer of aviation in the Northern Territory, and his home, the Connellan, or Araluen Homestead has been restored. The Central Australian Aviation Museum is housed in the original Connellan Airways hangar on the site of Alice Springs’ first air strip, and includes two of the early flying doctor aircraft, and a history of Connellan Airways’ role as the operator of aircraft for the Royal Flying Doctor Service from 1939 to 1973. There is also a restored DC3 and other historical aircraft and aviation memorabilia, including the remains of the ‘Kookaburra’, where You can learn the tragic story of its crew who perished in the Tanami Desert searching for Kingsford-Smith, the famous Australian Aviator.
  • Alice Springs Memorial Cemetery
    This is the site of the original Memorial Cemetery, founded in 1932, where many Pioneers of Alice Springs are buried.
• Stuart Town Cemetery
  The Stuart Town cemetery in George Terrace was the town’s first, with the first grave dating from 1889 and the last in 1932 when the Memorial cemetery was opened. Unfortunately only 7 marked graves remain, although over 100 people were buried there. Some 40 names are known. Visit the excellent site www.wilmap.com.au/atts/stuart_cemetery.html for more information.
• Alice Springs Desert Park
  For a taste of the amazing diversity of the deserts animals, plants and Indigenous culture, take a visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park. The Desert Park on Larapinta Drive has a very large collection of local Fauna with a Nocturnal House, Birds Of Prey Live Demonstrations, and Guided Tours with local Indigenous Guides who can teach You about how their ancestors lived and survived in the region. All of this is set in a well laid out complex with representative habitats and an incredible range of native Flora.
• Alice Springs Reptile Centre
  place to experience Australian fauna is the Alice Springs Reptile Centre on Stuart Terrace. This is the place to meet and understand these amazing creatures. See huge Perentie Goannas, Frill Neck Lizards or Thorny Devils, and some of the world’s most venomous snakes such as the Inland Taipan, Brown Snake, Death Adder and Mulga or King Brown Snake, in a safe environment.
• Olive Pink Botanic Garden
  For those who find plants interesting, especially the diversity that we find in the desert regions, or those who just like to relax amongst beautiful parks, then a visit to the 16 hectare Olive Pink Botanic Gardens is a must. Founded by Miss Olive Pink, who was an anthropologist, Aboriginal rights campaigner, an artist who painted desert wildflowers was the instigator and first curator of this wonderful garden reserve on Tuncks Road. The botanic gardens were gazetted in 1956, and curated by Olive Pink and Warlpiri gardener, Johnny Jambijinpa Yannarilyi, who planted groves of mulgas and rows of bean trees, river red gums and many other native plants. The Gardens are a very well laid out collection of over 250 Central Australian plant species along beautiful walking paths amongst typical local scenery. The gardens come alive with wildflowers after heavy rains and attract many species of butterflies and birds. Euros (hill kangaroos) and the threatened black-footed rock-wallaby are also often seen browsing amongst the plants, as are many other types of wildlife. There are also very good shaded picnic shelters, a cafe and gift shop and an informative interpretation centre.
• CAAMA Visitor Centre
  For music lovers the CAAMA Visitor Centre at 101 Todd Street, has both a static and an interactive exhibit giving visitors a brief history of Indigenous media in Australia. The CAAMA display, including 'Satellite Dreaming', tells the story of its humble beginnings and gives a glimpse of the Aboriginal media association in operation, and acknowledges the creative achievement of many Aboriginal people and communities over a vast geographical area.
• Stuart Town Gaol
  Stuart Town Gaol on Parsons Street was constructed by local builders between 1907 and 1909, along with the police station, after the former site on the southern side of Heavitree Gap was abandoned due to inadequate facilities and occasional flooding by the Todd River. The Stuart Town Gaol was closed in 1938 and used by the police for storage until it was earmarked for demolition in 1973 for the building of a new Supreme Court. Instead it was incorporated into the precinct and restored. A visit is an excellent way to appreciate the principal characteristics of early prisons and their construction in remote areas, with their harsh, but basically functional design, which reflects community attitudes towards imprisonment at the turn of the century.
• National Pioneer Women’s Hall Of Fame
  The National Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame, based at the Old Alice Springs Gaol, on Stuart Terrace. Founded in 1993 by a Central Australian pioneer Molly Clark from Old Andado Station, the Hall of Fame has a great collection of stories, memorabilia and portraits celebrating the work, hardships, lifestyles and triumphs of pioneering women throughout Australia. A pioneer woman is any woman who is a pioneer in her chosen field, referring not only to the traditional meaning of the word – a colonist, explorer or settler in a new land – but to anyone who is an innovator or developer of something new. With permanent exhibitions including ‘Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Lives – Women First in Their Field’, the Signature Quilt, ‘Women at the Heart’ (Central Australia’, ‘Women’s Work of Yesteryear’ and the Aviatrix Tapestry, the Hall of Fame is a wonderful testimonial to these great women who have shaped the world.
• Alice Springs RSL Military Museum
  Alice Springs RSL Military Museum is housed within the Alice Springs RSL Club. The museum is acknowledged as the most significant regional collection of war memorabilia in Australia, dating from circa 1854. The collection contains extensive displays from both World Wars, including a pictorial portrayal of Alice Springs at War. The centrepiece of the display is the motorised and or pedal power Quadricycle Gun Carriage.
• National Road Transport Hall of Fame
  Transport in the Outback has always been difficult and interesting. The National Road Transport Hall of Fame on Norris Bell Avenue, has an excellent collection of vintage heavy vehicles, most of which have had quirky modifications to suit the harsh environment they have worked in and all of which are host to the amazing stories behind them. From the camel strings of old to today’s modern roadtrains and stretchliner coaches, the Hall of Fame represents the trials and tribulations of our road transport pioneers.
• Old Ghan Heritage Museum
  Continuing the Transport theme, next door is the Old Ghan Heritage Museum which is dedicated to preserving the original ‘Ghan’ train that ran from Adelaide to Alice Springs. With Locomotives and carriages beautifully restored by the Ghan Preservation Society, and a large display of the history of the ‘Ghan’, the museum helps to bring back the romance of one of the world’s great rail journeys.
• Old Timers Traeger Museum
  Also nearby on South Stuart Highway is the Old Timers Traeger Museum that was originally opened in 1966. Stop in and meet the knowledgeable volunteers who staff the museum and learn about the evolution of transportation, communication and mining in Central Australia, and see the excellent collection of local memorabilia.
• Lasseters Hotel Casino
  For those who like a flutter, a meal or entertainment at all hours of the day then the Lasseters Hotel Casino may be a place for You. Situated on Barrett Drive the Casino is close to several Hotels and Resorts as well as having its own accommodation. Also nearby is the Alice Springs Golf Course.

Around The Alice

Whatever direction You choose from Alice Springs You’re Bound to find something of interest. Central Australia is home to some of Australia's most beautiful scenery.
Heading north towards Darwin along the North Stuart Highway, first leads You to the Tropic of Capricorn, then to the Devils Marbles, and then to Tennant Creek.
To the east of The Alice are the East MacDonnell Ranges, with highlights such as Emily Gap, Jessie Gap, Trephina Gorge, Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve, Ruby Gap Nature Park, N'Dhala Gorge Nature Park, and the Arltunga Goldfields. The West MacDonnell Ranges are best known for the large number of gorges and waterholes including Simpsons Gap, Stanley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen and Redbank Gorge. The 223km Larapinta Trail, one of the most interesting walking trails in Australia, wends its way through these spectacular rugged ranges. Southwest of Alice Springs are Hermannsburg, where the famous aboriginal painter, Albert Namatjira lived, Palm Valley with its tropical Corkscrew Palms and Cycads, the incredible remnant of an Asteroid impact at Gosse Bluff, and the breath taking Kings Canyon. South of Alice, there are several places of interest including Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve, Stuart Well with its Camel Farm, the photographically stunning Rainbow Valley, and further off the beaten track, Chambers Pillar. Of course Alice Springs is also the stepping off point for many on their way to Ayres Rock or Uluru and Kata Tjuta or the Olgas.

Alice Springs Events

Alice Springs is a town of exciting and different events. Below are the major ones.

• The Alice Springs Cup Carnival is the biggest horse racing event in town.
• Alice Springs Heritage Festival is a week of celebrations of the heritage of Alice Springs and Central Australia.
• For the petrol heads and bike fans the Tattersall's Finke Desert Race is one of Australia’s hardest off-road events for Bikes, Buggies and 4wds.
• The Alice Springs Beanie Festival is when the ordinary beanie becomes extraordinary. Get Your Beanie to The Alice in June.
• The famous and quirky Alice Springs Camel Cup is one of Australia's biggest camel races, attracting huge crowds, a fun carnival feel and the excitement of camel racing, this is a must see event!
• The country’s best top professional rough-riders hit Alice Springs for the Alice Springs Rodeo in August.
• One of the best known events is the world’s only boat race that gets called off if there is water in the river. The Henley on Todd Regatta is held in the bed of the dry Todd River, the boats have holes in the bottom so the competitors can run along the sands of the river bed.
• Desert Mob is an Aboriginal art gathering and festival. Share the story and history of the Aboriginal arts phenomenon in Central Australia.
• The Alice Desert Festival is a time to be inspired and entertained with the diversity of desert arts and the Central Australian lifestyle.

Visit our Events Calendar for more information.

Dining Out

Alice Springs has practically every type of dining experience You can think of. What ever You like,, Your bound to find it around The Alice.

Until the 1890’s, the population of Alice Springs was predominantly employees of the Overland Telegraph Line, the string of copper wire that had been run across the heart of the country from Adelaide to Darwin to keep the still young colony of Australia in touch with England, Europe and the world. It wasn’t until 1862 that the continent had been crossed by John McDoull Stuart, and within 10 years his tracks were to be used as the line for the Overland Telegraph. Because of the need to relay messages along the line, telegraph repeater stations were built. One of these was first named Stuart Telegraph Station which was situated by a small natural waterhole amongst the MacDonnell Ranges. A large dry river bed that flowed through the range area was named the Todd River after Sir Charles Todd, who at that time was the Post Master General of South Australia, although more importantly, it was his foresight, leadership and planning that had brought about the Overland Telegraph Line. The small waterhole was given the name Alice Springs after his wife.
The pastoralists followed the explorers and the Telegraph Line, taking up vast stretches of land. Then in 1887 the Arltunga Goldfield was discovered about 100km east of the telegraph station and the rush of men to the field was the first major influx of Europeans into the area. To bring supplies into the Centre, Afghan cameleers would trudge for weeks on end from the railhead at Oodnadatta. These so called Afghans or ‘Ghans’ were not from Afghanistan at all, in fact they were immigrants from the Pathan tribes, who originated in the North-West frontier of the then British India ( which is now Pakistan). This was the beginning of the boom for Central Australia, and soon the small community at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, was joined by a town about a mile away on the banks of the Todd River. The town was named Stuart, but by the 1930’s there was so much confusion amongst the administration in Adelaide that it was decided that the town and the telegraph station should have the same name and in 1933 the town of Stuart became Alice Springs. There is still a suburb called Stuart to carry the name of one of Australia’s greatest explorers.
The next big influx to Alice Springs came with the arrival of the railway from Port Augusta. The rail terminus had been at Oodnadatta since 1890, and all transport had been overland through the desert. Then in 1929 the rail was finally extended to Alice Springs, possibly the event most responsible for opening up the “Dead Heart” of Australia to any but the most adventurous. A new chapter to this rail story, was the completion of the Alice Springs to Darwin rail link in 2004.