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Alice Springs

Alice Springs travel guide

Town in the Northern Territory, Australia

Flights from$1,730 round trip
Best time to visitApril to May and August to September
Nearest airportASP · 8 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+9:30
Population23,726

About Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a town in the Northern Territory, Australia; it is the third-largest settlement in the Northern Territory after Darwin and Palmerston. The name Alice Springs was given by surveyor William Whitfield Mills after Alice, Lady Todd, wife of the telegraph pioneer Charles Todd. The town is situated roughly in Australia's geographic centre, nearly equidistant from Adelaide and Darwin.

Cheap flights to Alice Springs

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $1,730 from New York, travelling 26 Nov – 3 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Airlines travellers compared most often: United Airlines.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Places to visit in Alice Springs

  1. Alice Springs Desert Park

    Alice Springs Desert Park

    Zoo · 2 mi from centre

    A wildlife park showcasing Central Australian desert habitats, animals and Aboriginal plant knowledge. Arrive in the morning for the bird of prey show, and consider the nocturnal house for rare species.

  2. Anzac Hill

    Viewpoint

    A small hill with a war memorial and a sweeping view over the town and MacDonnell Ranges. It is easy to reach on foot or by car, and sunset is the most popular time to go.

  3. Alice Springs Telegraph Station

    Historic · 2 mi from centre

    The restored station that marked the town's founding beside a waterhole on the Todd River. Walk the stone buildings and exhibits, then follow the riverside trail back toward town.

  4. Simpsons Gap

    Simpsons Gap

    Nature · 10 mi from centre

    A dramatic gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges with tall red cliffs and a waterhole. Look for black-footed rock-wallabies on the rocks in the early morning or late afternoon.

  5. Standley Chasm

    Nature · 25 mi from centre

    A narrow gorge on Aboriginal land where the walls glow orange when the sun is overhead. Plan to be there around midday for the best light, and wear sturdy shoes.

  6. Royal Flying Doctor Service

    Museum

    A visitor center telling the story of the medical air service that serves remote outback communities. The short film and exhibits make a good introduction to life in the outback.

  7. Ormiston Gorge

    Ormiston Gorge

    Nature · 68 mi from centre

    A towering gorge with a permanent waterhole, popular for swimming and hiking. The Ghost Gum lookout walk is short and rewarding, but the water stays cold even in summer.

Top experiences in Alice Springs

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 10 available.

See all things to do in Alice Springs

Where to stay in Alice Springs

Popular hotels in Alice Springs, out of 24 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Alice Springs

Best time to visit Alice Springs

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Alice Springs is April to May and August to September, when average daytime highs are around 71–80°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 76° – 101° 3
Feb 74° – 98° 3
Mar 70° – 89° 11
Apr 55° – 77° 1
May 49° – 71° 3
Jun 45° – 67° 1
Jul 42° – 66° 1
Aug 50° – 76° 1
Sep 55° – 80° 3
Oct 67° – 92° 3
Nov 67° – 91° 8
Dec 72° – 96° 4

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Alice Springs weather forecast

  • Wed 11 Nov 74° 63° 59%
  • Thu 12 Nov 88° 64° 25%
  • Fri 13 Nov 90° 68° 49%
  • Sat 14 Nov 89° 67° 4%
  • Sun 15 Nov 88° 67° 23%
  • Mon 16 Nov 84° 62° 41%
  • Tue 17 Nov 83° 63° 35%

Know before you go

Currency
Australian dollar (AUD)1 US dollar ≈ $1.45
Language
English
Calling code
+61
Driving
On the left
Time zone
Australia/DarwinUTC+9:30
Capital
Canberra

Upcoming public holidays in Australia

  • Christmas Day
  • St. Stephen's DayBoxing Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Australia Day
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Alice Springs

These are the airports closest to central Alice Springs. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • ASP Alice Springs Airport8 mi (12 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Alice Springs

There are a couple of public bus lines bringing you around town. Other than that, you can get around by foot or bike, drive or take a taxi. Taxis can be scarce during peak hours. Uber is not available in Alice Springs as of August 2022. A taxi from the airport to the centre of town is around $45.

Alice Springs travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Alice Springs?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Alice Springs is April to May and August to September, when average daytime highs are around 71–80°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.

What is the weather like in Alice Springs?

January is usually the warmest month in Alice Springs, with average highs of 101°F (38°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 42°F (6°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 128 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Alice Springs?

Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (12 km) from the centre of Alice Springs.

How much are flights to Alice Springs?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Alice Springs in the last 30 days was $1,730 from New York, travelling 26 Nov – 3 Dec.

What currency is used in Alice Springs?

Alice Springs uses the Australian dollar (AUD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $1.45.

What time zone is Alice Springs in?

Alice Springs uses the Australia/Darwin time zone (currently UTC+9:30). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Alice Springs?

There are a couple of public bus lines bringing you around town. Other than that, you can get around by foot or bike, drive or take a taxi. Taxis can be scarce during peak hours. Uber is not available in Alice Springs as of August 2022. A taxi from the airport to the centre of town is around $45.

What are the best places to visit in Alice Springs?

Top sights in Alice Springs include Alice Springs Desert Park, Anzac Hill, Alice Springs Telegraph Station and Simpsons Gap. A wildlife park showcasing Central Australian desert habitats, animals and Aboriginal plant knowledge. Arrive in the morning for the bird of prey show, and consider the nocturnal house for rare species.

What are the top things to do in Alice Springs?

Popular experiences you can book in Alice Springs include Balloon Flight Tour, Alice Spring Desert Park and A Town like Alice with Alice Springs Desert Park - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.

Where should I stay in Alice Springs?

Popular areas for hotels in Alice Springs include Alice Springs and Katherine. Well-reviewed options include Desert Palms Alice Springs and Alice On Todd Apartments.

How many hotels can I book in Alice Springs?

Destina Holidays currently lists 24 properties in and around Alice Springs, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.