Alice Springs’ beauty lies in its remoteness, so a little planning goes a long way. The outback can be unforgiving so be sure to pack for the climate and your proposed itinerary. As a starting point, some sturdy boots for adventuring, lightweight clothing (long pants, a jacket or cardigan and shirts), a quality hat, sun protection, a backpack, water and swimmers, because who could resist taking a dip in a natural swimming hole? Not us!

Uluru and Kata Tjuta are iconic natural wonders located just a few hours' drive from Alice Springs and are a must-visit for any traveller to the area. Hot tip, take a sunrise or sunset tour to see these majestic rock formations in all their glory. The West MacDonnell Ranges (or ‘The Macs’ as the locals call it) offer great hiking trails for those looking to explore the outdoors – don't miss Standley Chasm and Simpsons Gap. The Alice Springs Desert Park is a great way to learn about the flora and fauna of the Australian desert while the Alice Springs Reptile Centre offers a chance to get up close and personal with some of Australia's most dangerous reptiles, including snakes and crocodiles, if that’s your thing. This truly is just the tip of the iceberg, we could go on and on about all the amazing things to see in Alice Spings.

Life happens - we get it! Read more here.

The Red Centre has a semi-arid climate, which means there are four distinct seasons. The best time to visit depends on what you hope to do here. The summer (December to February) can be very hot (understatement) with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. Winters (June to August) can be chilly at night (again, understatement) with temperatures dropping below freezing. If you plan to visit Alice Springs to explore its natural attractions, such as Uluru and Kata Tjuta, or to go hiking, the best time to visit would be during the cooler months of the year (May to September), when temperatures are more comfortable, and rainfall is less frequent. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and more crowds.

Take the road less travelled, catch a sunrise from a hot air balloon, take a hike, enjoy a dip in natural swimming holes, witness the grandeur of Uluru, ride a camel, learn about Indigenous culture, visit the reptile centre, the list goes on and on…

We've got that covered too! Sign up to get the hottest deals sent straight to your phone & emails here. You can also check out our deals online, or speak to one of our Travel Experts.