Your 10 Day Itinerary

In the Todd Street Mall check out the many world-class Aboriginal Art Galleries and enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many local artisan cafes. Also, in the mall is Megafauna Central, which showcases the unique megafauna that roamed Central Australia 8 million years ago. Meet the world’s largest bird and a fearsome crocodile from the Miocene epoch. Discover fascinating fossils and catch a glimpse of palaeontologists at work in the lab. Free entry.

In the afternoon visit the School of the Air in Head St – experience ‘The World’s Largest Classroom’ – more than 1.3 million square kilometres. Open 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday-Saturday,1.30pm – 4.30pm Sunday and public holidays – last entry 4pm.

Top off your afternoon with a panoramic view over Alice and the surrounding West MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill and enjoy the amazing sunsets over. Walk up the hill, if you’re feeling energetic and down the steps back to your car. Otherwise drive up the hill, see the plaques along the way and admire the ANZAC memorial which was unveiled on Anzac Day 1934.

You can also park your car at Anzac oval and take the ANZAC walk along the river behind the Senior Citizens rooms in Wills Tce to the RSL club in Schwarz Cres – you will find commemorative plaques from many of the wars along the way.

Ask one of our reception staff about touring the West MacDonnell Ranges, either with one of our local touring companies or take a self-drive tour to discover the many and varied gorges and swimming holes. These include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm (entrance fees apply), Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Ochre Pits and Ormiston Gorge. Or take a tour to historic Hermannsburg, the birthplace of Albert Namatjira, and Palm Valley which is the only area in Central Australia where red cabbage palms survive.

The Alice Springs Desert Park is a must-do and you could easily spend the whole day here – the desert comes alive through close-up encounters with local wildlife, native plants and aboriginal culture. The nocturnal house is particularly impressive, and don’t miss the birds of prey show. There is also a cafe onsite for a bite to eat. Open daily 7.30am-6pm.

Our park is the perfect place to take a break, unwind and catch up on the laundry! Take a dip in the pool, enjoy the shady areas to sit back, read a book and enjoy the peaceful serenity.

Fancy a balloon ride? Experience the breathtaking feeling of floating silently above the outback. Take a 30 or 60-minute flight – return transfers, and light refreshments including sparkling wine and fruit juice. See Reception to make a booking.

If soaring above the ground is not your thing, how about horse riding with Outback Horse Treks. Saddle up for a memorable 1.5-hour horse ride through the stunning East MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs, set within the historic Undoolya Station — a working organic cattle station. Enjoy breathtaking outback views as you ride through scenic trails rich in natural beauty and history

In the afternoon pay a visit to the Telegraph Station – a historic museum precinct with both indoor and outdoor displays, presenting the story of the connection of Australia to the rest of the world through Telegraph Communication in 1871. The Trail Station Café is a great spot to stop for a coffee or lunch. There is also an elaborate network of mountain bike trails starting from the precinct, catering to both beginners to advanced riders. Open 7 days 8.30am-5pm. And best of all it is only 2km from our park, an easy walk or cycle.

This is also where the first stage of the Larapinta Trail begins. Ranked as one of the planet’s top 20 treks, the Larapinta Trail is a 221 km path that follows the rocky spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder, and is split into 12 sections. For more information on hiking and camping on the trail (fees apply) visit the Tourist Information Centre. Also our park is the closest one to the start of the Larapinta Trail so we are a great spot to base yourself pre & post trek and we are happy to store your car if needed while you are away.

Horse riding in Central Australia

Journey out the Ross Highway to the East MacDonnell Ranges. Rich in pastoral and mining history the East Macs have a lot to offer those who have the time to explore off the beaten track. Sites include Trephina Gorge, N’Dhala Gorge, Arltunga Historical Reserve. Stop at the Arltunga Bush & Eco Retreat for a spot of lunch or relax in the heated pool. We do have a local tour company that operates tours out here, as well as tours to Chambers Pillar or Rainbow Valley. Enquire with our Reception staff.

Visit Stuart Terrace in town where you will find the Reptile Centre, Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Women’s Museum of Australia. Head to the Reptile Centre if you want a hands-on wildlife experience as they have an extensive range of reptiles, many of which you can get up close and personal with. Discover the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in this historic building and share the triumphs and tragedies of this remarkable program. They also have a cafe where you can grab some lunch. At the Women’s Museum of Australia, you can learn about the work, hardships, lifestyles and triumphs of the region’s pioneering women.

The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Alice Springs. Open daily from 8am-6pm you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and morning or afternoon tea at the Bean Tree Cafe. Then wander freely along the many paths exploring some of the 600 Central Australian plant species, watching the birds, and following the lovely themed walks around the garden.

Araluen Cultural Precinct on Larapinta Drive is the premier location to experience Central Australian Art and Culture. It provides a holistic insight into the living history of Central Australia. Included are the Museum of Central Australia, Central Aviation Museum, Central Craft and the Araluen Arts Centre. The Yaye’s Cafe is open daily 8am-4pm and the centre is open daily 10am-4pm.

Go west again and explore any spots you missed in the West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping in at Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge. Have a swim in the permanent waterhole at Ellery Creek.

Then visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary for a guided sunset tour. The sanctuary is the home of Chris “Brolga” Barnes, the star of Kangaroo Dundee and the inspiration for the 2025 movie Kangaroo. Bookings are essential and include free transfer. (Closed during December, January and February every year).

Take a wander around the National Road Transport Hall of Fame – Australia’s tribute to the men, women and machines of the road transport industry. This is a volunteer-based project dedicated to the preservation of our unique road transport heritage. Located just next door is the Old Ghan Train Railway Museum which has the Alice Springs Miniature Railway that is a delight for both children and adults. You can get a bite to eat here as well in their cafe. Open daily 9am-5pm.

On the way back to town stop at the Old Timers Traeger Museum to see a history of settlement in Central Australia. Displays include gems & minerals, exploration, cameleers, communication and transport. Run by volunteers and located on the grounds of the Old Timers Village, just buzz the doorbell on the gate for entry. (Closed during the summer months).