The outback oasis of Alice Springs is situated at the approximate centre-point of Australia. It is part of the Northern Territory, located in what is sometimes referred to as the Red Centre, a name that points to the rich ochre deposits found here. Located along iconic Ghan railway, Alice Springs is equidistance from Adelaide and Darwin.
The Alice, as it's affectionately called, is the perfect place to stage an excursion into the quintessential outback. This is the only major city for miles, and tourists flock here for a glimpse of life on the Australian frontier. Tour operators plan trips of any length into the remote surroundings, and any skill set can be accommodated.
One of Australia's major icons, Ayers Rock (or Uluru) is located within striking distance of Alice Springs. This unique sandstone formation beckons admirers from the Alice, though at more than 280 miles away, it isn't particularly close. All the same, this is the landscape tourists imagine when they dream of Australia from home: red, sand-swept plains; unique wildlife darting among the chaparral undergrowth; and a pervasive dry heat.
However, there's more to Alice Springs than bushwalking and braving the frontier. The city itself is a cultural gem with several historic buildings that have stood in their place for more than a century. The telegraph station, once a powerful asset in communicating with the rest of the country, is an ever-popular site with visitors.
Culture abounds in this part of the country. The Arrernte Aboriginal tribe has lived here for several millennia and their culture along with their dreamtime stories have been preserved through a rich, oral tradition. Aboriginal arts and crafts are for sale in the city centre, and several events throughout the year highlight the cultural contributions of this demographic.
Visit this website for further information about Aboriginal land and culture.Accommodation throughout Alice Springs is in ready supply. Several establishments can be found in the city centre, many of which are housed in historic buildings. More upscale accommodation is found throughout the region, particularly in resorts that capitalise on attractions like Ayers Rock.
The exciting frontier destination of Alice Springs is a land of contrasts. Harsh conditions in the outback are confronted by fine dining and lavish celebrations downtown. Hot summer days can quickly turn to chilly, desert evenings. However, the local hospitality and casual friendliness is unchanging, meaning you're sure to pass your holiday in comfort.
The Alice Springs area and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges have been home to the Arrernte people for a minimum of 40,000 years. The original colonists who became these aboriginal tribes are believed to have arrived at a time when the sea level was lower, possible crossing what would have been a narrow channel between Australia and Timor. The wild dingo was once the domesticated companion of these settlers, though its arrival was considerably more recent than the earliest humans.
Alice Springs wasn't always so arid. When the first humans arrived, they found a lush rainforest covering much of Australia's interior. The rapid cycles of life in this ecosystem quickly erased any trace of human settlements, making it difficult for archaeologists to discern if anyone lived here during this time.
A series of enduring Ice ages ensued, drying out the atmosphere and giving birth to the rugged outback that visitors meet today. Aboriginal dreamtime myths tell of ancient creative forces that shaped the landscape. They are preserved to this day in the Arrernte's long-standing oral tradition.
The Portuguese drew maps of Australia in the 16th century, though Malayan traders already knew of its existence and had long been sending ships to the northernmost coast. Captain James Cook led the first British expedition to Australia, and after six weeks of exploration he claimed this land for the British Crown.
The first penal colony was founded in Sydney in the late 19th century. Colonists were initially met by harsh living conditions and terse relations with the indigenous tribes. Gold was discovered in 1851, prompting the British to end the shipment of convicts since legitimate colonists were eager to sponsor their own passage in hopes of striking it rich.
The Commonwealth of Australia was founded at the dawn of the 20th century. Mining and cattle ranching were both well-established, and there were easily half a million cattle grazing in this arid region. Caravans of Afghan camels carried people and supplies into the Northern Territory, until they were replaced by the Afghan Express (named in honour of these camels). The Ghan, as this train was nicknamed, first arrived in Alice Springs from Port Augusta in 1929.
Today, tourism has blossomed into an important industry throughout the Northern Territory. Travellers from across Australia and abroad come to explore the untamed outback and its diverse wildlife. The MacDonnell Ranges hold a number of impressive gorges and waterfalls, and the iconic Ayers Rock (Uluru) has become synonymous with local tourism.
Alice Springs’ climate is perpetually arid and dry, and the dusty bed of the River Todd remains dry throughout most of the year. When rain falls, it occurs sporadically throughout the year, and the months from December to March typically see a slight increase in rainfall. This is the best time to view waterfalls in the MacDonnell Ranges, when creeks and rivers are flowing strongest.
As it is situated below the equator, Alice Springs’ seasons are opposite to what many tourists are accustomed to. The hot season stretches from November to February, when daytime highs can surpass 35°C. This is typically an unpleasant time for visitors, as the intense sun and high temperatures can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.
The best time to visit is during the months of June to August, when daytime temperatures dip to a pleasant 20°C. Alice Springs’ arid environment doesn't hold heat very well, and night-time temperatures can approach freezing. Be sure to pack some warm clothing if you plan to do any camping or otherwise spend time outside after dark.
During the high season in Alice Springs, the city becomes quite crowded. Some visitors have luck avoiding crowds while still enjoying the weather in the months immediately before or after the high tourist season.
Though the rooms are pretty basic and small, and sometimes the noise at night is really disturbing, this hotel remains a very good choice in Alice Springs, due to its excellent location (it is just in...
