Alice Springs in the centre of Australia is a large town that is pretty isolated in the desert and is far away from most of the highly populated cities so it has a very different feel to it than the likes of Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, etc. So is Alice Springs safe to visit for tourists? We’ll answer that question by considering a few factors to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
I come from a pretty rough town in England and I even had to research into this a bit before arriving as it had a bit of a reputation. I had a few surprises along the way. Like any destination, safety is understandably a concern for visitors.
Is it worth going to Alice Springs?
Yes, to see a true view of indigenous Australia and experience a more laid-back view of the outback, which is very different to the larger cities. There’s still plenty to see and do here for visitors and it’s much bigger than surrounding towns in the red centre, plus you get access to Uluru.
In this article, we look at the safety measures, local initiatives, and the general atmosphere of Alice Springs that actually makes the town a pretty unique but relatively safe destination for visitors touring the outback of Australia
1. Low crime rates and community feeling in Alice Springs
Despite an increase in recent years Alice Springs actually boasts some relatively low crime rates, especially when compared to larger cities worldwide. While no place can be completely free of crime, there is a strong sense of community in Alice Springs and that helps to deter crime. Locals and visitors often comment on the town’s friendly and helpful atmosphere, which will make you feel more secure similar to most Australian towns.
2. Local Police and emergency services presence
Alice Springs has a reliable police force and emergency services network, they’re very diligent and often fast to respond to any callouts. I found them to be quite friendly too. There is a police presence around the town without it being intense, which significantly contributes to the town’s overall safety. Travellers can feel reassured knowing that there is a responsive force in place to handle any emergencies.
3. A tourist-led environment
Alice Springs heavily relies on tourism, so it wouldn’t make sense for visitors to feel unsafe here. The town authorities therefore make efforts to offer that safety. Tourist areas are well-lit and frequently patrolled.
The town offers information available for tourists, ranging from safety tips to emergency contact numbers but as always you should stay aware and be respectful to locals, don’t stand out like a sore thumb.
4. Alcohol in Alice Springs
Can tourists buy alcohol in Alice Springs?
Alcohol Restrictions are present in Alice Springs. Like in most places in Australia there is no drinking in public places, however, you can still drink in private premises such as homes, hotels, caravan parks, restaurants, bars, and with licensed tour operators.
It is worth being aware that due to some safe drinking policies in Central Australia that have helped to increase safety for locals and tourists there are restrictions in Alice Springs and Central Australia for certain times and days that you can buy takeaway alcohol due to historical incidents but largely these relate to domestic crimes. You will be asked to provide photo identification to buy takeaway alcohol in Alice Springs.
When can you buy takeaway alcohol in Alice Springs?
You can only buy takeaway alcohol during the following hours at the time of writing in 2023:
- From Wednesday to Friday, 3pm to 7pm
- On Saturday and public holidays, except Christmas Day and Good Friday, 11am to 8pm
- On Sunday from pubs with drive-through bottleshops and clubs for members only from 12 noon to 9pm.
- You can’t buy takeaway alcohol on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- You can only buy alcohol once a day
- Drinking in bars has more straightforward rules and this is allowed during their opening hours.
That all might seem quite surprising but it is a similar case across the red centre of Australia and it does increase safety since it was put in place to help reduce indigenous crime, which has helped historically as an initiative. So it might mean planning ahead if you’re going to get merry with a drink.
5. Indigenous culture and respectful tourism
Alice Springs is well known in Australia as a popular town for indigenous culture and to really experience their ways of life, especially with Uluru within reach as a popular tourist destination. It is surrounded by indigenous communities, and there is a strong emphasis on respecting their cultural heritage so you should try your best to do so.
Tourism initiatives and local businesses collaborate with indigenous groups with mutual respect and understanding. It’s a good idea to try some local tours or indigenous activities to get a real feel of the Aboriginal culture and traditions.
5. General tips to stay safe
Travel safely in the outback
An attraction of Alice Springs is its proximity to the rugged Australian Outback. While exploring the desert, it’s important to do so safely. Travel with plenty of fuel and avoid driving through the outback at night due to animals in the unlit road.
Apply sunscreen daily
I foolishly went for a walk without it, spent some unplanned time in an outdoor pool, and I got absolutely fried within a few hours, in the Spring of October too! So always apply sunscreen when venturing out for the day.
Can you go out at night in Alice Springs?
Yes you can, it shouldn’t be an issue but do follow the guidelines above, be respectful, and don’t make yourself a target. There is a chance of seeing drunk or loud locals but if you do, keep out of their way and you’ll be fine.
What is the best time of year to go to Alice Springs?
Autumn in Australia, which is March to May. It will have warm days and cool nights without being unbearable.
Conclusion: Is Alice Springs safe?
While no place can guarantee absolute safety, Alice Springs is a relatively safe destination. It has its incidents but most are behind closed doors so you shouldn’t expect trouble when out and about as long as you respect locals, and be aware of your surroundings.