Alice isn’t exactly hot during winter and despite it being in the desert it does rain. But with so many events that only a Territorian can think of, it is hard to stay away! The cooler temperatures make doing those long arduous walks through spectacular national parks bearable, and trust us when we say a desert thunderstorm is something to be experienced. Wildflowers will flourish in a palette of colours unlike anything you’re used to.
Don’t forget your akubra and checked shirt either. As ‘Capital of the Outback’ Alice Springs draws in tourists, trackers and jackaroos. It’s not only a base to explore from but also a base to stock-up in, making it a very well serviced centre.
This home to the iconic Sturt Desert Rose will not leave you wanting. From red plains to gorges and mountains to waterholes, the abundant wildlife will agree, in Alice it’s not what to do that is the question, it’s what will we have to cut out?
National Parks:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta - Uluru
Watarrka - King’s Canyon
West MacDonnell Range - Larapinta Trail & Simpson’s Gap (best time of year)
Finke Gorge
Attractions & Activities:
Araluen Cultural Precinct - Aboriginal Art & Cultural Centre
National Road Transport Hall of Fame
Royal Flying Doctor Service Tourist Facilty
Caravan Parks:
Big 4 MacDonnell Ranges Caravan Park, Alice Springs:
It might be a little pricy but the customers all agree, this caravan park is definitely worth forking out a few more dollars for. Quiet, secure, friendly and well maintained, these are all qualities we now expect from a towny camp spot. But the free entertainment schedule is what really sets this place apart. Featuring a didgeridoo performance and star talks amongst other activities (Apr-Sep only), you don’t even need to leave the camp ground to start experiencing some of the unique local culture.
Free Camping / Low Cost Camping:
Stuarts Well Roadhouse, Stuarts Well - 86km south of Alice Springs
Although former owner Jim and his singing dingo Dinky have moved on, the hearty meals on offer alone make stopping at this joint still worthwhile. The new owners are very friendly and have maintained memorabilia of its previous canine star, with the Camel Farm still operating next door. The roadhouse still offers a range of paid accommodation options, as well as free camping amongst the red dirt out the back. Free campers are welcome to use the amenities, pool or BBQ for a fee.
www.turu.com.au/parks/nt/alice-springs/stuart-s-well-roadhouse-and-caravan-park.aspx
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve (4WD access) - 75km south of Alice Springs via Stuart Hwy, then 22km sandy unsealed road from highway turnoff
Scenic sandstone bluffs and cliffs. These free standing cliffs form part of the James Range, and are particularly attractive in the early morning and late afternoon when the rainbow-like rock bands are highlighted.
Northern Territory Parks & Wildlife Commission Camping Fees Apply
$3.30 - $6.60 / night, per adult.
www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/find/rainbowvalley#.VahvVyDAKM9
Trephina Gorge Nature Park - 85 km east of Alice Springs via Ross Hwy, then 9km drive into gorge, the last 5km on a gravel road
Trephina Gorge, in the East MacDonnell Ranges, is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River Red Gum lined watercourses.
Northern Territory Parks & Wildlife Commission Camping Fees Apply
$3.30 - $6.60 / night, per adult.
www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/find/trephinagorge#.VahvjiDAKM8
Ellery Creek Big Hole - 80km west of Alice Springs, Access via Larapinta & Namatjira Drives, last 2km unsealed
Ellery Creek Big Hole is a spectacular waterhole in the mighty Ellery Creek which cuts through
a gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges (Tyurretye).
Northern Territory Parks & Wildlife Commission Camping Fees Apply
$3.30 - $6.60 / night, per adult.
www.parksandwildlife.nt.gov.au/parks/find/westmacdonnell#.Vahv-SDAKM8
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
