Foodie experiences in Alice Springs & surrounds3-day itinerary

Take a trip to the heart of Australia and let your senses lead the way around the Red Centre. Spend a day learning about bush tucker in the MacDonnell Ranges, go café hopping in-between browsing internationally recognised art galleries and toast to the morning after a sunrise flight with Outback Ballooning.

Day 1

Wake up early in Alice Springs to start the trip in an epic way sky-high on an Outback Ballooning flight. Watch the MacDonnell Ranges come to life and kangaroos graze across the grass as you float across the land. Toast to the morning with a sparkling Australian wine or fruit juice in hand as you start the day.

Follow up the hot air balloon experience with breakfast at Page 27, tucked halfway down a leafy arcade in Todd Mall. This café delivers on its coffee fix and brunch menu. While you’re in town, check out the Aboriginal art galleries and boutiques in the along the main strip. Make sure to visit the Araluen Arts Centre to engage with world-class art exhibits.

End the day at Alice Springs Hanuman located in the Doubletree by Hilton to try Thai and Indian inspired dishes by wellknown chef and restaurateur, Jimmy Shu.

Day 2

Prep yourself for a day out of town and book a bush tucker tour at Standley Chasm, known as Angkerle Atwatye, 50km outside of Alice Springs. Walk with an Arrente guide and learn about the native plants that are still used as bush foods and bush medicine by the traditional owners. Standley Chasm is a Rock Wallaby Dreaming Place and is sacred to Arrente women.

Organise a picnic lunch the day before, including a few platter items from Kungkas Can Cook and combine your trip to Standley Chasm with a dip at some of Red Centre’s stunning waterholes such as Ellery Creek, Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge and Redbank Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Mid-afternoon, drive back into town and freshen up for the evening.

After freshening up at your accommodation, finish the evening over a locally brewed beer and pizza from Alice Springs Brewing Co. The perfect way to unwind after a day in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Day 3

Start your morning amongst the desert flowers at Olive Pink Botanic Garden. The on-site café has lots of homemade goodies to kick off your day. Take a peek at the Visitor Centre and Olive Pink Gallery to see what local exhibitions are on display.

Before heading to your next tasty refill spot and to learn more about the flora and fauna of Central Australia, make sure to visit Alice Springs Desert Park. This impressive research and conservation site is home to protected local species such as the mala, bilby and rufous-crowned emu-wren.

For lunch with a vibe, Alice Springs is home to a number of impressive cafes. Epilogue Café & Restaurant or Watertank Café have you covered for any dietary need or lunch craving. Tonight, choose from one of the restaurants listed in this foodie’s guide to cap off your time in the Red Centre of the NT.