Alice Springs

Alice Springs, known to the Eastern Arrernte people as Mparntwe, is the third-largest town in Australia’s Northern Territory after Darwin and Palmerston. Located near the geographic centre of Australia, the town lies roughly midway between Adelaide and Darwin and serves as the main hub of Central Australia, often referred to as the Red Centre.

With a population of approximately 34,800 people, Alice Springs accounts for around 10% of the Northern Territory’s population. The town sits along the usually dry Todd River, at the northern edge of the MacDonnell Ranges, and is surrounded by an arid desert landscape.

Climate & Landscape

Alice Springs experiences an extreme desert climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Average summer maximum temperatures exceed 35°C, while winter nights can drop to around 5°C. The surrounding region is characterised by rugged ranges, gorges, waterholes, and desert plains that define Central Australia.

Traditional Owners

The Arrernte people are the traditional custodians of the Alice Springs area and have lived in the region for at least 30,000 years. The name Mparntwe refers to a significant watering place along the Todd River near what is now the Old Telegraph Station.

Arrernte country is rich in cultural and spiritual significance, shaped by ancestral stories involving caterpillar beings and wild dogs. Important cultural sites include Emily Gap, Heavitree Gap, ANZAC Hill, and Mount Gillen, which remain central to Arrernte identity and tradition.

European Settlement

European exploration of the region intensified in the mid-19th century, with expeditions led by John McDouall Stuart opening routes through Central Australia. Permanent settlement began with the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line in 1872, linking Adelaide and Darwin.

The Alice Springs Telegraph Station was built near a waterhole believed to be permanent and was named after Alice Todd, the wife of Sir Charles Todd, who oversaw the telegraph project. The nearby settlement was originally called Stuart and was officially renamed Alice Springs in 1933.

Development & Growth

Growth remained slow until the discovery of gold at Arltunga in the late 19th century. Infrastructure gradually followed, including the town gaol, hospital, and the arrival of the railway in 1929, which significantly boosted population and economic activity.

Camel trains operated by Afghan cameleers played a crucial role in transporting goods across the outback before motor vehicles became widespread. During the 20th century, Alice Springs developed into an important administrative, medical, and transport centre, including becoming a key base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Modern Alice Springs

Today, Alice Springs is a regional service centre for remote communities across Central Australia. It is known for its strong Aboriginal culture, dramatic desert landscapes, and role as a gateway to iconic destinations such as the West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson Desert, and Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park.