Over the last few years, youth crime – and all the publicity surrounding it – has certainly made life more challenging for communities seeking to attract more tourists … and nowhere has that challenge been more acute than in Alice Springs.
However, there are hopes that a corner has been turned and that tourists – including grey nomads – will be heading to the Central Australian town in big numbers later this year.
Speaking at the announcement of direct Airnorth flights between Alice Springs and Cairns to begin in April, Tourism Central Australia chief executive, Danial Rochford, said things were looking up.
“It’s no secret that Alice Springs has had our fair share of challenges over the last few years, but I say it here and say it now that 2025 is going to be the year of tourism in Central Australia,” he said.
Tourism chief says things are looking up for Alice Springs. PIC: Grungly / Pixabay
The NT News reports that Mr Rochford assured visitors to Central Australia that the crime issues were being tackled due to the government’s efforts.
“There’s no doubt the government of the Northern Territory has thrown the kitchen sink at our crime and anti-social issues,” he said. “We’re seeing a noticeable difference on the ground and I guess, what that does for the tourism industry is, it allows us the opportunity to get on the front foot.”
The NT News reports Mr Rochford said that, for the last few years, the town had been splashed across national headlines, but he said the work that had been done was allowing Alice to showcase all the amazing positive things it was proud of.
“We’re seeing less crime and we’re seeing the physical police presence on the ground and we’re seeing a real noticeable difference in the mindset,” he said. “I know it can be all encompassing these issues, but we are now starting to see hopefully a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Are you a Grey Nomad member yet? Click here to find out about the discounts, competitions and other benefits on offer.
Unfortunately unlikely
Absolutely not, crime is no under control!
No, not until I see proof that the crime is being controlled.
The Libs are doing a great job so far, but it will take some time to get all the trouble makers locked up.
Been visiting Alice for many years with tour groups. Not again for a long time after last years terrible experience.
The authorities might be tackling crime but from recent events it doesn’t seem to be working.
Weve been to Alice once, never again.
Maybe but not convinced of this political speak yet.
No way we will venture into the NT again. In fact we have decided to only holiday within our own state. The costs of travelling Australia are prohibitive, add in overpriced accommodation, bad roads and high fuel costs. Why would you venture into a crime ridden area like NT which has all of the above.
No never again!
Yeah I live in Alice and visit Canberra lot for work. Someone asked me today while I am in Canberra if its getting any better.
My honest opinion back was yes it is. The cops are responsive now where this time last year they wouldn’t even turn up to a home invasion which resulted in car theft.
Now they are almost and in some cases there while the peeps are still in the house. Yes there is still issues but I personally feel it is turned a tide and the place is feeling more relaxed.
I guess that comes with locking and keeping these peeps locked up until they attend court. It was a case where they would let them go as the presumption was on bail first, now that has been removed, they stay there.
The other thing about Alice is Alice is not the destination where the country around it and the amazing natural beauty is uniquely Australian. The ranges are just amazing.
Its a same people are missing out on this part of our country.
Easy, just avoid anymore than a fuel and food pickup in “The Alice” and move out of town to all the great gorges and chasms and meteorite craters and canyons. Might be wiser to avoid any more than a single day stop at Ayers Rock due to its over technical commercialisation nowadays. We don’t need a paddock full of LED lighting to eat a meal by etc.
No. Won’t be visiting Alice again until I hear from friends who actually live there. Way too much crime going on. It’s an Easy fix, but the government needs to get very tough.
No
Planning on flying into Alice late May, pick up a motor home and head straight out. Are there any crime concerns along the Red Centre Way?
I went to the Melb caravan show , the NT tourist rep on the Tourisim stand was ” unaware” of any youth crime nor any issues across the NT in general!
That person must have been living under a rock. We recently left Alice after 10 plus years living thankfully 10 k out of town but we still heard and saw how bad it really is. Not was, IS.
The “light” is still flickering wildly so until a full unflinching long term beam can be shown doubt will remain.
We would like to visit NT but given the ongoing crime rates across numerous towns and areas in NT we won’t be back. There are plenty of other areas around Australia that provide a far better experience.
Never again. The same goes for Mt Isa.