| Alice Springs is one of Australia's most well known | | | | Simpson and Tanami deserts. The Simpson is famous |
| outback towns. It is almost in the centre of the | | | | for its vast mesmerising dunes that go on forever, |
| Territory and lies between the West and East | | | | and although you can venture close should not be |
| MacDonnell Ranges, and can be reached in a day's | | | | crossed unless you are with an experienced guide. |
| drive from Darwin. | | | | Camel treks and four wheel drive expeditions are |
| Most of the year you can enjoy sunny days, and | | | | possible, although you won't see many other people |
| wide, blue skies. The winter nights get very cold, so | | | | in this part of the world. |
| don't forget your socks, and in summer the | | | | There are plenty of day trips not far from town |
| temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees. The best | | | | which are just as fascinating. One popular natural |
| time to travel is spring and autumn, where the | | | | attraction is the Rainbow Valley, located in the James |
| temperatures are not as extreme. | | | | ranges. You can also visit Chambers Pillar on the way |
| There is so much in this diverse town, which is the | | | | which features rock carvings and is steeped in |
| second largest in the Territory next to Darwin. You | | | | history. |
| will find history in every corner, as the town was | | | | Travel north from town and you will be awestruck |
| forged by brave pioneers and flying doctors who put | | | | by the natural beauty of the bush, with camping, |
| Alice on the map. Make sure you visit the old | | | | bushwalking, gem fossicking all popular activities. Visit |
| telegraph station, which also offers bushwalking and | | | | the Gemtree, where you can visit the gem fields on |
| pretty picnic spots. The Royal Flying Doctor service is | | | | organised tours and actually find something to take |
| known and loved by all Australians, and a visit to the | | | | home. They also offer a large camping ground if you |
| original base is worthwhile to see the museum and | | | | are not in a hurry to head home. Spend some time |
| enjoy the interactive tours. | | | | out here and enjoy the wonders of the starlit skies. |
| The Alice Springs Reptile Centre also has to be seen, | | | | Nothing beats an open campfire in the outback, with |
| especially if you have boys with you (of any age!). | | | | a majestic sunrise waiting to greet you at dawn. |
| You will be amazed at the large range of reptiles on | | | | Heading south just over 100 kilometres, you will be |
| show, including the frilly neck lizards, thorny devils, | | | | rewarded by some of the most stunning scenery at |
| goannas, pythons and venomous snakes. | | | | Finke Gorge National Park. There are camping facilities |
| One of the highlights of your stay at Alice would | | | | at Palm Valley, known for its bountiful cabbage palms, |
| have to be the 'Spirit of the Night sky', held at the | | | | if you prefer to stay longer. |
| Milky Way Café and Observatory in town. | | | | If you can allow an extra few days, make sure you |
| This educational and entertaining presentation, | | | | plan to visit the famous MacDonnell Ranges, which |
| featuring powerful telescopes and displays will give | | | | surround Alice Springs. The West MacDonnell ranges |
| you a greater insight into the heavenly realms. | | | | are easier to reach, with swimming holes and |
| The MacDonnell Range Holiday Park is recommended | | | | bushwalks winding through the spectacular gorges. |
| if you intend to stay here for a while. Set in an | | | | Take your time and camp overnight, or leave at dusk |
| excellent, central location it has excellent amenities | | | | and enjoy a picnic at a swimming hole. The East |
| and there is plenty of room for the family. | | | | MacDonnell ranges are also incredibly beautiful, |
| Beyond the ranges surrounding Alice Springs are the | | | | featuring the stunning Trephina Gorge. |