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Alice Springs Reserve adventures

Alice Springs Reserve Adventures

Alice Springs Reserve is a protected natural area near the town of Alice Springs, known for its rich desert landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and cultural significance to Indigenous Australians. It offers visitors opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and immersing themselves in Australia's Red Centre environment.

Approx. 12,000 acres
Acres Protected
25+
Miles of Trails
100,000+
Annual Visitors
1976
Year Established

About Alice Springs Reserve

 

Alice Springs Reserve is located in the heart of Australia's Red Centre, surrounding the iconic town of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The reserve encompasses diverse desert ecosystems, including rocky outcrops, spinifex-covered plains, and ephemeral waterways. It plays a vital role in conserving the native flora and fauna adapted to the harsh arid climate, such as mulgara, thorny devil lizards, and various species of desert birds. Indigenous peoples, particularly the Arrernte people, have longstanding cultural connections to this land, reflected in the presence of sacred sites and traditional knowledge embedded in the reserve’s landscape. Visitors to Alice Springs Reserve can enjoy a range of outdoor activities; hiking trails vary from short walks to longer treks through scenic sandstone formations and riverine habitats. Wildlife viewing is a highlight, especially at dawn and dusk when many animals are active. The nearby MacDonnell Ranges provide striking geological features and opportunities for rock climbing and photography. The reserve's proximity to the town makes it an accessible natural retreat with visitor facilities to enhance the experience. Its mild winters and stunning desert sunrises and sunsets attract outdoor enthusiasts year-round, making it a key destination for experiencing the Australian outback's unique environment and cultural heritage.

Highlights

Highlight

Simpsons Gap – a striking gorge with walking paths and rock wallabies

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Unique desert flora including ghost gums and wildflowers after rains

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Aboriginal rock art sites revealing rich cultural heritage

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The Larapinta Trail segment offering multi-day hiking in spectacular scenery

Notable Natural Features

Simpsons Gap

A picturesque gorge featuring towering cliffs and a waterhole, popular for walking and spotting black-footed rock wallabies.

Aboriginal Rock Art

Several sites across the reserve preserve ancient petroglyphs and paintings significant to the Arrernte people.

Larapinta Trail

One of Australia’s premier long-distance hiking trails that traverses the MacDonnell Ranges and passes through parts of the reserve.