Destination Management Plan updated for Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges region

Tourism NT has released an update to the Destination Management Plan for the Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges, first released in 2020, to ensure the plan aligns with the current tourism environment and identifies current and future tourism opportunities and areas of investment for the region.

Development opportunities identified for the region include establishing a walking trail linking Ntaria (Hermannsburg) to the Finke Gorge National Park, and developing a tourism precinct that connects the Telegraph Station, the future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia, Alice Springs CBD and Anzac Hill.

The Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges region makes up a significant portion of Central Australia. With its unique desert environments, visitor experiences in the region continue to focus on its strengths: nature, Aboriginal culture, adventure, history and events sectors.

Some of the key achievements and current projects in the Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges region include the completion of restoration works at the Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, early works underway to build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia in Alice Springs, and the establishment of a new contemporary visitor information centre in Alice Springs.

Also underway is the staged sealing of the Mereenie Loop road, a key 'bucket list’ drive route linking Alice Springs to Uluru, Kata-Tjuta and Kings Canyon.

The plan maps out the strategy to lean in even more to the region’s competitive strengths, attracting more visitors and increased expenditure by building up and promoting Aboriginal cultural experiences, night time and astro-tourism experiences, drive tourism, and new adventure opportunities including hiking and 4WD experiences.

NT Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Joel Bowden notes “The MacDonnell Ranges with its stunning peaks and gorges and Alice Springs itself right in the middle of the range is such a special place to Territorians.

“Destination Management Plans ensure we’re taking a contemporary approach to tourism growth, future development and investment in the sector.”

To view the updated Destination Management Plan and other plans across the NT regions go to tourismnt.com.au