Discover Alice Springs: Art, Nature and Wildlife

Alice Springs reveals different sides of itself through its museums, galleries, gardens and markets. You can learn about the history of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, discover Aboriginal art and cultural connections, or focus on plants, birds and reptiles. This lets you tailor your trip to the experiences that interest you most.

Culture and History in Alice Springs

The RFDS Alice Springs Tourist Facility combines state-of-the-art technology with an immersive museum. Its focus is the history and development of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. At the RFDS Museum, you can also sit inside a replica RFDS PC-12 and visit an original former RFDS communications centre.

The Araluen Cultural Precinct comprises four galleries and a 500-seat theatre. The Araluen Arts Centre presents exhibitions, theatre and film each year. The Araluen Art Collection traces the development of Aboriginal art in Central Australia.

The site’s cultural significance is also part of the visit: the Araluen Cultural Precinct is surrounded by significant Arrernte sites that are important to the local Arltyerre (Dreaming). Tharrarletneme (Annie Meyers Hill) is a registered sacred site and is significant to the Arrernte. These names and connections make the cultural dimension of Alice Springs visible, alongside its museum and art offerings.

Plant Life and Walking Trails at Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Olive Pink Botanic Garden showcases more than 600 plant species native to the arid region, including many rare and threatened species. This gives you the chance to explore the diversity of plant life in a dry region through specific species. Birdlife is also a feature: 89 bird species have been recorded in the garden, including some rare species.

Several well-marked, self-guided trails are available for exploring the garden. If you prefer to go at your own pace, this offers a different kind of outing from a museum visit or a theatre presentation.

Reptiles and Wildlife Watching

At the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, more than 100 reptiles are displayed in replicas of their natural habitats. The Centre holds interactive talks and hands-on reptile-handling sessions every day. Some of the world’s most venomous snakes can be seen safely behind glass.

The visit adds a distinct focus to the plant and birdlife at the Botanic Garden. If you like to plan your trip around nature and wildlife watching, Alice Springs offers both a botanical perspective on native species and a reptile exhibition, catering to different interests.

Markets and Local Discoveries

At the Todd Mall Markets, you’ll find stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, art, food, jewellery, wellness products, dog products, honey and books. The wide range extends from everyday items to art, food and products for animals. This offers another contrast to exhibitions and nature experiences: here, the focus is on market stalls and their varied goods.

Choose your holiday rental according to the experiences you’d like to explore further during your stay.

More destinations: Larrakeyah, Point Stuart, Katherine, Alyangula, Marrakai, Ludmilla, Marrara and Ayers Rock.

Back to the main travel overview: Northern Territory.