Alice Springs is one of only two major cities in Australia’s Northern Territory, so it stands to reason that much of the outback state is best explored from this central point. Most people come here to see the surrounding region and feast their eyes on some of Australia’s most iconic sights, such as Glen Helen Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and of course – the world-famous, Uluru.
Alice Springs is surrounded by stunning national parks and vast stretches of scorching desert and open landscape. When visiting the area, hiring a rental car is absolutely essential and will allow you to immerse yourself wholly in the outback way of life, and appreciate its raw, uncompromising beauty.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet local wildlife at the Olive Pink Botanic Garden, or dive in at Ormiston Gorge in West MacDonnell National Park. For most people, a visit to this part of the world is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Learn about Indigenous Australian culture
If you’re keen to learn more about Indigenous Australian culture, visiting the Sounds of Starlight Theatre is a must. Andrew Langford established the theatre in 1996 to introduce people to Australia’s most famous instrument, the didgeridoo. Visitors can hear a unique performance of the instrument and learn more about indigenous culture.
Hire a car and explore Alice Springs’ main attractions
Despite its size and isolated location, there is plenty to see and do in Alice Springs. Begin your day before the heat kicks in with a walk up Anzac Hill. Here you can enjoy sweeping views of the city and the MacDonnell Ranges off in the distance. After, treat yourself to breakfast in one of the many bustling cafes along Todd Mall. After breakfast, jump in your rental car to begin exploring the city.
Take in the town’s main attractions, such as the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve, which was part of the revolutionary telegraph system that connected England with Australia in 1872. After, head for the School of the Air Visitor Centre, where you can sit in on a virtual classroom lesson with Australian children who live in remote parts of the country’s centre.
Wander through the Araluen Cultural Precinct and learn about Central Australian mythology, art and culture. The precinct's attractions include the Albert Namatjira Gallery and the Museum of Central Australia. In the evening, return to Anzac Hill to catch the mesmerising, Alice Springs sunset, then, enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in town.
Roam the MacDonnell Ranges
Stretching out for hundreds of kilometres on each side of Alice Springs are the East and West MacDonnell Ranges. The area is ideal for exploring in a rental car and is home to incredible views, hiking trails, 4WD tracks, freshwater swimming holes and camping spots.
Other areas of interest in the surrounding region include the soaring red cliffs and swimming holes at Ormiston Gorge and Pound, as well as Finke Gorge National Park and Simpsons Gap.
Alice Springs is an ideal base for exploring the Australian outback. Make sure that you plan ahead and dedicate enough time to seeing this area of unparalleled natural beauty. You’ll be rewarded with a lifetime of memories and an authentic experience, quite unlike anything else.
The Australian outback is a place of iconic beauty. For the best way to see it all, jump in a rental car and hit the road.
Wherever you choose to explore, you’ll get there in a rental car from Hertz.
