Alice Springs, Regional center in Northern Territory, Australia
Alice Springs is a regional center in the Northern Territory, positioned between the MacDonnell Ranges and crossed by the intermittent Todd River at 576 meters (1890 feet) elevation. The town serves as the geographic and administrative hub for the region, with schools, hospitals, and government offices supporting the surrounding outback territory.
A telegraph station was established here in 1871 to link Darwin and Adelaide, named after the wife of the telegraph superintendent. The settlement grew into a permanent center during the 20th century and received its current name in 1933.
The Eastern Arrernte people maintain their connection to the land and call the area Mparntwe, sharing their culture through painting and oral tradition. Visitors can see their artwork in galleries and hear their stories at community events, which speak of the landscape and ancestors.
The airport connects the town to major Australian cities, while the Stuart Highway provides the road link north to Darwin and south to Adelaide. The climate is dry and hot, with cool nights in winter, so sun protection and water are important for any time spent outdoors.
The Henley-on-Todd Regatta takes place each year on the dry riverbed of the Todd River, where participants run carrying bottomless boat frames. This race began as a humorous response to the mostly dry climate and draws spectators from across the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
