Crikey, Alice Springs is a beaut of a spot with a fair dinkum load of activities to cram into your day – reckon you could be busy for a month! But if you've only got a cheeky 24 hours up your sleeve, there's heaps to see, do, scoff, and learn in just one day.
Kicking off with a bang, the art scene and the breathtaking views from a dawn hot air balloon ride, we've cobbled together a ripper itinerary to make sure you snag the top-notch experiences in Alice Springs, even if you're only around for a day.
Top-Notch Single-Day Itinerary
Hot Air
Short stay or long, you can't skip this beauty. Sacrifice a bit of shut-eye to get ahead of the sunrise and cop a squiz at the Red Centre from the sky. It's a spectacle. Outback Ballooning will have you airborne for 30 or 60 minutes, setting you back either $315 or $399, with a bit of bubbly and a nibble waiting when you land.
Art Gallery Hop
Once you've taken in Alice from the clouds, have a stickybeak at some bonza local art galleries, chockers with top-shelf Indigenous art. You're spoilt for choice, whether it's Iltja Ntjarra Art Centre, Araluen Cultural Precinct, or Mbantua Art Gallery. Why not hire a pushy and take in a few?
Cruise Through the West McDonnell Ranges
Art sated, it's time to tackle the ranges with either a guided tour or a DIY trek. Spots like Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and Standley Chasm are just a hop, skip, and a jump from Alice and they're a sight for sore eyes with their up-close beauty.
Camel Treks in Alice Springs
For an iconic outback experience, Pyndan Camel Tracks offers tours from the middle of the day to sunset. Watching the desert sunset from atop a surprisingly comfy camel is a fair dinkum way. It's an experience you won't forget in a hurry.
Take a Wander around Alice Springs Telegraph Station & Other Local Spots
The Alice Springs Telegraph Station is a bit of an icon around here, marking where the Europeans first settled in the centre. It's chock-a-block with history. And if you're a history buff, don't miss the Transport Hall of Fame, Alice Springs School of the Air, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Alice Springs Desert Park
Animal lovers, this one's for you. A stone's throw from the CBD, Desert Park is a great place to meet some of the area's unique and sometimes spooky critters. Families will get a kick out of the daily bird show, and the nocturnal tour is a must-do to spot the creatures of the night.
Stick Around in Alice Springs!
Even the most gung-ho visitor might struggle to tick off all these beauties daily. Ideally, you'd want more time to dive deep into each experience.
Want to see Alice Springs in all its glory?
You must come for at least 2-3 days or even a week for a few day trips. There's plenty to do. You're guaranteed to leave with memories to last a lifetime and a smile as wide as the outback. if you don't want to spend time organising a trip, we recommend joining Allice Springs day tours.