Alice Springs

Alice Springs (called "The Alice" by locals) is the only major town in the Red Centre — 30,000 inhabitants, 1,500 kilometers from the nearest major city, surrounded by the MacDonnell Range and endless desert. "Alice" is the gateway to Uluru (450 km southwest), Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges.

The town has a rich Aboriginal cultural scene and more depth than the first impression suggests:

Sights

• Alice Springs Desert Park: Excellent nature and wildlife park showcasing the three ecosystems of the Red Centre — desert, riverine, and woodland. The "Nocturnal House" features nocturnal animals (bilbies, numbats). The bird of prey show is spectacular (eagles, falcons in free flight against a mountain backdrop). Entry 37 AUD.
• Araluen Cultural Precinct: Art gallery with the largest collection of Aboriginal Art in the Northern Territory — Albert Namatjira watercolors, Papunya Tula dot paintings, and contemporary works. Entry 15 AUD.
• Anzac Hill: Short walk (15 min.) to the hill above the town with a 360° panoramic view over the MacDonnell Ranges. Sunrise and sunset here are breathtaking — and free.
• Todd River: Australia's most famous river — mostly dry. The annual Henley-on-Todd Regatta (September) is the only "boat regatta" in the world where participants carry their boats and run through the dry riverbed.

West MacDonnell Ranges (Tjoritja)

This mountain range west of Alice Springs offers spectacular gorges, waterholes, and the multi-day Larapinta Trail (223 km, one of the best long-distance hiking trails in the world). Day trips to:

• Simpsons Gap: 22 km from Alice, gorge with rock wallabies. Free.
• Ormiston Gorge: 135 km from Alice, huge gorge with a permanent waterhole for swimming. Spectacular.
• Glen Helen Gorge: Where the Finke River (one of the oldest rivers in the world) breaks through the mountains. Lodge with pool and cold beer.