Why you should go
Alice, as it is better known, is not only an artistic hub,
it is full of interesting places and Aboriginal heritage sites. Put simply,
this sleepy place is unique.
Background
Located almost in the centre of Australia, snugly tucked between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice is remote. It may be the third largest town in the Northern Territory but as there are fewer than 30,000 inhabitants, it has the feel of a small village.
The personality of the people
Spirited and unconventional, the population of Alice make this town rather special. Many along the way have added their contribution to the town’s story. Evident is the strong cultural tie with the Arrernte people.
Best view
From the top of Anzac Hill, on which there is a memorial dedicated to those who have lost their lives fighting for their country, you can see great vistas of the town and the MacDonnells that surround it.
Mix with the people
Todd Mall is the town’s main drag. As you would expect, there are some great cafés, restaurants and bars here where you can strike up conversations with the locals. Do not forget to visit some of the art galleries selling interesting Aboriginal art, that line the street. There are also plenty of quirky boutiques for you to mooch around. The Visitor Information Centre can be found here as well.
Heritage buildings
On Parson Street you will see some lovely buildings including The Residency, the former home of the Government Resident of Central Australia, built in 1928 and the the Old Stuart Town Gaol from the early 1900s.
Go for a walk
The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is probably quite unlike a garden you have been to before. Founded in 1956 by Olive Muriel Pink, it showcases plants from Australia's centre.
Best festival
Parrtjima (parrtjimaaustralia.com.au) a free 10-night festival, is a special experience. The dates differ every year. This year, 2019, it is being held from April 5 to April 14. This authentic Aboriginal light extravaganza has some amazing light installations from Aboriginal Artists. Set against the MacDonnell Ranges this is the stuff that make memories. As you listen to music or hear a talk you are mingling with the local community.
Located almost in the centre of Australia, snugly tucked between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, Alice is remote. It may be the third largest town in the Northern Territory but as there are fewer than 30,000 inhabitants, it has the feel of a small village.
The personality of the people
Spirited and unconventional, the population of Alice make this town rather special. Many along the way have added their contribution to the town’s story. Evident is the strong cultural tie with the Arrernte people.
Best view
From the top of Anzac Hill, on which there is a memorial dedicated to those who have lost their lives fighting for their country, you can see great vistas of the town and the MacDonnells that surround it.
 |
| Todd Mall |
Mix with the people
Todd Mall is the town’s main drag. As you would expect, there are some great cafés, restaurants and bars here where you can strike up conversations with the locals. Do not forget to visit some of the art galleries selling interesting Aboriginal art, that line the street. There are also plenty of quirky boutiques for you to mooch around. The Visitor Information Centre can be found here as well.
 |
| The Todd River |
Heritage buildings
On Parson Street you will see some lovely buildings including The Residency, the former home of the Government Resident of Central Australia, built in 1928 and the the Old Stuart Town Gaol from the early 1900s.
Culture injection
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tourist
Facility (rfdsalicesprings.com.au)
runs tours every half an hour from 9am until 4pm so you can learn more
about how the service works. On the nearby Stuart Terrace, is the former
women’s prison which is now home to the Pioneer Women’s Hall of Fame (pioneerwomen.com.au)
The Telegraph Station (alicespringstelegraphstation.com.au) the
birthplace of the Alice Springs township, is a must on most tourists’
itinerary. Set up in 1871, messages were relayed between Darwin and Adelaide.
They also linked with an underwater cable network to London, which enabled the
first communication between Australia and England.
Araluen Arts Centre (araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au) renowned for its Aboriginal art is the hub of the Araluen Cultural Precinct where you will you find museums, a theatre and Arrernte sacred sites.
Araluen Arts Centre (araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au) renowned for its Aboriginal art is the hub of the Araluen Cultural Precinct where you will you find museums, a theatre and Arrernte sacred sites.
Go for a walk
The Olive Pink Botanic Garden is probably quite unlike a garden you have been to before. Founded in 1956 by Olive Muriel Pink, it showcases plants from Australia's centre.
Check out the Todd River which is dry the majority of the
year.
 |
| Parrtjima2018 |
Best festival
Parrtjima (parrtjimaaustralia.com.au) a free 10-night festival, is a special experience. The dates differ every year. This year, 2019, it is being held from April 5 to April 14. This authentic Aboriginal light extravaganza has some amazing light installations from Aboriginal Artists. Set against the MacDonnell Ranges this is the stuff that make memories. As you listen to music or hear a talk you are mingling with the local community.
The festival takes place at the Desert Park a place that has
strong links to the local Arrernte people.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
I went by coach from Uluru. You get to see spectacular scenery as you pass through the outback including seeing Atila (Mt Conner) which tourists often mistake for Ulluru. For more info visit aatkings.com
I went by coach from Uluru. You get to see spectacular scenery as you pass through the outback including seeing Atila (Mt Conner) which tourists often mistake for Ulluru. For more info visit aatkings.com
Stay at
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters. A short walk from Alice Springs CBD, this is regarded as the best hotel in town. For more info visit ihg.com/crowneplaza
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters. A short walk from Alice Springs CBD, this is regarded as the best hotel in town. For more info visit ihg.com/crowneplaza
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