Top Alice Springs Attractions
Alice Springs is an exceptional destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a rich cultural experience. Here are some top recommended attractions:
Ayers Rock is an impressive landmark in Australia. It features a huge chunk of sandstone and is a six-hour drive from Alice Springs (or MUCH less via a private flight!). A true monolith, the rock juts up about 350m from its barren surrounds. Amazingly, the rock extends even further than this amount below ground.
The Olgas is an often-understated facet of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It features a set of impressive domes that are believed to originate from a similar time as Ayers Rock. The Olgas comprises of 36 formations and have been weathered over millions of years. The highest point of Mount Olga is approximately 546m above ground.
Six days of hiking can start at the old Alice Springs telegraph station. It passes through waterholes, creeks, gorges, and deserts.
Located in the middle of Alice Springs, the Olive Pink Botanic Garden features 600 different Australian plants. Visitors are allowed to take a walk and catch a glimpse of kangaroos and other wildlife hanging out.
This is an environmental education facility that contains native animals and plants from the central Australian desert environments. The Alice Springs Desert Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the inter-relationships between the people, animals, and plants.
Finke Gorge is a national park that is recognized for its Aboriginal cultural sites and ancient palms. It is home to one of the oldest catchments in the world and Palm Valley. The latter comprises of a diverse range of plant species such as the Livistona Mariae or red cabbage palm. There are nearly 3,000 adult palms and thousands of juveniles here.
Araluen is the epicentre of Alice Springs’ visual art and performance scene. From snug professional theatres to little galleries, visitors can appreciate contemporary Aboriginal art. The centre is built around a 300-year-old Corkwood Tree and is home to the Sculpture Garden, which is a sacred site for the local Arrernte people.
This is one of the more popular galleries for tourists. It makes an excellent starting point if you are looking to get a feel for the local style. The works of more than 200 local artists are featured in the gallery. Definitely worth a stop if you happen to pass through Todd St Mall.
