Right in the heart of Australia! Recommended tourist attractions in Alice Springs

Alice Springs, located almost in the center of the Australian continent, serves as a base for visiting one of Australia's top tourist attractions, Ayers Rock. It is literally the heart of Australia, and was also a filming location for the movie "Crying Out Love in the Center of the World." Surrounded by desert, it plays a vital role in supporting life in the outback (remote inland regions). It also hosts a station of "The Ghan," the transcontinental railway that connects Adelaide in the south to Darwin in the north, as well as an airport, attracting many domestic and international tourists. Alice Springs is a small town that can be walked across in just 20 minutes, yet it is rich in history—where Aboriginal heritage and European colonial history are deeply intertwined. Here are some recommended tourist spots in Alice Springs.

1. Anzac Hill

A great way to get to know a town is by viewing it from a high vantage point. Anzac Hill offers breathtaking views over the town of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges. It’s a must-visit scenic spot for tourists!

At the lookout, you’ll find a war memorial built in 1934, along with the Australian national flag and the flag of the Northern Territory. The name "Anzac" stands for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, which participated in World War I. The sunset views from Anzac Hill are especially famous, so be sure to stop by when visiting Alice Springs!

2. Alice Springs Reptile Centre

What if you find a snake indoors in Australia? Generally, you would pay a removal service a search and removal fee to take care of it. But what about in the Northern Territory, where Alice Springs is located? Remarkably, the removal service is completely free. That’s proof of just how common reptiles are in everyday life here!

At the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, you can see over 50 types of reptiles. These include highly venomous species such as the taipan, brown snake, and death adder, as well as the goanna (a large monitor lizard about 1 meter long), frilled-neck lizards, thorny devils from the desert, and many other rare reptiles. It’s a popular tourist attraction where you can even feed crocodiles and lizards, try hanging a snake around your neck, and interact with various reptiles.

3. Todd Mall

Located in the heart of Alice Springs, Todd Mall is a central area lined with various shops including supermarkets, restaurants, banks, post offices, and souvenir stores—everything needed for daily life can be found here. It’s always bustling with both locals and tourists.

One of its most popular features is the Sunday Market, held from February to December each year. It’s perfect for souvenir shopping in Alice Springs, as stalls sell Aboriginal art, handicrafts, and local produce. Aboriginal art is especially notable for its dot painting style and often features designs that match the red-soil outback landscape—highly recommended.

You can also enjoy a relaxing tea at a café along Todd Mall, or take in the occasional live music performance. Be sure to visit at least once during your trip to Alice Springs.

4. Alice Springs Desert Park

Located about 10 minutes by car from the town of Alice Springs, the Alice Springs Desert Park is a popular tourist destination made up of three areas: Desert Rivers, Sand Country, and Woodland.

To explore the vast grounds efficiently, it's recommended to join a guided park tour. More than 120 species of animals are kept in conditions close to their natural habitat. The park is also home to many wild birds, including many species unique to Australia, making it a favorite spot for birdwatching enthusiasts! Since summer temperatures often exceed 40°C and the climate is very dry, be sure to use sunscreen and stay hydrated while exploring.

◎ Summary

Alice Springs may be a small town, but it is an outdoor paradise where even a week’s stay won’t be enough to enjoy all the hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. In addition, the Alice Desert Festival, held annually from September to October, brings together over 1,000 artists. Many tourists are captivated by the diverse performances. Just touring around Ayers Rock isn’t enough—make sure to stay longer and fully enjoy sightseeing in Alice Springs.

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Right in the heart of Australia! Recommended tourist attractions in Alice Springs