Many international travellers dream of discovering the authentic Australia; from wild kangaroos bounding across desert plains, to impressive scenery and native culture. A visit to the centre of Australia, in and around Alice Springs, allows tourists first-hand access to some of the most unique and secluded parts of the amazing landscape of the land down under.
Accommodation and Access in Central Australia
The central Australian town of Alice Springs is an excellent location from which to organise any sightseeing excursion or tour of outback Australia. The town is small but well-equipped with a variety of accommodations, car hire facilities and an airport receiving flights from major Australian cities.
As Alice Springs is in the heart of central Australia the town has many excellent facilities for tourists. The town can be easily reached by car and is a splendid stopover at the mid-point of drive along the lengthy and scenic outback route: the Stuart Highway.
East and West McDonnell Ranges
No visit to central Australia is complete without at least a one or two-day exploratory visit to the splendid East and West McDonnell ranges. Located less than half an hour from Alice Springs, this stunning mountainous region is home to an amazing collection of scenic gorges, secluded waterholes and picturesque valleys. There are many short hikes to take (as well as longer ones) leading to some stunning niches, nooks and crannies. Tour groups travel to the Ranges daily, while hiring a car and doing a self-guided tour is easy and worthwhile.
Spectacular Uluru National Park
One of Australia's most famous natural icons is that immense monolith Uluru (Ayers Rock). Pictures rarely do justice to this natural wonder; it's much larger in real life, towering high and spread wide across the otherwise remarkably flat outback desert.
Uluru is rather secluded; nearly five hours from Alice Springs, the rock has a large resort located nearby and an airport receiving around five flights a day from major capital cities. Visiting Uluru gives an immense insight into the lifestyle of the local indigenous people; their historical impression can be found on and around Uluru and this sacred place, while hard to reach, is definitely worth a visit if time allows.
The amazing rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) are located nearby as well.
Hike and Discover Kings Canyon
Located just short of three hours drive from Alice Springs, Kings Canyon is a beautiful, vast and splendid example of the wonders of the outback. The immense Canyon has straight walls towering up to 270 metres tall, along with the ancient 'Garden of Eden' botanic garden where lush flora thrive in the rare habitable basin of the Canyon. Despite being a bit of a distance from Alice Springs, this sight is definitely worth a visit, with camping and accommodation nearby for those wishing for an extended stay.
Visiting the Town of Alice Springs
Alice Springs is at the heart and soul of central Australia and, as such, is home to many relevant cultural tourist attractions. The Alice Springs Reptile Centre is definitely worth a visit, safely housing many of Australia and the world's most deadly snakes, along with a crocodile and other such fascinating scaled creatures.
Alternatively, the Alice Springs Desert Park provides interesting insight into how the flora and fauna of Australia survive and thrive in such adverse conditions. Also worth seeing in and around Alice are The School of Air Visitors Centre, the Telegraph Station, and numerous indigenous art galleries and cultural displays.
