Territory government releases latest Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges region Destination Management Plan

The latest destination management plan for Alice Springs and MacDonnell Ranges has been released, with the government listing its achievements and the opportunities it has identified for the region.

Pyndan Camel Tracks is a camel tour operator situated just 15 minutes from the Alice Springs CBD. Picture: Grenville Turner

Four years after the first one was released, the Territory government has revealed the updated destination management plan for the MacDonnell Ranges and Alice Springs — showing “opportunities identified” within the region alongside listing of “key achievements”.

The updated destination management plan for the region hopes to ensure “the plan aligns with the current tourism environment”, according to a statement from tourism and hospitality minister Joel Bowden.

“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 under way 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,” the statement said.

“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.”

In May, Alice Springs residents' watched the last rugby games played at Anzac Oval – the future site of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Gallery of Australia – with local clubs now shuffled between different ovals, as the town’s rugby teams await for a new oval to be built in Kilgariff.

Parrtjima Festival showcases thousands of years of Aboriginal cultural traditions through light displays. The festival is at Alice Springs Desert Park.

The updated destination management plan lists five strengths for the region: Aboriginal culture; nature; adventure; history; and events sectors, according to the statement.

“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,” the statement reads.

The updated destination management plan also lists a Lasseters casino overhaul and a $5 million commitment to a Alice Springs visitor centre upgrade as other key achievements.

The casino upgrade is scheduled for completion in 2028, with an exceptional development permit already granted, according to the updated plan, while the updated visitor centre will be completed in 2026.

Resolving aviation access issues, reducing seasonality, and committing to sustainability practices were identified as the three key themes of the updated destination management plan.

Mr Bowden said the plan ensured a contemporary approach to tourism growth and future development is taken by the government.

“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,” he said.