Day trips
Alice Springs
Red Centre Journey Tour
See ancient rock carvings, outback station country, a film set and desert views on a relaxed morning tour with pick-up included.
4 hours 15 minutes
from
A$178.68
Overview
Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Alice Springs is the Red Centre service town and launch pad for desert trips — compact, walkable and the place to sort tours, gear and groceries before heading into the o
Alice Springs is the working hub of the Red Centre: a compact town where you can buy supplies, book a tour and jump on a coach or the Ghan within a couple of streets. It’s not glamorous — it’s useful. What sets Alice Springs apart is logistics. This is where the desert meets infrastructure: car hire, public shuttles to the airport, Indigenous art centres and day-trip departures all run reliably from here. Budget hack: base yourself near Todd Mall, use hostel kitchens and stock up at Coles or Woolworths. Walk to most sights, share fuel on group 4WD trips and book popular tours a week ahead to snag lower prices.
Things to do
Explore exciting things to do in Alice Springs
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Things to know
Get to know Alice Springs
Top 4 things you need to know before travelling to Alice Springs
Transport connections
Alice Springs Airport is a short 15–20 minute shuttle from town; book airport shuttles or a taxi in advance on arrival nights. Long-distance options include coach services (book early for seat sales) and The Ghan rail stop — both are practical links if you’re skipping a hire car.
Weather & packing
Desert extremes: hot summers (Dec–Feb) and cool nights in winter (Jun–Aug). Shoulder months can be hot by day and cold at night. Pack layers, sun protection and a refillable water bottle — tap water is fine but carry 2–3L for day trips.
Booking tours & timing
Book popular half-day West MacDonnell or Uluru coach tours at least 7–10 days ahead in shoulder seasons; weekends fill fast. If you want a 4WD or multi-day camping tour, reserve earlier. Check tour meeting points — many start at Todd Mall hostels.
Money, shops & logistics
Supermarkets: Coles and Woolworths cover groceries — shop here to cook in hostel kitchens and cut costs. Petrol and tour prices rise at remote roadhouses; if hiring a car, compare local agencies and factor in long-distance insurance and spare tyre rules.
Why backpackers love Alice Springs
Hostel life in Alice Springs is social and practical: kitchens, barbies and noteboards full of shared drives — ideal for solo travellers pinching dollars. The town is surprisingly cheap compared with remote tour prices if you self-cater and split fuel costs.
Getting around is simple: Alice Springs is compact and mostly walkable; airport shuttles and regional buses (plus The Ghan rail stop if you’re arriving by train) connect you to long-distance routes. Many tours pick up from main hostels, so you can avoid extra transfers.
Expect a friendly, on-the-move crowd — people with backpacks and dusty boots swapping tips about West Macs, Uluru runs and best campsites.
FAQ
Travel FAQs Alice Springs
Common questions backpackers ask about Alice Springs
Most backpackers take a coach (book online in advance) or join a multi-day tour; hire cars are an option but expect a 4.5–5 hour drive each way. Consider shared transfers to split fuel and permit costs.
Stick to central areas like Todd Mall and Anzac Hill after dark, avoid walking alone in isolated suburbs, and follow hostel staff advice. Petty theft can happen — use hostel lockers and don’t leave valuables visible in vehicles.
Not for town basics — it’s very walkable. For day trips to the West MacDonnell Ranges or remote campsites a car (preferably a high-clearance 4WD) is practical. Many backpackers join organised tours to avoid hiring.
Ask your hostel — most offer luggage storage for guests for free or a small fee. For tighter plans, some tour operators will hold bags if you confirm when you book; always get written confirmation.
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