The cultural scene
Cultural, natural and historical diversity are on display in an array of museums, cultural exhibits, historical memorials and art galleries throughout Alice Springs. Plus there’s Alice Springs Desert Park where you can learn about the plants, animals and people of Central Australia.
You can learn about the area’s traditional owners, the Arrernte people, at the Strehlow Centre where they hold many early artefacts, and a wealth of written and audio stories from local people. You can stroll down the Todd Mall to explore the multitude of galleries that stock authentic contemporary Aboriginal art. The Papunya Tula Artists Gallery displays a collection of Western Desert paintings, and Mbantua Art Gallery specialises in work from the famed Utopia community.
The Desert Mob Exhibition is held annually in August/September in the Araluen Cultural Precinct. It exhibits works from throughout Central Australia and offers the opportunity to view the development and diversity of Central desert artists and purchase affordable artwork.
Alice Springs is also home to the Museum of Central Australia that displays pre-historic fossils and the unique flora and fauna of the Central Australian desert. The Central Australian Aviation Museum showcases aviation memorabilia from the 20s through to the 70s illustrating Alice’s strong ties with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. You can also see the Alice Springs School of the Air in action, and finish the day off at the Old Telegraph Station for a picnic under the shade of the river red gum trees.
The Alice Desert Festival is held for ten days each September and shares the stories and songs of Central Australia and its people. The festival features local artists, musicians, performers and chefs harvesting and preparing wild bush foods amidst an ancient desert landscape.
