West MacDonnell Ranges

Alice Springs

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DESTINATIONS australia alicesprings Do & See West MacDonnell Ranges

West MacDonnell Ranges

These fabulous mountains of West MacDonnell Ranges stretch for 644 kilometres east and west of Alice, with numerous water holes, beautiful gorges, historic sites and Aboriginal rock art as well as plenty of walking trails, wildlife and good bush camping. Some places are within a reach of 10-20 kilometres from town, so head here and enjoy its rich atmosphere. There are countless walking tracks ranging, mapped out for leisurely hikes to daring multi-day adventures. The 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail stretches through the park and offers extended and overnight bushwalks.

Useful Information

More Info: West of Alice Springs NT
More Info: northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds/destinations/tjoritja--west-macdonnell-national-park

Do & See

Alice Springs is a great base for a holiday in Central Australia, so do allow at least a week to see the town and the surrounding area. Although you will likely still barely scratch the surface of what there is to do and see, the following spots should not be missed.

Uluru

Distance in Australia is a whole other thing to compared what you are probably used to, and Uluru (or Ayer's Rock) is approximately 450 km southwest of Alice Springs — considering the vast distances existing in Oz, that is practically nothing. The large sandstone formation is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, in …

Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta, also known as Mount Olga or The Olgas, is similar to Uluru but different in shape. Lying only about 365 km southwest of Alice Springs, it is — compared to its 'sibling' Uluru — only a stone's throw away, and definitely worth a visit. Once a single piece of rock, the Olgas …

Karlu Karlu

Karlu Karlu, as the Aboriginal Australians say, or The Devil’s Marbles, are gigantic rounded granite boulders spread across a valley. They are one of the main tourist attractions in the Northern Territory. While pathways with information boards and a camping area on the grounds allow visitors to experience this sight all year long, rangers …

Anzac Hill

For a fantastic first glimpse of Alice, you should wander up to this war memorial from where you can also savour in the city's beautiful surroundings. This viewpoint is best visited at sunrise or at sunset, so start or finish your day right by heading up here. This monuments is dedicated to the ANZACS (Australian …

Alice Springs Desert Park

Alice Springs Desert Park

Alice Springs Desert Park is a great introduction to the plants, desert habitat and animals of the area, and you will definitely need a full day to explore it all. Also, learn more about Aboriginal culture, and do not miss the free staff talks, the birds of prey display or the hourly film. Check …

National Road Transport Museum

National Road Transport Museum

This museum contains three different departments — Road transport Hall of Fame, Kenworth Museum and Old Ghan Road — that are all committed to provide a nostalgic trip into Australia's transport history. While the original carriages of the historic Ghan railway are on display, you can also enjoy a traditional morning or afternoon tea …

Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Step back into the pioneering age and the birthplace of Alice Springs, by visiting this historical reserve displaying the story of the connection of Australia to the rest of the world. The beautifully restored buildings will inform you about the telegraph's history and its huge importance for the town, as well as about the …

West MacDonnell Ranges

West MacDonnell Ranges

These fabulous mountains of West MacDonnell Ranges stretch for 644 kilometres east and west of Alice, with numerous water holes, beautiful gorges, historic sites and Aboriginal rock art as well as plenty of walking trails, wildlife and good bush camping. Some places are within a reach of 10-20 kilometres from town, so head here …

The Residency

This historic building is one of the town's most unique heritage places, and erected for government residents back in 1928 already, it even hosted Queen Elizabeth in 1963. On the inside, local history and historic events get displayed right next to the toilet or ’royal throne’ that the Queen used during her …

Adelaide House Museum

Adelaide House Museum

Adelaide House was the first medical facility in Central Australia when it opened back in 1926 with only two nurses. It was designed by Reverend John Flynn of Royal Flying Doctor Service. Remaining the only medical centre in this area until 1939, the building today displays items of local history, and the pedal radio …

Araluen Cultural Precinct

Araluen Cultural Precinct

Araluen Cultural Precinct is a fantastic complex displaying local cultural and natural history, including the Namatjira Gallery, Aviation Museum, Memorial Cemetery and Museum of Central Australia. While there are also sacred sites and trees of significance to Aboriginal people, you will definitely learn a lot about Australian culture and …

Royal Flying Doctor Service

Royal Flying Doctor Service

The Royal Flying Doctors Service is a non-profit organisation aiming to provide emergency and health services for people living in regions without direct access to hospitals and doctors. One of their main stations is situated in Alice Springs, and it is accessible to the public. Here, at their museum, you can get a glimpse …

Women's Museum of Australia

Women's Museum of Australia

Founded in 1993, the museum hosts changing exhibitions about women in pioneering positions such as sports, politics or art, and thus captures the lives of exceptional women in Australian history. The place also holds the Old Gaol museum where you can learn about prison years from 1938 to …

Outback Ballooning

Outback Ballooning

Experience Alice Springs from above with Outback Ballooning Tours, and you will just in time for sunrise fly high over the beautiful landscapes surrounding this area. One balloon carries 2-24 passengers so you can join as both a whole group and a small family, and good weather conditions will make your flight a memorable …

Wayoutback Australian Safaris

Wayoutback Australian Safaris

With Wayoutback, you can get a number of tours in Central as well as Eastern Australia, and next to day trips to Ayers Rock, you can book 3–7 day tours to different regions with various activities from classic sightseeing to adventure hiking. Choose your personal trip through Australia in their wide offer, and you …

Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Olive Pink Botanic Garden

This place was founded in 1956 as a botanical reserve, and it offers visitors over 600 different plants, and among them rare trees and flowers from all over the region. Enjoy a walk through nature’s beauty and rest in the cosy Bean Tree cafe nearby, after discovering the fascinating Australian nature, flora and …

Alice Springs Reptile Centre

Alice Springs Reptile Centre

This centre houses one of the largest reptile collection in the area, with snakes, lizards and turtles, and they also organise amazing and informative crocodile and python shows, offering a whole new and up-close look on these peculiar creatures. Suitable for all ages, and it provides fun and education for the whole …

Alice Springs Memorial Cemetery

Alice Springs Memorial Cemetery

Close to the Araluen Cultural Precinct, this memorial cemetery holds the gravestones of historical Australian persons such as the Aboriginal painter Albert Namatjira and the anthropologist Olive Muriel Pink. Head here for breathing in some historical …

Kangaroo Sanctuary

Kangaroo Sanctuary

The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs is a 188 acre wildlife sanctuary for rescued orphaned baby kangaroos and adult kangaroos. Their tours are meant to educate visitors about these iconic Australian marsupials. Back in 2013 the Sanctuary was the centre of a popular documentary called Kangaroo Dundee that followed the interesting lives of our mob …

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