Day 1 in Alice Springs

Welcome to Alice Springs! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted the town, take a stroll through the main streets of charming Alice Springs and stop into one of the restaurants to enjoy a delicious authentic lunch and refreshments. After some lunch, stop in the many quaint shops found in the heart of town and then make a stop at one of the many attractions found in town.

Check out the Reptile Center featuring the largest collection of reptiles in the Northern Territory of Australia, visitors can catch a glimpse of the intriguing Thorny Devils, perentie Goanna, Frill-necked Lizards and plenty of snakes including pythons. The center is a popular tourist attraction and home to `Terry` the Saltwater Crocodile, enjoy one of the three daily shows that include lots of fun and informative information on select reptiles.

Stop by one of the many interesting Museums found in Alice Springs such as The National Pioneer Woman`s Hall of Fame, created to honor the pioneering woman who contributed to the development of the country. There are many objects on display donated from across Australia along with history and stories of the women across the nation who were the `first in their field`.

Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base Museum, a working base for the RFDS which was established in 1939. The museum is filled with interactive information and many heroic tales on the birth and growth of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which is a 24-hour emergency retrieval that covers 1.25 million square miles of land in the Australian Outback. Check out the hologram of John Flynn, the founder of RFDS and a flight simulator.

Make your way over to the vibrant Olive Pink Botanic Gardens for a serene stroll around the 40-acre park filled with native plants and over 500 central Australian plant species and 80 bird species. The grounds are colorful and peaceful with walking trails leading through the lush vegetation. Stop into the fantastic Bean Tree Cafe on site to enjoy a coffee and snacks. The park was founded by Olive Pink, a prominent anthropologist. Find a spot to capture a spectacular sunset over the town as the heart of the red desert lights up with the rays of the sinking sun.

Enjoy dinner in town which includes a wide variety of options like pizza, Thai food, fast food, bars, and grills there is plenty of delicious food to enjoy in Alice Springs. There are a few places to stop in and enjoy a cocktail for the evening including sports bars and such in town, there is a nice beer garden at The Rock Bar and sometimes live music at Todd Tavern.

Day 2 in Alice Springs

Start your morning off with a hike to the top of Anzac Hill and enjoy spectacular sweeping views over the town and the distant MacDonnell Ranges. The Lions Walks is a popular trail that leads up the hill to an observation point, there is a war memorial at the top dedicated to all the fallen Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

Enjoy some breakfast in one of the many quaint cafes found along Todd Mall in town and then partake in the hop on hop off sightseeing bus tour of some of the town`s most popular attractions including the Telegraph Station Historical Reserve and the School of the Air Visitor Center.

Hop off and visit the Araluen Cultural Precinct which incorporates a museum and theatre with four art galleries that feature a large collection of works of art by Aboriginal Artist Albert Namatjira. The theatre is the host of dance, music and drama performances. The Museum of Central Australia is located on the same site featuring displays of minerals that were found locally. The Central Australian Aviation Museum here features planes and radio equipment and is home to the local ham radio group. Visit the Central Craft area here which features galleries, a craft shop to pick up some souvenirs and a cafe for some snacks and refreshments.

Alice Springs and the sprawling surroundings of the heart of the Red Desert has plenty of adventure to offer its visitors including the momentous MacDonnell Ranges that cover a staggering 9,709,870 acres and are 400 miles long. Explore the gaps and gorges and some of the highest peaks and mountains in the Northern Territory. The region offers hiking trails, bike paths, swimming holes, four-wheel drive tracks, and camping spots.

Larapinta Trail is an extended walking trail that stretches for 139 miles from east Alice Springs to the west at Mount Sonder through local flora and fauna, rivers, freshwater swimming holes, and scenic mountains. There are guided walking adventures.

Spend some on camelback with a guided sunset tour through the glowing scenic Ilparpa Valley, located in the MacDonnell Ranges, the owner has been working with camels since 1982. The Pyndan Camel Tracks is the only camel riding experience that is based out of Alice Springs, with a free shuttle service from most of the hotels in town and from the Alice Springs Visitor Information Center.

There are Starlight Bush Dinners available in the desert where you can dine under the sparkling Milky Way and enjoy a delicious three-course meal hosted by an Aboriginal Chef.

Alternatively check out the real Outback Steak House at Overlander`s Steakhouse in town serving delicious cuts of beef, chicken, and barramundi. Try the `Drover`s Blowout` crocodile, kangaroo, emu, and camel meat.

Additional Days in Alice Springs

If you are able to spend additional days in Alice Springs check out some of the annual festivals including the Alice Show with shopping, rides, animals, fireworks, arts, crafts, races and performances. The Camel Cup is a fun day out, held in early July. The Beanie Festival is a knitting festival that mostly includes `beanie` hats knitted from every conceivable material with afternoon tea, art displays, and music.

Your Last Day in Alice Springs

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.