Surrounded by a red sandy desert which stretches for hundreds of kilometres in all directions, Alice Springs is one of Australia’s most famous outback towns. It is the gateway to the iconic natural features of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta National Park.
Here, stories of Australia’s history and heritage are told through a colourful cast of characters and events that include the Dreamtime Jukurrpa, tens of thousands of years of habitation, the pastoral industry, camels, and gold-diggers.
The Arrernte people tell how giant caterpillars became the MacDonnell Ranges which pass through the township, and which were at one time probably as high as the Canadian Rockies. The Royal Geographic Society of Australia has calculated the geographical and gravitational centre of the continent at the Lambert Centre, approximately 200 kilometres south of town.
Today, the town’s upmarket hotels, restaurants, and 28,000 inhabitants, continue to uphold its vibrant history. It’s also an excellent place to pick up a unique piece of Aboriginal art.
From here, you can join one of Australia’s most challenging walks, the Larapinta Trail; and it is the ideal place to connect with Australia’s rich Aboriginal traditions and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Australia’s classic outback drive, the Red Centre Way, from Alice Springs to Kings Canyon, is one of the best ways to experience the natural wonders of this vast ancient red landscape.
CLIMATE
The Alice in July is a beautiful time to visit with brilliant sunshine but frosty temperatures, so if you have long johns, gloves, scarfs, beanies and thick socks please bring them along as it could be 0 degrees in the morning to 24 degrees around lunchtime.
