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| You have never been to Alice Springs if… ACTIVITIES– you haven’t had a cold beer on the rooftop of Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar! SOUVENIRS – you didn’t take home an original, hand-crafted Aboriginal painting! ATTRACTIONS– you haven’t enjoyed the sunset from Anzac Hill! |
Introduction
When we arrived in Alice Springs, after a Qantas flight from Melbourne (read our article here), we were eager to explore this iconic Outback town. Alice Springs is truly the heart of Australia, and our three-day visit in early July was the perfect time to enjoy its rugged beauty—though it’s also peak season. Since we didn’t rent a car, we relied on public transport and guided tours to get around.
Here’s our guide about what to see in Alice Springs in 3 days. Leave your comment in the box below for further suggestions or any question.
Day 1: exploring Alice Springs and sunset at Anzac Hill
We started our adventure by exploring the center of Alice Springs. The small but charming town is easily walkable, and the focal point is Todd Mall, a pedestrian-friendly street lined with cafes, shops, and galleries featuring incredible Aboriginal art. We spent the morning browsing and soaking up the relaxed vibe of the town.
In the afternoon, we visited the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, a short trip north of town, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. This heritage site was part of the Overland Telegraph Line that connected Australia to the rest of the world in the 19th century. The displays are interesting, and you can explore the old stone buildings while imagining the isolation early settlers must have felt.
For sunset, we headed to Anzac Hill, which offers panoramic views over Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges.
It’s the perfect spot to reflect on the town’s significance in Australia’s history and to enjoy the stunning colors of the Outback at dusk.
We wrapped up the evening with dinner in town. Dine at Epilogue Lounge & Rooftop Bar and enjoy local dishes and dancing on the rooftop (1/58 Todd St, Alice Springs NT 0870, Australia).
Day 2: West MacDonnell Ranges and Olive Pink Botanic Garden
Day two started bright and early with a guided tour of the West MacDonnell Ranges. This half-day tour took us to some of the most breathtaking spots just outside Alice Springs. We bought our tour on GetYourGuide.
Our first stop was the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial, dedicated to the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, one of the Outback’s most essential services.
Next, we visited Simpsons Gap, where the towering red cliffs create a dramatic backdrop for a quiet walk. The Gap is a haven for wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some black-footed rock wallabies hopping around.
After a quick morning tea stop, we headed to Standley Chasm, a narrow gorge where the sunlight floods in, making the red rocks glow. The short walk through the chasm is absolutely stunning, and it’s easy to see why this is such a popular spot.
After returning to Alice Springs in the afternoon, we decided to visit the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, just a short walk from town. This serene space is dedicated to the desert flora of Central Australia, and it’s a great place to learn more about the plants that thrive in this arid environment. It’s also a peaceful spot to unwind after a morning full of exploring.
Ready for a day trip? The West MacDonnell Ranges are a must-see when visiting Alice Springs!
Day 3: the ultimate Uluru adventure (Tiziano’s 30th birthday!)
On our third day, we celebrated a milestone – Tiziano’s 30th birthday – with a trip to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Uluru. Ever since Tiziano was a child, visiting Uluru had been a dream, and we were excited to finally make it happen with a “1 Day Uluru Tour – Start & End in Alice Springs” on one of the comfortable buses of the Emu Run agency. Buy your tour here!
The day started early with a stop at Erldunda, where we enjoyed a hearty buffet breakfast in a motorway service station near an emu enclosure. Then, it was back on the road for the journey to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), where we took our first walk of the day through Walpa Gorge. The sheer size of these domes is incredible, and the walk gives you a real sense of the raw power of nature.
Next, we visited the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where we learned about the deep cultural significance of Uluru and Kata Tjuta to the Anangu people, the traditional owners of this land. Learn more about Anangu culture here!
Afterward, we finally arrived at Uluru itself. The experience was surreal.
We started with the Mala Walk, a short but insightful trail that showcases sacred sites around the base of the rock.
Then, we moved on to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, a tranquil spot that’s home to ancient rock art.
The day ended with a spectacular Uluru sunset, complete with a glass of red wine (or a beer!) and a classic Aussie BBQ dinner.
Watching the colors of the rock change as the sun dipped below the horizon was breathtaking and the perfect way to end the tour. Afterward, we made the long journey back to Alice Springs, exhausted but fulfilled by the day’s incredible adventure.
Extra-Activity: visit the Desert Park
If you have the time and access to a car, we highly recommend a visit to the Alice Springs Desert Park. Although we couldn’t fit it into our itinerary, it’s known for offering a fantastic introduction to the landscapes, wildlife, and culture of the desert. You can experience free-flying birds of prey, learn about the traditional Aboriginal way of life, and explore the different desert environments up close. If you’re a nature lover, this is a must-visit spot to deepen your appreciation of the Outback.
Having your own vehicle makes the trip easier, but guided tours are also available!
If you’re looking to rent a car, then look no further than DiscoverCars.com! You’ll find here the perfect rental solution.
Extra Tip: protect your skin with pure Paw Paw Ointment
One essential item we highly recommend packing for your trip to Alice Springs is Pure Paw Paw Original Australian Ointment. This versatile product is perfect for soothing and smoothing your lips, skin, and even makeup, whether you’re visiting the desert in the scorching summer or the cooler winter months. During our time in the Outback, it was a lifesaver—especially when the desert winds began to dry and crack our skin.
What’s even better? It’s 100% made in Australia and makes for a great, authentic souvenir to take home. Whether for yourself or as a gift, it’s a little piece of Australia you won’t regret having in your bag!
Where to sleep: YHA Alice Springs
Due to the high season, finding affordable accommodation in Alice Springs can be tricky. We ended up staying at YHA Alice Springs, which offers budget-friendly, shared dorms.
It was clean, comfortable, and centrally located, making it a great option for budget travelers. Although we usually prefer private rooms, this hostel was a great choice given the circumstances—and we even made a few new friends during our stay.
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Conclusions
We’ve had a great time putting together this article and we’re so happy to have helped you understand what to do in Alice Springs in 3 days! Our time here was packed with unforgettable experiences. From exploring the historic town center to hiking in the West MacDonnell Ranges, and, of course, our epic day trip to Uluru, we managed to fit a lot into our visit.
However, we couldn’t help but notice one aspect that struck us deeply—the Aboriginal presence here is much more visible than in other parts of Australia. This highlights the still unresolved and complex Aboriginal issues in the country, something you can feel in Alice Springs more than elsewhere.
While this trip was a beautiful journey through Australia’s cultural heart, it also reminded us of the importance of understanding the local Indigenous cultures and the challenges they face.
Next, we were off to Darwin (read our article here), but Alice Springs will always hold a special place in our hearts. If you’re looking for a true Outback experience, Alice Springs is a destination you won’t want to miss!
Leave your comment in the box below for further suggestions or any question and we’ll be happy to help you planning your trip!
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