Alice Springs：The Abode of Natural Beauty While at Australia

Alice Springs is known as the third largest territory of Northern Australia and a popular tourist destination. It is said to be the place for original inhabitants of Australia, and there are lots of pieces of evidence to confirm the belief, as you could see many Aboriginal art forms, and the traditional Henley-on-Todd Regatta annual celebration, a typical boat race held on the dry sand bed of Todd River since 1962. You will love the exquisite beauty of nature as well as many other attractions. Starting from museums, art gallery and contemporary art, there are a lot of things to enjoy in Alice Springs. Choose autumn season to visit Alice Springs, an oasis in a real sense.

1. The Kangaroo Sanctuary

If you are in love with kangaroo, then you must visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary situated in Alice Springs. It is a wildlife sanctuary spread of 188 acres with the natural habitat of thousands of kangaroos and a place for orphan baby kangaroos. You can visit the sanctuary from Tuesday to Friday and enjoy the sunset tour for about 2-3 hours. Entry is against a payment of $85 per adult and $45 for children. The sanctuary is not offering guided drive tour option, but tourist will receive education on how to rescue a kangaroo and take care of it. You can adopt a kangaroo or sponsor one.

2. The Larapinta trail

Photo byAndrew Dolman

Enjoy one of the most spectacular brush walking and trekking moments while visiting Larapinta trail, which is one of Australia's most spectacular places. Well, the best time to walk is from April to August. It's a 223 km long trail with 12 sections. There are no trail fees to it. You have water tanks at the head of each path. In case you are planning a walk then arrange for food and water and other safety arrangements. Select your equipment and then undergo communication with the management. You may opt for a business listing, day-long Larapinta trail, multi-day tour, extended walk options or might be the end to end trekking. Fantastic experiences, waiting for you.

3. Alice Springs Desert Park

Alice Springs Desert Park sprawls over an area of 1,300 hectares in the Northern Territory of Australia is a one spot arid region where you can find various species of animals, birds, and plants. The significant exhibits here are Desert Rivers, and country, nocturnal house, woodland, nature theater and aboriginal survival. If you are an admirer of wildlife, then you must never miss visiting the park. You will be stunned to see the various types of life in a desert. The park contains multiple native animals and plants which are representative of Central Australian desert and contribute to their research program of conservation. It will cost you $25.5 to enter the desert park. You can learn about the aboriginal people or attend the daily talk shops on animals and birds of prey.

4. Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Photo byPaul Mannix

Visit the Alice Springs telegraph station, which is situated 4kms north to the town center. If you are fond of historical sites, you will be ecstatic to see the traces of early European settlement. Plan your visit to the four guided tours to know in details about the telegraph station and township. You will love a visit inside the museum where you might see the barracks, the post and telegraph office, station masters residence and station master's kitchen. Entry is against payment pass $13 per adult and $5 for children. Enjoy the trail station café while you might order the famous ‘secret recipe’ of vanilla slice.

5. Anzac Hill

Photo byfa.b

Driving towards to the northern part of Alice Springs will take you to Anzac Hill. Negotiate along the Lions Walk to reach on top of Anzac Hill, which will take you to the observation point, looking over the magnificent city, Alice Springs. You will enjoy the panoramic view of the Alice Springs Township. Never miss a photographic safari of this point. You will love the springs and beautiful surroundings. This place is in memory to the soldiers who laid their lives during World War I. You may avail the self-drive touring, outdoor activities, history, heritage and wild parks. If you are fond of culture, then visit the aboriginal art, Afghan cameleers, historical sites and also fascinating museums.

6. Alice Springs reptile center

Photo byAndy Tyler

It is the most significant home for reptiles in central Australia. You can see an extensive range of reptiles including saltwater crocodile, enormous perentie goannas, frill neck lizards, thorny devils and other geckos. You will enjoy the educational lectures on reptiles emphasizing their habits, habitats, predators, adaptation, food and finally the first aid steps against snake bite. The professionals, here train you on how to catch venomous snakes. In case you are not interested in the course, you may just see the demo to understand the nerves involved in such a gutsy act. The charges for admission are $17 for adults and $9 for children. Special discount rates are available for school groups.

7. Ormiston Gorge

Ormiston Gorge is the best-preferred location for camping enthusiasts. The campsite has all the facilities with water and refreshment rooms. Enjoy coffee from a kiosk over here and the delicious BBQ. You may enjoy activities like a 3-4 hour free walk called Ormiston pound walk. In and around, Ormiston Gorge, you can find many camping tour operators, and most of them do have website and information related to the services available. As part of the camping kit, you shall have air mattresses and black wolf turbo tent. In addition, you can also have Aeropress coffee maker, jetboil, primus omniifuel and MSR micro rocket stove as cooking equipment, etc. which are optional. Make advance booking so that everything will be in order while you reach at Ormiston Gorge.

8. Flynn’s Grave Alice Springs

Photo byPrince Roy

Reverend John Flynn was the founder of Flying Doctor Service and Australian Inland Mission. On his grave plaque, his lifetime achievements and accomplishments can see inscribed and visiting Flynn's Grave is a respectful homage to the great soul. You can actively engage in camping, nature walk, camel riding, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, scenic flights and much more. Further, it will be an exciting experience walking around the Mac Donnell Ranges, Finke Gorge National park, hiking, etc. Do you want to have some hiking practice? As part of the tour, you can have some hiking practice and also become part of a self-drive tour.

9. Emily ＆ Jessie gaps

While traveling towards the East Mac Donnell ranges, then you will come across with these small gaps in Heavitree range. Close to Alice Springs, it's an example of parks and wildlife commissions to the aboriginal culture. The part is open throughout the year, hence tourist can have unrestricted access. Emily gap is a sacred site, and you have to maintain its sanity and privacy and keep your hands off from touching any of the aboriginal art forms. Apart from the picnic, you cannot do camping here.

10. Simpsons Gap

It is a stunning gorge cut by the West Mac Donnell ranges. You can cover the trail in 1 hour or even 3-4 hours, depending on the places you want to see. It's a favorite place to visit during the summer as you will get evening drinks and dinner. You can find comfortable high altitude location to set up your BBQ session, and enthralling picnic spots surrounded by the black-footed loving rock wallabies. While on tour, don’t forget to keep adequate water, food, and wear a pair of sturdy shoes. Behind the ranger station, is the shirt walk, which is also known as the ghost gum walk. Moving further ahead about 1.5 km you can another trekking experience - the cassia hill walk. All these locations are free entry.

◎ Closing

Alice Springs is known for its diverse nature. You may find the variety of natural wonders from gorges, zoo, reptile center, hills, and other historic sites. Apart from the above-described locations and tour options, one can find out many other fascinating destinations. Alice Springs, won't be blessed with natural beauty when comparing to other tourist destinations in Australia. But it has many things to cater the demand and expectations of tourists of different nature. An array of museums, aboriginal art forms, exciting wildlife, never-ending arid landscapes, and dining, accommodation, and leisure options are some of the attractions of Alice Springs. After all, there is no place on earth so warm and hospitable like Australia.