Top Alice Springs Nature Parks

With its red rock canyons, outback desert, and iconic landmarks, Australia’s Red Centre is full of natural wonders. This 3-day camping adventure covers the region’s three most popular destinations—Uluru, Kings Canyon, and Kata Tjuta. Enjoy magnificent views of Uluru at sunrise and sunset, take guided hikes in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and Watarrka National Park, and camp out beneath the outback stars.

Explore the plants, animals, and people of the desert during a self-guided visit to Alice Springs Desert Park. Learn about the arid regions of central Australia from interpretative displays and daily talks by the staff. Find out who resides in a waterhole and which critters come out at night, among other fun facts.

Explore the highlights of the West MacDonnell Ranges on a guided tour from Alice Springs—without the hassle of driving or planning. In just one day, check off multiple sites, including Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge, Ochre Pits, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and Glen Helen. Enjoy short walks into dramatic gorges, discover hidden waterholes, capture classic Outback photos, and swim at select spots (conditions permitting).

Sometimes driving through a small part of the Australian Outback isn’t enough. See the desert from above on a morning hot-air balloon ride. This tour from Alice Springs gets you up in the air near dawn for a scenic ride. Spot wildlife, including the elusive Red Kangaroo, from above, take in views of the landscape, and enjoy sparkling wine afterward.

Let someone else do the driving and sit back and enjoy the scenery of Australia’s rugged Red Centre with this one-way transfer from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock). Travel by air-conditioned coach through the mystical desert of the Northern Territory while your driver-guide points out passing attractions and shares Aboriginal history. Stretch your legs at stops throughout the journey.

Explore Alice Springs and the East MacDonnell ranges. Visit Anzac Hill, School of Air, Araluen Art Centre, Dr John Flynn's Museum, Emily Gap, Jessie Gap, and more. Discover heroic tales of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Visit Aboriginal spiritual sites before enjoying panoramic views of Alice Springs from Anzac Hill.

Discover the legendary heart of Outback culture on this half-day highlights tour of Alice Springs. Visit the historic Overland Telegraph Station and learn how residents have adapted to ultra-remote living at the Royal Flying Doctor Service base and the School of the Air. Encounter fearsome desert creatures at the Alice Springs Reptile Park, and take in sweeping views of the West MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.

Most visitors experience Alice Springs Desert Park during the day, but this evening tour offers a rare chance to explore the desert after dark, when the environment comes to life in a completely different way. Join your guide on a nighttime walking tour and discover how plants and animals adapt to cooler desert temperatures. As nocturnal creatures begin to emerge, keep watch for species such as echidnas and mala, and gain insight into Australia’s central desert ecosystems in a setting few visitors get to experience.