Alice Springs

Alice Springs - The gateway to The Red Centre.
Alice Springs, nestled amidst the MacDonnell Ranges in the heartland of central Australia, is the most famous outback town in Oz. 'The Alice', as it's affectionately known, is the hub of Central Australia and has shrugged off its 'dusty old town' image to become a modern oasis in the inhospitable Australian "red centre".

Alice Springs now boasts five star accommodation, superb shopping, nightlife, live entertainment and even a casino; making it much more than just a quick stop-off on your way to Ayers Rock (Uluru). Alice Springs is also one of the main centres for learning about the Aboriginal way of life - with many art galleries, museums and even its own Aboriginal Cultural Centre dedicated to the indigenous culture of Australia.

Although the town is 4hr30mins drive to Ayers Rock (just around the corner in Aussie terms) - you'll find that it is the perfect springboard to launch yourself anywhere in the Red Centre. Almost every tour imaginable leaves from The Alice - from half-day excursions to month-long expeditions.

Whether you fancy gliding silently over the MacDonnell ranges in a balloon, or hiring a 4WD and noisily going it alone along the many spectacular roads in the vicinity, you're bound to see something that will amaze you.

Click here for a map of the Northern Territory