Alice Springs is located in central Australian desert and some of the things to do in Alice Springs involve precisely that. The word desert, in this case, is not synonymous with boring! Hiking the mountains of the MacDonnell Range, characterized by its reddish color, is one of the most popular Alice Springs activities . For the more adventurous there is the option to take it all in from a hot air balloon, especially at sunset when the red colors of the sun and sand blend together. Some of the other best things to do in Alice Springs are hiking the Larapinta Trail or exploring the Outback by camel of 4x4 vehicle. Nearby Palm Valley, an oasis within the Finke Gorge National Park, is another of the top attractions in Alice Springs. Although Alice Springs is a desert city, it is nourished by the Todd River. The river is dry most of the year the river but it does host annual regattas. If you're ever at a loss for what to do in Alice Springs, just consider a relaxing walk along the river to enjoy the views. If you're tired of all the desert and mountains, there is also plenty of stuff to do in Alice Springs proper, like the Todd Mall Gallery, where you can sample contemporary Aboriginal art or the Araluen Cultural Center. To find all the best Alice Springs attractions, read these recommendations from real travelers in the minube community.