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General view of man-made dirt mound in which the seismic vault is located

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Seismic Vault Alice Springs

Subterranean concrete vault constructed to house seismic equipment, which has since been removed. There is evidence of the original surrounding fence on site, using old rail line as posts. The only known remaining 1950s Seismic Vault, located adjacent to Spencer Hill in Alice Springs, represents a tangible part of the original `Top Secret' United States Air Force Seismic Installation established after World War II to monitor nuclear test activities during the Cold War.

Alice Springs NT

0.1 km away

Adelaide House

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Adelaide House Museum

Designed by Rev John Flynn (the man of the $20 note) and built-in 1926, Adelaide House was the first hospital in Alice Springs. Designed for the hot inland climate, it is a two-storey stone structure with wide verandahs, a ventilated roof and an innovative ducted ventilation system whereby incoming air was cooled in an underground cellar, circulated by ducts, and then extracted through the upper storey. It was also equipped with modern conveniences, being the first building in Alice Springs to be powered by electricity. The building is closely associated with Rev. John Flynn, its aero-medical offshoot, and the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, which was involved in its planning and construction. Its engine room was the scene of one of Australia’s first successful outback radio experiments—here on 25 November 1926, Flynn’s radio expert, Alfred Traeger, made Australia’s first field-radio telegram reception and transmission. Traeger later won a place in national history as the inventor of the pedal radio. Come in and enjoy the history of this beautiful and iconic building and the hospitality of the local volunteers who will share a cuppa with you after the tour. It is a simple museum, but the volunteers work hard to preserve the memory of the tough and dedicated people who served the outback since the turn of the century.

Alice Springs NT

0.1 km away

Flynn Memorial Uniting Church — Image credit: S.Lowing-Nicho

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

John Flynn Memorial Uniting Church

The John Flynn Memorial Church is a part of The Flynn Trail, a self-guided heritage tour in Alice Springs and surrounds. This tour takes you on a journey across Alice Springs and the life and achievements of John Flynn who played a crucial role in opening up Central Australia to second people's. John Flynn dreamed of a cathedral within Central Australia where all people could gather and worship. After his death, his friends across Australia built one in his memory. It was opened by the Prime Minister in 1956, and its design was a result of a national architectural competition incorporating passive cooling, local and national symbolism in its design. Take a self-guided tour, walking the sign of the Cross built into the Church's design. Reflect for a moment on his life, and your own, in this peaceful sanctuary. The Alice Spring Uniting Church community continues to worship in the building on a Sunday morning at 9.30am. The community continues to seek to be a safe and welcoming space to all visitor's and local's no matter their race, gender, sexuality or wherever they are on their faith and life journey.

Alice Springs NT

0.1 km away

Artist Esther Bruno Nangala explaining her Bush Raisin Dreaming painting. — Image credit: Copyright Robert Blake

Galleries, Museums and Collections

This is Aboriginal Art

Located at the start of Alice Springs' Todd Mall, This is Aboriginal Art is a reputable gallery offering two levels of beautiful, ethically sourced Aboriginal paintings, sculpture and crafts. Specialising in Central and Western Desert Aboriginal art, staff impart to visitors a depth of knowledge that is qualified and drawn from years of experience. This is Aboriginal Art places ethical practice at the forefront of their business practice and empowers artists to decide how they want to work. They believe that self-determination in life stems from the right to choose; including how you want to work. Some artists prefer to work from home, others work at remote community art centres and some choose to work at our onsite studio. They let the artists decide. This is Aboriginal Art is a member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia, which is an organisation promoting ethical and best industry practices. Director, Venita Poblocki is also a longstanding member of the Art Consulting Association of Australia. This is Aboriginal Art acknowledges the Arrernte people as sovereign custodians of the land upon which they work and create. They pay their respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging, and to all first nations people.

Alice Springs NT

0.1 km away

Hartley Street School — Image credit: National Trust (NT)

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Hartley Street School Museum, Alice Springs

Visit Hartley Street School to see how outback children were educated in the early twentieth century. It was the first official school building in Alice Springs, and it was here that the first School of the Air address. Explore the school buildings including the small studio from where the broadcast was made. The oldest buildings were constructed in 1929 to cater for the increasing population arriving in this important railway terminal town. In 1945 a new kindergarten and classroom were designed by the architect B.C.G. Burnett and constructed. The wooden floors and octagonal shape of the new addition are in great contrast to the concrete floor and simple design of the earlier construction. The buildings reflect the changing styles and requirements of school design at different periods. The School of the Air started teaching students on 20 September 1950 when the first broadcast was made from a small studio ion the school. Between 1953 and 1965 students and teachers were moved to a new school at the base of Anzac Hill. The unusual octagonal room is open to the public as a school museum.

Alice Springs NT

0.1 km away

Mall view

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Heenan Building Alice Springs

The Heenan Building is important for its historical and social associations with FBC (Mick) Heenan who was the first commercial market gardener and poultry farmer in the area. Initially used to house Heenan's café and fruit and vegetable store, the building has since been used as office space by various government and commercial enterprises. The changes in business tenants, together with changes to the building itself, reflect the economic growth and diversification of businesses in Alice Springs since the 1950s. Designed by noted Territory architect B.C.G. Burnett, the building is important as one of the earliest examples of a `modernist' building in Alice Springs. It retains a number of original 1949 features including most of the original exterior blockwork walls and cantilevered awning over the footpath while the 1958 additions remain relatively intact. Its clean lines and simple decorative motifs on the façade contribute significantly to the Gregory Terrace streetscape.

Alice Springs NT

0.1 km away

Street View

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

The Residency, Alice Springs

Since its construction in 1928, The Residency, on the corner of Parsons and Hartley Streets, has become a tangible symbol of the brief independence and Vice-Regal power Central Australia had from North Australia in Northern Territory history and, combined with other factors, is highly valued by the community. The building itself, an adaption to life in an arid environment, is evidence of a direct response to climatic conditions and is a unique reminder of regional government and administration that recognised differences in the Territory that are no longer apparent in an age of vastly improved communications, technology and transport. Most individuals who have been resident in the building, or who have had occasion to be official guests, have had an impact on Northern Territory history. Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh stayed there in March 1963. The Residency is a single-storey building with a central masonry core of rooms constructed of hand-made sand and concrete blocks (patterned to resemble stonework), and surrounding verandah of lightweight timber framing and low verandah wall. The roof is corrugated galvanised iron. It is now a community centre.

Alice Springs NT

0.1 km away

Todd Mall

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Todd Mall

Todd Mall Traders in Alice Springs showcases a lively collection of locally made goods, handcrafted treasures and unique market finds that appeal to both visitors and residents seeking an authentic Central Australian experience. The market brings together independent creators, small businesses and community artisans, offering a welcoming space to browse, discover and take home something meaningful. What sets Todd Mall Traders apart is its strong community spirit and celebration of local talent. Stallholders often include long-standing makers with deep connections to the region, offering products that reflect the stories, colours and culture of the Red Centre. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with traders who genuinely enjoy sharing the inspiration behind their work, creating a warm and memorable shopping experience. Located along the iconic Todd Mall, the market sits within easy reach of galleries, cafés, public art and the scenic Todd River walkway, making it an ideal stop during a day of exploring. The pedestrian-friendly setting offers comfortable access for prams and mobility aids, and the open-air layout allows visitors to enjoy the desert environment sustainably and at their own pace. With its blend of creativity, history and local charm, Todd Mall Traders invites curious shoppers to wander through and discover something special.

Alice Springs NT

0.2 km away

Stuart Town Gaol Mural — Image credit: National Trust (NT)

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Stuart Town Gaol

Construction of the Stuart Town Gaol and police station started in 1907 by local builders using materials sourced from the district. It is a simple design made of local stone that reflects the rough discriminatory treatment of prisoners during the early twentieth century. As the first government building in the town, it was harsh but basically functional. The Stuart Town Gaol replaced a facility that stood adjacent to the southern side of Heavitree Gap. Its inadequate facilities and the periodic flooding of the Todd River prompted the decision to move. Construction of this new gaol was completed in 1909, and it served as the Town's gaol until 1938. Today it houses memorabilia and stories relating to police and prisoner history and life in Central Australia. Open to the public via keys that are collected from the Hartley Street School (Refer to Hartley Street School opening hours).

Alice Springs NT

0.2 km away

Megafauna Central Alice Springs — Image credit: MAGNT

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Megafauna Central

Megafauna Central showcases the unique megafauna of Central Australia from the Miocene epoch, about eight million years ago. The exciting story of megafauna in Central Australia is presented through displays of the fascinating fossils found at the Alcoota Scientific Reserve, alongside exquisite illustrations, life-size megafauna replicas, Arrernte audio interpretations, and a range of immersive activities that invite children to unearth fossils and interact with palaeontologists in the lab. Alcoota is an exceptionally rich fossil site located about 150 km north east of Alice Springs, in the centre of Australia (NB: this site is not open to the public). It preserves the abundant bones of 30 species of animal, including many megafauna that were living in the heart of Australia in the late Miocene Epoch, when the Australian deserts were just beginning to form. Included among these animals was the world’s largest bird, a fearsome crocodile that would more than a match for the biggest modern salty, marsupial ‘lions’, marsupial ‘wolves’ and herds of giant browsing wombat relatives. What brought all these creatures to one spot and killed them? What can we learn from them about the evolution of Australia’s unique fauna? Come to Megafauna Central to uncover the mystery.

Alice Springs NT

0.2 km away

Alice Springs Public Library

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Alice Springs Public Library

Alice Springs Public Library is an essential part of the Central Australian community. A vibrant hub for people to hang out, work, study and attend a vast array of events, the library welcomes everyone to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere and extensive collection. The Library is home to the Alice Springs Collection, a special collection of materials which relate to the historical, scientific and cultural heritage of Central Australia. The Alice Springs Collection is a reference collection, meaning items are not available for loan but can be viewed in the Library during regular opening hours. The library offers a number of regular events including Preschool Story Time, Baby Rhyme time, Music and Movement, Vr-fternoons, Lego and Chess clubs. Check out the facebook page for more information.

Alice Springs NT

0.3 km away

Front of precinct

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Alice Springs Heritage Precinct

The heritage precinct contains many of the town's noted heritage buildings including the former Alice Springs Gaol, Stuart Park, and a number of buildings constructed between 1938-1944. The construction of the buildings in the heritage precinct illustrates arid zone design principles, which is reflected in the enclosed verandahs of lightweight construction. These provided spaces for summer sleeping and summer evening living and heavy concrete block construction to core areas of the house provided a cool interior for summer day time living and for winter sleeping.

Alice Springs NT

0.3 km away

'Yalk - Bush Onion' by Daphne Marks — Image credit: Ikuntji Artists

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ikuntji Artists

Ikuntji Artists was the first art centre established by women in the Western Desert Art Movement. In the 1980s women began painting in the Haasts Bluff aged care facility. Instructed by their husbands and fathers, and often assisting them in completing their paintings. Ikuntji Artists was first established in 1992 as a woman's centre, initially focused on providing services for old people and children in community. After first experiences in printing T-shirts, artists began producing acrylic paintings on linen and handmade paper, gaining the attention of the Australian and international art world as well as earning the centre an impressive reputation for fine art. In 2005 the art centre was incorporated as Ikuntji Artists Aboriginal Corporation. Today Ikuntji Artists are represented in many national and international galleries and institutions. Their art is famous for bold colour choice, decisive brush strokes and a long legacy of internationally renowned artists. In recent years Ikuntji has released fabric ranges and developed a strong presence and identity in the textiles and fashion industries. Ikuntji Artists welcomes visitors to the studio and gallery for a unique experience to browse and purchase authentic Aboriginal art (acrylic painting, seed jewellery, prints, clothing, screen printed textiles, ethical merchandise) directly from an Aboriginal-run and owned business. Please contact Ikuntji Artists to arrange a visit.

Alice Springs NT

0.3 km away

General view of the Old Courthouse building

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Old Courthouse Alice Springs

The 'Old Courthouse' is highly valued by all the community because it represents a tangible reminder of the past and is where decisions were made or actions taken that directly affected life in Central Australia, be it for better or worse. The building was designed for use as the Administrative Offices of Central Australia, established in 1926 to prepare for a measure of self government. Construction began in 1927 and by November 1928 it was sufficiently completed for occupation. Although a Local Court of Alice Springs had been proclaimed in 1892, its offices were at the Telegraph Station. The extension of the railway from Oodnadatta, increasing population and other factors resulted in the Local Court moving its office to the Town of Stuart with the Court House building then having multiple uses as government and judicial offices, but the name of the Local Court was not changed to Stuart and this resulted confusion until, in 1933, the town's name was changed to Alice Springs. From 1929 until 1931, it was technically the Supreme Court of Central Australia. It ceased to operate as a courthouse in 1980 when the new Alice Springs Law Court Building was officially opened.

Alice Springs NT

0.3 km away

Yubu Napa Studio — Image credit: Yubu Napa Gallery

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Yubu Napa Art Gallery and Studio

The premier gallery for visitors to the Red Centre to view a wide variety of modern and contemporary Australian Aboriginal art. Yubu Napa has a relaxed feel with a large range of unique gift ideas showcased in the gift shop when you enter the building. The gallery opens up to three gallery spaces beyond the gift shop, as well as a working studio and artworks hanging in the stockroom for visitors to browse through. Visitors to Alice Springs have the opportunity to meet and engage with Indigenous artists as they are creating their amazing Aboriginal artworks. The paintings are created on site in our open studio space. The engagement between artists and visitors is an invaluable experience, with visitors learning firsthand about the stories behind these authentic Aboriginal artworks and artists receiving an appreciation of the respect that is shown by the visitors to the studio. This interaction builds a greater confidence among artists who are often quite shy by nature. We have noticed this confidence reflected in their art and the engagement with both visitors to the Gallery and the team working here. The traditional stories told by these artists are quite often more contemporary than visitors expect, due to the artists personal interpretations of the important dreamings handed down by their elders.

Alice Springs NT

0.3 km away

Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path

Natural Attractions

Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path

See the Central Australian landscape on two wheels by pedalling along the Simpsons Gap Bicycle Path. Extending from John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve (7 kilometres west of Alice Springs) to Simpsons Gap in the Tjoritja/ West MacDonnell National Park, this 17 kilometre easy cross-country path is a relaxing and scenic ride for all ages and levels of fitness. The path is great for either a short ride or as a longer exploration of the natural environment around the town. Stop to take in panoramic views of the hills and ranges encircling Alice Springs. The path winds past creeks and River Red Gum woodlands, through Mulga and Witchetty Bush groves, to exposed rocky hills. Signs along the way explain the area's natural and scenic features, and are a great place to rest your legs. With luck, and if you cycle quietly, you may encounter local wildlife, particularly lizards and birds, early or late in the day. The low light of the early morning or late afternoon is the best time to photograph the changing contours and colours of the expansive MacDonnell Ranges landscape. The cooler months from April to October are the more pleasant for cycling.

Alice Springs NT

0.3 km away

Higgins Theatre. — Image credit: Heritage Branch, NT Government.

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Higgins Theatre Alice Springs

As part of the Alice Springs Youth Centre, the main hall (Higgins Theatre) is important for its historical and social associations with Mrs Agnes East MBE and Mrs Joan Higgins OAM, both of whom made a significant contribution to youth affairs and recreation in the Territory. The site has served as a sport and recreation venue for Alice Springs youth since the 1950s. Between 1960 and 1984 Higgins Theatre also served as the Town Hall and was the focal point for social events in Alice Springs.

Alice Springs NT

0.5 km away

Theatre facade

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Totem Theatre Complex, Alice Springs

The Totem Theatre Complex includes two WWII Sidney Williams Huts, a Wride & Abley shed and ablutions facility. The WWII structures functioned as part of the military Regimental Aid Post & Dental Clinic. These buildings are of particular significance as the last surviving in-situ physical evidence associated with the Anzac Hill Camp, Darwin Overland Maintenance Force (DOMF) and subsequent transport units. They are a reminder of the impact of WWII upon Alice Springs and the vital role the town and these units played as the command centre of the convoy system for the transport of personnel and supplies to the north. Collectively, the buildings have historic and social value for their associations with the post-war social and cultural development of Alice Springs, in particular the Alice Springs Theatre Group. The buildings derive some significance from their associations with members of the theatre group who made an important contribution to the Territory: Agnes East; and Mona Greatorex. Despite some alterations to suit their function as a theatre venue, the Sidney Williams huts retain a substantial amount of their original fabric, including the fixings, and are good examples of this type of WWII structure.

Alice Springs NT

0.5 km away

Old Telegraph Repeater Station and Post Office, now retail space. — Image credit: Heritage Branch, NT Government.

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Former Alice Springs Telegraph Repeater Station and Post Office

The former Alice Springs Repeater Station and Post Office, built in 1931, are of cultural significance to the NT because they are associated with the period of growth arising from the implementation of the North Australia Act: Stuart was designated as the administrative capital of Central Australia in 1927; and the railway arrived in in 1929. Construction of new postal and telegraph facilities in the central business district was an important part of the town's ability to function as the new capital and service centre for the region. The buildings demonstrate the principal architectural characteristics of other government buildings of this period in Alice Springs and make a significant contribution to the streetscape. Alterations and additions over the years reflect technological changes in telecommunications. Construction of the Former Repeater Station and Post Office was the impetus for officially changing the name of the town from Stuart to Alice Springs in 1933.

Alice Springs NT

0.5 km away

RFDS Alice Springs Tourist Facility

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tourist Facility & Museum

See, experience and learn through the wonder of technology as history is brought to life. Enjoy heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. Visit the original Alice Springs working base that commenced operating in 1939. Discover the importance of the RFDS to outback Australians and the medical care required to service isolated regions. The new John Flynn the hologram is an amazing experience. The pioneering holographic show forms the centrepiece of the facility, as Flynn tells the story of his vision and its realisation into the RFDS of today. Experience our Virtual Reality and connect to the emotions of the RFDS. Relive the true experience of patient Gene Hildebrand and see what its like to fly with an RFDS pilot. Step inside a replica RFDS aircraft and feel what it’s like to be a patient at 15,000 feet. Walk through the museum and meet Alfred Traeger and Nurse Kathy through interactive technology. Purchase official merchandise along with our latest co-branded range from RM Williams from the Doc Shop and help keep the RFDS flying.

Alice Springs NT

0.6 km away

Welcome to the Aliec Springs Reptile Centre — Image credit: Alice Springs Reptile Centre

Zoos, Sanctuaries, Aquariums and Wildlife Parks

Alice Springs Reptile Centre

Alice Springs Reptile Centre specialises in things that hiss and slither, which are rare, impossible, or undesirable to come across in the wild. Home to over 100 reptiles, the centre displays its inhabitants in recreations of their natural environment. Enter the Gecko Cave to see the different species of this diminutive and shy lizard from around Alice Springs, the Barkly Tablelands and the Top End. View Terry the Saltwater Crocodile through glass underground, which gives you a glimpse into his underwater world and offers great photo opportunities. See huge Goannas such as the Perentie as well as the show-off Frill-neck Lizards and desert-dwelling Thorny Devils. Handle a Python or see the lizards being fed. Some of the world’s most venomous snakes, including Inland Taipans, Brown Snakes, Death Adders and Mulga (King Brown) snakes are on display, safely behind glass. If you’re visiting during the cooler months (May to August), the recommended viewing times are between 11am and 3pm when the reptiles are most active. Schedule your visit around an interactive talk and handling session with one of our knowledgeable and passionate staff members, which are conducted daily.

Alice Springs NT

0.6 km away

Red Centre Way

Natural Attractions

Red Centre Way

Discover the Australian outback and the world-renowned landmarks of Uluru / Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta / The Olgas and Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon on a four or five day adventure drive along the Red Centre Way out of Alice Springs. From Alice Springs, travel west through the West MacDonnell Ranges to Glen Helen, stopping along the way at Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge. Overnight at Glen Helen Resort or continue on the 260 kilometre Mereenie Loop, part of which is unsealed, to Kings Canyon, where 300 metre sheer cliff faces and a palm-fringed swimming hole are highlights. Stop along the way at Tnorala / Gosse Bluff Conservation Reserve - a huge crater formed by a comet over 130 million years ago. Take the Kings Canyon Rim Walk for breathtaking views over the red landscape before driving 300 kilometres south to Uluru where its sheer size is best appreciated from a nine kilometre walk around the base. Travel on to see Kata Tjuta / The Olgas, stay for sunset and enjoy the magnificent view or return to Uluru. Return to Alice Springs via Rainbow Valley, a massive sandstone formation of coloured bands off the Stuart Highway.

Alice Springs NT

0.7 km away

General view of Anzac Hill Memorial, a very popular look-out for visitors to Alice Springs.

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Anzac Hill Memorial

The Anzac Hill Memorial was unveiled on 25 April 1934 (Anzac Day) and was originally dedicated to all those members of the armed services who had paid the supreme sacrifice during World War I. It has now become a memorial to all those who have served in the defence of their country during all wars in which Australia has participated. Anzac Hill is also of significance to the local Arrernte people, who know it as "Untyeyetwelye".

Alice Springs NT

0.7 km away

Black-footed Rock-wallaby — Image credit: Olive Pink Botanic Garden

Parks and Gardens

Olive Pink Botanic Garden

The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is a renowned arid zone botanic garden showcasing over 600 plant species in Central Australia, including an important collection of Indigenous bushfood and medicine plants. The garden also includes a Registered Sacred Site, Tharrarletneme (Annie Meyers Hill), which is significant to the Arrernte people. Many Indigenous people use the Garden to teach and learn about local plants and their traditional uses. The garden is an essential recreational, educational, and cultural resource for the local community and visitors. Guests can follow their beautifully themed self-guided walks or explore the numerous paths at their leisure. It's a perfect spot to stop and smell the flowers, watch the birds, or enjoy a picnic. For stunning views of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges, trek up Tharrarletneme (Annie Meyers Hill). Alternatively, you can sit back, relax, and savour a coffee in our garden café. The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is not just about plants. It's a thriving ecosystem home to a diverse range of wildlife. Eighty-nine bird species, including some rare, have been observed in the garden. Visitors may also encounter the attractive and elusive Black-footed Rock Wallaby, the Euro (Hill Kangaroo), or various reptile species that inhabit this native animal sanctuary. The garden is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts, offering the chance to spot these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.

Desert Springs NT

0.8 km away

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