Aboriginal Desert Art Gallery is one of Australia's largest Aboriginal art galleries. Located in the Todd Mall, Alice Springs, the gallery was established in 1985. Over 50 local Aboriginal artists are represented, and there is an extensive display of Aboriginal art on display. Travellers can visit to view unique, beautiful artworks, to either browse or purchase.
Journey to the heart of Alice Springs and be inspired by Rev John Flynn’s historic vision for the bush.
Designed by Flynn, Adelaide House is one of the earliest buildings in Alice Springs, built in 1920 by the Australian Inland Mission. As you step into the cool interior of this historic building situated in the heart of Todd Mall, you’ll step back in time. Wander the displays to learn Flynn’s story and the connection of the bush nursing hostel and the Traeger Pedal Radio, which brought health...
In the space of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets of the Central Australian deserts at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Hundreds of the species of plants and animals found across Central Australian deserts can be seen, smelt and heard at the Desert Park. You will even have the opportunity to experience desert habitats as they are at night, seeing some of the animals near impossible to see in the wild.
The Alice Springs Golf Club is one of the finest desert golf courses in the world. The manicured greens contrast vividly with the surrounding desert and MacDonnell Ranges. The course itself is challenging by virtue of the narrow fairways, which means that when you land in the rough, it truly is rough. The Alice Springs Golf Club is appointed with all the facilities one would expect of a top club including a golf pro shop, motorised buggies, a fully licensed clubhouse and a restaurant.
The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is the largest reptile display in the Northern Territory.
Come and visit the extensive range of reptiles, including the huge perentie goannas, frilled neck lizards, thorny devils and many other fascinating reptiles. Also on display are large and small pythons and some of the world’s most venomous snakes such as inland taipans, brown snakes, death adders, and mulga, otherwise known as king brown, snakes.
Do not miss the saltwater crocodile exhibit featuring un...
The Alice Springs War 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.
History, Lifestyle, Innovation – Immerse yourself in the distinctive history of Alice Springs School of the Air that dates back to 1951. Gain an insight to the lifestyles of its students and discover the innovative techniques making it possible for children living in remote central Australia to participate in school classes without having to travel vast distances everyday.
Take the opportunity to visit Alice Springs School of the Air and be inspired by what has been and continues to be one of t...
The township of Alice Springs obtained its name from the waterhole at this historic Telegraph Station. This historical reserve marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station is the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line.
The Telegraph Station features the original buildings of stone which have been restored with house furnishings and ar...
Visit the Alice Springs Turf Club, located at Pioneer Park Alice Springs. Horse racing has been part of the pioneering history of Alice Springs and today, 125 years after the first race meeting was conducted, Pioneer Park Racecourse offers race meetings 34 times per year. From April to May, the racecourse showcases Central Australian racing with the staging of the annual XXXX Gold Alice Springs Cup Carnival.
The most visited landmark in Alice Springs, Anzac Hill is the ideal spot for an overview of the town. The lookout offers a panoramic view of Alice Springs and the beautiful East and West MacDonnell Ranges. Anzac Hill has significance for the local Aboriginal people. The Anzac Hill Memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 (Anzac Day) and was originally dedicated to all those members of the armed services who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War I. It has now become a memorial to all thos...
The Araluen Arts Centre is the focal point of Alice Springs' performing and visual arts scene, incorporating galleries and a theatre. The galleries feature a program of exhibitions with a focus on Aboriginal art from Central Australia, and contemporary art by local and Australian artists. The Albert Namatjira Gallery displays a rotating selection of paintings by this famous Aboriginal artist, his descendants and contemporaries. The gallery also features early works from Papunya and the 'Hermanns...
The Araluen Cultural Precinct is home to some of Alice Springs premier cultural and historical experiences, encompassing performing and visual arts, the natural and social history of the region, Aboriginal art and culture.
The Precinct includes – the Araluen Arts Centre, incorporating the Albert Namatjira Gallery, the Museum of Central Australia, Strehlow Research Centre, Central Australian Aviation Museum, Alice Springs Memorial Cemetery, Central Craft Studios and the Yeperenye Sculpture.
Located 110 kilometres east of Alice Springs, the historic town of Arltunga was officially Central Australia's first town and once supported up to 3000 people. Arltunga was born out of a gold rush in 1887, when alluvial gold was discovered in a dry creek bed. Fortune seekers had to travel 600 kilometres from the Oodnadatta railhead, often on foot, to seek their fortune in a harsh environment. At the time, Alice Springs consisted of just the Overland Telegraph Station, and was little more than an...
Explore the Arunta Art Gallery and Book Shop, located in the Todd Mall, Alice Springs, and browse impressive displays of Aboriginal art and craft. A range of books, many by local authors, are also available.
The mood is easy and casual at the licensed Balloons Bistro located within the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs. The menus are varied and fresh, and the service attentive. Enjoy a variety of contemporary Australian cuisine, whilst overlooking the pool and landscape gardens. Balloons Bistro also offers both a continental and full American breakfast.
Feel like a fish out of water, the Barra on Todd Restaurants is Alice’s first seafood inspired restaurant. Come along and experience the stylish surrounds and contemporary cuisine. Barra on Todd’s menu pays homage to its namesake, with a variety of barramundi dishes, meat lovers and vegetarians haven't been forgotten either.
Enjoy a drink or catch up with friends at the Barra Poolside Bar.
Birthday Waterhole is the Trailhead for Sections 4 and 5 of the Larapinta Trail.
Large River Red Gums fringe Birthday Waterhole, this semi permanent river pool is an important ecological site that differs from the minor springs and seepages such as Mintbush Spring. Waterbirds are attracted to the waterhole due to the large numbers of Desert rainbow fish, frogs and aquatic invertebrates which inhabit it.
Camping is permitted and access is by high clearance four-wheel drive only.
Bojangles Saloon and Dining Room, located in Alice Springs, is just like a licensed museum. Grab a cold beer and wander around as you view Australia’s history through the vast collection of memorabilia on display. Offering warm Territory hospitality and great service, come along and excite your taste buds with some distinctive outback fare. Open every day of the year, Bojangles also broadcasts its own live radio show across the Territory via Sun FM radio, and around the world via the internet, e...
The CAAMA Visitor Centre is a static and 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.
Behind the scenes personal guided tours are also offered through the radio station at a small c...
Camels Australia, located 90 kilometres south of Alice Springs, is set on nine acres of natural bushland right at the foot of the magnificent James Ranges. Say hello to one of their friendly camels, take a short ride around the enclosure or browse through the interesting assortment of souvenirs and local Aboriginal art on display in their shop. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view while enjoying a cold drink and something to eat.
Dine in a relaxed atmosphere at the Casa Nostra Restaurant located in Alice Springs. Select from their delicious wide ranging menu of pizza, pasta or meat dishes, a genuine example of Italian cuisine, while enjoying their hospitality. The restaurant is 'bring your own' alcohol.
The fully licensed Cat's Tango offers modern Australian cuisein and a room with a view. Their friendly, professional staff will welcome you to Alice Springs, the heart of the Red Centre.
The Central Australian Aviation Museum is located on Memorial Avenue, Alice Springs, on the western edge of the north-south runway of the original aerodrome. Police and prison labour cleared the runway in 1920 with the first aircraft landing in 1921. The use of aircraft to deliver mail and supplies to isolated cattle stations was a major factor in opening up the Territory. Connellan Airways operated the aircraft for the Royal Flying Doctor Service between 1939 and 1973, making over 5,000 emergen...
Located in the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct, and now the headquarters of Central Craft Alice Springs division, the historic Central Craft building was originally the single staff quarters and mess for the employees of Connellan Airways. Tour the studio and talk to the artisans who come to create on a regular basis. Pottery, weaving, silk screen printing and woodwork are among the crafts to see. There is also a display of locally made arts and crafts for sale.
The small Central Mount Stuart Historical Reserve, 212 kilometres north of Alice Springs along the Stuart Highway, commemorates the discovery in 1860 of nthe centre of Australia by explorer John McDouall Stuart. The mountain nearby is named Central Mount Stuart and is approximately the geographic centre of Australia.
Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve, located 160 kilometres from Alice Springs, is home to Chambers Pillar, a spectacular solitary column towering 40 metres above the Simpson Desert plain. Chambers Pillar was formed from sandstone deposited and worn down over 340 million years. This landmark was very important in guiding the region’s earliest pioneers and is at its spectacular best at sunrise and sunset. John MacDouall Stuart, heading north on his earliest attempt to cross Australia, first record...
The Coolamon Cafe located within the Alice Springs Desert Park offers a full cafe dining experience. Views of the picturesque West MacDonnell Ranges and the sounds of the native birds and wildlife await you, as you sit back and relax. Choose from a wide range of hot or cold buffets, sandwiches, rolls, pastries and cakes with great espresso coffee and teas, fresh juices and cool drinks. The cafe is licensed from 11.30am daily with a range of wine and beer available.
As the name suggests, this site is of great significance to local Aboriginal people, as are many of the sites in the MacDonnell Ranges. The real significance of the rocky outcrop to the Eastern Arrernte people is not well known. Corroboree Rock was probably not a corroboree site, but a site where men carried out important ceremonial activities. Information signs and a short walk help you appreciate the area. It is an easy stopover, on your way to other East MacDonnell parks such as Trephina Gorg...
High red cliffs, a large waterhole and a sandy creek fringed by gums make this one of the most popular and picturesque picnicking spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Much more than just a popular place for the locals to take a refreshing dip, Ellery Creek Big Hole is also recognised as an internationally significant geological site. A three kilometre Dolomite walk provides an opportunity for visitors to explore some of the interesting formations. The West MacDonnell Ranges are the source of the...
Explore Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, 10 kilometres east of Alice Springs. Emily and Jessie Gaps are perhaps the first noticeable features of the East MacDonnell Ranges. Home to interesting Aboriginal paintings, the gaps are important spiritual sites to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Many places in the landscape are associated with the same Dreamtime story, forming a dreaming trail. Emily and Jessie Gaps are associated with the caterpillar trail. Emily Gap is where the caterpillar ...
Gain insight into an ancient culture as you explore the small, six hectare Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve, 39 kilometres south of Alice Springs. The Reserve protects rock engravings or petroglyphs, which are a valuable link to the activities of early Arrernte Aboriginal people. Here outcrops of soft sandstone beside a small claypan, form natural galleries for petroglyphs featuring a great variety of symbols or motifs. Much of the meaning of the petroglyphs is sacred. It is easy to i...
The Explorer’s Way bisects the Australian continent from Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north. It covers over 3,000 kilometres and follows the corridor blazed in the 1860s by explorer John McDouall Stuart for the ‘Overland Telegraph’ that eventually linked Melbourne to London.
On this drive, you’ll pass through the Central Australian desert, fertile dark soil plains of the Barkly Tablelands, Savannah woodlands and lush tropical forests surrounding Darwin.
Be inspired by the story of an outback ‘hero’, Rev Fred McKay. The displays tell the story of Fred, a much loved and highly respected friend of the many people who lived and came to pioneer new lifestyles in the outback and his involvement with the development of hospitals, medical services, hostels for school children and bush mothers.
The Voices from the Heart project, provides Australians and overseas visitors insights into who and how people live in the outback and what makes them ‘tick’. ...
The Frontier Camel Farm provides a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with a camel. Take a short ride atop one of these remarkable animals, see their amusing personalities and peculiarities, and hear their fascinating history and how they played such a vital role in the exploration and development of Central Australia. Enjoy a stroll through the camel museum and see various historical pieces, informative displays and photos. Browse through the colourful camel shop and purchase a memen...
Recognised as one of Australia’s leading Indigenous art galleries since 1990, Gallery Gondwana, located in Todd Mall, Alice Springs, sources work from leading established and emerging artists from Australia and the South Pacific. Gallery Gondwana showcases fine art in the mediums of painting, works on paper, fibre, glass, metal and wood.
At the gateway to the Central Australian gem fields and 140 kilometres north east of Alice Springs on the Plenty Highway, Gemtree, a quiet bush caravan park, is nestled alongside the Gillen Creek in attractive natural mulga country. The billabong at the entry to the park attracts a wide variety of birdlife and the 100 hectare property has a popular nature trail along which many plant species have been identified. Gemtree's gem room and gallery display a selection of gems, jewellery and minerals ...
The West MacDonnell Ranges part briefly at Glen Helen Gorge, to make way for the Finke River. The ranges are of pacoota sandstone and form steep, broken ridges and it is here that the permanent Finke River waterhole is an important refuge in the hot summer months. It provides shelter for all nine species of fish recorded for the Finke and is an important stopover for waterbirds migrating along its course. The Finke River continues and makes its way to the Simpson Desert. Glen Helen Gorge is a gr...
Conveniently located at the Crowne Plaza Alice Springs, the Hanuman, with the grandeur of Australia’s desert landscape all around and the stylish decor with striking Asian artefacts, makes an ideal setting for lunch or dinner. The award-winning team, headed by renowned chef, Jimmy Shu, presents the finest South East Asian cuisine showcasing classic dishes using fresh produce and authentic ingredients. The Hanuman is fully licensed and boasts a comprehensive wine list featuring a range of Austral...
The former Hartley Street School, of Alice Springs, was initially constructed in 1930 to cater for an increase in population resulting from the town's status as a railway terminal. Enrolments over the next decade caused continual overcrowding and in 1945 a kindergarten and classroom, designed by the architect, B.C.G. Burnett, were constructed. The wooden floors and distinctive octagonal shape of the new addition with its adjacent classroom provide a great contrast with the concrete floored, simp...
Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve, 145 kilometres south west of Alice Springs, contains 12 craters which were formed when a meteor hit the earth’s surface 4,700 years ago. The Henbury Meteor, weighing several tonnes and accelerating to over 40,000 kilometres per hour, disintegrated before impact and the fragments formed the 12 craters.
The scattered fragments of the Henbury Meteorite are extremely heavy since they consist mainly of iron and nickel. Pieces of these can be found at the Muse...
The Illamurta Springs Conservation Reserve is one of the most peaceful and isolated reserves in the Northern Territory. Its natural values are due to the impressive southern foothills of the James Range and the presence of a permanent natural spring. The site provides a moist habitat for several relict aquatic plant species, and it protects the ruins of the Illamurta Police Camp. The Illamurta Springs Police Camp was established between 1893 and 1912 after the closure of the Boggy Hole Police St...
Located in beautiful surrounds, Ironwood Arts specialises in contemporary indigenous fine art and have a local understanding and knowledge of Central Australia art. Artwork is bought directly from well known and emerging artists and all artwork sold comes with a photograph of the artist and a certificate of authenticity.
Please contact Ironwoods Arts to arrange a time to browse through their galleries and experience Central Australia’s beautiful Aboriginal art.
Irrkerlantye Arts is a vibrant community art centre for Central and Eastern Arrernte people living in Alice Springs and surrounding outstations. They produce a variety of artworks including works on canvas, prints and quality giftware exhibited and sold in select galleries and stores across Australia.
Located on the banks of the Todd River in the heart of Alice Springs, Irrkerlantye Arts can provide you with a unique opportunity to meet Arrernte artists and to purchase work directly from a c...
Iwantja Arts and Crafts offers authentic Aboriginal art and crafts. The gallery has a large display of items, including woven baskets, leather goods, Punu (wooden artefact) and paintings. You’ll have the opportunity to meet and observe the artists at work and to purchase one or more of these beautiful works of art.
Iwantja Arts and Crafts is located in the Indulkana Community which is on Anangu Pitjantjatjara Land, no permit is required for short visits only.
John Flynn dreamed of an cathedral within Central Australia where people of all faiths could worship. After his death, his friends across Australia built one in his memory. It was opened by the Prime Minister in 1956, and its design was a result of a national architectural competition incorporating passive cooling, local and national symbolism in its design.
Take a self-guided tour, walking the sign of the Cross built into the Church's design, and learn about the many aspects of Flynn’s achiev...
The John Flynn's Memorial Historical Reserve, located seven kilometres west of Alice Springs, is the resting place for the ashes of the Reverend John Flynn, founder of the Flying Doctor Service and the Australian Inland Mission. The grave is on a low hill at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges. The plaque expresses a lifetime achievement in just a few lines ‘His vision encompassed the continent. He established the Australian Inland Mission and founded the Royal Flying Doctor Service. He brought to...
Experience the combination of exotic India and the melting pot of Swiss tastes at Keller’s Restaurant. Keller’s believe that when you combine the spicy oriental flavours of Indian cuisine with the smooth textures of Swiss cuisine, you have an unusual complementary culinary combination, an excellent mix as only the extravert Swiss trained chef Beat Keller can create.
Stunning hand-crafted furniture lifts the ambience to Beat’s exacting European standards and is a match to his huge welcoming pers...
The Larapinta Trail is an exciting long distance bush walking track through the West MacDonnell National Park in the heart of central Australia. The trail runs for 223 kilometres along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs to Mt Sonder. The grandeur and timeless beauty of the ranges are the backdrop and setting for the trail, which is divided into twelve sections, providing walkers with an opportunity to experience an ancient landscape at their own pace.
Nestled at the foot of the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges, Lasseters Hotel Casino is the centre of excitement in Alice Springs. You can enjoy great entertainment, dining and gaming. Try your hand at blackjack, roulette or other games. Enjoy the slot machines and TAB facilities. For great food the Samphire Restaurant has sensational meals served in a comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy a drink in the beer garden or on the deck at The Juicy Rump or sit back and relax in the Casbah with a coffee or c...
Lightning Ridge Opal Mines located in Alice Springs have been mining and cutting opal since 1962 and are passionate about sharing the beauty and history of Australia’s national gemstone - the opal. Friendly multilingual staff provide a colourful and informative demonstration, detailing the variety and diversity of the Australian opal. In the showroom view the magnificent ‘Andamooka Peacock’ – 19.5 carats of polished crystal opal and the ‘Fire Princess’ – 6.97 carats of the most vibrant array of ...
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