Find Attractions

Corner Larapinta and Memorial Drive, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Email: araluen@nt.gov.au
Website: www.araluen.nt.gov.au
Northern Territory HISTHERITG 9000571 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 1120
Fax Number: 61 08 8953 0259

A self-guided walking tour around the Araluen Cultural Precinct provides a fascinating glimpse into the art, culture and heritage of Central Australia, and into some of the local identities that helped develop the region. The precinct was home to Eddie Connellan, a pioneer of aviation in the Northern Territory. The original hangar, associated heritage buildings and the Connellan, or Araluen Homestead, still form part of the precinct. The Araluen Cultural Precinct is also culturally significant to the local Arrernte people. There are seven registered sacred sites and trees of significance on the precinct. These are an integral component of the Two Women Dreaming Track. Some of the attractions which make up the Araluen Cultural Precinct include - Central Craft, Yepereny Sculpture, Strehlow Reseach Cente, Museum of Central Australia, Central Australian Aviation Museum and the Araluen Arts Centre.

West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Email: larapinta.trail@nt.gov.au
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/walks/larapinta
Northern Territory SCENDRVWLK 9000737 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

Ranked as one of the planet's top 20 treks, the Larapinta Trail is a 223 kilometre path that follows the rocky spine of the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs Telegraph Station to Mount Sonder. Challenge yourself to hike the whole trail or tackle one of its 12 sections, all of which vary in difficulty and length. Each section can be reached by four-wheel drive, so you can join or leave the trail at any of the Tailheads. The Trail encompasses some of the key attractions of the ranges including Simpsons Gap, and the permanent waterholes at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen. It weaves past some of the world's most ancient metamorphic and igneous rock and nearly 600 species of rare flora. The Trail also links in with other walking tracks within the West MacDonnell National Park, allowing side trips to explore more of the Park. Along the way you camp under the stars. Most camp sites have picnic tables and tent sites. All Trailheads have a water supply and some have free gas barbecues. Fully guided tours are available, otherwise set off on your own ensuring you're well equipped and have notified the relevant authorities.

Shop 6, 89 Todd Mall, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Email: leapinglizardsgallery@gmail.com
Northern Territory GALMUSECOL 9117310 Phone Number: 61 08 8952 5021

Studio is a refreshingly different style of gallery located right in the heart of town and showcases the work of respected local artists and reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the Alice Springs art community. Studio offers a wide range of contemporary Australian and landscape art in a variety of media, and is owned and operated collectively by the artists, with assistance from Leaping Lizards Gallery. Studio aims to maintain high standards of art, presentation and customer service that will further raise the profile of Alice Springs as a destination for art lovers.

175 kilometres west of Alice Springs, via Hermannsburg, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/tnorala
Northern Territory HISTHERITG 9000608 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

The Tnorala/Gosse Bluff Conservation Reserve is a place of international scientific interest as well cultural significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people. Located about 175 kilometres from Alice Springs, it is also the site of a huge crater. Take the short walk to a lookout at Tylers Pass on the adjacent ridge for a good vista of the landscape. Rising 180 metres above the desert, the crater is an astounding five kilometres in circumference. Much of the crater has eroded away, with the original bed of the crater now two kilometres below the surface. The crater was created approximately 142 million years ago, when a huge comet struck Central Australia, leaving one of the largest impact craters in the world. The reserve is of great significance to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people, who believe Tnorala was formed when a group of women danced across the sky as the Milky Way. During this dance a mother put her baby aside in its wooden baby carrier. The carrier toppled over the edge of the dancing area and crashed to earth where it was transformed into the circular rock formation of Tnorala. Camping and fires are not permitted within the reserve.

Alice Springs Desert Park, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Email: alicesprings@wpsnt.com.au
Website: www.wpsnt.com.au
Northern Territory DINEATOUT 9069410 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8748
Fax Number: 61 08 8955 1131

When you visit the Alice Springs Desert Park, make time for a meal at the Coolamon Café. Located within the park, the cafe offers a full dining experience set to the sounds of native birds and wildlife and with dramatic views of the West MacDonnell Ranges. Choose from a hot or cold buffet, sandwiches, wraps, pastries and cakes with great espresso coffee and teas, fresh juices and cool drinks. The air-conditioned cafe is licensed from 11.30am daily with a range of wine and beer available . A 'must see' for every visitor to the Red Centre, the Alice Springs Desert Park displays and explains the plants, animals and landscapes around Alice Springs, and their traditional use by Aboriginal people. A multi-award winning park and the first of its kind in the world. The Alice Springs Desert Park is a 10-minute drive from the centre of Alice Springs.

140 kilometres north east of Alice Springs, on the Plenty Highway, Gemtree, Northern Territory, 0872
Email: gemtree@gemtree.com.au
Website: www.gemtree.com.au
Northern Territory ENTERTAIN 9000767 Phone Number: 61 08 8956 9855
Fax Number: 61 08 8956 9860

Gemtree, a quiet bush caravan park, 140 kilometres from Alice Springs on the Plenty Highway, is located at the Gateway to the Central Australian gemfields. The billabong, at the entry to the park, attracts a wide variety of birdlife and the 100 hectare property has a popular 3.5 kilometre nature trail along which many plant species have been identified. A coloured guide booklet to describe the plants and birds seen along the way can be borrowed at reception. The gemroom displays a selection of exquisite jewellery and local gems and minerals. During the season (1st March to 31st October) a resident gemcutter turns fossickers' finds into sparkling gems. Fossicking tours leave at 8.30am daily to the gemfields but for those with time restraints, buckets of garnet bearing gravel can be purchased to fossick through at the park. Mud maps are provided for scenic four-wheel drive tracks in the beautiful Harts Ranges and East MacDonnells and guided tagalong tours are available, when numbers permit, covering the history of local pastoralists, miners and Aborigines. Tasty weekend dinners cooked in 'Kate's Campoven Kitchen' and served to lantern-lit tables are followed by light entertainment, proving a popular addition along with Devonshire afternoon teas.

Larapinta Drive, 140 kilometres west of Alice Springs, Hermannsburg, Northern Territory, 0872
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/finkegorge
Northern Territory NATATTRACT 9000712 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

Explore the ancient landscapes of Finke Gorge National Park, 140 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Walk into valleys of rare plants, or follow a popular four-wheel drive route. The 46,000-hectare park protects the desert oasis Palm Valley, home to a diverse range of rare and unique plant species. Those plants include the Red Cabbage Palm, which is only found here - botanic remnants from millions of years ago, when Central Australia was lush with tropical forests. The Finke River is claimed to be one of the oldest in the world, with areas dating back 350 million years. For experienced four-wheel drivers, the popular Finke drive route is an adventurous drive down the Finke River to Illamurta Springs Conservation Reserve and Watarrka National Park. The park and nearby areas are significant to the Western Arrernte Aboriginal people and there is also evidence of early European settlement. Follow one of the marked trails short distances to survey the area from lookouts, or to find out more about the mythology of the Western Arrernte Aboriginal culture. Pitch a tent in the campground - toilets, showers and gas barbecues are provided and fees apply.

Lasseters Hotel Casino, 93 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Email: reservations.lhc@lasseters.com.au
Website: www.lhc.com.au
Northern Territory DINEATOUT 9000648 Phone Number: 61 08 8950 7777
Fax Number: 61 08 8953 2422

The Juicy Rump is a dining and entertainment venue in Alice Springs. Enjoy a drink on the spacious deck looking out at the MacDonnell Ranges, enjoy a generous meal, or catch the game on the big screen. The Juicy Rump offers affordable meals for the whole family. With an open kitchen and modern decor, it is a place to great relax and have a good time. The spacious deck area, with views of the MacDonnell Ranges, is a great place to enjoy live music, a drink or a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner in the appealing Alice Springs weather. All the big sporting events are screened, with TAB and KENO facilities available from the bar. Late into the evening The Juicy Rump transforms into a nightclub, with a DJ three nights a week. The Juicy Rump is set in Lasseters Hotel Casino, Alice Springs.

Namatjira Drive, 157 kilometres west of Alice Springs, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/westmacdonnell
Northern Territory NATATTRACT 9000687 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8290

Redbank Gorge (Rwetyepme, pronounced 'roo-chip-ma') is a stunning gorge and chasm that is a refuge for many threatened plant and animal species. Located 156km west of Alice Springs in the West MacDonnell Ranges and nestled at the base of Mt Sonder, it is also a popular stop for travellers following the Red Centre Way. Take the two kilometre, 1.5-hour return walk from the car park along the creek bed to the gorge to swim in the cold, deep water of the near-permanent waterhole. Basic camping facilities are available at two different locations - the Woodland and the Ridgetop campgrounds. Both have toilets, fire pits and picnic tables, the Woodland Camping area also has free gas barbecues. Spaces are limited and fees apply. Access is via the sealed Larapinta and Namatjira drives. The five kilometre access road is unsealed and a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

97 kilometres south of Alice Springs, via Stuart Highway, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 0870
Website: www.nretas.nt.gov.au/national-parks-and-reserves/parks/find/rainbowvalley
Northern Territory HISTHERITG 9000653 Phone Number: 61 08 8951 8250
Fax Number: 61 08 8951 8259

Marvel at the ancient landscape of the aptly named Rainbow Valley - sandstone bluffs and cliffs with exposed bands of coloured rock. These free standing cliffs form part of the James Range, and are a favourite subject of photographers who capture their varied shapes and colours at dawn or dusk when the rainbow-like rock bands are highlighted. There are unmarked trails for bushwalking around the bluff area and to other locations along the range The reserve is also rich in evidence of Aboriginal occupation. You will see rock engravings or petroglyphs and paintings as well as grinding stones and stone tool chips, especially around the hills and ridges. The coloured rock bands in the sandstone cliffs were caused by water. The red iron of sandstone dissolved and was drawn to the surface during the dry season. This dark red capping is hard and weathers slowly, whereas the softer white sandstone below erodes quickly into loose sand. Weathering and erosion are also responsible for the valley shape, where sandstone blocks have been eroded into rock faces and squared towers. Access is for four-wheel drive vehicles only.
A camping and picnic area is provided.