Australians know it simply as “The Alice.” Alice Springs, a modern Outback town, is a natural jumping off point for the most spectacular natural wonders that central Australia has to offer; Ayers Rock (Uluru), the Olgas (Kata Tjuta), Devil’s Marbles, Kings Canyon (Watarrka) and attractions in the West and East MacDonnell Ranges.

Alice Springs is located on the banks of the normally dry Todd River in the MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia, close to the geographic center of Australia. Named for the wife of Charles Todd, who was responsible for laying the Overland Telegraph Line, it began as a telegraph station in the 1860’s. However, Alice Springs as a settlement dates it past back to the local Aboriginal people, the Arrernte tribe, who still live in the area.

Alice Springs offers a wide variety of attractions, both within the city itself, or located in the West and East MacDonnell ranges a short drive from away. There are too many attractions to list in this short article; however, a few of the more representative ones are listed.

Local Attractions

Alice Springs Desert Park

In order to get a good feel for the varied habitats that make up the Outback, the Alice Springs Desert Park is the natural place to begin. There are specially designed viewing enclosures highlighting the various terrain types and fauna that can be found in the Outback, rare and endangered animal and bird species in walk-through exhibits and aviaries, as well as some impressive demonstrations from the big birds of prey. Since the Outback is so vast in size it would take literally months to see all the areas represented in this park.

Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Just north of the town of Alice Springs, is the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, where the town got its start. Originally, the town was conceived as a waypoint on the telegraph line linking Melbourne in the south with Darwin on the north, then onto Europe. Many of the old buildings still exist, with much of the original telegraphic equipment on display.

The “Ghan” Railroad Museum

One hundred and fifty years ago, central Australia was opened by camel trains from South Australia. These camel trains were known as “Ghan” after their Afghan handlers. The modern rail line, operating between Adelaide and Alice Springs, traces its name and lineage to these Afghan camel trains. The Ghan Railroad Museum contains a collection of vintage locomotives and rail memorabilia, tracing back the history of the line. For the railroad buff, this is one museum that can’t be missed.

Strehlow Research Centre

The Strehlow Research Centre collection, consisting of exhibits of the late Professor TGH Strehlow, contains more than one thousand sacred ceremonial artifacts, 800 documented ceremonies and hundreds of hours of film and audio footage, as well as photographs documenting the lives of the Aboriginal people and their culture. The Strehlow Research Centre goal is to act as a center for research, in order to obtain a better understanding of the aboriginal people.

Alice Springs makes a welcoming starting point for any visit to Central Australia, offering comfortable accommodations, fine restaurants, and 24 hour supermarkets. Restaurants vary from five-star dining to fast food chains. In addition, Alice Springs offers a number of art galleries, where the art of the local aboriginal people can be explored. The local attractions blend in nicely with other attractions in Central Australia.

Don’t forget to come prepared, and bring plenty of film!!!

Camera Stores: While Alice Springs has a number of camera stores, it can be difficult to replace items of camera equipment that may have been damaged or to stock up on “pro” versions or “larger” format versions of your favorite films. The stores cater to the tourist market primarily. Driving in the Outback: Car rental in the Outback is very expensive, but because of the distances involved and the lack of local transportation it is a necessary expense. Note, driving is on the left in Australia. Only rent a 4wd vehicle if you are very experienced in driving one. It can be extremely expensive if you get your vehicle into a position which you can’t get out of. Todd River: Stay clear of the Todd River if there are thunderstorms in the area, or if there is running water in the channel. The Todd River is subject to flash flooding, making for dangerous conditions. This advice should also be considered for all rivers in the Outback.