What to do in Alice Springs
Alice Springs may be a small town but you
could spend at least a week here to see it all; Ayers Rock / Uluru,
Kings Canyon, Olgas /Kata Tjuta, Aboriginal culture, camel riding,
hot air ballooning, lots to do !
Aboriginal art and culture in Alice Springs
To learn more about the original inhabitants of the area,
the Arrente Aborigines, visit the Strehlow Centre or the Araluen Arts
Centre. It has some of the work of well known Aboriginal artist Albert
Namatjira. Or go on one of the guided
tours from Alice Springs that will take you out to remote
Abriginal communities.
Albert Namatjira was the first Australian Aborigine to
be recognized both nationally and internationally as an artist. His
landscape paintings capture the essence of the Australian outback. Namatjira's
paintings express his relationship with the Arrernte country, particularly
the Western Arrernte lands, for which he was a traditional custodian.
Through his intense scrutiny of specific places and his sensitive response
to their individual qualities, Namatjira enables us to see the Centre
as a multi-faceted region of Australia. A region of extremes, central
Australia is far from a 'dead heart'.
Albert Namatjira was born in 1902 spending time in his early formative
years at the Hermannsburg Lutheran Mission. He was initiated as a young
man into the sacred tribal ways and was taught the tribal customs and
ancient laws of the Western Aranda. Namatjira greatly respected his
tribal laws and seldom traveled far from his ancestral home. The majority
of his watercolour works were landscapes of areas that he had known
throughout his life, for they fell within the tribal land of the Western
Aranda.
His art brought him fame and a degree of wealth, but little freedom.
Throughout his life he never neglected his tribal responsibilities and
he never neglected his family or his people, sharing the little that
he made from the sales of his art, with his family and friends. Albert
Namatjira died in 1959.
Dot
painting workshop |
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A unique experience! Today
you'll join Aboriginal artists at the Uluru Aboriginal
Cultural Centre for a fascinating introduction to Aboriginal
law and art. Learn the meaning of some of the symbols
in the dot paintings that depict Aboriginal culture and
lifestyle. Spend the afternoon with the artists and create
your own Aboriginal dot painting, which you'll be able
to take home as a momento of your experience at Ayers
Rock (Uluru) More
info.... |
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Annual events in Alice Springs
From May till August a number of annual events are held
in Alice Springs, also Halloween, Independence Day and Thanksgiving
are celebrated, due to quite a few Americans living here employed at
the U.S/Australian Pine Gap joint defense satellite monitoring base.
Henley on Todd Regatta - a race with
a difference; the Todd river that runs through Alice Springs is at this
time of year as dry as a Pommy's bath towel (Australian expression for
very dry). But with good old Aussie ingenuity the problem has been solved
by having boats with no bottoms so people are actually running carrying
the boats!
Finke Desert Race - some info to
be added here soon...
Camel Cup - the outback's answer to the
Melbourne Cup. Every year at Alice Springs locals and tourists come
together to witness the annual Camel Cup. This long-running tradition
- a fundraiser for the Lions Club - began in 1970 after a pub bet, but
proved so popular the charity decided to hold it on an annual basis.
In 2004 the race became a bit more official when the government of Afghanistan
announced it will sponsor the cup - in recognition of the contribution
of early Afghans to the development of the Australian outback. Also
they will send their ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Mahmoud
Saikal, to present a trophy to the winner of the race. Afghan cameleers
were crucial in major exploration and settling of the remote regins
of Australia between 1860 and 1930. The 34th annual Camel Cup carnival
will was held at Alice Springs' Blatherskite Park with 30 camels fighting
it out in nine races.
Flying Doctors
A visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Visitors Centre on
Stuart terrace is a worthwhile thing to do, this uniquely Australian
institution provides medical care to vast outback areas too far from
any other medical facilities. Here you can learn about this amazing
Australian institution and all proceeds of entry fees help to keep the
Flying Doctors flying. You may have seen them in action in the Aussie
TV series Flying Doctors that was popular in the 1980s that gave a pretty
realistic view of the magnificent work they do.
Botanic Gardens
Visit the Olive Pink Botanic Garden for an introduction
to Central Australia's native plantlife, find it on the other side of
Todd River on Stott Terrace.
Old Ghan Museum
The Ghan is the train that connects Alice Springs with
the outside world and its name reflects the important contribution Afghan
cameleers made to this region. It, is a very important part of the history
of Alice Springs and you can find learn more about it at the Old Ghan
Museum and Transport Hall of Fame.
Tours from Alice Springs
Daytrip
from Alice Springs |
Kata Tjuta
© NT Tourism Commission
|
Rising from the desert sands,
this massive creation from the dawn of time will overwhelm
you. The richness of colour changing by the hour, the
powerful presence of the Aboriginal Tjukurpa (dreaming)
and the enormity of this symbol of the Australian Outback.
Traverse the Walpa Gorge at Kata Tjuta (Olgas), a tumbled
mass of protruding rock domes. Nothing will prepare you
for your first close up of Uluru (Ayers Rock); its ancient
mystery, its spirit and its wonder. Visit this monolith
of Uluru… and stand in awe! More
info.... |
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Uluru
and Kata Tjuta Camping Safari |
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
© NT Tourism Commission
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This two day camping safari
visits two of the main attractions of the Red Centre.
Marvel at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and take the opportunity
to walk along the base of this mighty monolith. Visit
sacred Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and wonder at the rocky
domes and canyon walls. This tour is designed for those
who are looking for adventure and who want to experience
the beauty of Central Australia whilst enjoying the reward
of camping and meeting new friends.
This camping safari caters for those on a limited budget
but still wanting to travel in a small group (10 - 22
passengers). Although there is no hard work on the camping
tour, its success does rely on the participation of all
the passengers to help with things like cooking and collecting
firewood. More
info.... |
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Ayres
Rock, Olgas and Kings Canyon |
Kings Canyon
© NT Tourism Commission
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Explore the highlights of
the Red Centre on this three day camping safari. See the
majestic monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock), the domes of
Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and the rugged beauty of Kings
Canyon. This tour is designed for those who are looking
for adventure and who want to experience the beauty of
Central Australia whilst enjoying the reward of camping
and meeting new friends.
This camping safari caters for those on a limited budget
but still wanting to travel in a small group (10 - 22
passengers). More
info.... |
|
Red
Centre 4WD Camping Safari |
Ayers Rock
© NT Tourism Commission
|
This 4WD camping safari gives
you an in-depth experience of the Red Centre. From the
more familiar icons such as the majestic monolith of Uluru
(Ayers Rock), the domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and
the rugged beauty of Kings Canyon, to the lesser known
highlights of the Western MacDonnell Ranges, Palm Valley
and the Wallace Rock Hole Aboriginal Community. This tour
is designed for those who are looking for adventure and
who want to experience the beauty of Central Australia
whilst enjoying the reward of camping and meeting new
friends.
This camping safari caters for those on a limited budget
but still wanting to travel in a small group (18 passengers
maximum). More
info.... |
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Take
a camel to dinner! |
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No trip to Alice Springs is
complete without a ride on a camel. You are collected
from your Alice Springs hotel and transferred to the Date
Gardens, where you meet your 'ship of the desert' under
the shady palms. Get to know your camel on a leisurely
one hour ride along the sandy course of the Todd River
bed, past magnificent river red gums, on your way to dinner.
On arrival at the Frontier Camel Farm, enjoy a visit of
the Camel Display, the Camel Shop and the kangaroo enclosure,
before pre-dinner drinks and bush-tucker tasting. Then
sit down to a delicious home-cooked dinner, including
nibbles of nutritious native foods and home made bread,
a choice of baked fillet of Barramundi (Fish) or Prime
Beef with fresh salads, warm sticky date pudding, Australian
wine or beer, tea or coffee and fresh local dates. After
dinner, you are transferred back to your Alice Springs
hotel.
More
info....
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Ride
a quad runner |
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This outback quadrunner adventure
includes a guided tour with commentary across the station
over bush tracks, dry riverbeds and alongside mountain
ranges. Wildlife can also be viewed at close proximity.
Undoolya Station is only 17km east of Alice Springs and
is the oldest working cattle station in the Northern Territory
and Outback Quad Adventures are the sole operators on
the station.
Undoolya Station has been operating since the 1800s. The
people associated with the property and the history that
has been created is nothing short of fascinating. The
property is named after the aboriginal word meaning, shadow.
The homestead was one of the first buildings constructed
in Central Australia, and is still the main family accommodation.
All bikes are fully automatic, superior specification,
and easy and fun to ride. No licence is required. No previous
experience is necessary and the tour operator has an excellent
safety record. This Quad Rush tour is bound to leave you
breathless!
More
info....
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Sunrise
ballooning |
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Start your ballooning adventure
in the pre-dawn when the outback sky is alight with the
brightest stars and the air is fresh and cool. Inflation
of the balloon begins with the first faint glow of dawn
in the east and we are aloft when the powerful rays of
sunrise light up this ancient red land and its brooding
sentinel, the MacDonnell Ranges.
Drift over this rugged landscape and appreciate its immensity
and the flashes of green and ruby pink that announce wheeling
budgerigars and galahs. After the flight enjoy a gourmet
bush breakfast, which is served in the outback bush, before
returning to your hotel. A superb way to see the Australian
outback.
More
info....
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© Australian Pacific Touring
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© Australian Pacific Touring
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Travel deep into the Outback Australian bush with an Aboriginal
guide and visit traditional Arrernte Country. For 40,000 years this
area has been a 'meeting place' for the trading of stories, artifacts,
knowledge and artworks. Immerse yourself in this ancient and fascinating
culture, share in the remarkable knowledge of the Arrernte people and
hear tales of their legends and dreamings.
There is an opportunity to sample genuine bush tucker. Listen to the
stories and history of this precious region whilst enjoying billy tea
with damper. Later, have a go at throwing a boomerang and a spear and
learn about Aboriginal languages, art, dance, music and even how to
play the didgeridoo. On conclusion of the tour at approximately 12:30pm,
you will be transferred back to your hotel. More
info on this tour....
Hermannsburg Mission Church
© NT Tourism Commission
On this ten hour 4WD Safari you depart Alice Springs in
the morning and travel through the West MacDonnell Ranges to the remote
Aboriginal community of Hermannsburg in Central Australia for a guided
tour of the historic precinct and its renowned Aboriginal art collection.
More
info on this tour....
Admire the Aboriginal rock art in the East MacDonnell
Ranges on this tour. Explore scenic gorges and ravines and discover
Aboriginal rock art that dates back hundreds and even thousands of years.
Enjoy a bush breakfast before continuing your journey of discovery in
this picturesque region. More
info on this tour....
Discover Alice Springs in a day, and visit the remote
remote, authentic and non-commercial Santa Teresa Aboriginal community,
look at Aboriginal art and meet the local Aboriginal people. You will
be taken back to Alice Springs where you will have time to purchase
lunch (own expense), before joining the tour again to see the town highlights
of Alice Springs and visit the West MacDonnell Ranges and Standley Chasm.
More
info on this tour....
Kata Tjuta
© Northern Territory Tourist Commission
Want to experience sacred sites known to the Aboriginal
people, then dine under the stars of the Outback? This is a fantastic
opportunity to explore unforgettable landscapes and feel the enchantment
of the wilderness for yourself. Sit at your private dining setting in
the middle of the desert and dine in the serenity of the Outback under
a million stars, more
info on this tour...
Uluru Cultural Centre
© Australian Pacific Touring
Aboriginal people have lived around Uluru for thousands
of years and this tour introduces you to the stories and language of
their ancestors. Aboriginal guides explain their culture and law and
demonstrate the bush skills needed to survive. See ancient rock art
and listen to the Python Dreaming legend.
More info on this tour....
Transport Hall of Fame
Here you can learn about how people managed to get themselves
and the supplies needed to settle this remote region from civilization
to where it was needed. Tranport included camel trains, road trains
and real trains.
