Alice Springs Airport Mini Guide
Alice Springs Airport, located just fourteen kilometres south of the town of the same name in the heart of central Australia, is a small two runway domestic airport. It has some tragedies in its past and in 2011 was selected to become the largest aircraft “Bone yard” outside of America, its climate being perfect for the storage and preservation of aircraft. It also contributes to science as a launching point for stratospheric research balloons. You may be forgiven for thinking it sounds a bit gloomy but Alice Springs Airport is a modern airport with all the expected facilities. It has a rapidly growing passenger count, increasing in all of the last ten years and hit 0.75m for the first time in 2011.
Tucker Time
If you start feeling peckish check out the Cafe Alice, it has a good selection of snacks as well as full home style meals. They are well known for excellent coffee which is best enjoyed outside on the patio area. Get a few “bevvies” down you in true Aussie style at the Todd River Ale House, it offers a great atmosphere and icy cold beer (soft drinks are also available).
Shopping
Stop off at Australian Way, a store that carries a wide range of distinctly Australian gifts and souvenirs and for beautiful jewellery, opals and gemstones a visit to Gem Cave is a must. There is also the aptly named Runway News, a newsagents that carries a good selection of books, newspapers and magazines to keep you occupied while waiting for your flight, it also unexpectedly sells a good collection of toiletries and over the counter medicines so if you’ve got a headache or forgotten your toothbrush this is the shop for you. If you run out of cash there are two ATMs, one in the central concourse before security and the other just after the security screening point.
Getting there
The best way to get to Alice Springs Airport from nearby Alice Springs is definitely by bus. There is a regular shuttle bus that connects the airport with all the hotels and major points in the town. It can be booked in advance and further information can be found online or from the local Alice Springs Information office. If you're flying in on an internal flight from
Sydney,
Melbourne,
Brisbane or elsewhere, renting a car is a great option when you get here.
Disabled access
Alice Springs Airport is wheelchair accessible and the airport authorities provide access to all the terminals facilities for disabled visitors. Wheelchairs are also available on request from airline staff. It is recommended however that all travellers who may require extra assistance should inform their airline in advance, or if possible at the time of booking.