Free Attractions Guide - Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Aboriginal Desert Art Gallery
Aboriginal Desert Art Gallery is one of Australia's largest Aboriginal art galleries. Located in the Todd Mall, Alice Springs, the gallery was established in 1985. Over 50 local Aboriginal artists are represented, and there is an extensive display of Aboriginal art on display. Travellers can visit to view unique, beautiful artworks, to either browse or purchase.
+61 8 8953 1005 87 Todd Mall, Alice SpringsAdelaide House Museum
Journey to the heart of Alice Springs and be inspired by Rev John Flynn's historic vision for the bush. Designed by Flynn, Adelaide House is one of the earliest buildings in Alice Springs, built in 1920 by the Australian Inland Mission. As you step into the cool interior of this historic building situated in the heart of Todd Mall, you'll step back in time. Wander the displays to learn Flynn’s story and the connection of the bush nursing hostel and the Traeger Pedal Radio, which brought health services to the vast outback.
Experience the hospitality and healing of this peaceful sanctuary, offering home-style and historic food, tea/coffee, local products promoting healing, wellbeing and inspiration. Adelaide House is a part of The Flynn Trail, a self-guided heritage tour in Alice Springs and surrounds.
Alice Springs RSL Military Museum
The Alice Springs War Museum is housed within the Alice Springs RSL Club. The museum is acknowledged as the most significant regional collection of war memorabilia in Australia, dating from circa 1854 to the Timor conflict.
The collection contains extensive displays from both World Wars, including a pictorial portrayal of Alice Springs at War. The centrepiece of the display is the motorised and-or pedal power Quadricycle Gun Carriage. It is the only replica known to exist.
The museum is housed within the Alice Springs RSL Club and is open seven days a week from 10am, except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Alice Springs Telegraph Station
The township of Alice Springs obtained its name from the waterhole at this historic Telegraph Station. This historical reserve marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs.
Established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station are the best preserved of the 12 stations along the Overland Telegraph Line.
The Telegraph Station features the original buildings of stone which have been restored with house furnishings and artefacts from the early 1900s. Set against the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges, the reserve also offers opportunities for walking, picnicking and wildlife observation. Located four kilometres north of the new Alice Springs, the reserve is easily accessed by conventional two wheel drive vehicle. Alternatively, there is a walking or cycling track into the reserve from the highway and the Todd River. Guided tours are available. The Historical Precinct is open 8am-5pm daily except Christmas Day.
Anzac Hill Lookout
The most visited landmark in Alice Springs, Anzac Hill is the ideal spot for an overview of the town. Take a drive to the top with your campervan hire Alice Springs and experience a panoramic view of Alice Springs and the beautiful surrounding ranges. Anzac Hill has significance for the local Aboriginal people.
The Anzac Hill Memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 (Anzac Day) and was originally dedicated to all those members of the armed services who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War I. It has now become a memorial to all those who have served in the defence of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated.
Arltunga Historical Reserve
Located 110 kilometres east of Alice Springs, via the East MacDonnell Ranges, the historic town of Arltunga was officially Central Australia's first town and once supported up to 3000 people. Arltunga was born out of a gold rush in 1887, when alluvial gold was discovered in a dry creek bed. Fortune seekers had to travel 600 kilometres from the Oodnadatta railhead, often on foot, to seek their fortune in a harsh environment. At the time, Alice Springs consisted of just the Overland Telegraph Station, and was little more than an outpost that had expanded as it became the supply base of Arltunga. Mining activity continued in the area for 30 years. Today you can relive the heyday of Arltunga at the Historical Reserve, where the remains of mines, old miner's camps and stone buildings (some of which have been restored), are preserved for the public to explore. Drivers are advised the road to Arltunga includes 33 kilometres of gravel road. The fossicking area is located outside of the reserve; however you can pan for gold in the visitor centre's courtyard display. After 70 km of sealed road along the Ross Highway, there is a formed gravel road which leads north east for 33km to Arltunga.
+61 8 8956 9770 Arltunga Road, via Ross Highway, Alice SpringsArunta Art Gallery and Book Store
Explore the Arunta Art Gallery and Book Shop, located at the southern end of Todd Mall in Alice Springs, and discover an impressive display of local Aboriginal art and craft, including paintings. A range of books and CDs, many by local authors and musicians, are also available, as are art supplies.
+61 8 8952 1544 Shop 1, Todd Mall, Alice SpringsEllery Creek Big Hole
High red cliffs, a large waterhole and a sandy creek fringed by gums make Ellery Creek Big Hole one of the most popular and picturesque picnic spots in the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Much more than just a popular place for the locals to take a refreshing dip, Ellery Creek Big Hole is also recognised as an internationally significant geological site. A three kilometre Dolomite walk provides an opportunity for visitors to explore some of the interesting formations. The West MacDonnell Ranges are the source of the water that has collected in a deep pool. Red River and Ghost Gums shelter the picnic area located nearby. Camping is permitted (fees apply).
Ellery Creek Big Hole is located 126 kilometres along the Larapinta Trail starting from the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and is the Trailhead for Sections 6 and 7 of the trail. Section 6 of the Larapinta Trail is graded as medium - a narrow track which may be rough in places, with some climbing and descending, suitable for people who walk regularly. Section 7 of the Larapinta Trail is graded as hard - a rough and narrow track with some steep and/or long climbs and descents, suitable for fit people with previous bushwalking experience.
Emily and Jesse Gaps Nature Park
Explore Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park, 10 kilometres east of Alice Springs. Emily and Jessie Gaps are perhaps the first noticeable features of the East MacDonnell Ranges. Home to interesting Aboriginal paintings, the gaps are important spiritual sites to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Many places in the landscape are associated with the same Dreamtime story, forming a dreaming trail. Emily and Jessie Gaps are associated with the caterpillar trail. Emily Gap is where the caterpillar beings of Mparntwe originated. These Dreamtime beings are said to have formed Emily Gap and many of the landscapes around Alice Springs.
A large rock painting depicts the caterpillar dreaming. The first European sighting of Emily and Jessie Gap was in 1871. It was thought that Emily and Jessie were the daughters of Sir Charles Todd, but this was found to be untrue. Today, the basis on which the names are derived is still unknown.
Gallery Gondwana Pty Ltd
Recognised as one of Australia’s leading Indigenous art galleries since 1990, Gallery Gondwana, located in Todd Mall, Alice Springs, sources work from leading established and emerging artists from Australia and the South Pacific. Gallery Gondwana showcases fine art in the mediums of painting, works on paper, fibre, glass, metal and wood.
+61 8 8953 1577 43 Todd Mall, Alice SpringsGlen Helen Gorge
Located 139kms west of Alice Springs, The West MacDonnell Ranges part briefly at Glen Helen Gorge, to make way for the Finke River. The ranges are of pacoota sandstone and form steep, broken ridges and it is here that the permanent Finke River waterhole is an important refuge in the hot summer months.
It provides shelter for all nine species of fish recorded for the Finke and is an important stopover for waterbirds migrating along its course. The Finke River continues and makes its way to the Simpson Desert. Glen Helen Gorge is a great place to view the ranges and nearby Glen Helen Resort offers accommodation and meals.
Hermannsburg Historic Precinct
Located 126kms west of Alice Springs, Hermannsburg was originally a Lutheran mission and was the first town in Central Australia. It was also home to the famous Aboriginal watercolour artist, Albert Namatjira.
In 1982 the area was returned to the Aboriginal people and in 1988, the German style whitewashed buildings were restored to their original 19th century condition. Tearooms, a museum and an art gallery featuring some of Namatjira's original works, are found within the historic precinct.
Hermannsburg Potters
Located 126kms west of Alice Springs, the highly renowned Hermannsburg Potters enjoy a national and international reputation for their unique hand-built terracotta pots.
These stunning pots are decorated with ceramic under glazes and the lids support colourful sculpted animals, birds and bush tucker, and the belly painted with the striking landscapes of the area. The Hermannsburg Potters are also transferring their amazing painterly skill onto canvas with eye-catching results.
Visiting the Hermannsburg Potters is by appointment only. The art of the potters and painters is available at the Kata Anga Tea Rooms and the Namatjira Gallery in the Hermannsburg Heritage Precinct, with a display also at the Araluen Centre in Alice Springs.
Ironwood Arts
Located in beautiful surrounds, Ironwood Arts specialises in contemporary indigenous fine art and have a local understanding and knowledge of Central Australia art.
Artwork is bought directly from well known and emerging artists and all artwork sold comes with a photograph of the artist and a certificate of authenticity. Please contact Ironwoods Arts to arrange a time to browse through their galleries and experience Central Australia’s beautiful Aboriginal art.
John Flynn Memorial Uniting Church
John Flynn dreamed of a cathedral within Central Australia where people of all faiths could worship. After his death, his friends across Australia built one in his memory. It was opened by the Prime Minister in 1956, and its design was a result of a national architectural competition incorporating passive cooling, local and national symbolism in its design.
Take a self-guided tour, walking the sign of the Cross built into the Church's design, and learn about the many aspects of Flynn's achievements in his life. Reflect for a moment on his life, and your own, in this peaceful sanctuary. John Flynn Memorial Church is a part of The Flynn Trail, a self-guided heritage tour in Alice Springs and surrounds.
John Flynn's Grave Historic Reserve
The John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve contains a memorial to, and the ashes of, the Reverend John Flynn. The ashes of Mrs Jean Flynn, John Flynn’s wife, are also contained within the memorial. John Flynn was a Presbyterian Minister of national renown due to his role in establishing the Australian Inland Mission and the Royal Flying Doctor Service in outback Australia. The Reserve also serves as an interesting roadside stop for visitors travelling west from Alice Springs in a campervan hire.
Larapinta Drive, 7kms west of Alice SpringsLasseters Hotel Casino
Set amongst the stunning MacDonnell Ranges, with its international standard of casino, restaurants and range of bars make Lasseters the centre of entertainment in Alice Springs. As a destination, Central Australia evokes a strong image in the mind of many Australians, the image of the real outback.
+61 8 8950 7777 93 Barrett Drive, Alice SpringsLightning Ridge Opal Mines
The Opal is one of rarest and therefore one of the most valuable Gemstones in the world. Formed over 100 million years ago, the Australian Opal captures the essence of natural beauty. Lightning Ridge Opal Mines also offers you a Learn About Opals lesson in store.
+61 8 8952 4444 75 Todd Mall, Alice SpringsMbantua Art Gallery and Cultural Museum
Free Guided Tours of our Alice Springs Gallery are now available. Mbantua Gallery has 3 distinct areas showcasing art. The original gallery opens off Gregory Terrace and encompasses 3 separate rooms displaying art from the Utopia Region, books, our Utopia Giftware range, hand made jewellery and other souvenir items. Access to the upstairs Cultural Museum (not included in the free tour) is gained from this section.
The new section of the Gallery has an entrance off Todd Mall. This is a wonderfully open area displaying beautiful, big paintings and having comfortable sitting areas from which you can admire the art! Also on the walls there is a large selection of framed photographic prints of bush food, flowers, animal and plant life native to Central Australia. There are also 2 plasma TVs on the walls running an informative DVD about the gallery and our artists.
The third part of the gallery is a walkway between the above two major areas and here you will find a range of Top-End art as well as the old ice works room - a long time part of the building that houses Mbantua Gallery!
The tour operates Mondays through Fridays (excluding public holidays) from 9.30am which takes approximately 30 minutes. A staff member will provide you with all the essential information on artists, subjects, the history of our Gallery and what to look for when buying Aboriginal Art.
Museum of Central Australia
The Museum of Central Australia is an interpretive centre for Central Australia's unique natural history, the exhibits and displays follow the evolution of the landscape and the fascinating creatures that inhabited it. It is interesting to note the relationship between the geo-morphological explanations of the way this land was formed alongside the traditional Arrernte.
From the big bang to the present day, meteorite fragments, fossils and interpretive displays detail the geological history of Central Australia. A replica of an ancient waterhole with some surprising mega-fauna including a giant freshwater crocodile and the largest bird that ever lived.
National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame
The National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the place of women in history for their special contribution to Australia’s heritage. Founded by Molly Clark of Old Andado Station in 1993 the National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame Inc is one of only three women's museums in operation in Australia.
The Pioneer Women’s Memorial Folk Museum near Brisbane and the Pioneer Women's Hut at Tumbarumba, NSW are of a more local and rural nature. It is one of approx 40 women’s museums worldwide, mainly in central Europe, Scandinavia and the USA, but there are also women’s museums in other far-flung places such as Senegal, Vietnam and Ecuador. On International Women's Day, 8 March 2007, The National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame officially opened at its new permanent home, the Old Alice Springs Gaol, 2 Stuart Terrace, Alice Springs. Open from 10am-5pm daily.
National Road Transport Hall of Fame
The Road Transport Historical Society is a volunteer based project dedicated to the preservation and presentation of Australia's unique road transport heritage. It does this through its magnificent Shell Rimula Hall of Fame in Alice Springs, the traditional birthplace of the road train. The charter is not only to remember the great trucks, buses and vehicles of the past, but to recognise the contribution of the men and women who drove and lived with these great machines of the past.
+61 8 8952 7161 2 Norris Bell Ave, Alice SpringsNgurratjuta Iltja Ntjarra Many Hands Art Centre
The Ngurratjuta Art Centre was established in 2003 to provide a place for Western Arrernte Artists to paint, learn new techniques and share ideas. The Art Centre is funded by the Ngurratjuta / Pmara Ntjarra Aboriginal Corporation, an association of those communities affected by the oil and gas mining operations at Mereenie and Palm Valley.
Many of Ngurratjuta's artists paint in their own homes located in remote communities. The artists are welcome to paint at the Art Centre on Monday and Tuesdays and on these days there are between five and twenty town-based artists painting on site. The Art Centre is located a short distance from the centre of Alice Springs (approximately 15 minute walk) and is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 8am-4pm.
Ochre Pits
110km west of Alice Springs is the Ochre Pits, a colourful outcrop of ochre on the banks of a sandy creek. Ochre has always been an important part of Aboriginal culture and a vital part of everyday life.
For medicinal purposes red ochre can be mixed with grease and applied as an ointment and to relieve decongestion when mixed with eucalyptus leaves. White ochre was used as a magical charm, when mixed with water and blown from the mouth it is believed to abate the heat of the sun or the force of the wind. Weapons were painted with ochre to increase the success of hunting. It also protected the wooden weapons from termites.
Old Ghan Heritage Railway and Museum
The Old Ghan Train Museum and Heritage Railway is a community based, volunteer organisation dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the history of the legendary Old Ghan Train. The collection includes an operational heritage railway featuring a W924 Steam locomotive, an NSU diesel electric locomotive, a DH40 shunting engine and a variety of flattops, dining cars bar cars and other carriages making up the consist.
The Museum itself houses a great collection of photographs and memorabilia relating to all eras of the Old Ghan heritage from construction in the mid 1920s to when the narrow gauge closed in the early 1980s.
Olive Pink Botanical Garden
The founder of the Garden, Miss Olive Pink, planted many different trees and shrubs in the 20-odd years she lived on site. It is clear from her diaries that many of the seedlings she grew failed to establish in the Garden – probably because of the harsh summers. However, despite the long drought in the 1960s, some of the trees she propagated from seed survive in the Garden today.
There is a self-guided walk around some of the sites of significance for Miss Pink Most of the garden she planted around her hut was a mix of native and introduced species, such as agaves and annual flowers. These plantings were removed when Miss Pink passed away, in line with her wishes to establish a public botanic garden on the Reserve. Open Daily from 8am until 6pm (except Christmas Day)
Ormiston Gorge and Pound
Ormiston Gorge showcases the spectacular geology and landforms of the MacDonnell Ranges. The Gorge has a near-permanent waterhole, estimated to be up to 14 metres deep at is southern end. The waterhole is perfect for swimming, especially in the warmer months. The area contains an interesting variety of native flora and fauna including a number of relict plant species remaining from a tropical past.
The rediscovery of the Long-tailed Dunnart and the Central Rock Rat highlights the park as an important fauna refuge. There is a number of tourist walks. The most popular are the 5 minute Waterhole Walk and the 20 minute Ghost Gum Lookout walk.
Ryan Well Historical Reserve
Located approximately 129 kilometres north of Alice Springs on the Stuart Highway, Ryan Well serves as a rest area of historical interest for travellers. On the western side of the highway are the remains of an old well which was associated with the Overland Telegraph Line and early settlement of Central Australia.
The South Australian Government named this well after Ned Ryan who, with his nephew, Jeremiah Ryan, completed Ryan Well in 1889. On the eastern side of the highway are the remains of Glen Maggie, the homestead of a sheep and cattle station established in 1914 by Samuel and Elizabeth Nicker and their five children.
Simpsons Gap
The West MacDonnell National Park incorporates a number of scenic gaps, including Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent waterholes in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The area is an important spiritual site to the Arrernte Aboriginal people, where several dreaming trails and stories cross. Flora and Fauna At dawn or dusk it is renowned as a place to see black-footed rock wallabies along the short walking track into the gap. Large representative samples of many of the vegetation communities of the MacDonnell Ranges are found in the Simpsons Gap area, including large areas of mulga.
Via Larapinta Dr, 20kms west of Alice SpringsSimpsons Gap Bicycle Path
Experience the arid central Australian landscape in an enjoyable and different way along the Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path. This sealed path meanders for 17 km through attractive bushland between Flynn’s Grave and Simpsons Gap. The path meanders cross-country with generally easy grades, making it a relaxing and scenic ride for visitors of all ages.
Easily accessible on the western outskirts of Alice Springs, the path is great for residents seeking a short ride after school or work or as longer weekend explorations. For tourists, it is a unique way to safely get to know and enjoy the natural environment around the town.
Stuart Town Cemetery
The Stuart Town Cemetery, formerly Omegal, is a very historical cemetery. It is a lasting memorial to our early forefathers. Pioneers of Store Creek, Farnham, Stoney Creek, Mookerawa, Lower Mookerawa, Mumbil, Ironbarks and Stuart Town are buried there. These people were farmers, gold seekers, rail employees, rabbiters, those in the area in depression years and during the construction of Burrendong Dam and of course the cemetery is in use to this day.
Unfortunately, many graves are unmarked and the areas unidentified. No records are available prior to council controlling the area in the late 1960's. Wellington Historical Society has established a register of burials in the area with and without headstones. This listing is a very valuable historic record of the area. Elizabeth Gage has the earliest existing monument as she was buried in 1874. John Henry Smith died in 1918 at the age of 104. The Sloane Vault is the resting place of five of our early pioneers of this district.
Stuart Town Gaol
This property was constructed in 1907 and served as the town's gaol until 1938. It is a simple design made of local stone that reflects the harsh discriminatory treatment of prisoners during the early twentieth century. It houses memorabilia and stories relating to police history and life in Central Australia. Open to the public three days a week, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10.30 to midday.
+61 8 8952 4516 8 Parsons St, Alice SpringsStudio 12
Studio 12 is a refreshingly different style of gallery located right in the heart of town and showcases the work of respected local artists and reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the Alice Springs art community. Studio 12 offers a wide range of contemporary Australian and landscape art in a variety of media, and is owned and operated collectively by the artists, with assistance from Leaping Lizards Gallery. Studio 12 aims to maintain high standards of art, presentation and customer service that will further raise the profile of Alice Springs as a destination for art lovers.
+61 8 8952 5021 Shop 7, 89 Todd Mall, Alice SpringsTodd Mall Markets
Colourful stands and characters combine to bring the Todd Mall alive on Sunday Market Days. The clanging bell signals the arrival of the town crier, who tells of stands with souvenirs, local art and craft including hand crafted jewellery, delicious local produce, alfresco dining and entertainers. Enjoy a leisurely Sunday morning brunch and stroll down the pedestrian mall, explore the arcades, plazas and shops.
Markets are generally held every second Sunday from the end of February until December.
Trephina Gorge Nature Park
Trephina Gorge, in the East MacDonnell Ranges, is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum lined watercourses. Two gorges dissect the range: Trephina, with its wide views and sandy creek bed, and John Hayes Rock Hole with steep, narrow rock walls. Situated 85km east of Alice Springs, the Park is accessible to all vehicles. Access is via the sealed Ross Highway, then a 9km drive into Trephina Gorge, the last 5km on a gravel road. The John Hayes Rockhole track within the Park is recommended for 4WD vehicles only. Infrequent heavy rains may cause all roads to become impassable.
Ross Highway, 85kms east of Alice SpringsTropic of Capricorn Marker
The Tropic of Capricorn Marker, a Bicentennial community project, is set back 15 metres from the road, along the Stuart Highway 30 kilometres north of Alice Springs. In 1987 the local Alice Springs newspaper ran a competition for a design to replace the Tropic of Capricorn marker. The winning design was submitted by a local resident, it consists of a stylised globe of the world on top of a slanted pole around 6.5 metres high. A local artist was commissioned to carve the Capricorn goats into either side of the cement base and the new marker was officially opened late 1988.
+61 8 8952 5800 Stuart Highway, 30kms north of Alice SpringsWallace Rockhole
Wallace Rockhole is a Western Aranda Aboriginal Community located 120kms west of Alice Springs along the James Range. In 1877 the Lutheran Mission opened up Hermannsburg Mission and ran a large cattle station to support the mission and the Aboriginals up to 1983 when the station was divided in to 5 blocks and handed back to the Aranda people. Wallace Rockhole is on the Urana Land Trust 25kms along the James Range and 40kms to the West MacDonnell Ranges.
The community was founded by the Abbott family in 1973 as an outstation of the Hermannsburg Mission. We invite visitors to come and experience our culture; learn about bush tucker and bush medicine, see ancient rock art, take a tour, see breathtaking scenery along with native animals and much much more. You can even set up camp at Wallace Rockhole and take day trips to see the West MacDonnell Ranges, Hermannsburg and Palm Valley.
West MacDonnell National Park
This vast and spectacular section of the MacDonnell Ranges, located west of Alice Springs, is an outstanding example of an ancient landscape sculptured over time by climatic elements. Cool scenic gorges are important refuges for a collection of plants and animals, many of which are found only here and some are relicts of a bygone era of tropical forests. There are many opportunities for visitors to explore and appreciate the scenic beauty and history of the area.
Features of the landscape are significant in the stories of Western Arrernte Aboriginal culture, and have existed for many thousands of years. A world class bicycle path leads out from Alice Springs through the bush to this Park.
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