Alice Springs

Alice Springs in the heart of Australia is the traditional home of the Arrente Aboriginal people. According to their tradition, all the topographical features of the area were formed by the ancient ancestral spirits Yeperenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerengatye. The small town and surrounding areas maintain a sizeable Aboriginal community even today. Located by the Todd River, the town’s growth has been recent and rapid, with tourists being drawn both to the rural location and its close proximity to some of the country’s most impressive natural wonders.

Attractions

Just outside the central area of Alice Springs tourists can make the short, steep ascent of nearby Anzac hill, or as the Aboriginal people call it, Untyeyetweleye. From the summit you can enjoy the views over Alice Springs down to the MacDonnell Ranges that form the Southern boundary of the town. If your interests lie in local history, the Museum of Central Australia houses exhibits of Aboriginal culture and art, and there are also many historical buildings in the area including the Stuart Town Gaol, the Old Courthouse and the Old Pioneer Theatre. If you wish to travel further afield there are daily camping trips to Uluru, more commonly known as Ayres Rock, one of Australia’s greatest natural wonders. For the adventurous, there are also balloon flights, camel treks, and many more organised tours on offer. A new swimming pool has also just opened in Alice Springs for the 2006-2007 season.

Shopping

The main shopping street in the heart of Alice Springs is Todd Street, where you will find the pedestrian shopping mall and most of the cafes, shops and restaurants. The Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre on this main street sells very reasonably priced local artefacts and craft works, as well as offering lessons in boomerang throwing and the didjeridu!

Nightlife and Eating Out

There are numerous options for eating out in Alice Springs, and you’ll find virtually all of them on and around Todd Street. One of the most popular places to eat is the Todd Tavern, with occasional live music and delicious food, this venue is also pleasantly inexpensive. For those who wish to sample typical Australian cuisine there is the Red Ochre Grill which specialises in ‘bush tucker’ and Territory game meats. In addition to this selection there are many more options for the hungry visitor, including Italian, Chinese, Mexican and of course, a steakhouse.

There is not an abundance of nightlife in Alice Springs. The one and only nightclub is called Legend’s, located on the Plaza, while the Alice Junction Tavern has a disco on Friday and Saturday nights. If you fancy some live music, the Waterhole Bar is a great place for beer and the occasional live performance.

Tourist Information

• Central Australian Tourism Industry Association, 60 Gregory Terrace, Alice Springs, NT
• 0870, Australia
• Telephone: 0889525800
• Email: visinfo@catia.asn.au

Airport

The Alice Springs Airport is 16km south of the town centre along Stuart Highway. Services from the airport include an airport minibus, back-packer pick up service and taxi services.