Plan a spring trip to Alice Springs. Explore neighborhoods, restaurants, places to stay and practical local advice from AVARA's full editorial guide.
Alice Springs — TL;DR
The Red Centre's desert heart, where Anzac Hill's sunset views meet some of the darkest, clearest night skies on Earth.
Alice Springs overview
May to September (dry season) offers cool, clear desert weather ideal for Uluru day trips and stargazing.
The town centre clusters most restaurants, cafes, and hotels, with Anzac Hill a short walk for sunset views and Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon reached via day tours or multi-day camping trips.
Australian Dollar (AUD)
English; Arrernte is widely spoken.
ACST (UTC+9:30, no daylight saving)
Alice Springs' dining scene continues to broaden beyond traditional outback fare, with Hanuman's Indian, Malaysian and Thai gastronomy at the DoubleTree by Hilton reflecting a growing international dining presence alongside the town's enduring role as the gateway to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon.
Where to eat, drink & do in Alice Springs
Alice Springs neighborhoods
Town centre Home to Hanuman and an excellent range of cafes and restaurants, near familiar hotel chains and B&Bs.
Anzac Hill district Home to Anzac Hill lookout point where you can watch the sunset over Alice Springs.
Red Centre gateway district The starting point for journeys to Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon, with tour operators and camping trip departures.
Practical info for Alice Springs
Getting around in Alice Springs? The town centre clusters most restaurants, cafes, and hotels, with Anzac Hill a short walk for sunset views and Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon reached via day tours or multi-day camping trips.
When to go in Alice Springs? May to September (dry season) offers cool, clear desert weather ideal for Uluru day trips and stargazing.
What's changing now in Alice Springs? Alice Springs' dining scene continues to broaden beyond traditional outback fare, with Hanuman's Indian, Malaysian and Thai gastronomy at the DoubleTree by Hilton reflecting a growing international dining presence alongside the town's endur
Seek out Palm Valley in Finke Gorge National Park in Alice Springs? Off-roading and exploring red cabbage palms, less visited than the main Uluru day-tour route.
Base yourself in Town centre in Alice Springs? Home to Hanuman and an excellent range of cafes and restaurants, near familiar hotel chains and B&Bs. Known for central dining and lodging.