This interesting outback city is surrounded by a surprising number of locations of interest. It's the second biggest city in the Northern Territory, with about 25,000 people, and is located about 1,500 km from Darwin, and about 300 km north of the South Australian border.
You may have heard Alice Springs referred to as the center of Australia, and it's certainly a popular tourist spot. People come from around the world to see the Olgas (or Kata Tjuta), the MacDonnell Ranges, and Ayers Rock (Uluru). In addition, there are a number of other attractions, too.
Alice Springs came into being as a vital link in the Overland Telegraph Line. It later became a major railhead in the Northern Territory, with goods passing through the city on their long journey to other destinations.
Located about 600 m above sea level, Alice Springs is on the Todd River, a dry bed that contains water only after a heavy rain. This river rises in the MacDonnel Ranges and flows through the rich alluvial plain where Alice Springs is located, then disappears about 300 km south in the Simpson Desert.
The springs themselves are located northeast of the city, and were discovered in 1871, while the Overland Telegraph was being built. The Springs were named after Alice Todd, who was the wife of Sir Charles Todd, the namesake of the Todd River, and the driving force behind the telegraph's creation.
Of course, these weren't the first settlers of Alice Springs. There have been 5 generations of Europeans there, but over 500 generations of Aborigines. A number of the attractions in this area are related to that ancient culture, in addition to those related to the area's more recent history.
One great place to start a tour of Alice Springs is Anzac Hill, with its amazing 360 degree view of the city and surrounding area. Continue east to see the dry bed of the Todd, as well.
For history buffs, there's Adelaide House, the first hospital in Alice Springs. With nearly forty-five centimeter thick walls and a unique cooling system, this house is something to see. You'll also be able to view the radio hut where the famous pedal wireless radio was used - the site of the first field radio telegram transmission in the country.
The Old Stuart Gaol is Alice Springs' oldest building, made out of local materials, just like the railway cottages near the train station. Nearby is Gnoilya Tmerga, or Wild Dog Rock, which has associations with an Aboriginal legend.
Each year in August there's the Henley-on-Todd regatta, where competitors race along the dry river bed. With May comes the Bangtail Muster, a parade featuring humorous floats. There's a lot of rail history preserved by the Ghan Preservation society, which offers a souvenir shop and tea room.
At the Pitchi Richi Sanctuary, clay sculpture mingles with collected machinery in an animal sanctuary. A few km away is Emily Gorge, and those who love nature should also check out area attractions like Simpson's Gap National Park, the Ewaninga Rock Carvings Reserve, and the Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve.
You may have heard Alice Springs referred to as the center of Australia, and it's certainly a popular tourist spot. People come from around the world to see the Olgas (or Kata Tjuta), the MacDonnell Ranges, and Ayers Rock (Uluru). In addition, there are a number of other attractions, too.
Alice Springs came into being as a vital link in the Overland Telegraph Line. It later became a major railhead in the Northern Territory, with goods passing through the city on their long journey to other destinations.
Located about 600 m above sea level, Alice Springs is on the Todd River, a dry bed that contains water only after a heavy rain. This river rises in the MacDonnel Ranges and flows through the rich alluvial plain where Alice Springs is located, then disappears about 300 km south in the Simpson Desert.
The springs themselves are located northeast of the city, and were discovered in 1871, while the Overland Telegraph was being built. The Springs were named after Alice Todd, who was the wife of Sir Charles Todd, the namesake of the Todd River, and the driving force behind the telegraph's creation.
Of course, these weren't the first settlers of Alice Springs. There have been 5 generations of Europeans there, but over 500 generations of Aborigines. A number of the attractions in this area are related to that ancient culture, in addition to those related to the area's more recent history.
One great place to start a tour of Alice Springs is Anzac Hill, with its amazing 360 degree view of the city and surrounding area. Continue east to see the dry bed of the Todd, as well.
For history buffs, there's Adelaide House, the first hospital in Alice Springs. With nearly forty-five centimeter thick walls and a unique cooling system, this house is something to see. You'll also be able to view the radio hut where the famous pedal wireless radio was used - the site of the first field radio telegram transmission in the country.
The Old Stuart Gaol is Alice Springs' oldest building, made out of local materials, just like the railway cottages near the train station. Nearby is Gnoilya Tmerga, or Wild Dog Rock, which has associations with an Aboriginal legend.
Each year in August there's the Henley-on-Todd regatta, where competitors race along the dry river bed. With May comes the Bangtail Muster, a parade featuring humorous floats. There's a lot of rail history preserved by the Ghan Preservation society, which offers a souvenir shop and tea room.
At the Pitchi Richi Sanctuary, clay sculpture mingles with collected machinery in an animal sanctuary. A few km away is Emily Gorge, and those who love nature should also check out area attractions like Simpson's Gap National Park, the Ewaninga Rock Carvings Reserve, and the Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve.
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