Over the year huge drawcards such as Uluru have brought tourism down under and out into the Aussie Outback. I recently ventured out into the middle of Australia on the adventure of a lifetime visiting Uluru and finding out about the best things to do in Alice Springs.
This article will be all about the epic things to do in Alice Springs but if you want to jump over to my other article about the things to do at Uluru you can click here.
This is a short video from my outback adventure.
Where to stay in Alice Springs
Desert Palms in Alice Springs is my #1 Pick. For just under $100 a night you get resort luxury with palm trees, a swimming pool and a private villa. Having a tropical resort like this really gives you a break from the outback heat and the fact that it doesn’t break the bank is awesome.
Check rates and availablity: Desert Palms Resort
Adventurous things to do in Alice Springs
Open-door Helicopter of MacDonnell Ranges
It was my first open-door helicopter ride and it lived up to my expectations. I thought a chopper ride in the desert might reveal a vast red plain but instead, we flew over the MacDonnell Ranges. We flew low over ridges as the sun, having just risen, clipped the ranges beautifully. Legs hanging out the door and the wind blowing my bandana off my head, this was one of the highlights of the trip and my favorite thing to do in Alice Springs.
Sunrise Hot-air balloon ride
High up in the air, floating over Alice Springs, watching the sunrise on the horizon from the comfort of our basket was the most majestic morning of my trip. If you are looking to take in Alice Springs and enjoy the desert experience this is one of the best things to do in Alice Springs. We left the hotel bright and early, bundled into our basket and off we went. We were blessed with a sunrise for the books and had a champagne in the middle of nowhere after a safe but rocky landing.
Book your tour: Alice Springs Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
Earth Sanctuary Experience
The Earth Sanctuary boys are the most Aussie blokes on the planet. Three brothers run the Earth Sanctuary, which is a hub of amazing experiences. They have built an eco-village in the middle of the dunes just out of Alice Springs town. After 17 years they have grown their property to include an observatory, multiple eco-dome homes, restaurant and learning center. The boys have had their own television show, hosted celebrities and run tours showing their love of the land and educating visitors about its rich history. We enjoyed a three-course Aussie barbecue, tried out hand at making damper, spear throwing, looked at the moon through their telescope and learned about Aboriginal culture. If you are looking for an authentic experience this is definitely got to be on your list of things to do in Alice Springs.
You can visit the Earth Sanctuary website for more info and booking details by clicking here.
Things to do along the journey from Uluru to Alice Springs
In between Alice Springs and Uluru, there is actually a lot to see. I suggest spending one night near Kings Canyon. To get to Kings Canyon from Alice Springs you will need to take the shared shuttle bus unless of course, you have a private vehicle. The shared shuttle bus is very comfortable with A/C and spacious seating.
Book your ticket: Alice Springs to King Canyon Shared Shuttle Bus
Kings Canyon
Kings Canyon is one of the most famous spots in the Aussie outback. We had slept in the hotel nearby the night before and headed up to Kings Canyon early in the morning. The 45-minute hike leads you to a natural wonder. The canyon winds as far as the eye can see, eventually bending out of sight. This spot is out of this world during sunrise as the light slowly creeps through the canyon. We hung out here for hours marveling at the rock formations.
The Kings Canyon and Panorama Tour are one of the most popular tours in the Aussie Outback with hundreds of bookings every year. The tour actually begins with a hotel pickup from either Alice Springs or Uluru depending on which you booked. The tour begins with a breakfast at Kings Creek Station before the climb to the Canyon Rim of Kings Canyon. You then head to Canyon Resort to relax, have lunch and have a dip in the pool before.
Book your tour: Kings Canyon Panorama Tour
Cruising the Aussie outback roads
Part of the fun of the outback is cruising the red roads and leaving a trail of dust behind you. We threw up the drone and followed ourselves for a while in what felt like the middle of nowhere!
Ormiston Gorge
Ellery Creek is the Australian version of an Oasis. We left the red, dirt track and headed on a short stroll into the bush. All the while we walked alongside a sandy bank, wondering where this magical waterhole might be. Before we knew it, we had arrived at the outback beach! Sandbanks and gum trees surrounded a peaceful waterhole, which is a favorite of the locals from Alice Springs. A few mini-cliff jumps and antics at the waterhole before we had a serious chill in the sun made this one of my favorite moments of the trip.
The Pool to Pool tour takes you to all of the best watering holes in the outback in one day. Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, and Glen Helen all in one day on a guided tour from Alice Springs.
Book your tour: Pool to Pool tour – Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen
Glenhelen Camping Site and Waterhole
There’s no better way to experience the Aussie outback than to spend the night camping out after roasting some marshmallows on the bonfire. Glenhelen campground was a really comfortable way to get outdoors. The tents were already set up for us with electricity available and a bonfire. It wasn’t glamping but we certainly weren’t roughing it.
The beauty of Glenhelen is the waterhole. Only a couple of minutes walk from the campsite is one of the most beautiful waterholes in the country. Despite how amazing it is, we were the only people there to enjoy it! We found a rope swing along the sandy banks, enjoyed the epic reflections and I even found a couple of epic spots to do some cliff-jumping.
The Pool to Pool tour takes you to all of the best watering holes in the outback in one day. Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, and Glen Helen all in one day on a guided tour from Alice Springs.
Book your tour: Pool to Pool tour – Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen
Ellery Creek Big Hole
Ellery Creek is another epic waterhole on the journey from Uluru to Alice Springs. Huge cliffs on either side give an epic backdrop to a sandbar that juts out from the right side of the waterhole. We had a scenic picnic before having a dip in the chilly water, even finding some pretty gnarly spots to jump from.
The Pool to Pool tour takes you to all of the best watering holes in the outback in one day. Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, and Glen Helen all in one day on a guided tour from Alice Springs.
Book your tour: Pool to Pool tour – Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen
Mel
Wednesday 3rd of June 2020
Hi there! Which helicopter company did you use? Cheers :)