Discover Alice Springs

Alice Springs brings together insights into the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service with art, nature and wildlife. The RFDS Museum, the Araluen Cultural Precinct and the Olive Pink Botanic Garden each offer something distinctive; the Reptile Centre and Todd Mall Markets round out the range. For planning your trip, the question is therefore less about choosing a single theme than about which experiences interest you most.

Explore culture and history

The RFDS Alice Springs Tourist Facility uses state-of-the-art technology and an immersive museum to tell the story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and its development. You can take a seat in a replica RFDS PC-12; you can also visit an original former RFDS communications centre. This brings an account of the broader historical context together with tangible exhibits. If you are interested in history and technology, combining these two perspectives offers more than one way to engage with the subject.

Art and performance at Araluen

The Araluen Cultural Precinct comprises four galleries and a 500-seat theatre. The Araluen Arts Centre presents exhibitions, theatre and film there each year. The Araluen Art Collection traces the development of Aboriginal art in Central Australia. Visual art is presented alongside stage and film formats, so visitors looking for different kinds of cultural experiences will find several under one name.

Plants and birdlife at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Plants of the arid region are the focus at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden: the garden showcases more than 600 native species, including many that are rare and endangered. Several well-marked, self-guided trails add to the experience. Birdlife is also a feature: 89 bird species have been recorded in the garden, including some rare species. Plant diversity and documented bird species offer different ways to experience nature; the self-guided trails give you the opportunity to explore the garden at your own pace.

Reptiles and markets

The Alice Springs Reptile Centre displays more than 100 reptiles in recreations of their natural habitats. Interactive talks and hands-on reptile handling sessions take place daily. Some of the world's most venomous snakes are displayed safely behind glass. If you plan to attend a talk or handling session, check the times before your visit.

The Todd Mall Markets feature stalls selling crafts, clothing, art, food, jewellery, wellness products, dog products, honey and books. The markets offer a different focus from the museums, garden and Reptile Centre: here, the emphasis is on the variety of goods on offer. Check the dates before your visit; market times and stall offerings may change.

Choose hotels based on your travel interests

When searching for a hotel in Alice Springs, your preferred travel focus can help guide your choice. Those who prioritise cultural experiences can weigh up the history of the RFDS alongside art, theatre and film at Araluen. Nature lovers will find plants, trails and recorded bird species at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden; the Reptile Centre offers another focus, with talks and handling sessions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kakadu, Driver, Ayers Rock, Adelaide River, Tennant Creek.

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