tourist shop alice springs

Shopping in Alice Springs

Shopping in Alice Springs needn’t break the bank!

We know that shopping in Alice Springs can be expensive.

We’ve written this page to help you save money shopping in Alice Springs. You’ll also find tourist information about shopping hours and locations here.

With the exception of boats (!), you can buy just about everything in Alice Springs that you can buy elsewhere in Australia.

If you forget your favourite brand of shampoo, a pair of shorts, or need a pedicure we promise you’ll be able to get it in Alice Springs.

Alice Springs has LOTS of shops

Shopping in Alice Springs is easy because most shops are located in the town’s Central Business District (CBD): the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza and Todd Mall.

The best thing about shopping in Alice Springs is that everything is within easy walking distance – you won’t get lost shopping in town!

The main tourist, souvenir and Aboriginal art shops are located in Todd Mall, which is the official main street of Alice Springs. There’s also some great cafes and restaurants in Todd Mall.

Walk to the middle of Todd Mall (near the sails), and you’ll find the Tourist Information Centre.

To us locals, however, Todd Mall is mainly for tourists and eating out. If you want to get the ‘real’ feel of shopping in Alice Springs , you need to leave very touristy, expensive Todd Mall.

Alice Springs has two shopping malls in the CBD: Yeperenye Shopping Centre and Alice Plaza. There are also a number of arcades and smaller malls: Coles Complex, Leichtodd Plaza and Reg Harris Lane.

Retail hours are generally:

Monday -Friday: 9am-5:30pm

Saturday: 9am-12pm

Sunday: Large chain stores open around 10am-3pm

Shops in Todd Mall are open longer hours: 9am-4pm Most smaller retail outlets (apart from Todd Mall) are closed on Sundays.

Supermarkets:

Alice Springs has two large supermarkets that are open extended hours (from around 6am-10pm every day):

• Woolworths (called ‘Woollies’) Supermarket in the Yeperenye Shopping Centre (between Bath and Hartley Streets)
• Coles Supermarket in the Coles Complex (between Bath Street and Railway Tce)

Generally, these two supermarkets are the cheapest places to buy grocery items except for meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Coles and Woollies stock everything that you can buy in supermarket in capital cities.

So if you decide you want ingredients to make sushi, gado-gado or need Oreos, you’ll be able to buy them in Coles and Woollies.

The busiest times in the supermarkets are around 4:00pm-6:00pm weekdays, and Saturday mornings. I hate grocery shopping at the best of times and AVOID shopping at these times. The big supermarkets are especially busy right before long weekends. Go early in the morning – around 7 am!

During peak tourist season (June-August) and around the Finke Desert Race (beginning of June) or long weekends in winter, Coles and Woollies often run out of some things. Fresh fruit and vegetables, especially.

This isn’t a disaster! Alice Springs has lots of smaller, suburban supermarkets as well. These are open from around 8am-8pm most days.

Foodland supermarkets often have better quality fruit and vegetables than the larger supermarkets. Foodland Supermarkets also seem to have the best and cheapest meats:

• Eastside Foodland (great for fresh vegetables)
• Northside Foodland (cheapest, high quality meat and great for fresh vegetables)
• Flynn Drive Foodland
• IGA Millner Road (next door to Millner Meats – a legendary local butcher)
• IGA Larapinta
• Piggly’s (IGA Gap Road)

Local TIP: There is an AWESOME fresh fruit and veggie market at the Diarama Village (on Larapinta Drive, about 3km west of the CBD) on Thursday evenings.

Organic food (at a price!!) is available at Afghan Traders in Smith Street (corner of Hele and Smith).

Clothes, Hair, Camping Gear

You’ll find many major Australian retailers like Just Jeans, Priceline, Sussan, Millers, Payless Shoes, and Jay Jays  in Alice Springs. There’s also Kmart and Target.

If you’re looking for hairdressers, a quick walk around will reveal that Alice Springs has LOTS of hairdressers. The cheapest, no-appointment necessary haircuts are available at:

• Express Cuts – located in the Coles Complex
• Supercuts – located near the sails in Todd Mall, just past the ANZ Bank
• Hair at the Memo. This is the cheapest, best and where we go! Take cash. It’s conveniently located for backpackers, in Todd Street (also called Gap Road), at the Memo Club

Camping Gear

We love camping equipment! We walk into a camping store and can’t help ourselves – we just find some gadget that we know we’ll need. Like an espresso maker for bush trips. Or a Legionnaire’s cap in camouflage colours.

Thankfully, Alice Springs has some great camping and outdoor shops.

At the southern end of Todd Mall, you’ll find Lone Dingo , which is our main outdoor shop. If you’re after hiking gear, maps, high quality sleeping bags and backpacks, then you’ll love this store.

Lone Dingo is a little more expensive than the same kinds of shops in capital cities, however, they have the best and friendliest customer service in town. Even better, the owners of the store and all the people who work here are keen hikers and campers.

Desert Dwellers is located on the corner of Elder Street & Milner Road (in the industrial area). This is THE place to go if you’re looking for absolutely everything you could ever need to go camping: stoves, tables, chairs, tents, coolboxes, fridges, tarpaulins etc. The service is friendly and helpful.

It’s also the place to buy the famous outback fly repellant creme.

Their motto is : If we don’t have it, you don’t need it! . We totally agree!

Centre Swags located at 9 Smith Street, Alice Springs is the best, cheapest and only place we go to buy swags and mosquito domes. They make swags onsite, so you’ll save $$ if you buy them here.

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Great, informative blog! I’ll soon be in the red center for two weeks and am wondering if I need to look up where grocery stores and water sources are along the way, as we’ll be car camping. Since its so sparsely populated, I assume it won’t be easy to find provisions and water everywhere there?

Hi Bettina,

Thanks so much for your comments. When you say ‘along the way’- could you tell me exactly where you mean, so that I can help you with the correct information. For example, if you mean when you are driving up the Stuart Hwy, then yes, there are roadhouses which have supplies, approximately every 150km. In Alice Springs, as we’ve said, there are LOTS of supermarkets and shops. Alice is effectively a small regional ‘city’, and even has named suburbs, and thus, local neigbourhood supermarkets.

Of course if you mean somewhere else, then I’ll need to know where, so I can give you the best information.

Can you tell me where I can get the white cream that acts as a fly repellent, where two of the ingredients are rosemary and cedar oil. Regards Gail Hulland

Desert Dwellers camping shop.

Very informative! We’ll be there soon and need some camping items before we hit the Tanami Track. Now I know just where to go! Thank you for this resource.

Love your website. Thanks for taking the time to put down such detailed, local information.

May I ask, is this information still current? As Bettina above began to ask, do you have information about water availability on the way to Alice? We will be travelling in September from Yunta to Arkaroola, then along Oodnadatta track from Copley via Marree, Coward Springs, William Creek onto Oodnadatta (side trip to Dalhousie Springs), then onto Uluru/Olga’s via Marla. From Uluru we’ll be going to Alice via Fink Gorge and West Macdonnell NP.

We’re pretty self sufficient but I’m just trying to figure out how much additional space (ie. What to leave behind ) I’ll need for extra water and how many fresh ingredients I may be able to find along the way to supplement our supplies. I realise this changes from week to week, but any info would be appreciated.

I got caught out last year travelling in the vic high country. I rang ahead to an IGA and they said they stocked a great range. Turned out they meant they stocked a great, extensive range of chips, confectionery and soft drinks and were very light on fruit, veg, meat, dairy and frozen items. My kids were thrilled!

Again, many thanks. Great site. Regards, Susan

We live in Alice Springs and ALL this information is current. Alice Springs is a big, major, town. Think Goulburn in NSW or Renmark or Bendigo.

You can get water in all of the places you’ve mentioned along the Oodnadatta Track, there are roadhouses every 150 or so kilometres up the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, and as long as you fill up at Kings Canyon, you’ll be able to get water again at Finke Gorge (not Fink – that’s the outlaw motorcycle gang!) Gorge campground.

Fresh ingredients will be available at the supermarket in Yulara (the IGA at Uluru – Yulara is the name of the little town there). Limited fresh fruit, meat and veggies are available at the Marree Roadhouse (say hi to Lyall!) and at the Pink Roadhouse and the little supermarket in Oodnadatta, and some again at Marla Roadhouse. After that, you’ll be able to restock in Alice Springs at Woollies or Coles (they are proper, big supermarkets).

Hope your trip goes to plan, and let us know if you need anymore help,

Is there a big w or jb hifi

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Alice Springs, Northern Territory © Tourism NT

Guide to Alice Springs

Aboriginal name:  Mparntwe (pronounced M-ban-tua)

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• Getting to Alice Springs
• When to visit

Known as the gateway to the Northern Territory’s epic outback, your Alice adventure will be sure to leave an imprint of the very best kind.

Nestled in the heart of Australia’s ochre outback is Alice Springs. Known to the locals as “Alice”, this town embodies the quintessential Australian spirit, from the ancient desert it sits upon to the Aboriginal culture that is woven into the very fabric of life here. In the town itself, you’ll find an impressive array of outback activities from camel rides to sunrise hot air balloons. But escaping to nature isn’t difficult either. You can float in freshwater swimming holes, explore the awe-inspiring Kings Canyon or marvel at the magnificent monolith of Uluru. There’s no doubt that Alice is the beating heart of Australia’s Red Centre.

Indigenous culture is rich in Alice Springs/Mparntwe. The Traditional Custodians – the Arrernte people – are known for their fascinating Yeperenye (caterpillar) Dreamtime story, which describes how the region’s landscape was created by their giant caterpillar ancestors. One of the best ways to experience Mparntwe culture is by exploring the town’s vibrant collection of Aboriginal art galleries along the Desert Art Trail.

• Traditional name: Mparntwe (pronounced M-ban-tua)
• Indigenous Peoples: Arrernte 
• Traditional languages: Arrernte 

You can fly to Alice Springs on a QantasLink flight from Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Darwin.

• Alice Springs Airport (ASP) is located 10 minutes out of Alice Springs town centre.
• There is an airport shuttle service into town that is available to book at the airport or online prior to your arrival
• There are taxis and hire cars available at the airport or in town

For true romantics, there’s no better way to get to Alice Springs than on a three-day train journey aboard the Ghan, which runs from Adelaide to Alice Springs and Darwin.

Alice Springs offers three bus routes that operate between Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays). However, the best way to get around is by car, bike or on foot.

Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit Alice Springs. These two seasons bring warm days and cool nights with surrounding destinations such as Ulu r u and Kata Tju t a experiencing their dry seasons. 

• High season: Spring (September – November) and Autumn (March-May)
• Low season: Summer (December – February)
• Don’t miss: A range of eclectic outback events and festivals .

Alice Springs trips and itineraries

Alice Springs to Uluru: a 7-day road trip

9 days of waterhole hopping in the Northern Territory

From Darwin to Adelaide: 14 days of nature, wine and Aboriginal cultures

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Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

Essential Alice Springs Souvenir shopping list

While you’re in Alice Springs, take the opportunity to pick up souvenirs that you’ll want to fill your luggage to the brim with. Wander through the many beautiful stores with this essential souvenir-shopping list to get you started.

Alice Springs is very easy to navigate, being a small town; all of the different shopping centres are within walking distance of each other. Wander down Todd Mall , and you’ll find a range of souvenir shops like Alice Springs Souvenir, which has a variety of mainstream items that you can pick up in one go. When shopping gets too much, there is a choice of cafes and restaurants for you to refuel at too.

For an eclectic mix of local arts and crafts, visit Todd Mall Markets . On every second Sunday of the month (except for in January), here you’ll find a choice of street eats, craft stalls, jewellery and Aboriginal art. Check the Todd Mall Markets website for exact dates.

Visiting Alice Springs is a once in a lifetime experience and if you’re searching for more speciality souvenirs, then begin to explore the variety of galleries – a chance to give back to the local community and artists. Australia is renowned for is incredible Aboriginal art, a form of storytelling, with earthy colours and deep meaning and best of all, art is a gift that will last a lifetime. Remaining on Todd Street, Talapi is a beautiful art space to discover as all art has been sourced directly from Aboriginal artists. Another great gallery is Papunya Tula Artists, which focuses on artists from the Western Desert communities. You’ll also find This Is Aboriginal Art, which is a two-level art gallery with studios and art for sale.

If you’re a t-shirt person, Lone Dingo has some nifty Larapinta Trail iconic t-shirts for you to pick up. And you can complete the look with an Aussie Akubra from Outbush Alice Springs.

For books as souvenirs, take home Aboriginal stories from IAD Press, with a small selection of books available for purchase and a library for you to slowly sift through the stories; page by page. To continue your book journey, you’ll also find Red Kangaroo Books close by too.

In our opinion, the best types of gifts are ones that we can use for years to come, and the Tjanpi Desert Weavers have created just that. Explore this little enterprise’s woven baskets and sculptures created from wild grass. Here you can learn about the incredible stories of weavers and see their creations in use. The Tjanpi Desert Weavers is a great incentive, and through purchasing here, you’re supporting the local community, allowing women in remote communities to be able to earn an income through their woven art. Not only will it make a beautiful gift, but it also has a fascinating story to tell with it.

By sharing these gifts with your loved ones back home you are also supporting independent art and the local community. Spend some time exploring Alice Springs and the impressive range of souvenirs on offer.

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Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre

Tourist information & services alice springs , alice springs , northern territory.

Make the nationally accredited Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre your first stop in Central Australia and let their friendly and professional staff help you get the most out of your stay.

Offering comprehensive booking services for accommodation, tours and unlimited kilometre car hire, their Red Centre NT specialists can help you plan every aspect of your iconic outback adventure.

Enjoy the air-conditioned comfort as you find inspiration amongst the regional maps and brochures. You’ll find a great range of souvenirs for sale including; postcards, CDs, DVDs, a wide selection of Australiana books, boomerangs and much more.

The passionate staff are eager to share their knowledge and backyard secrets. Contact the Local Experts before you travel and let them help you plan the journey of a lifetime in the #RedCentreNT.

The Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre is conveniently located in the centre of town, on the corner of Todd Street Mall and Parsons Street. They look forward to welcoming you and helping you discover Central Australia!

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Essential Alice Springs

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Alice Springs

• 1.1 Language
• 1.2.1 Indigenous history
• 1.2.2 Modern history
• 1.3 Tourism
• 1.4 Climate
• 1.5 Geography
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3 Get around
• 4.3 History
• 4.4 Aviation
• 5.1 Adventure
• 5.2 History and culture
• 5.3 Wildlife
• 5.4 Gem fossicking
• 8.1 Fast food
• 8.2 Vegetarian and vegan food
• 8.3 Drinks and light meals, cafe style
• 8.4 Sit-down meals
• 10.1 Hostels
• 10.2 Hotels
• 10.3 B&Bs
• 11 Stay safe
• 12.1 Around Alice Springs
• 12.2 Further south
• 12.3 Further north
• 12.4 To the west

Alice Springs ( Arrernte : Mparntweis ), sometimes colloquially known as plain-old Alice , is the heart of Central Australia and consists of cavernous gorges, boundless desert landscapes, remote Aboriginal communities and a charming pioneering history. It embodies the hardy outback of the Northern Territory 's Red Centre , and is a travel hub for sights and hikes in the region, such as Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (formerly known as the Olgas) and Kings Canyon . Since the start of the tourist boom in the early 1980s, the population has substantially grown to over 25,000. It is a great town and well worth a visit.

Understand [ edit ]

Originally founded as a telegraph station on the line across Australia, Alice Springs is 1500 km from the nearest major city, being Darwin to the north or Adelaide to the south. As a result, the people that inhabit the town are often quite ingenious when it comes to making things last! Don't expect a quaint rural village though: Alice Springs has more than its fair share of suburban strip malls with big box stores and fast food outlets.

Also, due to this distance, you may find that some things can cost more than in the cities, such as fruit and veg, and some clothing (if you forgot to pack your singlet or jacket!). Over all, however, the town isn't too expensive when it comes to the necessary requirements and it is much cheaper than smaller outback towns, making it an ideal place to stock up before heading to more remote areas.

Something else to remember is that hotels in Alice Springs are rated slightly differently than those in European or North American countries: hotels are rated on their facilities rather than the actual rooms. The reason for that is the distance that Alice Springs is from anywhere and the difficulties involved in getting building materials. Mind you, the star ratings reflect the quality of the establishment.

Language [ edit ]

Most of the town's indigenous population speak the Eastern Arrernte language, often as their first language. For useful phrases, see the Eastern Arrernte phrasebook . Most locals speak English, however, although in small communities outside Alice Springs, Arrernte is mainly spoken.

History [ edit ]

Indigenous history [ edit ].

The Arrernte (pronounced Arrenda) Aboriginal people have made their home in the Central Australian desert in and around Alice Springs for more than 50,000 years. The Aboriginal name for Alice Springs is Mparntwe. Three major groups Western, Eastern and Central Arrernte people live in Central Australia, their traditional land including the area of Alice Springs and East/West MacDonnell Ranges. They are also referred to as Aranda, Arrarnta, Arunta, and other similar spellings.

Arrernte country is rich with mountain ranges, waterholes, and gorges; as a result the Arrernte people set aside 'conservation areas' in which various species are protected. According to the Arrernte traditional stories, in the desert surrounding Alice Springs, the landscape was shaped by caterpillars, wild dogs, travelling boys, sisters, euros (Kangaroo-like creatures) and other ancestral figures.

There are many sites of traditional importance in and around Alice Springs, such as Anthwerrke (Emily Gap), Akeyulerre (Billy Goat Hill), Ntaripe (Heavitree Gap), Atnelkentyarliweke (Anzac Hill), and Alhekulyele (Mt. Gillen). Many Arrernte people also live in communities outside of Alice Springs.

Pronunciation of these Arrernte words can be very difficult. The reason for that is that Arrernte, and indeed every indigenous language of Australia, was not written. When Europeans arrived with their missions to convert people to Christianity, they felt the need to have the language written, and using their own languages put the written form to the language. As a result of the missionaries being mostly German, they used their own language to develop the Arrernte written language.

Don't worry if you can't pronounce it; everyone in town knows the places by their European names.

Modern history [ edit ]

In 1862, John McDouall Stuart led an expedition into Central Australia and the area where Alice Springs is located. Until the 1930s, however, the town was known as Stuart. The Overland Telegraph Line linking Adelaide to Darwin and Great Britain was completed in 1872. It traced Stuart’s route and opened up the interior for permanent settlement. It wasn’t until alluvial gold was discovered at Arltunga, 100 km east of Alice Springs, in 1887 that any significant settlement occurred.

The telegraph station was sited near what was thought to be a permanent waterhole in the normally dry Todd River and was optimistically named Alice Springs after the wife of the former Postmaster General of South Australia, Sir Charles Todd. The Todd River was named after Sir Charles. The original mode of transportation in the outback were camel trains, operated by immigrants from Pathan tribes in the North-West frontier of the then British India and Pakistan who were misnamed ‘Afghan’ Camellers.

Cattle stations opened up the interior of Australia, with stations the size of small European countries running mostly cattle. Camels were (and still are) farmed in Central Australia - and the exporting of camels to the Middle East is a fast developing industry. This is because the Australian Camels are a purebred of camel, and often free from the diseases which can be prevalent in the Middle Eastern countries.

During the Pacific War , Alice Springs was an important location for the northern defence of Australia, and was a staging point for the allies movements to defeat the Japanese Imperial forces. Alice Springs' importance grew when it was established that coastal shipments to Darwin were no longer safe. Lots of relics from World War II are still in use today in Alice Springs, primarily the Alice Springs Airport, which was constructed as a result of the War.

After the conclusion of the war, there was still a large American influence in the town, and as a result, a number of covert locations were set up in and around Alice Springs to monitor world events. One of these was a Seismic Vault, which was a bunker of sorts, dug into a mound, and which held instruments such as seismographs and other instruments to detect the ground movements of possible nuclear testing in the (at the time) USSR. One of these bunkers was 'discovered' and is now heritage listed.

The Joint Defence Space Research Facility, or as it's locally known, "Pine Gap", began operations in 1970. The facility is the only area in Australia with prohibited airspace, so forget about seeing it up close. You may, however, see it on approach or departure from Alice Springs Airport.

Tourism [ edit ]

Tourism is a major industry in Alice Springs, with well-developed facilities for travellers. Visit the Alice Springs Visitor Centre at 60 Gregory Terrace, at the south end of Todd Mall, for visitor guides, maps, tour and accommodation bookings, and suggested itineraries. You can even download or view the latest Visitor Guide for Central Australia on their website.

Climate [ edit ]

The climate of Alice is mostly hot and dry during the summer months, and cool and dry during the winter months.

Geography [ edit ]

Alice Springs is to the north of the imposing McDonnell Ranges, with all transport links to the south using "Heavitree Gap" - a distinctive narrow gap in the range where the railway, highway and Todd River run through without any climb required. Heavitree Gap was named by William Mills, a surveyor of the Overland Telegraph line. He named it in honour of his former school in Devon (UK).

The roads around Alice Springs are generally flat and tend to skirt a lot of the hills, some of which are sacred sites to the local Indigenous people.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by train [ edit ].

The Ghan is a private all-sleeper tourist train covering the vast distance from Adelaide to Darwin stopping in Alice Springs. Very luxurious, but expect to pay a steep premium over even business class air fares.

By car [ edit ]

Alice Springs is 17 hours drive from Darwin , and 18 hours drive from Adelaide . The Stuart Highway from Adelaide is well-maintained and goes right through Coober Pedy , an underground town famous also for being the opal capital of the world (and therefore well worth stopping off for a visit on the way). It continues through Tennant Creek and Katherine all the way up to Darwin.

If you are driving on the main sealed routes from other Australian capital cities, you will likely not be driving on remote roads, and provided you do not take side trips, there will likely be passing traffic. It is worthwhile reading the safety tips for driving in Australia and always carrying water and ensuring you know the location and opening hours of your fuel and food stops. Mobile phone reception is limited to a few of the larger townships along the Stuart Highway, so be prepared to go for long distances without coverage.

Read the rental car conditions carefully. Rental cars in Alice Springs may not offer unlimited free kilometres and do not cover you if you take your vehicle on unsealed roads. Rental cars rented outside of the Northern Territory may not be able to be driven into it. Driving after dark outside of the city limits may be prohibited. Rental companies in AC do not offer hand-controls for the handicapped.

The official visitor information centre has access to unlimited kilometre rates, so it's worth getting in touch with them if you are going to clock up the km on the car!

By bus [ edit ]

Greyhound ply the route to Alice Springs from the north and the south.

Get around [ edit ]

There are a couple of public bus lines bringing you around town. Other than that, you can get around by foot or bike, drive or take a taxi. Taxis can be scarce during peak hours. Uber is not available in Alice Springs as of August 2022. A taxi from the airport to the centre of town is around $45.

See [ edit ]

Alice Springs has quite a few interesting things to see; one of them happens every night. If you don't get out of town and watch a sunset , even just sitting off the main highway, you've missed something special. Other than that:

Events [ edit ]

• Alice Show . The annual festival with shopping, fair ground rides, animal displays, fireworks, art and crafts, races and performances.  
• Beanie Festival . Knitting festival including mostly 'beanie' hats knit from every conceivable material in every conceivable pattern, all for sale. Also afternoon teas and art displays and music.  
• Finke Desert Race . Motorcycles or 4wd buggies racing over the Finke river track.  
• Alice Masters Games . Sports cup for people of all ages. A week-long event held every 2nd year (even-numbered years).  

For a detailed and up-to-date calendar of events in Alice Springs, go to the Alice Springs Town Council website.

Nature [ edit ]

• -23.703084 133.877909 1 Reptile Centre . Examples of the local reptiles and one NT croc specially imported, on display by the guy the locals call when something with fangs is in the kitchen.  
• Stargazing . Alice Springs is in the middle of the largest land area without lights on earth, so the view of the Milky Way is unmatched unless you're on a dark boat in the middle of the ocean. Anyone from the city stopping on the road just out of town at night and tipping their head back is likely to fall over from the sheer shock of all those stars. as a result astronomy is popular in town. ( updated May 2015 )
• -23.706255 133.88399 3 Olive Pink Botanical Garden , Tuncks Road ( At the north end of Barrett Drive, just across a bridge over the Todd ). 8AM-6PM . A desert botanical garden. Doesn't bloom much, but if you happen to get here after a rain, it's a really nice spot. Bring your sunscreen. There's a biography at Dymock's on the life of the lady it's named after, Olive Pink. Free . ( updated May 2015 )
• Old Timer's Museum - located at the Old Timer's Retirement Village, off the South Stuart Highway leading into town from the airport before you get to the Gap. Really cool history of the outback, with a big collection of amazing stuff from the first white folks to hop a camel for the middle of nowhere. Definitely worth a visit.
• -23.698583 133.882065 4 The Residency , Parsons St , ☏ +61 8 8953 6380 . Built in 1927 as the residence of the Government Representative to Central Australia, the house was the centre of government and social activity right up to the early 1970s. Visited by foreign dignitaries, government officials, and even royalty, the Residency operates as a museum house where people immerse themselves in the early administrative history of the town and region. Speak with one of the friendly volunteers who are on hand to answer your questions. Located on the corner of Parsons and Hartley Streets. Entry is by gold-coin donation, and opening hours are M-F 10AM-2PM. Its generally closed over the very quiet summer months, December til late March.  
• Hartley Street School
• -23.777723 133.867965 7 Old Ghan Heritage Railway and Museum , 1 Norris Bell Drive ( off Stuart Highway, south of town before the airport ), ☏ +61 8 8952 7161 , [email protected] . 9AM-4PM . Next to (or part of, but with a separate entrance fee) the Road Transport Hall of Fame, this is a museum about Australia's wildest train line, The Ghan. Old equipment, photos and videos plus several carriages to explore. $12 . ( updated May 2015 )
• -23.777334 133.867571 8 Road Transport Hall of Fame , 1 Norris Bell Drive ( off Stuart Highway, south of town before the airport ). 9AM-4PM . Huge collection of trucks (with a few buses, cars and motorcycles), some historically-relevant to central Australia. Also a genuine hall of fame with hundreds of bios of notable truckies ( Australian slang for truck drivers). $15 . ( updated May 2015 )
• -23.694436 133.881846 10 Anzac Hill ( road access of Stuart Highway/Schwarz Crescent; walking path starts from Wills Terrace ). Hill with good views and some history of Alice Springs. ( updated Jun 2015 )

Aviation [ edit ]

• -23.703843 133.877947 11 Royal Flying Doctor Service . With School of the Air - a museum and cafe. Famous!  
• Aviation Museum - a number of older planes, showing the history of aviation in a town which relies on it to survive.

Do [ edit ]

Adventure [ edit ]

• Pyndan Camel Tracks – Take a one-hour or half day journey aboard a "ship of the desert", through the scenic Ilparpa Valley, located in the famous MacDonnell Ranges. Owner and cameleer Marcus has been working with camels since 1982 and his camels are well trained. Pyndan Camel Tracks is the only camel-riding experience based out of Alice Springs, and he also offers a free shuttle service from most hotels and the Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre to help people get to his property.
• Outback Ballooning - Take a balloon ride and see the sunrise. Alice Springs has ideal weather for ballooning and the tour operators run almost every day of the year.
• Quads & Motorcycles - Some tour groups do quadding through the spinifex, and Harley rides through remote Central Australia - lovely day trips.
• Cycle hire - You can hire a bicycle and tour around town the healthy way. Just remember your water!
• Golf - Alice Springs GC is an 18-hole desert course that has hosted the PGA Seniors tour, as well as the Masters Games and the NT Open.
• -23.7541 133.8737 1 Pioneer Park Races , Pioneer Park Racecourse, Stuart Hwy, Connellan , ☏ +61 8 8952 4977 , [email protected] . The local racetrack with pretty much guaranteed lovely weather. ( updated Jun 2016 )
• Rugby League - Sport is part of life in Australia - what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon in Winter then at the Rugby League? Matches are held at Anzac Oval from March and finalise in the Grand Final usually held on the first Saturday of September. League was founded in Alice Springs in 1963, and to this day, two of the foundation teams, Wests and United still play, as well as Memo and Vikings. It is a good strong competition and makes for a wonderful day out!

History and culture [ edit ]

• -24.573308 133.148305 2 Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve , Ernest Giles Road ( 145km south west of Alice Springs ), ☏ +61 8 8951 8250 . Explore the 12 craters, which were formed when a meteor hit the earth’s surface 4,700 years ago. The Henbury Meteor, weighing several tonnes and accelerating to over 40,000 km/h, disintegrated before impact, and the fragments formed the 12 craters. free entry .  
• -23.70157 133.86498 3 Museum of Central Australia , Araluen Cultural Precinct, 4 Memorial Ave ( Corner of Larapinta Drive and Memorial Ave ), ☏ +61 8 8951 1120 . The exhibitions explore the unique features of the region through time and space, following the evolution of the landscape and the creatures that inhabited it. Featured is a replica of a local paleontological dig, an ancient waterhole with some surprising mega fauna including a giant freshwater crocodile and the largest bird that ever lived, Dromornis stirtoni, dated at eight million years old. Other exhibits include present day Central Australian mammals, reptiles, insects and meteorite fragments. Entry fees apply . ( updated Aug 2016 )
• Totem Theatre . Not open to the public unless a play is on - the little local theatre, heritage listed building put up during World War II to entertain the troops after they retreated from Darwin because of the Japanese bombing. Small local theatre groups put on productions on a semi-regular basis; ask at Dymocks if there are any tickets. Theatre on a shoestring budget!  
• -23.701305 133.862522 4 Araluen Arts & Cultural Centre , 61 Larapinta Dr, Araluen , ☏ +61 8 8951 1122 . An amazing local art museum, with works by Namatjira and other local artists. Regular travelling art shows, plays, and film festivals. The front desk will know what events are ongoing - there's always something ongoing.  

Wildlife [ edit ]

• Camels Australia , Stuart Wells via Alice Springs , ☏ +61 8 8956 0925 . Say hello to one of their friendly camels, take a short ride around the enclosure or browse through the interesting assortment of souvenirs and local Aboriginal art on display in their shop. Sit back, relax and enjoy the view while enjoying a cold drink and something to eat. free entry .  

Gem fossicking [ edit ]

• North of Alice - The area stretching north of Alice Springs is known for its serene beauty and as a setting for gem fossicking , bush walking, bush camping and four-wheel-driving. A few hours north are gem fields with Garnet, Zircon, Tourmaline, Apatite and various kinds of Quartz. Contact the Gem Tree for details. Garnet is the easiest to go for on your first try, as the garnet chips are easy to find on the surface and require no digging or special equipment. You do need a permit, though.

Work [ edit ]

Because of the large tourism industry and the small population Alice Springs is an easy place for anyone to find work. Many companies will employ travellers, and wages are comparable to, if not higher than, other parts of Australia.

The big thing to be aware of is that long term accommodation is very scarce, and backpackers/travellers are usually at the bottom of the list for long term accommodation. Renting is very expensive, as there is a high demand for housing in the town, and house shares are not common. If you are looking to stay for 6 months or more, you will probably need to rent a house. It's easiest to find rental accommodation in December/ January and June/ July as people tend to leave during these periods.

During the off tourist season (October - March/April) the hostels will do a good deal on long stay accommodation, but during the busy time (April–October) they will charge their normal rates.

Buy [ edit ]

• Alice Springs Markets , Todd Mall, 08 8952 9299. Fresh food, jewellery, books, clothing, art, hand-made crafts and other neat merchandise. A market that takes place along the Todd Mall in the centre of town, with local vendors setting up stalls along the mall. The Todd Mall Markets are held on alternate Sundays.
• Heavitree Gap Markets , held on the opposite Sundays to the Todd Mall markets, this has a less formal, car-boot sale atmosphere. Just on the other side of Heavitree Gap from the town, it's about 30 mins walk from the town centre, or 5 or 6 minutes drive.
• Saturday Morning Lawn Sales - Friday's Centralian Advocate will have a listing of lawn sales in the back; getting a group together with a car and a map and driving around town at 6:30AM on a Saturday morning equipped with coffee, cash and a big trunk to put your stuff in while watching the sun rise is a real pleasure.

Eat [ edit ]

Despite its small size, Alice has a good and varied restaurant scene.

Fast food [ edit ]

There are a fair few options here in Alice Springs for tucker (dinner). Maccas, KFC, Hungry Jacks, and Red Rooster are the main take away chains, but there are also your small family take aways, such as Big Al's, East Side Fish and Chips and Scoff.

Additionally, there are some great pizza shops in town, La Casalinga is a great feed. It's on Gregory Terrace, and it's got a really nice old school atmosphere about it. Has not changed for 20 years, and won't in the near future!

Vegetarian and vegan food [ edit ]

• Ling's Supermarket , shop 8 & 9 113 Todd St , ☏ +61 8 8953 3678 . M-Th 9AM-5:30PM, F 9AM-6PM, Sa 8:30AM-5PM, Su 10AM-3:30PM . It has a huge range of Asian food available including: noodles, (white, red and black) rice, sauces, kimchi, dried, fresh and frozen products. They have an interesting range of authentic Asian Cooking gear and health products to see and you will find a quality vegetarian range to choose from. Open seven days with very helpful staff . ( updated Mar 2020 )
• The Tea Shrine is on 113 Todd Street - right next to the Greyhound station, and serves a large variety of teas both hot and cold, and some excellent light Asian-style vegetarian meals. The Korean iced tea is really, really good - don't leave without trying it! M-Sa 9AM - 4PM, closed Sunday.

Drinks and light meals, cafe style [ edit ]

• Town and Country is a pub on the Todd Mall. They serve light meals, and it's usually got quite a nice atmosphere about it.
• -23.706354 133.884733 1 Bean Tree Cafe , Tuncks Road ( in Olive Pink Botanical Garden ). 8AM-4PM . Solid cafe set amidst the trees and birds. ( updated May 2015 )
• -23.701382 133.881888 2 Loco Burrito , 76 Todd St . 11AM-7:30AM . The first burrito joint in town, it does a reasonable job from a friendly, hole-in-the-wall outlet. $10-$13 . ( updated May 2015 )

Sit-down meals [ edit ]

On the Todd Mall:

• Oscar's is near the movie theatre, and has an ever-changing fusion cuisine Mediterranean menu and a nice wine list.
• Sporties has a long history in Alice; it used to be the little casual place owned by and attached to the only 5-star place in town, Puccini's. But Puccini's closed and transferred some of their menu to Sporties, so as rough and tumble as they look, their food is amazing. "I’ve never had a bad meal at Sporties" is a common saying amongst locals. Very good service - surprisingly quick.
• The Thai Room is down an alley off the Todd Mall. It has home-style Thai food, from paw-paw salad to beef salad to the best Tom Yum ever and pad Thai. Excellent food, not too pricey, and if you ask for it spicy they will accommodate you. Open for lunch and dinners most days.
• Red Ochre Grill is attached to the Aurora Hotel on the Todd Mall, and serves an ever-changing menu of various local things. Tries to use a lot of indigenous ingredients in their menu. The ribs come highly recommended.

Other locations around town:

• Overlander's Steakhouse is the classic outback steak restaurant. Excellent beef, but they do nice chicken and barramundi too; home of the "Drover's Blowout" where you try a little crocodile, kangaroo, emu, camel etc. An Amazing wine cellar with some of the best Australian wines available in the cellar. They do the "Tourist Humiliation Routine" for tours, where you participate in some traditional Australian songs with the Wobble Boards ala Rolf Harris and Home Amongst the Gum Trees.
• Hanuman , in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Indian and Thai and it's yummy but expensive. Nice place, good wine. Service can be spotty.
• Hong Kong Restaurant next to Yeperenye Shopping Centre on Hartley Street, is one of the best Asian restaurants in town. Delicious food, relatively inexpensive food, with a large upstairs restaurant and an extensive take-away menu. Been in Alice Springs for many years.
• La Casalinga , across from Mbantua Gallery,near The Diplomat has truly excellent pizza; they have the old-fashioned pizza bar atmosphere, with dark wood paneling and cold beer. Good steak and lasagna, too.
• Casa Nostra , across the river via the causeway from the Todd Tavern. Excellent fresh pizza and some lovely pasta. More of a romantic atmosphere, old-style Italian. BYO.
• Southern Spice Authentic Indian Cuisine , a little out of town to the east. Authentic Indian cuisine, great food and very highly rated. Weekly specials such as Dosa night on Wednesday.

Drink [ edit ]

Alice Springs, like most of the Northern Territory, has tough liquor laws. It is illegal to drink in public places (parks, streets, etc). The Telegraph Station to the north of the town permits drinking and a lot of families go there for a BBQ and a relax. Regardless of how sorry you may feel, don't purchase alcohol on behalf of people you don't know - if they can't buy it themselves, then there's a reason for that. You will require some form of approved identification (e.g. driver's license) to purchase take-away liquor in the Northern Territory.

• Todd Mall is the main street (partly pedestrian only). You will find a couple of options here to get a drink. Starting at the end near Anzac Oval, The Todd Tavern has a bar meant for working blokes and a restaurant with good pub grub. Town & Country and Sporties both have bars and serious addictions to sport of all sorts.

Outside the Todd Mall

• Almost all the hotels have bars.
• Almost all the bars that aren't in hotels have live music some time or another - check the Advocate (local newspaper) for the "Gig Guide" to see what's playing where.
• Non-bar drinking : There are liquor stores in town - Northside Foodland, Coles, Woolies and a few others. These have a decent selection of beer, wine and hard stuff. Bottle Shops, as they are known as, open at 2PM on weekdays until 9PM, and from 10AM to 9PM on Saturdays. No takeout liquor is available on Sundays (except at the 2 drive-thru bottle shops in town.)
• The Casino - Lasseters - has a couple bars, including one devoted to *not* gambling called the Juicy Rump . Nice place – tasty food, good beer.
• Bojangles , 80 Todd St , ☏ +61 475 228 081 . Probably the most popular joint for a beer. Every night people coming or leaving for a tour have some fun here. At the weekend it can get a little bit rowdy. There's a live webcast of the place online, and the local radio station (96.9 Sun FM) broadcasts live from Bo's most nights - and your friends and family from home can go on the internet and buy you a drink voucher!  
• The Gillen Club - Although it's not in the CBD, it's a very nice club to visit. Good food! Especially fun on a Saturday night during the Football season when the teams based at the club have had a good win!

Sleep [ edit ]

Hostels [ edit ].

• Alice Springs YHA , ☏ +61 8 8952 8855 . Near Todd St in a former cinema. Clean, has a pool but no aircon in the rooms.  
• Alice's Secret Traveller Inn , 6 Khalick Street , ☏ +61 8 8952 8686 , fax : +61 8 8953 7660 .  
• Alice Lodge Backpackers , 4 Mueller St , ☏ +61 8 8953 1975 , fax : +61 8 8953 0804 .  

Hotels [ edit ]

• Chifley Alice Springs Resort , 34 Stott Terrace , ☏ +61 8 8951 4545 , fax : +61 8 8953 0995 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . ( updated Feb 2017 )
• Crowne Plaza , ☏ +61 8 8950 8000 , fax : +61 8 8952 3822 .  
• Alice Motor Inn , 25-27 Undoolya Rd , ☏ +61 8 8952 2322 , fax : +61 8 8953 2309 .  
• Alice on Todd Apartments , Corner of South Terrace and Strehlow Street , ☏ +61 8 8953 8033 , fax : +61 8 8952 9902 .  
• The All Seasons Oasis , 10 Gap Rd , ☏ +61 8 8952 1444 , fax : +61 8 8952 3776 .  
• Alice in the Territory ( formerly Comfort Inn Outback, Novotel, the Outback, and Vista ), 46 Stephens Rd , ☏ +61 8 8952 6100 , fax : +61 8 8952 1988 . It has a nice quiet location and a really good view of the ranges, and underwent an extensive overhaul in 2010.  
• Diplomat Alice Springs , Hartley Street , ☏ +61 8 8952 8977 , fax : +61 8 8953 0225 .  
• -23.713526 133.879826 1 Desert Palms Resort , 74 Barrett Drive , ☏ +61 8 8952 5977 , fax : +61 8 8953 4176 . Check-out: 10AM . Individual cabins with some kitchen facilities and basic resort facilities. 10 minute walk to town. $99 .  
• Desert Rose Inn , 15 Railway Trace , ☏ +61 8 8952 1411 , fax : +61 8 8952 3232 .  
• Best Western Elkira Court Motel , 65 Bath Street , ☏ +61 8 8952 1222 , fax : +61 8 8953 1370 .  
• Alice on Todd , Corner of South Terrace and Strehlow Street , ☏ +61 8 8953 8033 , fax : +61 8 8952 9902 .  
• -23.700107 133.883937 2 Aurora Alice Springs Hotel , 11 Leichhardt Terrace , ☏ +61 8 8950 6666 , [email protected] . Pleasant hotel that opens onto Todd Mall at the rear. ( updated Feb 2017 )

B&Bs [ edit ]

• A Good Rest B&B , 51 Dixon Rd , ☏ +61 8 8952 5272 .  
• Nthaba Cottage B & B , 83 Cromwell Drive , ☏ +61 8 8952 9003 , fax : +61 8 8953 3295 .  
• The Gallery Bed & Breakfast , 16 Range Cres , ☏ +61 8 8953 3514 , fax : +61 8 8953 3113 .  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Alice Springs suffers from a relatively high crime rate. Socio-economic tensions which stem from Australia's colonial history have led to the development of impoverished Indigenous communities, known as 'camps', in and around the town, and alcohol-fuelled violence remains a significant problem in the community. Exercise extreme caution when walking around after 10PM, as large groups of inebriated Indigenous youths are notorious for causing trouble in the city. Todd Street is nauseatingly well-policed, so problems in the CBD are less of an issue than they were previously.

From time to time you may be asked for money or other items while in Alice Springs. According to Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation, the organisation which represents the Native Title Holders of Alice Springs, this is not acceptable behaviour, and giving handouts only encourages a begging culture when there is no need for it to exist. Don't give money, cigarettes or food to those who ask. There is a chance that you will get yelled at and cursed at for not giving a handout but ignore this and keep walking. They will have forgotten you in 30 seconds anyway.

Go next [ edit ]

There are four main roads leaving Alice Springs: the Stuart Highway, which runs north to Darwin and south to Port Augusta; Larapinta Drive which runs West and splits off to the Namatjira road; and the Ross Highway, which runs East. The Stuart Highway (highway 87) is sealed all the way; this means it's got tarmac and is passable using a normal car. Larapinta Drive and Ross Highway are sealed for a couple hundred kilometres in each direction, but after that they convert to dirt roads which you will need a 4x4 vehicle to access. Wherever you go, be careful not to enter Pine Gap unless you have formal authorisation from the U.S. or Australian military to do so.

There is a web of dirt trails - sometimes called unsealed roads - which surrounds Alice Springs, and some of the nicest places within a few hours drive will require a four-wheel drive vehicle (4x4) to get to. There are two ways to go south. The first is the Stuart Highway, which is sealed and frequently travelled. The second is a dirt track which leads off the Stuart Highway; it's called the Old South Road. A dirt track connects the Old South Road to the modern Stuart Highway, from a point north of the Aboriginal community of Titjikala.

On the side of the old South Road, you will see a narrow track that follows the road - this is the track of the Finke Desert Race which is held every year on the Queen's Birthday Long Weekend in June. Best to just view the track though and not drive on it as it is very tough going, even at low speeds. If you are game and drive on it, have a think about how the competitors race along it at speeds in excess of 150 km/h on race weekend.

Around Alice Springs [ edit ]

• Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve - a spectacular solitary column towering 40 metres above the Simpson Desert plain
• MacDonnell Ranges - following Ross Highway, you'll find plenty of gaps, rocks and gorges
• Ewaninga Conservation Reserve - gain insight into an ancient culture as you explore the small, six hectare Ewaninga Rock Carvings
• Jim's Place - an outback roadhouse with Dinky, the singing dingo. Next door to this property is a great camel farm, too
• Rainbow Valley - a scenic natural reserve consisting of various formations of sandstones and rocks
• Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park - Simpson's Gap, Glen Helen Gorge and other stunning gorges and rock formations
• Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre - a nature centre specialising in the field of sustainability in education and eco-tourism

Further south [ edit ]

• Coober Pedy - the home of opal mining in Australia with underground hotels
• Mount Conner - a plateau frequently mistaken for Ayers Rock by travellers
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - home to Australia's most recognisable natural icon
• Watarrka National Park - home to Kings Canyon, a mighty chasm reaching a depth of 270 metres with some great options for the less energetic to explore

Further north [ edit ]

• Tennant Creek - a small town, makes a great base for seeing the Devil's Marbles and the Pebbles .

To the west [ edit ]

• The Larapinta Trail is a famous hike from here leading 223 km to the West to Mount Sonder.

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australia , editorial

How to spend 2 days in alice springs.

This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclosure here

Alice Springs is a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, located half way between Adelaide and Darwin in the heart of the red centre.

It took us 3 days to travel from Darwin to Alice and before I arrived I expected to see a dry desert town with red sand everywhere, but too my amazement even though there is red sand everywhere it is still a green little town, with most having lush green lawns.

The area of Alice Springs is an interesting place to explore with its harsh yet spectacular landscapes rich in ancient Aboriginal culture.

Most stop in Alice as it is the gateway to the outback and many tourist attractions such as Uluru .

Stopping in Alice Springs as a base for day trips to the outback is wise as there is not a great deal to do in Alice Springs itself.

Two days will give you plenty of time to take in the beauty of Alice Springs as the town itself it is quite small and not busy at all.

What's in this article

When to Visit Alice Springs

Getting around alice springs, where to stay, things to do during a 2 day stay in alice springs, where to next.

In winter the Alice Springs temperature is freezing and in summer it’s ridiculous!  This is the Australian Outback after all and the weather is harsh.

The ideal time to visit Alice Springs is when the seasons are changing from Summer to Autumn (March) and Winter to Spring (August to September).

During these months, Alice Springs temperature is pleasant during the day and a little cooler at night.  Expect day temperatures in the mid 20’s (centigrade) whilst nights can get down to around 10.

If you go during these times you will have no problem doing the various walks around the parks.  Many of these walks are closed during the summer months to protect visitors from the heat.

Within the Alice Springs town centre you can easily walk around to visit all the Alice Springs points of interest.

For Alice Springs sights on the city’s outskirts if you don’t have your own transport, I’d recommend getting a taxi or taking public transport.

You can of course join one of the Alice Springs tours to take you around the city sights, but it really is easy and much cheaper to do this yourself.

Our room was nice, spacious and reasonably modern with a balcony, TV, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. There was also a pool in the complex.

Click for more info and to check prices for the Diplomat Motel

1. Anzac Hill

From the Diplomat Motel it’s around a 20-minute walk to Anzac Hill. It is a short easy walk to reach the top and is the ideal spot for an overview of the town of Alice Springs and the beautiful surrounding ranges.

Also, at the top is a memorial dedicated to all those who have served in protecting their country during all wars in which Australia has participated.

Allow to spend around 30 minutes here.

2. Alice Springs School of Air

From Anzac Hill its an easy 40-minute walk to the Alice Springs School of Air (or take a taxi). This school was established in 1951 to provide an education to children living in remote central Australia. Through film, guided presentations and viewing of real time (or recorded) classes, visitors get a feel for what remote education is like.

Via a viewing room you can see teachers interacting and teaching children via the internet.  It’s amazing to see all the technology and innovative techniques that goes into providing the children an education.

Allow to spend around 1 hour here.

3. Alice Springs Telegraph Station

From the Alice Springs School of Air either walk 40 minutes to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station (or take a short taxi ride).

The Telegraph Station is set among some lovely park lands and is one of Alice Spring’s oldest buildings, inside you will find numerous display boards, relics and rooms set up in a bygone era. The tour guides will provide you will some interesting historical information about how Alice Springs became to be as well as the story of how Australia became connected to the rest of the world through telegraph communication in 1872.

Allow to spend a few hours up to half a day here.

4. Royal Flying Doctor Service

Its an easy 10 minute from the hotel to the Royal Flying Doctor Service .

This is a great attraction which allows visitors to see the original RFDS working base which commenced in 1939.Through film, display boards, interactive technology and even a replica RFDS, visitors will get an opportunity to see how people living in the remote Australian outback receive medical treatment.

Outside the tourist facility there is a great café and art gallery where you can enjoy some lunch.

For more information including opening times and tours check out their website .

Allow to spend 1 to 2 hours here.

5. Alice Springs Reptile Centre

From the Royal Flying Doctor Service it’s a 5 minute walk to Alice Springs Reptile Centre . We absolutely loved visiting the reptile centre and highly recommend a visit.

The centre features over 100 reptiles including saltwater crocodiles, snakes, lizards, as well as some of the more “unusual” reptiles of the Australian outback such as massive goannas, spiked Thorny Devils and the Frill-necked Lizard. During the day, there are demonstrations and also plenty of opportunities to hold a variety of reptiles.

These demonstrations are on at 11 am, 1 pm and 330 pm daily.

Allow to spend a few hours here.

6. Alice Springs Desert Park

Rather than visiting the Alice Springs Reptile Centre you may wish to visit the Alice Springs Desert Park. This about a 10-minute taxi ride from the city.

The park is set out over 50 hectares in a desert environment and divided up into several main “habitat” areas which are home to over 200 desert animals and 400 plants.

This attraction is a great way for visitors to see the hundreds of plants and animals that can be found across the Central Australian deserts. Spend time in the Nocturnal House where you can spot Central Australian reptiles, invertebrates and rare and endangered animals.

Visitors to the park can hear various presentations on different aspects of Aboriginal culture throughout the day, such as the preparation of traditional Aboriginal bush tucker.

You can also see free-flying birds at the Nature Theatre presentation and an excellent display of trained birds.  At night you join the unique experience of searching for locally extinct and endangered species in a predator proof enclosure on a Nocturnal Tour.

Allow at least half a day to explore the Alice Springs Desert Park.

If you have longer than a few days in Alice Springs I would highly recommend the following as day trips or longer to experience the below great attractions of the outback

Whilst it is possible to visit Uluru from Alice Springs in a day, given it take 6.5 hours each way, I highly recommend that you spend at least 1 night near Uluru.

Travel from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock aka Uluru, as early as you can.  Spend the afternoon exploring the base of Uluru, then in the evening as the sunsets.

Spend the night at the Ayers Rock Campground and early the next day, watch the sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

There are of course plenty of great multiple day tours from Alice Springs to Uluru which you may like to consider if you don’t have your own transport.

Again whilst you can visit the area in a day trip from Alice Springs, it is not recommended.

Estimated to be over 500 million years old, the 32 weathered rock domes that are Kata Tjuta sit 40 kilometres to the west of Uluru/Ayers Rock.

As the day closes to an end around sunset watch as they appear to glow and change colour against the surrounding landscape of the desert. I recommend you do the 7-kilometre circuit walk around Kata Tjuta, whilst it is challenging at times, the views are amazing.

Kings Canyon

Perhaps one of my all-time favourite places in the red centre was the spectacular Kings Canyon, again it is not recommended you visit Kings Canyon in a day trip from Alice Springs, as it is around 6 hours from Alice, or 4 hours from Uluru.  I recommended that after you visit Uluru you head on over the Kings Canyon.

To really experience the Canyon, you must do the 6 kilometre walk – which takes around 4 to 5 hours.  Apart from the initial climb up the rim – which is absolute torture, the rest of the walk is flat and easy. I found it way easier than the walk around Kata Tjuta.

If you need a place to stay check out Kings Creek Station, it is located about 30 minutes from Kings Canyon.

West McDonnell Ranges

The MacDonnell Ranges are a fantastic place to explore with its natural beauty with rocky escarpments, gorges and swimming holes.

Whilst the East MacDonnell Ranges are better accessed by those who have time to explore off the beaten track, the West MacDonnell ranges are easily accessible via the West MacDonnell National Park making it one of the best day trips from Alice Springs.

If you have a car you can do this yourself or alternatively you can join one of the Alice Springs day tours.

Check out Melissa’s Thrifty Family Travels Instagram for more great images of the Australian Outback.

Melissa is the creator and writer for the Thrifty Family Travels website; which details her family’s travels both locally and across the globe. Together they travel the world, experience new cultures, indulge in local delicacies, and explore every corner of our beautiful earth, navigating their way around the world. Thrifty Family Travels hope to inspire other families to travel and to show them all the fantastic places the world has to explore.

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A Place for Lifestyle & Leisure

Yeperenye Shopping Centre is the premier shopping destination in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. Located in the heart of the town centre, Yeperenye offers a wide range of retail outlets, entertainment options and dining experiences. From fashion boutiques to cafés to tech stores, we have something for everyone. Yeperenye also boasts an extensive food court with a wide array of dining options, from quick takeaway snacks to sit-down restaurants.

Whatever you're looking for, you’ll find it at Yeperenye — in cool, air-conditioned comfort. Come visit and see for yourself!

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Great Finds at Yeperenye Shopping Centre

Whether you’re shopping for new clothes or you just want to enjoy snacks with friends, Yeperenye Shopping Centre is the place to be. We have various establishments that cater to fashion, food, interior design, beauty and more. Check out the stores in our local shopping centre today!

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Our shopping centre houses fashion boutiques that offer both casual and formal wear. With our wide selection of clothing brands, you’ll never go out of style.

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Beyond Wild Places

Your guide to the wilder side of life

10 Best Things to Do in Alice Springs

The town in the middle of Australia. Alice Springs is the main hub of Central Australia and the gateway to the Red Centre in the Northern Territory. As one of the largest towns in the state, it’s the perfect place to base yourself for various adventures across the outback. 

While it’s a long drive from virtually anywhere else in Australia, it’s a major stop on the Stuart Highway , which connects Adelaide and Darwin. From Alice Springs, you can journey out to some of the best places in Central Australia, including  Uluru ,  Kings Canyon  and the  West MacDonnell Ranges . However, if you find yourself in Alice Springs for a couple of days, there’s plenty of things to do in town to keep you busy.

While it’s not always ranked as people’s favourite destination in the Northern Territory, the town certainly has a laidback vibe and is an easy place to stop and unwind after days of driving. Here’s my guide to the best things to do in Alice Springs, so you can plan your trip to the heart of Australia.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

How to get to Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a bloody long way from anywhere. The desert town is basically right in the centre of Australia, and is a long drive from all major cities. You can reach Alice Springs by road on the  Stuart Highway , the long road that connects Adelaide with Darwin through the middle of the country. 

If you’re travelling to Alice Springs by road on the Stuart Highway, here are the driving distances between major towns:

• Coober Pedy to Alice Springs:  688km or a 7-hour drive
• Darwin to Alice Springs:  1497km or a 16-hour drive
• Uluru to Alice Springs:  446km or a 5-hour drive

You can also fly to Alice Springs. The  Alice Springs Airport  has direct connections to most other cities in Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin and Brisbane. The airport is a 15-minute drive outside of town. You can find the  Alice Springs Airport Shuttle Service  there, which takes passengers from the airport to most accommodation for a fee.

Read next: Ultimate Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary

Best things to do in Alice Springs

If you find yourself with a few days in Alice Springs, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy. Here are my favourite things to do in Alice Springs.

1. Todd Mall Market

Todd Mall is the pedestrian only shopping street in the middle of Alice Springs. While it’s a fun spot to explore at any time, it comes alive when the bi-weekly markets are on. The Todd Mall Markets run from March until December every year and usually take place every second Sunday from 9am until 1pm. Check the dates on their website  here .

It’s a combination of arts and crafts, including Indigenous art, live music, homewares, jewellery and some delicious food with a variety of cuisines. It’s a great weekend event and draws plenty of people in high season, while it’s much quieter outside of winter.

2. Alice Springs Desert Park

On Larapinta Drive on the way to the West MacDonnell Ranges, the Desert Park is widely considered to be one of the best things to do in Alice Springs. The 1300 hectare park is basically a desert zoo, where you can learn more about the incredible flora and fauna found in this semi-arid landscape. 

Through three habitat areas, Desert Rivers, Sand Country and Woodland, you can meet wedge-tailed eagles, dingoes, bilbies, thorny devils, plus more. It’s open every day of the year from morning until late with a daily schedule of programs and special exhibitions and activities throughout the year. Tickets aren’t overly cheap at $37 per adult, but you can easily spend a whole afternoon there. 

The park is a remarkable place that also plays an important role in ongoing research into conservation and strengthening human connection to the land. It’s also by far the best thing to do in Alice Springs with kids, if you’re travelling with the fam.

3. Old Telegraph Station

Just north of Alice Springs, you’ll find the Old Telegraph Station Historical Reserve. Considered the birthplace of the township, the ruins here date back to the 19th century. You can wander the reserve on your own or opt to take one of the daily guided tours. The museum has both indoor and outdoor displays so you can learn more about the European history of the area.

There’s also a cafe and picnic area out there, so you can easily stay for afternoon tea. There are plenty of walking and cycling tracks that begin and end at the Telegraph Station too, so it’s a local favourite when it comes to weekend exercise. It’s the main hub of the Alice Springs Mountain Bike Trail Network, with plenty of sections for beginners. There’s also a walking track that links the station with Alice Springs town, if you’re up for a lengthy wander.

The Telegraph Station also marks the beginning or end of the Larapinta Trail . This 223km long trail traverses across the West MacDonnell Ranges to Mt Sonder and is considered one of the best long distance walks in the country. You can read about my experience hiking the trail here .

4. ANZAC Hill / Untyeyetwelye

Standing at just over 600m tall, this hill is the perfect spot to get panoramic views of the town and surrounding ranges. It’s a tribute to the soldiers who have fought for the country, but has since turned into one of Alice Springs’ iconic landmarks. 

You can either take the steep drive up to the lookout or walk up there from the northern end of town from near the oval. It’s best at sunset time when the golden glow of the sun shines across the town and surrounding MacDonnell Ranges.

5. Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre

To learn more about this incredible outback service, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facility in Alice Springs is a very insightful museum. You can learn about the history and services provided by the flying doctors, including how it all began in the 1920s. 

It also has a large display dedicated to John Flynn, who’s vision and dedication made the RFDS what it is today. This operation base in Alice Springs was originally set up in 1939 and was turned into a tourist facility in the 1970s to raise awareness to visitors about the incredible work of the RFDS and to promote fundraising which the service relies so heavily upon.

It’s open from Monday to Saturday, with tours offered every half an hour. Tickets are $19 per adult, $12 per child or $56 per family. It’s a not-for-profit organisation so you can be assured that the money goes back into helping this vital service be continued for the outback communities.

6. The School of the Air

Another way to explore the lives of outback communities, is by visiting the School of the Air Experience or otherwise known as the world’s largest classroom. What started as an idea to increase education in remote communities by airing three classes a week over the radio, now services kids spread over 1.3 million square kilometres.

The Visitor Centre lets you learn about how the school started and how it’s continued today, mostly online. You can learn more about the families living in remote communities and how they continue to strive for access to education despite being many hours away from a physical school. 

Tickts are $12 per adult, $9 per child and $35 per family. It’s open Monday to Friday and on Sundays. Try to time your visit with a live lesson, so you can get the full experience of witnessing how it all takes place.

7. Ilparpa Clay Pans

This is a bit of a local secret that a friend told me about. Accessed off Ilparpa Road southwest of town, these interconnected claypans are home to a fragile ecosystem and plenty of wildlife. Depending on when you visit, it will either be dry and dusty or full of water, but it’s a popular spot for a picnic and to enjoy the scenery. 

It’s a significant spot for the Traditional Owners and is part of the Ilparpa Swamp Wildlife Protected Area. Please respect the environment while you visit and leave no trace as there are no bins or facilities provided. You can find it down a dirt road that is not signposted but is on your right after the sign and road for the archery, if you’re coming from the Stuart Highway. You can find it by typing “clay pans” into Google Maps.

8. The Rediscovery Centre

Another not-so popular spot amongst tourists, the Rediscovery Centre is basically a recycling centre, tip, dump station and op shop all rolled into one. While you’ll find locals dropping off their hard rubbish there, the real highlight for visitors is the shop that has been set up like a large secondhand warehouse.

You can find all sorts of weird, wacky, useful and interesting things for sale, all second hand and usually in good working order. From an entire section of books and DVDs to hardware and building materials and appliances, you’ll find something useful. Prices are marked or otherwise negotiated with staff. Its a fun place to explore for a while.

You can find it on Commanage Road, which is just off the Stuart Highway before Heavitree Gap when coming from the south. There is some parking available onsite.

9. West MacDonnell Ranges

The West Macs are one of the most incredible national parks in the Northern Territory. This spectacular and rugged range stretches west of town and includes many of the state’s highest mountains. The ranges are also home to swimming holes, stunning gorges and gaps, most of which are culturally significant sites for the Arrernte people. 

You can explore some of the popular attractions in the West MacDonnell Ranges on a day trip from Alice Springs. However, it’s best to extend your stay and explore the national park over at least two or more days. There are a few campgrounds at some of the main attractions including Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge. 

Of course, you can’t mention the West Macs without talking about the  Larapinta Trail . This 223km long trail stretches from the Old Telegraph Station in Alice Springs across the ranges to Mt Sonder. You can either head off for the complete end-to-end adventure or choose to explore on day walks and shorter overnight hikes.

Read next: A Complete Guide to the West MacDonnell Ranges

10. East MacDonnell Ranges

Few visitors realise but the MacDonnell Ranges actually stretch east from Alice Springs too and exploring this remote and rugged section of the mountains can be even more rewarding. The East MacDonnell Ranges are far less visited but include some beautiful day hikes, water holes and fascinating Aboriginal rock art. 

While it’s not part of a national park like the West Macs, you’ll find various smaller nature parks and reserves out in the East MacDonnell Ranges. There are a couple of great campgrounds in the Trephina Gorge Nature Park, from where you can enjoy this ancient landscape in peace. It’s located just 77km east of Alice Springs but feels a world away and is certainly a highlight of the area. 

You can see many of the sights of the East Macs on a day trip from Alice Springs, including Emily Gap, Jessie Gap, Corroboree Rock and Trephina Gorge. However, I would recommend at least spending a night out there to really appreciate the landscape and complete some of the walks.

Read next: A Guide to Exploring the East MacDonnell Ranges

Where to stay in Alice Springs

Alice Springs has a range of accommodation options, including caravan parks for those travelling by road and nicer resorts for those looking for a relaxing break. If you’re travelling with a van like me then you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to caravan parks. There are plenty to choose from, including a couple of budget options. Here are my top choices.

Heritage Caravan Park  || A friendly and rustic caravan park, I stayed here for a week during my time in Alice Springs. They have spacious powered sites around the outdoor pool or you can opt for the “bush camping” area which I thought was great for $30 per night. It’s right next to the more upmarket caravan parks, like the Big4 but I thought it was good value in comparison and it’s dog friendly too. Check availability  here .

Alice Lodge Backpackers  || If you’re looking for more budget accommodation, I stayed at the Alice Lodge Backpackers before and after I did the  Larapinta Trail . It’s a really friendly place to meet other travellers and it’s walking distance from town. Check prices  here .

Desert Palms Alice Springs  || For a bit more luxury, Desert Palms is one of the nicest places to stay in Alice Springs. They offer individual studio villas from doubles up to family options on a beautiful property with a large outdoor pool. Prices start from around $150 per night. Check availability  here .

On a tight #vanlife budget?  The Gap View Hotel offers powered and unpowered camping in a dusty parking area at the back of the pub. They’ve recently had a new amenities building constructed which is really nice and it’s the best place to meet other #vanlifers. It’s $20 per unpowered site and $30 per powered and I can highly recommend it if you’re looking for a cheap, short stay.

Where to eat in Alice Springs

Here are a couple of my favourite places to eat in Alice Springs, if you’re looking for a good feed.

The Goods Coffee Shop  || At the northern end of Todd Street, The Goods is where you’ll find the local crowd heading for their early morning coffee. The small cafe has a limited menu but the brunch options are delicious and they arguably have the best coffee in town, with a wide range of non-dairy milks to choose from as well. 

Epilogue Lounge and Rooftop Bar  || A trendy restaurant and bar on Todd Mall, this place is always busy and for good reason. The tables spill out onto the street and the food is incredible. Their lunch menu has some great choices, I can definitely recommend the burgers. Otherwise, they also have an extensive tapas menu and wood fired pizza in the evening. They’re open from early morning until late, with live music on weekends.

Where to shop in Alice Springs

If you’re looking for some retail therapy then I actually discovered that there’s some great art galleries and souvenir shops in Alice Springs. Here are my top choices:

Aboriginal Fabric Gallery  || This shop on the corner of Todd Mall is a beautiful place to pick up some unique souvenirs. While they’re known for incredible fabrics in Aboriginal prints, they also sell a range of other items like bags, purses, coffee cups and mugs, most of which are certified fair trade.

This is Aboriginal Art  || Located on Todd Mall, this art gallery has a range of high quality art work on display from Aboriginal artists around the country. The staff are very passionate and knowledgable and can help you select the finest piece for your home.

Lone Dingo  || Just the next shop up, this outdoor camping store is your go-to if you’re about to do the Larapinta. Most hikers find themselves wandering in to buy gas canisters, dehydrated meals or anything else you might have left behind at home. They’ve got a great range with knowledgable staff who can help you find what you need. 

Red Kangaroo Books  || A great local book shop, they sell a unique range of local and national writers, including many books on Australian and Aboriginal history. Plus, you’ll find all the latest best sellers and a range fo souvenirs and toys too. Located on Todd Mall, of course.

Go Vita Alice Springs  || If you’ve been travelling a while and looking for some healthy food or supplements, this health food shop in Alice Plaza Market on Todd Mall is a fantastic place. They have a range of organic and healthy products from gluten free and vegan food, healthy snacks, vitamins and supplements, organic and chemical free cleaning and beauty products and eco-friendly lifestyle products.

Where to next?

From Alice Springs, most people head north towards Darwin or south towards Adelaide (there aren’t really many other options!). Of course, most people sneak in a long detour to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon on the Red Centre Way as well. For all of these options, I’ve got you covered! Check out some of my helpful posts here:

The Ultimate Red Centre Way Road Trip Itinerary

• The Ultimate Guide to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

How to Visit Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park

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The Best Swimming Spots and Waterfalls in Litchfield National Park

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Alice Springs Tourist Park

Alice Springs Tourist Park is a family operated park located closest to the town centre, directly opposite the Araluen Arts Centre and museum.

An oasis in the desert, the Alice Springs Tourist Park (previously Stuart Park Caravan and Camping Tourist Park) has been a favourite amongst travellers to central Australia. Whether you are towing a van, bringing a tent, driving a campervan or looking for onsite accommodation, the park caters for all.

Beautifully shaded camping spots plus well-appointed cabins, make the experience at Alice Springs Tourist Park restful and peaceful. All the services you need including a fully equipped kiosk, laundry, swimming pool, kids playground, amenities blocks and more are here for your convenience.

Immerse yourself in the culture and experiences only central Australia can offer. Waking to the natural sounds of the native birdlife to experiencing the amazing sunsets in the evenings, you couldn’t ask for more.

Being the closest tourist park to the town centre, makes it easy to enjoy the many attractions and conveniences the Alice Springs Township has to offer.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Alice Springs Tourist Park for your next stop-over.

Park Features

•   Hosts:  Vicki & Bruce
•   Phone:  1300 823 404
•   Address:  70 Larapinta Drive, Araluen NT, Australia
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Alice Tourist Park

Alice Springs Tourist Park is conveniently located in the town of Alice Springs, directly opposite the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct. The centre of Alice Springs is within close proximity to the park, which offers two bedroom deluxe to budget cabin accommodation, spacious van sites, modern amenities, pool, playground and more. The park is family owned and run and take pride in being friendly and helpful.

70 Larapinta Drive 70 0870 NT Australia

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Tourism operator and director could face millions in fines over fatal Central Australian bus crash

One of the Northern Territory's most prominent tourism operators along with its boss and a mechanic employed to work for them are facing millions of dollars in fines over alleged modifications to a bus that crashed and killed one of its passengers in June 2022.

NT Worksafe alleges Emu Run Tours, Patrick Bedford who owns the company, and mechanic Ian Jackson breached the Work Health and Safety Act in 2022 on 11 occasions.

Its investigation alleges that the bus was modified to use four wheels instead of its originally fitted six and that the tyres fitted to the vehicle after the modifications were not compliant with the manufacturer's specifications.  

In September 2022, police prosecutors dropped charges against Mr Bedford due to insufficient evidence to proceed.

At the time, prosecutors told the court that police and NT Worksafe would continue their investigation and the Director of Public Prosecutions said the matter would be revisited to determine whether prosecution for either work safety or a criminal breach was warranted.

If found guilty, the fines for each charge for the company could total $5 million, while Mr Bedford could be fined a maximum of $1 million, and $500,000 for Mr Jackson. 

Crash left tourists with 'life-changing' injuries

The crash in June 2022 occurred along Larapinta Drive near the remote community of Hermannsburg where the bus was carrying two workers and 19 passengers who were on the way back to Alice Springs that evening.

A tyre blew out and the driver lost control of the vehicle before it rolled over. 

A 69-year-old man died at the scene, while a 67-year-old woman was taken to an intensive care unit.

Three other women, at the time aged 62, 67 and 70, were also hospitalised with serious injuries.

In a statement yesterday, Northern Territory Police confirmed they had concluded their investigation and supplied evidence to NT Worksafe, which announced the charges today.

Police described the injuries to the interstate and international tourists as "significant and life-changing".

The charges allege Emu Run Tours failed to ensure the health and safety of the passengers and exposed other road users to a health and safety risk, and that Mr Bedford breached his duty as an officer resulting in workers being injured and passengers being injured and killed.

Mr Jackson is accused as a worker of failing to ensure his "acts or omission do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons".

Mr Bedford has been contacted for comment.

The matters are scheduled to be heard in Darwin Local Court on July 2, 2024. 

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Our park has been designed to have a relaxed, friendly feel and is well shaded and maintained. We have lots of grassed areas and a wide variety of site types to suit your needs. All sites are very close to amenities.

All powered sites have individual power, water and sullage. Grassed or concrete annexe slab. Unpowered sites are grassed, shaded and water available. Close to well equipped camp kitchens.

Araluen Arts Centre - 40th Birthday Celebration

• Saturday 1st June
• 10:30am pm - 2:00pm
• At 61 Larapinta Circuit, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870 61 Larapinta Circuit, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
• [email protected]
• http://www.araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

It is Araluen Arts Centre's 40th birthday! Join them as they celebrate 40 years of the arts! Gather the family together for a fun day filled with festivities, delicious food, art and birthday cake! We'll have fun activities for the kids such as beanie workshops, juggling workshops, free sausage sizzles and more! Don't miss special guest performances by The Wanted Gems, Espie Street All Stars, James Range Band and The Hon Ted Egan AO.

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'Alice' at the Players Ring, Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show: Things to do in Seacoast

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This weekend is filled with lively entertainment on the Seacoast. See Silver Springs, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, at Jimmy's, summon Morticia Delichia at Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show, head to Wonderland and see "Alice" at The Players’ Ring and more.

Read on for details on things to do:

West Coast Swing with Anne Fleming

What: Join our well attended like-minded dancers from stumblers to showoffs at the area’s largest dance floor. Lesson before each dance. West Coast swing, two step, night club.

When: Friday, May 24, 7-11 p.m.

Where: Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Road, Newmarket

Cost: $15-$20

More info: rockinballroom.club

Silver Springs (Fleetwood Mac tribute) at Jimmy’s

What: Silver Springs features a unique quintet covering over four decades of the best Fleetwood Mac songs.

When: Friday, May 24, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club, 135 Congress St., Portsmouth

Cost: $10-$55

More info: jimmysoncongress.com

‘Alice’ at The Players’ Ring

What: On a golden afternoon in 1862, Charles Dodgson- known forever to the world as Lewis Carroll- took Alice Liddell and her sisters for a boat ride and picnic, and “thus grew the tale of Wonderland.”

When: Friday, May 24, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m.

Where: The Players’ Ring, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth

Cost: $18-$31

More info: playersring.org

‘Spring Awakening’ at Seacoast Rep

What: The eight-time Tony award-winning musical phenomenon explores the tempestuous landscape of adolescence.

When: Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday, May 26, 2 p.m.

Where: Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow St., Portsmouth

Cost: $40-$70

More info: seacoastrep.org

Walk That Walk at The Press Room

What: Imagine a handful of friends hanging out on a porch with just enough whiskey in them to sing the blues, but not quite enough to pass out. That’s the sound conjured up by Walk That Walk.

When: Saturday, May 25, 5:30 p.m.

Where: The Press Room, 77 Daniel St., Portsmouth

Cost: $10-$13

More info: pressroomnh.com

Echoes of Floyd at The Stone Church

What: Echoes of Floyd bills itself as New England’s premiere Pink Floyd tribute band, from the musicianship to the stellar lightshow and taking on entire albums.

When: Saturday, May 25, 8 p.m.

Where: The Stone Church, 5 Granite St., Newmarket

More info: stonechurchrocks.com

Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show: The Summoning of Morticia Delichia

What: Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show Presents: The Summoning of Morticia Delichia. Celebrate the one-year Anniversary of "Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show" and the birth of Morticia Delichia.

When: Saturday, May 25, 8-10 p.m.

Where: Button Factory Stage, 909 Islington St., Portsmouth

Cost: $10-$15

More info: facebook.com/buttonfactorystage

Bluegrass Brunch ft. Tourist Attraction at The Blue Mermaid

What: Tourist Attraction is an Americana acoustic folk trio known for heartfelt performances and rich harmonies.

When: Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Blue Mermaid, 10 Shapleigh Road, Kittery, Maine

More info: bluemermaid.com

Beatlemania Again at Jimmy’s

What: Beatlemania Again is a touring Beatles stage show. This performance features three versions of The Beatles.

When: Sunday, May 26, 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $10-$40

Diamond Blues at The Press Room

What: Diamond Blues is an eclectic group of accomplished musicians passionate about honoring the legacy of Jerry Garcia.

When: Sunday, May 26, 7 p.m.

Cost: $12-$15

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: 'Alice' at the Players Ring, Not Yer Mama’s Drag Show: Things to do

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These are the best Memorial Day tech deals we could find for 2024, including discounts on headphones, tablets, TVs and more.

'Challengers' VFX artists show how they did that tennis ball POV scene

Challengers, the tennis movie starring Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor, is not the first movie you'd think of for visual effects.

Stock market today: Stock futures edge higher after biggest wipeout for Dow in a year

Renewed concerns over the path of interest rates had prompted the Dow's worst day since March 2023.

Monaco Grand Prix 2024: How to watch the next F1 race without cable

Everything you need to know about streaming the next Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Engadget Podcast: Microsoft goes Copilot+ crazy

In this episode, Cherlynn and Devindra discuss Copilot+ and the potential rise of Arm-based Windows systems, and we dive into the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop.

The Morning After: Samsung’s secret war on repair

The biggest news stories this morning: Samsung's repair store surveillance, Spotify kills Car Thing and Ticketmaster gets the DOJ's attention.

The White House keeps talking up Fed independence. It could be a 'message' to Wall Street.

The White House has made it clear in recent weeks that President Biden and his allies see the independence of the Federal Reserve as a 2024 campaign issue. The audience may not be swing voters.

Some movies have received long standing ovations at the Cannes Film Festival. Are they actually any good?

Audiences at the French festival are notoriously rowdy, clapping for long periods of time and raucously booing.