Welcome to Alice Springs:

 

Alice Springs (or the Alice) received its name in 1933, although it developed in 1871 as a telegraph repeater station between Adelaide and Darwin. The town's development was slow, however, and the old road to Adelaide wasn't replaced until 1987. The town of Alice Springs started its development when 19th century pioneers opened up the Australian interior for settlement. Since their arrival, and the immortalisation of the town by Nevil Shute in his classic novel “A Town Like Alice”, Alice Springs has evolved into a modern Outback town with all the creature comforts of a capital city. It is the hub of Central Australia and a perfect base from which to explore the region. When the railway finally reached Alice Springs from Oodnadatta in 1929 it was heralded as the end to the town’s isolation. To that point those hardy souls with reason for going to 'the Alice' had to endure three days on the train from Adelaide to Oodnadatta, and then almost three weeks in a horse drawn wagon before reaching Alice Springs.

Transport…and the end of isolation!

To do Central Australia, and yourself, justice you’ll need 7 to 10 days to explore the region thoroughly. But even if you can only spare three or four days to see the highlights, you’ll have a fantastic time. Be warned though, it will leave you wanting to come back again.

Although the town is fairly modern and a moderate size, it is set amongst the harsh outback, although ideally situated next to some of Australia's great wonders. From the top of Anzac Hill you can get some great views overlooking Alice Springs and the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges and Western MacDonnell Ranges. By the Aboriginal people the hill is called Untyeyetweleye and is the home to the Corkwood Dreaming Story.

The town centre covers only about 5 blocks and is situated in-between the Todd River to the east, Anzac Hill to the north, Stuart Highway to the west and Stuart Terrace to the south. The main shops can be found on Todd Street, with a mall situated to the north of Todd Street. Todd Street also hosts numerous old buildings worth taking a look at. You should visit Adelaide House, and the John Flynn (founder of the Flying Doctor Service) Museum and Church. Getting around town is easy by foot, although there is also an Alice Wanderer that stops off at the major attractions around town.

The three main streets which cross Todd Street are Wills Terrace to the north, Parsons Street and Gregory Terrace in the middle and Stott Terrace to the south. Gregory Terrace is where you will find the tourist information. This is also where you can buy various permits if travelling through Aboriginal land. A few doors down from here there is also an Internet café, as well as more Internet access in some of the backpackers.

Parsons Street is also home to some historic buildings, including the National Pioneer Women's Hall of Fame, the Old Courthouse, the Residence and the Stuart Town Gaol. Even if you are not staying there you should also go to see the YHA which used to be the Pioneer Theatre. Just south of Stott terrace is Stuart terrace the home of the Royal Flying Doctors Service, and there is also a really interesting museum which you should visit, open everyday (not Sunday am). If you follow Stott terrace to the other side of Todd River you will get to the Olive Pink Botanic Garden hosting Central Australia's native plant life.

To find out more about the Arrente Aboriginal people in the area head to the Strehlow Research Centre. A huge vault in the centre contains many artefacts of Aborignal importance, and although these cannot be viewed there are plenty of things to see in the museum. You should also visit the Araluen Arts Centre, where you can see some of the work by Albert Namatjira, as well as Panorama Guth which hosts various Aboriginal artefacts.

Another part of the history of Alice Springs has to be the Ghan, and you can find out about it at the Old Ghan Museum and Transport Hall of Fame. Transport enthusiasts will love it, although so should anyone else who visits, as there is a very interesting collection.

There are also plenty of other things to do in and around Alice, including camel riding, horse riding, hot air ballooning, as well as visiting the other nearby places of interest. There are also numerous tours that you can take around Alice itself, as well as to Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon and the MacDonnell Ranges. Between May and August Alice also hosts numerous events and festivals which shouldn't be missed.

There is plenty of accommodation in Alice, mainly situated around the central area. This ranges from backpackers to luxury hotels and apartments. There area also several eating places around town, although many shut reasonably early and don't open until late, so buy your own snacks if heading off early in the morning, or munchies for those late nights on the town. If you want some local entertainment then head to The Settlers for some outback tales, or Sound of Starlight Theatre for a musical outback show.

You can fly to Alice Springs from most of the capital cities with Qantas Ph: 13 1313. Both Greyhound Pioneer Ph: 13 2030 and McCafferty's Ph: 13 1499 run bus services from Gregory Terrace in Alice to Adelaide and Darwin. You can also head over to Queensland from Three Ways, and Western Australia from Katherine. If you want to travel in style then hop aboard the Ghan which leaves from Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. If you want to take your own transport, but don't want to drive, then this could be the best option for you. However, once in Alice you can hire cars from all of the main car hire companies, who have offices in the airport or in town.

Alice Springs lies almost in the geographical centre of the immense Australian landmass, some 1500 kilometres from the nearest major city (almost equidistant between Adelaide and Darwin

Alice Springs to Adelaide: 1316 km
Alice Springs to Darwin: 1305 km
Alice Springs to Sydney: 2030 km

While the physical location of Alice Springs has played a pivotal role in its colourful history, from its very early European settlement it has always been in instantaneous communication with the rest of Australia and, indeed, the world. Initially this was made possible with the completion of the Overland Telegraph Line from Adelaide to Darwin in 1872 linking Australia with the rest of the world. Now, in all respects, the town boasts communication technology consistent with any modern Australian community. It is still remote, but not isolated.

An oasis in the desert is a spirited celebration of life - and that's a perfect description of Alice Springs, oasis extraordinaire. The weather here in Alice Springs is fantastic, hardly any rainfall throughout the year but when it rains it can lead to flooding as the land around here is very flat and even. Alice Springs surely is the sunshine centre of Australia with over 90% of days per year having sunny days.

Here, in the middle of Australia's Red Centre, the doctors make house calls by plane, the townspeople race bottomless boats down dry riverbeds, whilst visitors take camels to dinner.

"The Alice" (as the town of 20,000 is affectionately known), is also the gateway to Australia's heart and soul. You can hear the "heartbeats" as you visit Uluru (Ayers Rock), take an Aboriginal culture tour, or glide over the spectacular red plains in a hot air balloon. Just take a moment and you'll feel the ancient beat.

Central Australia lies not only in the heart of Australia, it lies in the hearts of Australians. In its heart lies one of the most significant icons of Aboriginal and Australian culture – Uluru/Kata Tjuta, and the true Outback spirit that made this country great.

Whether you’re a born-and-bred Australian or visitor from abroad, touring The Centre gives you an appreciation of the vast and unspoiled wonders of Australia’s interior.

Nature overwhelms you in The Centre. The skyscrapers are made of rock, not steel, and one of the best shows in town is the spectacular million-star night-time display. Its arid environment is home to a large population of unique animals, birds and reptiles. Wallabies, dingoes, emus, tiny geckos and huge eagles are just some of the long-established locals you’re likely to encounter during your journey around The Centre.

The Aboriginal presence here is strong. Their cultural and spiritual connection to this region echoes in every rock and landmark and provides numerous opportunities for the visitor to learn of the ways in which the Aborigines of Central Australia have adapted to this harsh yet fragile environment.

This is Alice Springs…or to locals, simply “The Alice”.