Top Walking Highlights in Alice Springs

Alice Springs offers an abundance of scenic and invigorating walking trails, perfect for those looking to explore its natural beauty and historical landmarks. Here are some of our top walking highlights to enjoy in and around Alice Springs:

Olive Pink Botanic Garden
A serene place for a leisurely stroll, this garden features a variety of native plants and well-marked paths, providing a peaceful escape right in the heart of Alice Springs.
Anzac Hill
For those seeking a bit of a challenge, the steep track from town to Anzac Hill rewards hikers with panoramic views over Alice Springs, making the climb well worth the effort.
Alice Springs Telegraph Station
Explore the early European history of the area by following one of the marked walks around this historic reserve. Watch out for cyclists, as these paths are popular with mountain bikers.
Larapinta Trail
Starting from the Telegraph Station, this famous 223km trail is divided into 12 sections. While completing the entire trail takes about 14 days, you can easily enjoy shorter sections that showcase the best of the West MacDonnell Range, including Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Serpentine Gorge, Ochre Pits, Ormiston Gorge and Redbank Gorge.
Corroboree Rock and Trephina Gorge
To the east of Alice Springs, these locations offer excellent bushwalking opportunities. Enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility away from the town’s hustle and bustle.
Jessie and Emily Gaps, N’Dhala Gorge
These short walks in the East MacDonnell Range are perfect for exploring unique geological formations and indigenous rock art sites.
Ruby Gap Nature Park
Off the beaten path, this park allows for a more secluded experience. Walk along the Hale River bed to Glen Annie Gorge and Foxs Grave for an adventurous outing.
Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon)
Venturing beyond the West MacDonnell Range, Watarrka National Park offers breathtaking walks. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk, with its stunning sandstone cliffs and vistas, is a must-do.
Finke Gorge National Park (Arankaia Walk)
This walk offers an intimate experience with the lush landscapes of Finke Gorge National Park, showcasing its unique flora and fauna.
Kata Tjuta (Valley of the Winds Walk)
A visit to Central Australia isn’t complete without exploring Kata Tjuta. The first section of the Valley of the Winds walk provides spectacular views of the domed rock formations.
Uluru (Mala Walk)
Iconic and unmissable, the Mala Walk at Uluru takes you through culturally significant sites and offers an up-close look at this world-famous monolith.

West MacDonnell is a national park in the Northern Territory (Australia) due west of Alice Springs and 1234 km south of Darwin. It extends along the MacDonnell Ranges west of Alice Springs.

The popular extended walk, the Larapinta Trail, runs east-west along the linear park, following the West MacDonnell Ranges. The park includes many tourist attractions along its 250 kilometre length including Ormiston Pound, the Ellery Creek Bighole, Glen Helen Gorge, Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Mount Sonder, Serpentine Gorge, the Ochre Pits and Redbank Gorge. — Larapinta Trail, West MacDonnell Ranges. Tourism NT

Central Australia is a walker’s paradise with its diverse trails and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or an adventurous hike, Alice Springs and its surroundings have something to offer for everyone. So, lace up your walking shoes and set out to discover the wonders of this unique region!