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Alice Springs is just as far away from any beach, as it is close… or so they say. Here we do ‘beaches’ Red Centre style.

Alice Springs will surprise and delight you with lots of activities right at your doorstep. Think swimming holes, awesome rocky landscapes, amazing wildlife and great foodie hangouts. Consider timing your visit with one of the quirky festivals like the Beanie Festival or the Henley on Todd Regatta – you definitely won’t regret it.

Day 1: Alice Springs

Once you arrive in Alice, hire a car and head straight out to Simpsons Gap. Catch the sun going down and be in awe of the changing colours of the rocks. The easy walk to Simpsons Gap is a pleasant one. Keep your eyes out for the local wildlife hanging out on the rock ledges.

Days 2 & 3: Alice Springs & West MacDonnell Ranges

The next couple of days are yours to explore in and around Alice Springs. There are plenty of places within an easy drive distance. We highly recommend you explore the West MacDonnell Ranges and all the waterholes in between. Our favourites include Glen Helen, Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole. Venture further and you’ll be rewarded with cool waters at Redbank Gorge.

Alice Springs has attractions suitable for everyone. Check out the Royal Flying Doctors Service, the Desert Park, School of the Air and the Araluen Cultural Precinct.

Day 4: Alice Springs

You can’t visit Alice without an early morning hot air balloon experience. With beautiful clear blue skies, red desert for days, and amazing views, the best way to see Alice and surrounds is from the peaceful floating sensation of a hot air balloon.

Start in Alice Springs accommodation

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Day 1 

  • Hire & transport

    Whether planning an off-road adventure, a relaxing campervan holiday or a weekend fishing trip, it’s easy to hire a vehicle suited to the NT’s terrain.

  • Simpsons Gap

    Simpsons Gap

    Alice Springs
    See & do

    Simpsons Gap is one of the most prominent gaps in the West MacDonnell Ranges.

  • Stay:

    Alice Springs accommodation

    Alice Springs accommodation

    View 21 options

    Alice Lodge Backpackers

    Alice Springs

    Alice Lodge Backpackers

    $40 – $109

    Alice Springs Tourist Park

    Alice Springs

    Alice Springs Tourist Park

    $40 – $200

    Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

    Alice Springs

    Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

    $150 – $450

    G’day Mate Tourist Park

    Alice Springs

    G’day Mate Tourist Park

    $38 – $145

    Desert Palms Alice Springs

    Alice Springs

    Desert Palms Alice Springs

    $180 – $350

    Discovery Parks – Alice Springs

    Alice Springs

    Discovery Parks – Alice Springs

    $39 – $350

    DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

    Alice Springs

    DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

    $119 – $399

    Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

    Alice Springs

    Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

    $89 – $249

    Renner Springs Desert Inn

    Alice Springs

    Renner Springs Desert Inn

    $125 – $205

    Stay at Alice Springs Hotel

    Alice Springs

    Stay at Alice Springs Hotel

    $149 – $300

    Sturt Desert Pea House

    Alice Springs

    Sturt Desert Pea House

    $680 – $1,200

    Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park

    Alice Springs

    Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park

    $48 – $195

Day 2 

  • Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges

    Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges

    Alice Springs
    See & do

    Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park stretches for 161km west of Alice Springs. Explore and appreciate the scenic beauty and history of the area on foot, swim in a waterhole, or pitch a tent for a longer stay.

  • Glen Helen Gorge

    Glen Helen Gorge

    West MacDonnell Ranges
    See & do

    Glen Helen Gorge is a great place to view the West MacDonnell Ranges, take a cool dip, and is an important refuge for local wildlife.

  • Ormiston Gorge

    Ormiston Gorge

    West MacDonnell Ranges
    See & do

    Ormiston Gorge is a great place for a cool dip, to see the towering red walls of the gorge and pound, and local plants and wildlife.

  • Ellery Creek Big Hole

    Ellery Creek Big Hole

    West MacDonnell Ranges
    See & do

    Ellery Creek Big Hole is one of the most popular and picturesque camping, walking, swimming and picnic spots in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park.

  • Stay:

    Alice Springs accommodation

    Alice Springs accommodation

    View 21 options

    Alice Lodge Backpackers

    Alice Springs

    Alice Lodge Backpackers

    $40 – $109

    Alice Springs Tourist Park

    Alice Springs

    Alice Springs Tourist Park

    $40 – $200

    Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

    Alice Springs

    Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

    $150 – $450

    G’day Mate Tourist Park

    Alice Springs

    G’day Mate Tourist Park

    $38 – $145

    Desert Palms Alice Springs

    Alice Springs

    Desert Palms Alice Springs

    $180 – $350

    Discovery Parks – Alice Springs

    Alice Springs

    Discovery Parks – Alice Springs

    $39 – $350

    DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

    Alice Springs

    DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs

    $119 – $399

    Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

    Alice Springs

    Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs

    $89 – $249

    Renner Springs Desert Inn

    Alice Springs

    Renner Springs Desert Inn

    $125 – $205

    Stay at Alice Springs Hotel

    Alice Springs

    Stay at Alice Springs Hotel

    $149 – $300

    Sturt Desert Pea House

    Alice Springs

    Sturt Desert Pea House

    $680 – $1,200

    Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park

    Alice Springs

    Wintersun Cabin and Caravan Park

    $48 – $195

Day 3 

Day 4 

  • A_hot_air_balloon_being_inflated_before_sunrise_in_Alice_Springs.jpg

    Alice Springs hot air ballooning

    Alice Springs
    Tour

    For a unique Red Centre experience, wake before dawn and rise quietly into the fresh morning air in a hot air balloon. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the majestic landscapes and wildlife.

Finish in Alice Springs

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Book this trip Alice Springs Region in 4 days

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  • Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre

    Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre

    Our Red Centre NT specialists can help plan every aspect of your iconic outback adventure.

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    NT Now

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