Desert Springs

NT 870 • Rest of NT

1,536
Population (2021)
$75,608
Median Income
2.61 km²
Area
$500/wk
Median Rent
RetireesAffluentHistoricOutbackUnique

About Desert Springs

Desert Springs is a well-established residential suburb of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, situated in the south-eastern part of the town within the Town of Alice Springs local government area. With a population of approximately 1,477 at the 2016 Census, it is one of Alice Springs' more sizeable and sought-after neighbourhoods. The suburb sits on the traditional country of the Arrernte people and is named for the artesian springs that characterise the broader Alice Springs region.

Desert Springs is home to the Alice Springs Golf Club, one of the most iconic desert golf courses in Australia, set against the striking backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges. The suburb offers comfortable modern housing with a relaxed, suburban feel uncommon in remote Australia. Residents enjoy proximity to Alice Springs Town Centre while benefiting from a quieter, green streetscape. The suburb attracts professionals, families, and retirees who appreciate the unique combination of outback landscape and comfortable urban amenity that Alice Springs provides.

Desert Springs falls under postcode 870 and is governed by Alice Springs Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Araluen electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
870
Urban Area
Mount Johns
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Darwin (UTC+9:30)
Coordinates
-23.71°, 133.89°
Statistical Area
Rest of NT
Area
2.61 km²
Elevation
586m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Alice Springs Public Bus Network — Alice Springs Town Centre 10-15 min

Commute to Alice Springs Town Centre

Distance
5 km
By Train
No passenger rail to Alice Springs.
By Car (Peak)
10-15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
8-10 min

🛣️ Alice Springs Airport is approximately 10 minutes from Desert Springs. The Ghan train from Adelaide serves Alice Springs for long-distance travel.

Walkability Somewhat Walkable

Residential streets with footpaths and access to the golf course and parks; car recommended for most errands in Alice Springs.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$500
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$2,264
Avg Household Size
2.8 people
Median Age
36 years

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
1,477
Census 2021
1,536
4.0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$67,860
Income 2021
$75,608
11.4% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 930
Born Overseas 546

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. United States 152
  • 2. India 61
  • 3. New Zealand 47
  • 4. England 42
  • 5. Philippines 35
  • 6. South Africa 21
  • 7. China 12
  • 8. Sri Lanka 11
  • 9. Thailand 11
  • 10. Nepal 10

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 547
Australian 409
Irish 177
Scottish 147
German 128
Indian 68
Australian Aboriginal 61
Italian 56
Chinese 40
Filipino 40

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

639
Both parents born in Australia
651
Both parents born overseas
176
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
45.8%
Christianity
40.4%
Hinduism
4.0%
Buddhism
1.3%
Sikhism
1.3%
Islam
0.8%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
116 (7.6%)
5-14 years
199 (13.0%)
15-19 years
95 (6.2%)
20-24 years
57 (3.7%)
25-34 years
247 (16.1%)
35-44 years
251 (16.3%)
45-54 years
202 (13.2%)
55-64 years
202 (13.2%)
65-74 years
115 (7.5%)
75-84 years
40 (2.6%)
85+ years
9 (0.6%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Desert Springs NT located? +

Desert Springs is a suburb in the south-eastern part of Alice Springs, Northern Territory, about 5 kilometres from the Alice Springs Town Centre.

What is Desert Springs known for? +

Desert Springs is home to the Alice Springs Golf Club, renowned as one of Australia's most unique desert golf courses, set against the backdrop of the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges.

What LGA is Desert Springs in? +

Desert Springs is part of the Town of Alice Springs local government area in the Northern Territory.

How far is Desert Springs from the Alice Springs town centre? +

Desert Springs is approximately 5 kilometres from the Alice Springs Town Centre, about a 10-minute drive.