Alice Springs
Alice Springs, known as the Red Centre due to its landscapes, is a great way to explore Australia’s scenery. As a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, it is a popular destination as it is the country’s interior desert region.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: Triple Zero (000)
- Language: English
- Currency: Australian Dollar
- Country Code: AU
- Travel Visa: Required (click here for more info)
- Population: 25,186
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 000 from any phone.
Hospitals in Alice Springs
Tourist Offices
Travelling Around
Alice Springs is a great city for walking around due to it being compact. Cycling is a great option for exploring, with bike rentals being available. A public bus service is also a transport option. The AS Bus service runs every 90 minutes, offering 3 routes. Taxis are also available, but most travelling can be done on foot.
Airports
Train Station
Alice Springs Safety
How do I keep up with the local news?
What are the key safety tips?
If you are hiring a car to go to the more remote regions, keep your water supply stocked and bring extra food and fuel. Make the most of every refueling opportunity.
Wildlife in Alice Springs, keep a good look out for snakes and spiders as they can sometimes be deadly. Wear protective footwear. If you get bitten by a snake or spider, seek medical attention immediately, most medical clinics and hospital will have antivenin.
What are the common crimes?
Beware of pickpockets as they tend to operate in tourist areas, keep your belongings secure at all times and be careful if strangers try to make conversation or distract you as it could be an attempt to steal your valuables.
Muggings and stabbings, although not a regular occurrence, have been reported. If traveling around a night, try to do so in a group.
Some businesses can be regular targets for thieves which had led to the closure of a few who can’t afford to keep repairing the damage. If possible, keep your valuables in a safe and secure place, such as a safe in your accommodation.
There can be a lot of drunk people around at night, so try not to be on your own and be aware of who is around you.
Are there any areas to avoid?
It is advisable when booking accommodation to stay in the better known areas of town.
The corner of Stott and Todd have a reputation for crime and round the dry Todd River.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Local Traditions
Every culture has its customs and traditions, they have been handed down the generations and are always held in high regards by the local residents.
Annual Ceremonies
Alice Springs Turf Club Melbourne Cup Meeting
The Melbourne Cup Meeting is a full race day, premier thoroughbred horse racing event which takes place in November. Including all sorts of entertainment, it is held at the Alice Springs Turf Club, one of the most scenic racecourses t the foothills of the MacDonnell Ranges.
Henley-on-Todd Regatta
A rowing and sailing regatta with a twist…there is no water. Held in the dry bed of the river Todd, participants take to their (bottomless) boats race furiously against their competitors. The bizarre event includes categories such as the bath tub derby, a boogie boarding event and the Alice Spring version of water skiing. It’s a bit of good fun, all in the name of charity.
Tattersalls Finke Desert Race
Considered Australia’s fastest desert race for bikes, cars and buggies, the Tattersall’s Finke Desert Race is a two day multi-terrain event in the desert country. The race runs from Alice Springs to Aputula (Finke) Community, the Finke River believed to be the oldest in the world. It is held on the Queens Birthday long weekend.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Alice Springs Events
Great River Race Thames Festival www.greatriverrace.co.uk
The London Marathon www.virginlondonmarathon.com
Bonfire Night www.visitlondon.com
Chinese New Year www.chinatownlondon.org
Notting Hill Carnival www.thenottinghillcarnival.com
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show www.rhs.org.uk
Henley Royal Regatta www.hrr.co.uk
Wimbledon www.wimbledon.com
Alice Springs Highlights
What else is there to see?
Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service
As the birthplace of Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor service, Alice Springs has a visitor centre and museum dedicated to the service. Having undergone a big redevelopment, there is now a 70 seat theatre, interactive information portals and a full scale replica of the fuselage of the operational Pilatus 12 Aircraft. Guided tours are available and you can relax and enjoy the shaded grounds of the cafe.Climbing Mt Gillen
A popular one for the locals, this walk is a great way to explore more of Alice Springs. What is a local secret, this is a great walk that passes the best scenery of Alice Springs. The entire walk covers 11km and should take 3.5 hours.What are the highlight attractions?
Telegraph Station
Where the town of Alice Springs began. The Overland Telegraph Station, established in 1872 marks the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. The station continued to operate for 60 years then was used as a welfare home for aboriginal children until 1963. Now restored, it tells the story of people who helped create the town. The original Alice ‘spring’ is located nearby. Guided tours run on the hour between 9am and 4:30pm (April – October).
Simpsons Gap
Where towering cliffs have been shaped by a river to form Simpsons Gap. It is an important site to the Arrarnta Aboriginal people and one of the most prominent waterholes in the region. There are picnic tables, toilets and free gas for BBQs making it a popular picnic site. You can take one of the many walking trails or sit back and spot the Wallabys jumping in the distance.Ayers Rock
One of the most impressive landmarks in Australia. A huge block of sandstone in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. Tourists can take trips at sunrise and sunset to see the amazing changing colours in the stone.
Where is good to visit?
The Araluen Cultural
A rich cultural and historical experience which includes performing, visual art and the natural history of the region. It embraces Aboriginal art from central Australia and contemporary art by local and Australian artists. Located in the precinct are The Strehlow Research Centre for Aboriginal Culture, The Museum of Central Australia and the Connellan Aviation Museum. The grounds inhabit seven registered sacred sites and trees of significance.The Alice Springs Desert Park
The desert park brings together plants, birds animals and people in a depiction of desert land captured in a safari park. Wander through many open air exhibits and explore the largest nocturnal house in the Southern Hemisphere, learning about the incredible diverse life of Australia’s deserts.John Flynn’s Grave Historic Reserve
Under a large rock, at the foot of Mt Gillen, lay the ashes of the Reverend John Flynn, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service. The site has magnificent views of Mount Gillen to the south and the MacDonnell range. Keen (and fit) hikers can follow a track to the top of Mount Gillen which takes around two hours.
