Alice Springs

Affectionately known as "The Alice'' this is the unofficial capital of Australia's outback. Alice Springs is a big, friendly city located in the dead centre of Australia. It is mainly frequented because of it's proximity to Australia's favourite rock, Uluru, however it is still 462km from Alice Springs but the journey down can be combined with a visit to Kings Canyon.

Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre
The Southern Arrernte Aboriginal people are the tribal founders of this area and this museum displays their long history. There are also sales of art and aboriginal artifacts here. Todd Street (08 8952 3408).

Alice Springs Desert Park
This park has native desert animals in their natural habitat. There are over 120 species, of mostly small mammals, reptiles and birds. A highlight is the Birds of Prey show. Larapinta Drive (08 8951 8788).

Alice Springs Reptile Centre
If there is one thing common to the Australian outback it's snakes and lizards, and for a safe close up this is the place to be. You can touch, hold and even feed bugs to the reptiles here. There are at least 30 species on display with some of the deadliest in the world. 9 Stuart Terrace (08 8952 8900).

Araluen Centre
This gallery has Aboriginal and modern Australian art on display, it is also the performing arts Centre for the city. Cultural Precinct, 2km South of the CBD (08 8951 1122).

Aviation Museum
Everything you need to know about aviation as well as displays of old aircraft and wreckages. Cultural Precinct.

MacDonnell Ranges
Alice Springs is set amongst the MacDonnell ranges that can be visited as a day trip. A good view is from Anzac Hill. The MacDonnell Ranges run both east and west of Alice Springs. To the west there are a number of places to stop and include Simpson’s Gap. Standley Chasm and the Finke Gorge National Park. To the east is Emily Gap, Trephina Gorge Nature park, Arltunga Historic Reserve, Ruby Gap Nature Park and N’Dhala Gorge.

Museum of Central Australia
Located at Alice Springs Cultural Precinct, this museum has collections of geological displays associated with the outback. Memorial Avenue (08 8951 1120).

Royal Flying Doctor Service
Alice Springs is a major base for the RFDS and regular tours are run and a highlight is the recorded conversations between patients and doctors. 8-10 Stuart Terrace (08 8952 1129).

School of the Air
Sit in on radio classes given to children in Outback stations and covers an area of 1.3 million square kms. 80 Head Street (08 8951 6834).

Telegraph Station Historical Reserve
This is a true oasis in the harsh, brown, arid outback. Set around a water hole, there are lush lawns and gardens to meander through at your leisure. There are displays of historical bush telegraph equipment, blacksmith displays, original bush tucker cooking, camels, hiking trails, gift shop and cafe. There is plenty to do and see here, the reserve is located 4km from the city. Stuart Highway (08 8952 3993).

Territory Craft Gallery
Not only can you view the displays of local arts and crafts but you can make purchases as well. Cultural Precinct.

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