About Alice Springs

A remote Northern Territory town between coastal Darwin and lively Adelaide, Alice Springs is, for many, the gateway to Australia’s Red Centre. Small, laid-back and historic, this intriguing outpost is a great destination for adventurous couples, groups of friends and families, and it offers a burgeoning range of inviting accommodation options. Our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Alice Springs includes quirky art-filled studios as well as contemporary resort-hotels, ideal for exploring the town and the vast wilderness beyond.

Delve into Alice Springs’ heritage in the town’s Historical Reserve, where you’ll find the Telegraph Station and a number of exhibits about the area’s culture. There are a plethora of superb art galleries in the town centre, showcasing work by top Aboriginal artists, as well as hosting workshops and events — these are a real highlight. To see more of the town, walk up to Anzac Hill, visit the Road Transport Hall of Fame and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum, and take the kids to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and the Kangaroo Sanctuary.

Keen adventurers will be thrilled to discover the wonders of the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, the rocky MacDonnell Ranges and the dramatic Kings Canyon. Take guided walking tours, mountain bike rides, camel excursions and scenic helicopter flights, soaking up the wonders of unspoilt landscapes of rich red earth, studded with vegetation, a plethora of rare birds and intriguing endemic wildlife. The Larapinta Trail, one of the world’s top 20 treks, is exceptional, and easily accessible from many of the best places to stay in Alice Springs.

The Best Places to Stay in Alice Springs

For an Outback Escape

  • Squeaky Windmill Boutique Tent B&B has just three eco tents on the edge of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. You'll find beds topped with patterned quilts, private decks facing the mountains, and simple en-suite bathrooms. Evening BBQs are a real treat, as are the bird watching opportunities. Book all three tents for a private retreat with friends.
  • Ooraminna Station Homestead was once a film set. This 600-acre slice of the outback promises rustic cabins, glamping tents and a campsite. Gather at the restaurant-bar for mouth-watering Australian classics and regular live music nights. Spend your days hiking, bird watching, fishing and cycing before cosying up by the campfire.

For Families or Groups

  • Vatu Sanctuary, set in northern Alice Springs, is made up of three apartments and a studio, all facing a refreshing swimming pool. Comfortable, multi-bedroom apartments with sitting rooms and kitchens are great for families or groups on holiday together. Book more than one space for a larger group trip.
  • Quest Alice Springs offers 68 serviced apartments near the Todd River. Modern spaces are adorned in white and dark wood, offering one, two or three bedrooms, well-equipped kitchens and sitting rooms. There's a swimming pool, meeting rooms and BBQ area for all guests to share. Great value for long stays and those keen to self-cater.

For a Resort

  • Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters borders the Todd River on the edge of Alice Springs. The largest of the 229 modern rooms and suites have space for additional beds, and frame views of the stunning MacDonnell Ranges. A casino, swimming pool, events spaces and multiple restaurants complete the picture.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to Alice Springs Airport from within Australia, or via a larger hub — like Darwin International Airport if you are travelling from outside of the country. Hop aboard a bus or take a taxi into Alice Springs. Most hotels will also be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance. Alternatively, catch the overnight Ghan train from Darwin or Adelaide — this is reputedly one of the world's best railway journeys.
  • The Northern Territory is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Summers (December to February) are very hot, with temperatures hovering at around 33°C. Visit between June and August for cooler temperatures and more possibilities to explore comfortably.

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The best hotels in Alice Springs

Quest Alice Springs

Alice Springs (Northern Territory)

A collection of 68 serviced apartments close to the Todd River in central Alice Springs. Modern spaces offer one, two or three bedrooms, with well-equipped kitchens, dining spaces & sitting rooms. Guests share access to a swimming pool, BBQ area & meeting rooms. Nearby restaurants are a walk away.

  • Business meetings - Meeting rooms and work spaces in apartments make this a great business trip base, especially for long stays
  • Families - Two- and three-bedroom apartments are ideal for family trips, with private kitchens and shared pool access
  • Great walks - Hike part of the epic Larapinta Trail, deemed to be amongst the best walks in the world by National Geographic
  • Birdwatching - Follow birding trails in the Mulga scrubland to spot some of the 180 species seen around Alice Springs
from AU$211 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
SqueakyWindmill Boutique Tent B&B

Alice Springs (Northern Territory)

Three eco-tents offer an immersion into the Central Australian wilderness on the edge of the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Tents with en-suite bathrooms feature cosy double beds — or 3 singles — topped with patterned quilts & facing mountain-view decks. Evening BBQs & campfires are very special.

  • Back to Nature - A tented camp just 15 km from Alice Springs, but with a real sense of being immersed in the wilderness under the stars
  • Groups - Each tent sleeps up to three guests, and you can book all three tents for a fabulous escape with a group of friends
  • Views - Marvellous views of the scenic Western MacDonnell Ranges
  • Birdwatching - Spot some of the 180 species of birds found in the Alice Springs area whilst on walks or from your private deck
from AU$252 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters

Alice Springs (Northern Territory)

A big hotel bordering the Todd River on the south-eastern side of Alice Springs, with 229 modern rooms & suites. The best rooms have space for extra beds, bathtubs & impressive views of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges. A swimming pool, casino and multiple eateries complete the picture.

  • Business meetings - A great business hotel, with multiple events spaces & easy access to the Alice Springs Convention Centre & evening entertainment
  • Groups - Sociable groups of friends will love the multiple bars and eateries, the relaxed pool area and the buzzy casino
  • Great walks - Follow striking hiking trails through the MacDonnell Ranges, with dramatic gorges and rocky viewpoints aplenty
  • Restaurant - Feast on modern Australian fare at Tali, grilled cuisine at Juicy Rump, or relaxed snacks and lunches at Splash Poolside Cafe
from AU$283 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Vatu Sanctuary

Alice Springs (Northern Territory)

Four comfortable multi-bedroom apartments and a studio sit around a refreshing lagoon pool in northern Alice Springs. Eclectic spaces feature Aboriginal artwork — some for sale — plus bright textiles and garden views. Well-equipped kitchens, sitting rooms & inviting decks are ideal for longer stays.

  • Hideaway - The one-bedroom Bure is a cosy spot for romantic hideaway in a tranquil setting within easy reach of central Alice Springs
  • Families - Multi-bedroom apartments are ideal for families, who will love the swimming pool, private decks and kitchen facilities
  • Local markets - Lively markets are held near Todd Mall every second Sunday, perfect for picking up local produce and crafts as souvenirs
  • Great walks - Hike part of the acclaimed Larapinta Trail, soaking up magical views of Central Australia's dramatic landscapes
from AU$390 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Ooraminna Station Homestead

Alice Springs (Northern Territory)

A laid-back adventurer's dream, this 600-acre slice of the outback — once a filmset — promises rustic cabins, glamping tents & a campsite with dazzling views. The restaurant-bar serves cracking Australian fare & live music nights are hugely popular. Expect starlit skies & a real sense of seclusion.

  • Weddings - A beautiful destination for dazzling weddings in the outback, with multiple event spaces, a great team & striking settings
  • Families - The Stone & Log Cabins are ideal for families, with multiple beds, shaded decks & 600 acres of wilderness for activities
  • Great walks - Explore 600 acres of private walking trails across the rugged, dramatic landscape of the Alice Springs region
  • Restaurant - Enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine at The Wild Horse Bar & Grill or gourmet fare at The Homestead
from AU$453 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees