Alice Springs travel guide and things to do: 20 things that will surprise first-time visitors

…BUT KEEP AN EYE ON THE OPENING HOURS

Like many small towns, Alice's businesses operate on a limited schedule so if you plan to visit a particular business, check whether it will be open before you head out. More businesses are open later in the week, from Thursday to Friday; many of them open around 10am or 11am, and some close again mid-afternoon.

IT'S A HUB FOR INDIGENOUS ART

Looking to discover some amazing art? Head to the Indigenous-owned Papunya Tula gallery (above) or the Yubu Napa Art Gallery, where the owners know the artists personally, or check out the extensive collection at the Araluen Arts Centre, which includes paintings by greats like Albert Namatjira and Clifford Tjapaltjari Possum. See papunyatula.com.au; yubunapa.com; araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

AND NOT JUST PAINTING

Make a stop at Tjanpi Desert Weavers, where women from 26 different remote communities who create striking contemporary artworks woven from native grasses. More great shopping is available in Aboriginal Fabric Gallery, where you can buy up lengths of vibrantly-printed material or pick up a handful of napkins, pillow cases or scarves. See tjanpi.com.au; aboriginalfabrics.com.au

THERE IS SOME AMAZING ROCK ART, TOO

Head to Emily and Jessie Gaps or to the remarkable N'Dhala Gorge, which contains more than 6000 ancient carvings, including petroglyphs that are believed to be 10,000 years old.

IT'S HOME TO THE REAL- LIFE "KANGAROO DUNDEE"

Thousands of fans around the world follow the adventures of Chris Barnes' Kangaroo Sanctuary, which provides a home for injured and orphaned kangaroos. Bookings are essential for the sunset tours. See kangaroosanctuary.com

YOU CAN STEP OUT ON ONE OF OUR GREATEST WALKS

The Alice is the starting point for the Larapinta Trail, a 223km hike through some of our most spectacular scenery. The entire trek takes 12 days, but companies such as World Expeditions and Intrepid offer shorter guided hikes that concentrate on the most scenic sections.

OR EMBARK ON ONE OF OUR GRAND RAIL JOURNEYS

If you love the idea of exploring the outback on an elegant sleeper train, The Ghan is made for you. The two-day trip from Alice to Darwin – which can also be done in reverse, or extended to Adelaide – includes a stop at the magnificent Nitmiluk/Katherine Gorge. See journeybeyondrail.com.au/journeys/the-ghan/

IT HAS ITS OWN BREWERY

Business is booming at the Alice Springs Brewing Co, where brews like Kolsch, IPA and even stout are all on tap. Head brewer Jum Ryan perfected his craft at Little Creatures, so he knows what he's about. The pizzas are also pretty good. See alicespringsbrewingco.com.au

ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST IMPACT CRATERS IS NEARBY

Well, nearby as they measure things in the outback. It's 175 kilometres to the Tnorala (Gosses Bluff) crater, created when a comet crashed here 142 million years ago. Originally 20 kilometres wide, the eroded crater still stretches across 5 kilometres. The best view is available from the lookout at Tylers Pass.

THIS DESERT TOWN HAS ITS OWN BOTANIC GARDEN

The only arid-zone botanic garden in Australia, the Olive Pink Botanic Garden contains 500 different Central Australian plant species. It is also a great place to spot native fauna: you may see anything from king parrots and butterflies to the wallabies known as euros.

AND WATERHOLES YOU CAN SWIM IN

Visitors are often surprised to learn that a large number of nearby scenic waterholes hold enough water for you to frolic in. Some dry up if it's been a long time between rainstorms but even in the dry, Ellery Creek Big Hole (above) and Ormiston Gorge are good spots to take the plunge.

YOU CAN GAZE AT PREHISTORIC PALM TREES

Millions of years ago, Central Australia was carpeted with lush tropical forests. Head to Palm Valley to encounter the last survivors of the era, ancient stands of rare red cabbage palms.

AND ANCIENT MEGAFAUNA

The days when marsupial lions and giant 800 kilogram crocodiles roamed Central Australia are long gone, but you can see fossils, illustrations and life-size replicas of some long-vanished creatures, including the 700 kilogram bird known as Dromornis, at Megafauna Central.

YOU CAN MARVEL AT A NATURAL DAYTIME LIGHT SHOW

The 80-metre high gorge of Angkerle Atwatye, formerly known as Standley Chasm, is worth a visit at any time of day but if you can, head here at midday, when the sun shines directly into the gorge, bringing its reds and ochre tones to life.

OR A NIGHT-TIME LIGHT FESTIVAL

In April, the West MacDonnell Ranges provide the backdrop for a spectacular lightshow that is one of the highlights of the colourful Parrtjima Festival. Other illuminations bring the work of indigenous artists to life, and the program also includes live music and talks. See parrtjimaaustralia.com.au

AND THE STARGAZING IS SECOND TO NONE

If you love a bit of a celestial display, the clear desert skies let you see the stars in all their glittering glory. On one of the astronomy tours at the award-winning Earth Sanctuary, you'll be able to see not just planets, meteors and indigenous and western constellations, but also the vast sweep of the Milky Way stretching out overhead. See earth-sanctuary.com.au

MORE

northernterritory.com/alice-springs-and-surrounds

discovercentralaustralia.com

The writer travelled as a guest of Tourism NT.