In the early days, only the most adventurous pioneers travelled to Australia's interior and today, the rugged backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges makes Alice Springs a great base for modern adventurers.
Discover life in the desert
Alice Springs is surrounded by a red sand sea the size of Europe. The Simpson Desert stretches south from Alice towards the South Australian border and the Tanami Track goes for over 1000km to the north-west and into Western Australia. Hidden in all that remoteness are some of nature's most fascinating treasures. Spend some time exploring this extraordinary landscape and you'll see why the desert is anything but barren. The desert is imprinted with spiritual significance for local Aboriginal people, the Arrernte, who Dreamtime stories give meaning to its striking landforms. One of the most inspiring ways to explore the area is with a local guide. Day trips and extended journeys into the East and West MacDonnell Ranges are easily organised from Alice Springs. The award winning Alice Springs Desert Park, located on the outskirts of town along Larapinta Drive also provides fascinating insight into ecological life in Central Australia's arid zone habitats. Other attractions located in and around Alice Springs like the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre and the Date Farm interpret key elements of the desert from its native flora to its unique wildlife and the fascinating history of Afghan Cameleers and other pioneers. more
