Alice Springs is one of the most popular holiday destinations, part of the Simpson Desert in Australia. Which attracts millions of tourists each year. This beautiful town is located in the Northern Territory between Darwin and Adelaide it remains the gateway to some of the most iconic attractions in the country such as the Uluru which is also known as Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta.
Holiday-makers from all over the country visit Alice Springs By four-wheel drive to have a stunning experience. Road trips are the best ways to explore the attractions in the Northern Territory; because it has a vast percentage of arid land which offers amazing adventure to travelers.
The Simpson Desert from Alice Springs
The Simpson Desert stretches south from Alice Springs towards the South Australia border. Many attractions located on its fringes are an easy day trip from Alice Springs and deliver a taste of its fascinating natural, cultural, and historical wonders. The Simpson Desert is host to some of the best Tracks 4×4 tagalong in Australia. An endless horizon, rolling dunes, and challenging desert four-wheel drive tracks all contribute to an ultimate frontier experience.
Traveling through this desert region means exploring territory very few people have seen. The Old Ghan Heritage Track passes through the Simpson Desert on its way from Port Augusta in South Australia to Alice Springs. This is one of Australia’s most important heritage trails, as it follows the route of the original narrow gauge Ghan line. Interpretive signs on replica railway trolleys are located at 20 key points along the trail and tell the story of incredible engineering achievements in the outback.
Iconic Routes of Alice Springs
You can hire a Tracks 4×4 tagalong from Aussie Campervans to explore all the local attractions in Alice Springs and to take advantage of off-road driving in the Australian Red Centre. Dalhousie hot springs, the Alice and ruby gap you will have awesome fun exploring the area and we have listed several four-wheel-drive tracks and routes to enhance your Australian Outback experience.
Mereenie Loop Part of the Red Centre Way
This is the four-wheel-drive alternative scenic route from Alice Springs to Uluru. The drive will take you through Watarrka Kings Canyon via the Western MacDonnell Ranges.
This route offers scenic terrain with views of desert oaks and river crossings and you will get to see several native animals including brumbies, dingoes, camels, and donkeys. The landscape is varied with the bright, rich colors of reds, oranges, browns, and purples.
The route is recommended for four-wheel drive rental vehicles only because of the difficult road and weather conditions. This route is also subject to flash flooding so you need to take proper safety measures.
Finke River
Spend a day or two and embark on a four-wheel-drive adventure out to Finke River. This is a challenging Tracks 4×4 tagalong adventure between the Finke Gorge and Watarrka National Parks. The remoteness of this route makes planning and emergency contingencies essential. Follow the river from Hermannsburg down to the Ernest Giles Road and discover the stark gorge scenery and permanent waterholes. Please remember to check out the road conditions and continue to follow the signs posted for Kings Canyon.
The Finke River four-wheel-drive route is all about sand driving so ensure your vehicle hubs are locked in and Tracks 4×4 tagalong is engaged. We recommend you deflate your tires to 30psi (200kpa) to increase their surface area and keep them in the ruts to minimize the risk of getting stuck or cause erosion.
If you want to take a rest, you will find a stunning campsite at Boggy Hole- which is approximately 28.5 km from Hermannsburg. You will have great views from beneath the river red gums to permanent reed-fringed water holes. The best time is at dawn as the sunlight peeps across the gorge and the pools look even more beautiful.
Things to do in Alice Springs
Watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon, meet Aboriginal artists in one of the town’s excellent art galleries, join a four-wheel-drive and camping tour or hike through the nearby ranges. What words do people use when researching the Outback on Google, explore the desert landscapes on a camel, Can-am ATV, or mountain bike. You can even swim in an outback waterhole.
Drop into the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which supports an area of more than 7 million square kilometers. Learn about Alice Springs’ plants, animals, and landscapes at the Alice Springs Desert Park or the Reptile Centre. Head just out of town to cuddle a baby kangaroo at the Kangaroo Sanctuary
Exploring the Macs
The West and East MacDonnell Ranges, stretch out either side of Alice Springs and are a must-visit on your trip to the Red Centre. Join a tour or drive yourself to explore the West MacDonnell Ranges, famous for their postcard-like scenery, world-class hikes, swimming holes, and natural treasures. See black-footed rock wallabies near the permanent waterhole at Simpsons Gap. At noon, watch the walls of Standley Chasm glow bright red.
Swim in natural swimming holes at Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen, and Redbank Gorge. And visit the Ochre Pits, which desert Aboriginal people once used as a quarry for ochre pigments. Head east from Alice Springs to explore the East MacDonnell Ranges. See Aboriginal rock art at Emily Gap and have a picnic at nearby Jessie Gap. Take the circular walking track at Corroboree Rock then head for Trephina Gorge, one of the East’s best attractions.
Fun & Quirky Events
Make sure you go along to one of Alice Spring’s famous and unique festivals and events, like the Camel Cup, the Finke Desert Race, or the hilarious Henley-on-Todd Regatta.
