Alice Springs City Guide (Australia, 2026)

Backpacking in Alice Springs
🏆 Top picktown ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 16, 2026

The first thing you notice is the screech of a flock of corellas wheeling over the Todd River bed, which is dry for most of the year and used as a footpath by everyone but the birds. Alice Springs sits in the middle of Australia, in the Northern Territory, roughly 1,500 kilometers from the nearest big coastal city, which explains the prices and the flies. The town itself is small and a little scruffy. Skip the shopping mall and spend your hours at the Desert Park, the Telegraph Station and the MacDonnell Ranges gorges just west. It is the natural base for Uluru and Kings Canyon trips, and hostels fill with travelers swapping car-share seats, so meeting people is easy. Evenings are low-key, with a few pubs and live music. It works best for road-trippers, hikers and anyone curious about Aboriginal culture. It will disappoint anyone who wants nightlife or a walkable center.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Australia Travel Guide.

Best time to go: March - November
Population: 26,000 [abs.gov.au]
Daily cost: US$120 to 150 [northernterritory.com]

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 town in AustraliaWhat sets this place apart

Alice Springs earns its place on a route because it is the only real town for a very long way, and almost everything worth doing sits just outside it. The West MacDonnell Ranges start about 15 minutes from the center, with waterholes like Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge, and the Larapinta Trail begins at the old Telegraph Station on the edge of town. That makes it a strong pick for hikers who want to resupply, shower and sleep in a bed before heading back out. Most travelers linger two or three days, longer if they are walking or hunting for a ride toward Uluru. The hostels are small and sociable, with shared kitchens where trip plans get traded over cheap pasta. Aboriginal art galleries along Todd Street and the Todd Mall add a cultural layer, though the town is quiet after dark. Slow travelers, … read more 👉

Alice Springs earns its place on a route because it is the only real town for a very long way, and almost everything worth doing sits just outside it. The West MacDonnell Ranges start about 15 minutes from the center, with waterholes like Simpsons Gap and Ormiston Gorge, and the Larapinta Trail begins at the old Telegraph Station on the edge of town. That makes it a strong pick for hikers who want to resupply, shower and sleep in a bed before heading back out. Most travelers linger two or three days, longer if they are walking or hunting for a ride toward Uluru. The hostels are small and sociable, with shared kitchens where trip plans get traded over cheap pasta. Aboriginal art galleries along Todd Street and the Todd Mall add a cultural layer, though the town is quiet after dark. Slow travelers, solo backpackers and self-drivers will get the most from it. If you want beaches or a lively nightlife scene, keep moving.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

Alice Springs Desert Park: The best introduction to the desert here, with nocturnal house animals, bird shows and a walk through three desert habitats. It lies about 7 kilometers west of town. Go when it opens, as the animals and birds are most active in the cooler morning. Entry is roughly A$35 to 40 and you need 3 to 4 hours.
Alice Springs Telegraph Station: The original 1872 settlement, with restored stone buildings, a waterhole and a short walk to a hill with town views. It is also the start of the Larapinta Trail. Visit in the morning or late afternoon. Entry is around A$16 for the historical precinct, and you need 1.5 to 2 hours.
Anzac Hill (Untyeyetwelye): A free lookout over the town grid and the MacDonnell Ranges beyond, with a war memorial at the top. Sunset gives the best light on

… read more 👉

Alice Springs Desert Park: The best introduction to the desert here, with nocturnal house animals, bird shows and a walk through three desert habitats. It lies about 7 kilometers west of town. Go when it opens, as the animals and birds are most active in the cooler morning. Entry is roughly A$35 to 40 and you need 3 to 4 hours.
Alice Springs Telegraph Station: The original 1872 settlement, with restored stone buildings, a waterhole and a short walk to a hill with town views. It is also the start of the Larapinta Trail. Visit in the morning or late afternoon. Entry is around A$16 for the historical precinct, and you need 1.5 to 2 hours.
Anzac Hill (Untyeyetwelye): A free lookout over the town grid and the MacDonnell Ranges beyond, with a war memorial at the top. Sunset gives the best light on the ranges. It takes 30 to 45 minutes including the short climb.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre: A compact museum with a short film, a flight simulator and an old aircraft, explaining how outback medicine works across huge distances. Entry is around A$20 to 25 and a visit takes about 1 hour. Tours run through the day.
Araluen Cultural Precinct: A group of galleries and museums showing Central Australian Aboriginal art, including works from the Hermannsburg watercolor school. Entry fees vary by venue, usually A$10 to 15, and you need 1.5 to 2 hours. Go in the middle of the day when it is too hot to be outside.

Day trips from town include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges, plus Emily and Jessie Gaps to the east. Start with the Desert Park, since it explains the plants, animals and landforms you will then recognize on every outing beyond town.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

Alice Springs is compact enough that the whole decision fits on one sheet of paper, and most of it is worth less time than the postcards suggest.

Todd Mall and the CBD: The pedestrian strip is the one place to wander on foot. Aboriginal art galleries, the Todd Mall Markets on alternate Sunday mornings (March to December), cafes and the Alice Springs Reptile Centre sit within a few blocks. Spend half a day here. Evenings are quiet, and “quiet” means 8pm.
Anzac Hill (Untyeyetwelye): A short, steep walk up from the mall. The panorama of the MacDonnell Ranges at sunset is the best free thing in town. Skip it at noon, when the shade is imaginary.
Heavitree Gap and the Telegraph Station: South and north bookends of the old town. The Telegraph Station is the original 1870s settlement, with a flat walking

… read more 👉

Alice Springs is compact enough that the whole decision fits on one sheet of paper, and most of it is worth less time than the postcards suggest.

Todd Mall and the CBD: The pedestrian strip is the one place to wander on foot. Aboriginal art galleries, the Todd Mall Markets on alternate Sunday mornings (March to December), cafes and the Alice Springs Reptile Centre sit within a few blocks. Spend half a day here. Evenings are quiet, and “quiet” means 8pm.
Anzac Hill (Untyeyetwelye): A short, steep walk up from the mall. The panorama of the MacDonnell Ranges at sunset is the best free thing in town. Skip it at noon, when the shade is imaginary.
Heavitree Gap and the Telegraph Station: South and north bookends of the old town. The Telegraph Station is the original 1870s settlement, with a flat walking track from town and a swimming-free but pleasant waterhole. Worth two hours. Walkable if you start early, or cycle.
Desert Park and Western edge: Ten minutes by car, not by foot. The Alice Springs Desert Park is the best-run wildlife visit around, with a nocturnal house and a bird show. Worth a morning.
South Alice and the Stuart Highway strip: Supermarkets, fuel, motels and the pub-with-pokies scene. Useful for restocking, otherwise not a destination. Walking it in summer builds character, mostly sweat.

⌛️ 1 dayWhat you can realistically do in a day

8:00 AM: Todd Mall breakfast. Start with coffee and eggs at one of the cafes along the pedestrian strip, and have a look at the galleries as they open. Walk five minutes north to your first viewpoint.

9:00 AM: Anzac Hill. Climb the short road or steps for a view of the town grid and the ranges behind it. It is easier to understand the layout from here, and the light is soft. Walk or ride back down toward the river.

10:00 AM: Araluen Cultural Precinct. Spend about 90 minutes among the Aboriginal art galleries and museums. It is cool inside and gives context for the country you will see later. Then ride or drive to the next stop.

12:30 PM: Lunch at the Alice Springs Heritage Precinct area. Pick up a simple lunch and eat in the shade near the old railway sidings, then head to the less visited Residency … read more 👉

8:00 AM: Todd Mall breakfast. Start with coffee and eggs at one of the cafes along the pedestrian strip, and have a look at the galleries as they open. Walk five minutes north to your first viewpoint.

9:00 AM: Anzac Hill. Climb the short road or steps for a view of the town grid and the ranges behind it. It is easier to understand the layout from here, and the light is soft. Walk or ride back down toward the river.

10:00 AM: Araluen Cultural Precinct. Spend about 90 minutes among the Aboriginal art galleries and museums. It is cool inside and gives context for the country you will see later. Then ride or drive to the next stop.

12:30 PM: Lunch at the Alice Springs Heritage Precinct area. Pick up a simple lunch and eat in the shade near the old railway sidings, then head to the less visited Residency building.

1:30 PM: Residency and Hartley Street area. Many visitors skip these old stone buildings, which show the early administration of the town. Nearby, the old Stuart Town Gaol is a quiet curiosity. Allow an hour.

3:00 PM: Telegraph Station. Ride or drive 4 kilometers north to explore the old buildings, the waterhole and the lookout. Dust and ghost gums make the afternoon light excellent.

6:00 PM: Sunset and dinner. Head back to town, eat at a pub with live music, and finish on the Todd River bank under the big night sky.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

Winter, from June to August, is the comfortable window: days of 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F) and nights that can drop to 3°C (37°F) or below, with clear skies and about 10.5 hours of daylight.

Winter (June to August): Peak season. Walking the Larapinta Trail is at its best, accommodation and tours cost the most, and you need a warm layer and sleeping bag at night.
Spring (September to November): Highs climb from 27°C to 35°C (81 to 95°F). Wildflowers bloom after rain, crowds thin and prices ease.
Summer (December to February): Highs of 36 to 38°C (97 to 100°F), sometimes above 40°C (104°F). Storms arrive in short bursts. Rooms are cheapest, but hiking is restricted to early hours, and daylight lasts about 14 hours.
Autumn (March to May): Highs fall from 33°C to 25°C (91 to 77°F), with cooler nights

… read more 👉

Winter, from June to August, is the comfortable window: days of 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F) and nights that can drop to 3°C (37°F) or below, with clear skies and about 10.5 hours of daylight.

Winter (June to August): Peak season. Walking the Larapinta Trail is at its best, accommodation and tours cost the most, and you need a warm layer and sleeping bag at night.
Spring (September to November): Highs climb from 27°C to 35°C (81 to 95°F). Wildflowers bloom after rain, crowds thin and prices ease.
Summer (December to February): Highs of 36 to 38°C (97 to 100°F), sometimes above 40°C (104°F). Storms arrive in short bursts. Rooms are cheapest, but hiking is restricted to early hours, and daylight lasts about 14 hours.
Autumn (March to May): Highs fall from 33°C to 25°C (91 to 77°F), with cooler nights and easing prices by May.

Book winter hostel beds and rental cars weeks ahead, especially around school holidays.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Australia

The CBD around Todd Mall is the best place for a budget bed, as most hostels sit within a ten-minute walk of the pedestrian strip, the bus interchange and the long-distance coach stop. Dorm beds usually cost A$35 to 50 (US$23 to 33) a night, and you can book most of them online.

It is also easy to reach tour pickup points from here, since many Uluru and Kings Canyon operators collect from central hostels. Night noise comes mostly from a few pubs on Todd Street, so ask for a room at the back. Streets are lit and busy until early evening but quiet afterward, so a short walk home after dark is fine … read more 👉

The CBD around Todd Mall is the best place for a budget bed, as most hostels sit within a ten-minute walk of the pedestrian strip, the bus interchange and the long-distance coach stop. Dorm beds usually cost A$35 to 50 (US$23 to 33) a night, and you can book most of them online.

It is also easy to reach tour pickup points from here, since many Uluru and Kings Canyon operators collect from central hostels. Night noise comes mostly from a few pubs on Todd Street, so ask for a room at the back. Streets are lit and busy until early evening but quiet afterward, so a short walk home after dark is fine in a group and best done on well-lit routes if you’re alone.

The second option is the Larapinta Drive and Gap Road corridor toward Heavitree Gap. It has caravan parks with cabins, camping sites and a few motels, and tends to be calmer with more space and pools, which matter in summer. It suits those with a rental car or bike. Without a vehicle you will be walking 20 to 30 minutes into town in the heat, so stay central if you rely on tours and buses.

Best hostels in Australia

Best quality hotels in Australia

🚌 Getting aroundMoving around without the hassle

Arriving without a plan for Uluru is the costliest mistake: the Red Centre is roughly 450 km of nothing between towns, and a rental you did not book ahead can double in price in winter. Within town, though, things are easy. The center is flat and compact, buses are infrequent, and taxis exist mainly to remind you how small the place is.

Walking: Todd Mall, Anzac Hill and the CBD are all comfortable on foot. Do it before 10am in summer, when the footpaths become frying pans. Free, and the best option for the center.
Cycling: The sealed Tjoritja/Telegraph Station path and the Old Ghan route are flat and scenic. Hostels rent bikes for roughly A$25 to 40 a day (US$16 to 26). Worth it for the Telegraph Station and Simpsons Gap, which is about 18 km one way.
Local bus (Asbus): Services run on a handful

… read more 👉

Arriving without a plan for Uluru is the costliest mistake: the Red Centre is roughly 450 km of nothing between towns, and a rental you did not book ahead can double in price in winter. Within town, though, things are easy. The center is flat and compact, buses are infrequent, and taxis exist mainly to remind you how small the place is.

Walking: Todd Mall, Anzac Hill and the CBD are all comfortable on foot. Do it before 10am in summer, when the footpaths become frying pans. Free, and the best option for the center.
Cycling: The sealed Tjoritja/Telegraph Station path and the Old Ghan route are flat and scenic. Hostels rent bikes for roughly A$25 to 40 a day (US$16 to 26). Worth it for the Telegraph Station and Simpsons Gap, which is about 18 km one way.
Local bus (Asbus): Services run on a handful of routes, usually weekdays and Saturdays, roughly from 7am to 6pm, with none on Sundays. Fares are around A$3 to 4 (US$2 to 3). Useful for the supermarket, not for sightseeing, so don’t plan around it.
Taxi or rideshare: Short hops cost A$15 to 25 (US$10 to 16). The airport is about 15 km from town, so expect A$35 to 45 (US$23 to 29) by cab. Rideshare is limited.
Rental car or tour: The West MacDonnells and Kings Canyon are impractical without wheels. Compact cars start at about A$60 to 120 a day (US$39 to 78). Group tours cost less than a solo rental if you travel alone, and you don’t drive at dusk, when kangaroos wander onto the road.

👛 Costs (as of 16 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Backpacking in Alice Springs costs about US$135 a day in high season (roughly May to September), with prices in Australian dollars converted here to US$.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm accommodation	US$30 to 45 (high season); US$22 to 32 (low season)	Dorm beds in the town center fill up from June to September, so book ahead. Many hostels have pools and kitchens.
Meals	US$32 to 48	Self-catering from Coles or Woolworths keeps breakfast and lunch near US$8 to 13 a day. A pub meal or pizza runs US$16 to 26, and a café coffee is about US$3.50 to 4.50.
Local transport	US$3 to 8	Town buses cost around US$2 to 3 a ride, and the center is flat and walkable. Taxis for a short trip start near US$15 to 20.
Basic activities/entry fees	US$15 to 40	Many sights cost little or nothing, such as Anzac Hill and the

… read more 👉

Backpacking in Alice Springs costs about US$135 a day in high season (roughly May to September), with prices in Australian dollars converted here to US$.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm accommodation	US$30 to 45 (high season); US$22 to 32 (low season)	Dorm beds in the town center fill up from June to September, so book ahead. Many hostels have pools and kitchens.
Meals	US$32 to 48	Self-catering from Coles or Woolworths keeps breakfast and lunch near US$8 to 13 a day. A pub meal or pizza runs US$16 to 26, and a café coffee is about US$3.50 to 4.50.
Local transport	US$3 to 8	Town buses cost around US$2 to 3 a ride, and the center is flat and walkable. Taxis for a short trip start near US$15 to 20.
Basic activities/entry fees	US$15 to 40	Many sights cost little or nothing, such as Anzac Hill and the Todd Mall. Paid entries include the Alice Springs Desert Park (about US$20 to 30) and the School of the Air visitor center (about US$8 to 10).
Miscellaneous expenses	US$8 to 15	Sunscreen, bottled water, laundry and the occasional beer. Bottle shop prices are high, and takeaway alcohol has strict sale times and ID checks.
Total Daily Budget	US$120 to 150 (about US$135)	Based on a high season dorm bed. Low season trims about US$10 to 15.

Cook your own dinners at the hostel and fill a refillable bottle from the tap, since both are easy savings in a town where a restaurant main often tops US$25.

source: northernterritory.com

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Alice Springs

Alice works well as a base for day trips into the MacDonnell Ranges, but you need a car or a tour, since there is no public transport out of town.

West MacDonnell Ranges Gorges: Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ellery Creek Big Hole are each 20 to 90 minutes west by road, and you can see several in a day. Entry to Standley Chasm is about A$15 (US$10), Ellery’s waterhole is a cold swim in summer, and a full-day tour costs roughly A$150 to 200 (US$98 to 130). Go in winter. First-timers underestimate distances and arrive at the far gorge as the sun drops.

Glen Helen Gorge and Ormiston Gorge: Ormiston, about 130 km west (1.5 hours), offers the Pound Walk, a 7 km loop, and a permanent waterhole. Driving there and back eats three hours, so leave by 7am. Park entry is typically around A$10 (US$6. … read more 👉

Alice works well as a base for day trips into the MacDonnell Ranges, but you need a car or a tour, since there is no public transport out of town.

West MacDonnell Ranges Gorges: Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and Ellery Creek Big Hole are each 20 to 90 minutes west by road, and you can see several in a day. Entry to Standley Chasm is about A$15 (US$10), Ellery’s waterhole is a cold swim in summer, and a full-day tour costs roughly A$150 to 200 (US$98 to 130). Go in winter. First-timers underestimate distances and arrive at the far gorge as the sun drops.

Glen Helen Gorge and Ormiston Gorge: Ormiston, about 130 km west (1.5 hours), offers the Pound Walk, a 7 km loop, and a permanent waterhole. Driving there and back eats three hours, so leave by 7am. Park entry is typically around A$10 (US$6.50). Carry at least three liters of water per person, which is where many visitors fall short.

Rainbow Valley: About 75 km south, with the last stretch on a rough track that suits 4WDs, Rainbow Valley’s sandstone bluffs glow at sunrise and sunset. It’s a short half-day trip with camping fees if you stay late, around A$10 to 20. Visit after dry weather, as the clay turns impassable when wet.

Trephina Gorge: About 85 km east, this gorge has red cliffs, river gums and a 1.5-hour loop walk. Allow a half-day by car. It’s quiet even in winter and is best enjoyed in the cooler months.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Alice Springs

Alice Springs is safe for most travelers, but it has a reputation that exceeds the experience, and awareness helps. Alcohol-related disorder and some youth crime occur, mostly in the evenings around the Todd Mall fringes, the riverbed and near bottle shops. Stick to lit streets after dark, avoid cutting through the dry Todd River bed at night, and use a taxi if you are alone and it is late. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight, because break-ins from vehicles are the most common problem. Don’t take photos of people without asking, and respect signs for sacred sites and restricted areas. The real hazards are environmental: heat, dehydration and long empty roads. Carry plenty of water, tell someone your route, and don’t drive at dusk or night because of kangaroos and cattle.

Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Alice Springs

Alice Springs is worth visiting in its own right, mainly as the gateway to the MacDonnell Ranges and Aboriginal art. The Desert Park, Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill sunset fill a day, and the gorges west of town add more. It is also the base for Uluru, about 450 km (5 hours) away, but many travelers underestimate how much there is around Alice itself.

Three days suits most backpackers, giving one day for town, one for the West MacDonnell gorges and one flexible day for Desert Park or Trephina Gorge. Add two to three more days if you want the Larapinta Trail sections or a trip to Uluru and Kings Canyon. Two days works if you are short on time, but you will have to choose between town and the gorges.

Alice Springs is not really a day-trip destination from anywhere nearby, as the nearest large cities, Darwin and Adelaide, are about 1,500 km away. Flights from Darwin, Adelaide or Sydney take roughly 2 to 3.5 hours, so even by air a day trip would be exhausting. Come for at least one night, since the town’s best sights sit along the ranges and need a full day.

⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Australian towns near Alice Springs

Explore more nearby:

Victor Harbor—Granite Island causeway, Clydesdale tram, penguin dusk tours, Encounter Bay whales| 1395 km away
Mildura—Murray paddle steamers, Langtree Avenue dining, Chaffey legacy, farm work| 1417 km away
Airlie Beach—Free saltwater lagoon, sailing departures, Shute Harbour Road hostels| 1576 km away

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We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Most visitors overlook the Todd River bed itself, usually dry sand framed by huge red gums, and treat it as a gap between town and the hostels. Walk it at dusk, when the light turns the ranges orange and the birds settle. I would skip a fixed schedule and leave a day open for weather.

✈️ When did I visit Australia?
On my trip to New Zealand in 1993, I had a short stop in Australia as well.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Australia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.

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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpack

Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story

Australia🇦🇺 | townsAlice SpringsRed Centre gateway, Telegraph Station, MacDonnell Ranges, Aboriginal art | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Alice Springs
🏆 Top picktown ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 16, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 town in AustraliaWhat sets this place apart

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

Things to do around Alice Springs

Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner

Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs

Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket

West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group

Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (Uluru) One Way Shuttle

Alice Springs Highlights & Nature Escape Day Tour

West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm Day Trip from Alice Springs

3-Day Uluru-Kata Tjuta Kings Canyon Outback from Alice Springs

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 dayWhat you can realistically do in a day

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutAustralia Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Australia

🚌 Getting aroundMoving around without the hassle

👛 Costs (as of 16 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Alice Springs

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Alice Springs

FAQFrequently asked questions about Alice Springs

Other Australian towns near Alice Springs

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Australia🇦🇺 | townsAlice SpringsRed Centre gateway, Telegraph Station, MacDonnell Ranges, Aboriginal art | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Alice Springs🏆 Top picktown ranked #5By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 16, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e355d30f')

✨ Why go?Ranked #5 town in AustraliaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e355e260')What sets this place apartaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e355e267')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e355f1e2')Places and moments you shouldn't skipaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e355f1ea')

Things to do around Alice Springs

Uluru Day Trip from Alice Springs Including BBQ Dinner

Early Morning Ballooning in Alice Springs

West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip from Alice Springs

Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon Camping Safari from Alice Springs

Alice Springs Desert Park General Entry Ticket

West MacDonnell Ranges Half day Tour -Small Group

Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (Uluru) One Way Shuttle

Alice Springs Highlights & Nature Escape Day Tour

West MacDonnell Ranges & Standley Chasm Day Trip from Alice Springs

3-Day Uluru-Kata Tjuta Kings Canyon Outback from Alice Springs

🏘️ NeighborhoodsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e355fa00')Where things are and how it's laid outaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e355fa05')

⌛️ 1 dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e3560638')What you can realistically do in a dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e356063d')

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e3560ec7')Choosing the right time of yearaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e3560ecd')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutAustralia Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e3561e72')Best areas to stay in AustraliaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e3561e7b')

🚌 Getting aroundaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e3562698')Moving around without the hassleaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e356269d')

👛 Costs (as of 16 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e35630b3')Money, prices, and spending tipsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e35630b7')

🚌 Day tripsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357a1c8')Best day trips from Alice SpringsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357a1d1')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357a38f')Safety Tips and Common Scams in Alice SpringsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357a393')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357a441')Frequently asked questions about Alice SpringsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357a446')

Other Australian towns near Alice SpringsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357dd5c')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357df2c')Parting advice and final tipsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357df30')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357df8a')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6adb8e357df8e')

Backpacking in Alice Springs
🏆 Top picktown ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 16, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 town in AustraliaWhat sets this place apart

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 dayWhat you can realistically do in a day

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Australia

🚌 Getting aroundMoving around without the hassle

👛 Costs (as of 16 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Alice Springs

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Alice Springs

FAQFrequently asked questions about Alice Springs

Other Australian towns near Alice Springs

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?