Clothing

Casual clothing is very much a part of Northern Territory life, but restaurants, hotels, clubs and Casinos expect patrons to wear neat and tidy dress.

Outdoors, wear a shady hat, a shirt and sun screen for protection from the sun and comfortable walking shoes. It is also essential that you carry a plentiful supply of water.

Weather

Central Australia has two major seasons with large temperature ranges between day and night. Remember to take extra clothing during the winter months to protect you from the cold evenings and mornings, as temperatures can drop below 0ºC.

Summer (October to March): You can expect temperatures in the mid to high 30 degrees Celsius, this is not uncommon during the summer months.

Winter (May to September): You can expect temperatures in the low to mid 20 degrees Celsius in the day, with an average of 1 to 10 degrees Celsius over night.

Please call the Visitor Information Centre for further enquires on: 1800 645 199 or (08) 8952 5800.

Water

Be aware of the climate and the effect it has on your body. Drinking plenty of water is essential to enjoying your holiday in the Centre. It is easy to forget, but the dry atmosphere and the temperatures can make you prone to dehydration.

If you are walking or climbing you will need to consume additional water at regular intervals. You should carry at least two litres of water for every hour the activity will last.

Regardless of where you plan to travel, it is essential to carry plenty of water - 20 litres minimum.

Australian currency comes in:

5c, 10c, 20c, 5

0c, $1 and $2 coins

and

$5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. 

Foreign currency can be exchanged at the following locations:  

Visitor Information Centre Alice Springs

Tourism Central Australia offers comprehensive information services at the Visitor Information Centre at 60 Gregory Terrace.

A Visitor Information desk is also located at the Alice Springs Airport and the Alice Springs Train Station.

Some touring company offices in the main shopping precincts offer touring advice and booking services.

P: 1800 645 199 or (08) 8952 5800
F: (08) 8953 0295
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Dry Town - Alice Springs Town Council and Central Land Council

We’d like your stay to be as enjoyable as possible. To that end, we have certain measures to help reduce alcohol related harm in Alice Springs.

Public Restricted Areas

Drinking alcohol in public areas such as parks, streets, the Todd River bank is banned and attracts penalties. However, you can still drink in private and licensed premises like homes, hotels and bars. Some special events may be also licensed to allow drinking. Drinking is permitted at the Picnic area at the Telegraph Station Reserve.

Takeaway Alcohol

Monday to Friday
2.00pm – 9.00pm

Saturday and Public Holidays
10.00am – 9.00pm

Sundays (Pubs and Clubs Only)
Noon – 9.00pm

There is no takeaway alcohol on Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Photo ID System

Everyone must present photo ID when buying alcohol from licensed stores and public hotel takeaway outlets in Alice Springs.

Acceptable forms of ID include:
• Drivers Licence
• Passport
• Proof of age card

The system also recognises national identity cards from over 50 countries.

For more information, please contact Licensing and Regulation, Department of Justice, on (08) 8951 8452 , visit www.nt.gov.au/justice, any licensed premises, or at the Visitor Information Centre.

Road Conditions

Information about road conditions is available from the Central Australian Tourism Visitor Information Centre on (08) 8952 5800 in Alice Springs or by phoning 1800 246 199.

 Current Road Report

Fatigue

Distances in Central Australia are long and fatigue is one of the most frequent causes of serious motor vehicle accidents. Stop and take a break every two hours.

Speed

Restricted speed limits apply in all urban areas. The speed limit is set at 130km/h on the Stuart, Arnhem, Barkly and Victoria Highway, while rural roads are designated 110km/h speed limits unless otherwise sign posted. Travellers should however, drive at speed that suits the road, vehicle, weather conditions and their driving experience. Wandering stock and wildlife can stray on to the roads without warning. When driving remain alert, reduce speed and try to avoid driving at dawn, dusk and after dark when animals are most active.

Seat Belts

By law in the NT, everyone in a vehicle fitted with seat belts must be wearing a seat belt. Fines are imposed on those who do not wear them and it is the drivers' responsibility to ensure all passengers are wearing belts. It has been proven time and again that seat belts save lives.

Floods

Despite the great climate, it does rain heavily from time to time in the Centre. Unless you are sure of the water depth, flow rate and any road damage, do not attempt to cross flooded bridges or causeways.

Stock and Wildlife

Many roads, both sealed and unsealed, are not fenced. Stock often feed on road verges or wander across the road. Wildlife such as kangaroos, birds and occasionally camels can also wander across the road, often without warning. Locals generally try to avoid driving at dawn, dusk and after dark.

Dust

Dust on outback roads can pose a danger, obscuring vision of the road ahead. It is best to wait for it to settle.

Lost or Broken Down

A missing vehicle is easier to locate than missing people, so never leave your vehicle regardless of the circumstances. Economise on water if you are away from a main road. If you intend to leave a main road let someone trustworthy know of your plans, your intended route and your expected time of arrival. Importantly let them know you have arrived safely.

Fuel and Food

The Centre is a big place and food and fuel stops are often between 100 km and 300 km apart. Travel in remote areas may require you to carry additional fuel because some remote service stations have restricted opening hours and limited credit card facilities. It is advisable to carry basic supplies such as a tyre jack, spare tyre, tyre repair kit, radiator hoses, fan belt, tow rope and ignition parts.

 Fuel Stops

Aboriginal Land

Central Australia has several areas and sites of great significance to the Aboriginal people. You have numerous opportunities to visit these sites, but remember that access is a privilege. Always obey all signs and leave areas as you found them. For further information please contact the Central Land Council on (08) 8951 6320.

Pastoral Property

If you drive off-road, be sure you are using a public access road or that you have permission to travel on the property. Travelling on any road that crosses a pastoral property, leave everything as you found it - if a gate is open, leave it open, if a gate is closed, leave it closed.

Pastoral Property

If you drive off-road, be sure you are using a public access road or that you have permission to travel on the property. Travelling on any road that crosses a pastoral property, leave everything as you found it - if a gate is open, leave it open, if a gate is closed, leave it closed.

Travelling with Pets

Dogs and cats cannot be taken into any Northern Territory National Park and many caravan parks do not allow pets. The Central Australian Tourism Visitor Information Centre can provide advice about dog kennels and catteries in Alice Springs.