What is The Gap known for?

The Gap is known for its location at the entrance to Heavitree Gap — a spectacular natural pass through the MacDonnell Ranges where the Todd River cuts through the ranges. It is also home to Alice Springs Hospital, the major healthcare facility serving central Australia.

How far is The Gap from Alice Springs CBD?

The Gap is approximately 3 kilometres south of Alice Springs town centre, a short 5-10 minute drive along Gap Road or Stuart Highway.

Does The Gap have public transport?

Alice Springs has a limited town bus network with services connecting The Gap to the Alice Springs town centre, but services are infrequent. There is no urban rail in Alice Springs; the iconic Ghan train departs from Alice Springs Railway Station about 4 km away.

What is the population of The Gap?

According to the 2021 Census, The Gap has a population of 1,945, up from 1,709 in 2016, reflecting growth in Alice Springs's residential areas. The suburb has a notably diverse community including a significant Aboriginal population.

Is The Gap a good place to live?

The Gap offers an extraordinary natural setting at the foot of the MacDonnell Ranges, with close access to Alice Springs Hospital, schools, and the town centre. It suits those drawn to the unique lifestyle and landscapes of central Australia, though like all of Alice Springs, services and amenities are more limited than in capital cities.

What is the postcode for The Gap?

The postcode for The Gap, Northern Territory is 870.

The Gap

NT 870 • Rest of NT

1,945

Population (2021)

$61,828

Median Income

1.52 km²

Area

$350/wk

Median Rent

OutbackSuburbanMulticulturalSemi-RuralHistoric

About The Gap

The Gap is a suburban locality within Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, situated approximately 3 kilometres south of Alice Springs town centre within the Alice Springs Town Council area. The suburb takes its name from Heavitree Gap — a natural pass through the MacDonnell Ranges through which the Todd River flows — and had a population of 1,945 at the 2021 Census. With a median age of 34 and notable cultural diversity including a significant Aboriginal community comprising around 16% of residents, The Gap reflects the multicultural character of Alice Springs.

The Gap is home to Alice Springs Hospital, the Territory's major hospital for central Australia, making it an important services hub for the region. The suburb features a mix of residential housing, medical facilities, schools, and local retail along the main arterial roads. Like all of Alice Springs, public transport is limited and a car is essential for most daily activities. Residents benefit from the extraordinary natural setting, with the MacDonnell Ranges providing a dramatic backdrop and access to bush walking, cycling trails, and the iconic Heavitree Gap just beyond the suburb's southern boundary.

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

📍 Location

State

Northern Territory

Postcode

870

Urban Area

Mount Johns

LGA / Council

Alice Springs

Federal Electorate

Lingiari

State Electorate

Araluen

Type

Urban

Timezone

Darwin (UTC+9:30)

Coordinates

-23.71°, 133.87°

Statistical Area

Rest of NT

Area

1.52 km²

Elevation

574m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

Alice Springs Town Bus — Alice Springs Town Centre 10-15 min

Commute to Alice Springs CBD

Distance

3 km

By Train

No urban train service; The Ghan long-distance service operates from Alice Springs Railway Station

By Car (Peak)

5-10 min

By Car (Off-Peak)

5-10 min

🛣️ Stuart Highway and Gap Road provide main road access; car is essential in Alice Springs

Walkability Car-Dependent

Most daily errands require a car; footpaths exist along main roads but the suburban layout and distances make walking impractical for most trips

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)

$350

Median Mortgage (monthly)

$1,509

Avg Household Size

2.3 people

Median Age

34 years

Social Housing (% of dwellings)

9.1%

44 state housing + 19 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016

1,709

Census 2021

1,945

▲ 13.8% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016

$54,444

Income 2021

$61,828

▲ 13.6% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 996

Born Overseas 755

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

1. India 162
2. Philippines 98
3. New Zealand 61
4. China 60
5. England 59
6. Nepal 28
7. Sri Lanka 17
8. United States 16
9. Indonesia 14
10. Zimbabwe 14
11. Taiwan 13
12. Fiji 11
13. Pakistan 10
14. Malaysia 8
15. Myanmar 8

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 403

Australian 371

Australian Aboriginal 290

Irish 147

Indian 143

Scottish 126

Filipino 104

Chinese 102

German 66

Italian 36

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

729

Both parents born in Australia

854

Both parents born overseas

164

One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

Christianity

41.4%

No Religion

35.7%

Hinduism

3.5%

Sikhism

2.4%

Buddhism

2.2%

Islam

1.5%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years

139 (7.1%)

5-14 years

176 (9.0%)

15-19 years

53 (2.7%)

20-24 years

108 (5.6%)

25-34 years

534 (27.5%)

35-44 years

350 (18.0%)

45-54 years

239 (12.3%)

55-64 years

209 (10.7%)

65-74 years