 The original Alice Springs was a waterhole located some 3 km
north of the present town. Named after Alice Todd (wife of Superintendent of
Post and Telegraph Sir Charles Todd), the town was founded as a staging point
for the overland telegraph line in 1870.There is a restored memorial marking the spot, dedicated to the pioneering
spirit of the men who built the overland telegraph line from Adelaide to Darwin.
For those who have a brief stay in Alice or are staying for longer, following
are some of the local attractions within Alice Springs:
- Alice Springs Cultural Precinct
at least half a day.
Eight fascinating attractions in one unique location.
- Alice Springs Desert Park
allow 4 hours or more. There is also a cafe.
Introduction to Australias desert, the landscapes, animals and plants of
central Australias and their traditional use and management by the Aboriginal
people.
Make sure you include the Birds of Prey Show and Nocturnal House.
- Alice
Springs School of the Air
an hour.
Meeting the educational needs of primary school children in the Outback.
- Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
1 to 2 hours or more if you enjoy the walks and picnic area. There is also a
kiosk.
The original site of the first European settlement in the region. There are also
a number of walks to be enjoyed.
- ANZAC Hill
15 to 30 minutes, unless you are walking up or are waiting for sunrise /
sunset.
A special place to the Aboriginals and the site of the ANZAC Hill War Memorial.
- National Road Transport Hall of Fame
couple of hours or more, especially for the enthusiast.
Road and rail transport history of Central Australia.
- Olive Pink Botanic Garden
a couple of hours or more, especially if you do the walks. There is a cafe.
An Arid Zone Botanic Garden in the Northern Territory.
- Todd Mall and Sunday Markets
an hour or more.
Main shopping area of town. Hosts the markets usually held every second Sunday,
including some special additional market days. Contact the Visitor Centre for
dates.
The following local attractions are within a few minutes walk of each other
and only 10-15 minute walk from Todd Mall:
For a full list of attractions in Alice Springs and surrounding region,
click here...
The growth of the current Alice Springs has occurred only in the last 30 years,
with the road south to Adelaide being only fully sealed in 1987. Although a major tourist spot you can really appreciate this desert community by visiting the surrounding attractions.
For those planning a visit to Central Australia, making Alice Springs your base,
provides a great place from which to visit the wonders of the surrounding
region. For those new to the area, a visit to many of the regions attractions
from Alice Springs can entail anywhere from half a day to a couple of days,
especially if you stay overnight.
A popular route taken by visitors to the
region is to fly in to Uluru, catch a coach tour via Kings Canyon then to Alice
Springs. Whilst in Alice, there is so much to see and do, you can spend at least a month.
Some people have even come to visit and stayed.
Check out our
Distance chart to view
the kilometres to some of the attractions.
Some of the other things to see in the region
include:
To see a full list of attractions in Central Australia region,
click here.Special permit to cross through Aboriginal land are required and can be obtained in Alice Springs, Glen Helen, Hermannsburg, or Kings Canyon.
For up-to-date info visit the local tourist centre. For Alice
Springs accommodation
click here: |
