Alice Springs is a town full of surprises – there is so much to do here and we want to share some of our favourite places to visit and things to do!
Fun fact – Alice Springs is known as Mparntwe in Arrernte, the language of the local Aboriginal nation. This name has been used her for much longer than the name Alice Springs.
Did you know there were once giant emus and wombats roaming around Australia? There is a super cool museum showcasing some of the fossils of these huge beasts in the centre of town. There are to scale examples of these strange creatures, including an emu-like creature that towers overhead like a dinosaur! They have a window through to the fossil preparation room, sometimes you can catch a volunteer or scientist cleaning fossils!
Top tip: Listen to Arrernte language spoken by pressing the audio buttons by the displays.
Where: Megafauna Central
The ratio of gallery quality to size and location is unmatched – 8 Hele Crescent is hidden behind an awesome art supply shop (the most dangerous place in Alice Springs imo due to the amount of money you’re bound to spend on beautiful art materials). There is also a luscious native plant garden in front of the entrance – you might think you’ve come to the wrong place. Just pop through the gates, past the coffee caravan, and down the little path to the glass doors. This space had a Vincent Namatjira show last year, and continues to host work from some of the countries most significant artists – Indigenous and non Indigenous.
Top tip: art collectors bring your chequebook, locals keep your eyes peeled for exhibition openings!
Where: 8 Hele Crescent, behind the art supply shop
Rayleen Brown is a name that every person visiting our neck of the woods should know. As seen on Masterchef – Rayleen’s knowledge and passion for bushfoods is unmatched.
She runs tours at the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens for private groups, where you’ll taste bushfoods, the best kangaroo meat you’ll eat in your life, and home made damper. She’ll help you identify plants with food & medicine uses, and you’ll leave with a deeper respect for the land and totally be in love with Rayleen.
Top tip: come hungry because bushfoods are filling, even in small quantities
Where: Olive Pink Botanic Garden, but you need to book in advance
Visit the best bakery in Australia, as decided by me, Anna. Open from Wednesday – Sunday, this spot offers up excellent coffee, pastries, pies, and vibes. A great spot to catch up with mates or enjoy a journaling session. Dont miss the broccoli and blue cheese pie, miso brownie, or – the town favourite – the almond scroll.
Tip tip: Get here early or you’ll miss out!
Where: The Bakery, north Todd Mall, next to Megafauna Central
In this day and age, finding a good bookshop is like finding a good lover. They’re rare, they’re special, and you need to give them the attention that they deserve. Set yourself up on a date with Red Kangaroo Books. Bring a book buying budget, and prepare for your concept of time to dissolve as you get lost in the possibilities and stories that this adventure could take you on. From local knowledge, to International best sellers, to specialised Aboriginal cultural reference books, you’ll find the best of the best here.
Top tip: ask Bronwyn or Claire for recommendations
Where: Red Kangaroo Books, Todd Mall
Ancient medicine knowledge can feel allusive, even for those of us who know its still used and practiced. In this wonderful little town there are a couple of places you can a, buy bush medicine and b, actually book a session with a Ngangkari, an Arrernte healer who has inherited the ancient skill of energy healing through generational lineage. To me this is mind blowingly cool. There are two spots that I like to go to –
Where: The Bush Balm shop by Purple House, East Side
Top tip: This is the best place to pick up gifts
Where: Akeyulerre healing centre, 3 Stuart Terrace (next to the Reptile Centre)
Top tip: Book Ngangkari healing in advance, remember you’re working with people whos cultural and social philosophy is different to western cultural values. There is a coffee shop and gift shop here which you can drop in to visit. Also – the building won architectural awards for its design!