Alice Springs - The Australian Traveller Guide
Capital of Australia’s Red Centre and almost the exact centre of the country, Alice Springs is technically a semi arid zone but it sure feels, looks and smells like a desert landscape. The Red Centre / Alice Springs is full of culture and history of its traditional owners, the Aboriginal Arrernte people. Since the mid-1800s, pioneers and cameleers have trekked it to “The Alice” and developed the second-largest town in the Northern Territory as a base to see the desert surrounds and breathtaking natural wonders.
Where to Stay
Alice Springs accommodation has grown with the town from its humble start as a telegraph station to travelling hot spot.
For budget travellers, try the backpackers Alice’s Secret Traveller’s Inn, its charm owing to its small size, 1950s style décor and communal facilities that make it easy to mingle.
For those willing to shell out a little more, try the Aurora Alice Springs for its central location and the unique Red Ochre Grill restaurant downstairs. Its menu of native foods is a bit of a selling point.
If you want to camp out in The Outback without abandoning style, the luxurious Bond Springs Outback Retreat makes for a smoother experience of life on an authentic cattle station. However, its location 25 kilometres outside of town and with prices starting at $230, the trade-off may not be worth it to stargaze in comfort.
What to Do
Alice Springs is the perfect departure point for the great Australian Outback Journey. Alice to Kings Canyon via Hermannsburg and the West Macdonnell Ranges and onto Uluru.
Three nights in Alice Springs exploring the Aboriginal and Pioneer Culture is worthwhile. In Alice itself worthwhile sites and activities include the Araluen Centre, Museum of Central Australia the Aviation Museum and many of the aboriginal art galleries.
Then pick up a four wheel drive out to one or two of the gorges, Ormiston Gorge is a winner of the West Macdonnell Ranges. Then onto Hermansberg before arriveing at Kings Canyon. Spend two nights in Kings Canyon and the rim walk and valley of the palms before heading onto Uluru for a further two or three nights.
When to Travel
The southern winter and early spring months of June to September is peak season for a reason – it’s comfortable. So the best time is probably April May and Early Sept to have the most comfortable weather (it very cold at night in the heart of winter) and least of the crowds, school holidays not withstanding.
Good to note that The Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas nest door to Uluru) will close when the temperature exceeds 36 degrees. It will be closed often in the summer months.
Keep in mind that the four-day celebration that is The Alice Springs Beanie Festival takes place in June-July, the Camel Cup is held in mid-July and the comical Henley-on-Todd Regatta is a sight in September.
Transport
Alice Springs Airport is under a 20-minute drive from the town itself, and is serviced daily by Qantas and Tiger Airways. Twice a week, Regional Pacific Airlines will also service the route to/from Mt Isa. To get to town catch a cab (approx $30, 13 10 10), private car ($35 flat fee to hotels 08 8952 3700) or the Alice Springs Airport Shuttle ($18 one-way/ $28 round trip 08 8953 0310). The option of hiring a car is available at the terminal, or in town. If you do intend to stay a while in Alice Springs, hire a 4WD and make it a rollicking trip through The Outback.
Where to Stay
Alice Springs accommodation has grown with the town from its humble start as a telegraph station to travelling hot spot.
For budget travellers, try the backpackers Alice’s Secret Traveller’s Inn, its charm owing to its small size, 1950s style décor and communal facilities that make it easy to mingle.
For those willing to shell out a little more, try the Aurora Alice Springs for its central location and the unique Red Ochre Grill restaurant downstairs. Its menu of native foods is a bit of a selling point.
If you want to camp out in The Outback without abandoning style, the luxurious Bond Springs Outback Retreat makes for a smoother experience of life on an authentic cattle station. However, its location 25 kilometres outside of town and with prices starting at $230, the trade-off may not be worth it to stargaze in comfort.
What to Do
Alice Springs is the perfect departure point for the great Australian Outback Journey. Alice to Kings Canyon via Hermannsburg and the West Macdonnell Ranges and onto Uluru.
Three nights in Alice Springs exploring the Aboriginal and Pioneer Culture is worthwhile. In Alice itself worthwhile sites and activities include the Araluen Centre, Museum of Central Australia the Aviation Museum and many of the aboriginal art galleries.
Then pick up a four wheel drive out to one or two of the gorges, Ormiston Gorge is a winner of the West Macdonnell Ranges. Then onto Hermansberg before arriveing at Kings Canyon. Spend two nights in Kings Canyon and the rim walk and valley of the palms before heading onto Uluru for a further two or three nights.
When to Travel
The southern winter and early spring months of June to September is peak season for a reason – it’s comfortable. So the best time is probably April May and Early Sept to have the most comfortable weather (it very cold at night in the heart of winter) and least of the crowds, school holidays not withstanding.
Good to note that The Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas nest door to Uluru) will close when the temperature exceeds 36 degrees. It will be closed often in the summer months.
Keep in mind that the four-day celebration that is The Alice Springs Beanie Festival takes place in June-July, the Camel Cup is held in mid-July and the comical Henley-on-Todd Regatta is a sight in September.
Transport
Alice Springs Airport is under a 20-minute drive from the town itself, and is serviced daily by Qantas and Tiger Airways. Twice a week, Regional Pacific Airlines will also service the route to/from Mt Isa. To get to town catch a cab (approx $30, 13 10 10), private car ($35 flat fee to hotels 08 8952 3700) or the Alice Springs Airport Shuttle ($18 one-way/ $28 round trip 08 8953 0310). The option of hiring a car is available at the terminal, or in town. If you do intend to stay a while in Alice Springs, hire a 4WD and make it a rollicking trip through The Outback.
Area Highlights
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Great Articles on Alice Springs from
Australian Traveller Magazine
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Uluru Explained AT rock hound Kerry van der Jagt steps back in geological time to investigate Australia’s Most Famous Rock. 
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042 - Experience the world's only waterless regatta on the Todd River in Alice Springs Todd River, Alice Springs, NT: This list was compiled in 2006. The updated 2011 Edition can be found here.
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The Singing Dingo - Alice Springs At Jims place in the northern Territory, the foods good but the singer's a bit of a howler. By Travis Cranley
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Pushing on to Alice For AT reader Anne Fitzpatrick, completing a cross-country ride is all a matter of finding a favouring breeze.
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Craig Le Rossignol, Oak Valley NT, Outback Character Kerry van der Jagt shares a tail from the top end with Craig Le Rossignol – the Northern Territory’s newest oil tycoon who is making the Desert Bloom.
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Outback Kurunpa Photo essay by George Suresh of the outback Kurunpa, Northern Territory
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On Location At Uluru With McLeod's Daughter Zoe Naylor In dreaming up our ideal cover for this issue, we wanted to feature two icons of the outback: Uluru and, if possible, a McLeod’s Daughter. So when the delightful Zoe Naylor agreed to come on board to model for our little desert adventure, it really was a dream come true.
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Australia's Grand Canyon Anita Kelman camps out under the stars at Kings Creek Station and hikes Kings Canyon’s rim.
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