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Central Australia lies not only
in the heart of Australia, it lies in the hearts
of Australians. In its heart lies one of the most
significant icons of Aboriginal and Australian
culture – Uluru/Kata Tjuta, and the true
Outback spirit that made this country great.
Whether you’re a born-and-bred Australian
or visitor from abroad, touring The Centre gives
you an appreciation of the vast and unspoiled
wonders of Australia’s interior.
Nature overwhelms you in The Centre. The skyscrapers
are made of rock, not steel, and one of the best
shows in town is the spectacular million-star
night-time display. Its arid environment is home
to a large population of unique animals, birds
and reptiles. Wallabies, dingoes, emus, tiny geckos
and huge eagles are just some of the long-established
locals you’re likely to encounter during
your journey around The Centre.
The Aboriginal presence here is strong. Their
cultural and spiritual connection to this region
echoes in every rock and landmark and provides
numerous opportunities for the visitor to learn
of the ways in which the Aborigines of Central
Australia have adapted to this harsh yet fragile
environment.
Lifestyle
From shopping to the arts to sport and
recreation, the people of Alice Springs enjoy
a range of quality facilities comparable to any
town of similar size in Australia.
Climate promotes a healthy outdoor
lifestyle, and even though it might take some
time getting to The Alice, once here, everything
is virtually on your front door.
An excellent 500 seat performing
arts centre which plays host to numerous national
and international performers, in addition to active
local theatre companies. Our artists enjoy international
reputations, especially the traditional and contemporary
art created by the many Aboriginal artists within
Alice Springs and remote communities.
We are avid supporters and participants
of all football codes, cricket and hockey, which
we play on world class facilities including turf
and astro-turf pitches. Our pool is full Olympic
size with an array of smaller pools for the learners
and toddlers. And our 18 hole golf course, with
its grass fairways and greens, is rated one of
the top ten desert courses in the world.
Those with equine interests are not forgotten.
Our variety of equestrian clubs cater to those
who wish to ride and the Alice Springs Turf Club
for those who simply seek nothing more enjoyable
than cheering home a winner.
Culturally, Alice Springs is a diverse community
comprising a delightful multicultural blend, including
a 20% Aboriginal population. Add to this 500,000
national and international visitors annually and
you’ll find we have a worldly, vibrant and
progressive “can-do” perspective unlike
any typical country town of similar size.
Nightlife
Alice Springs has a number of pubs which
party on until late, including Bojangles Australia's
first pub with a webcam. Lasseters Casino, home
of the Irish pub Limerick's, is open until the
wee small hours of the morning. There's also a
nightclub adjoining Melankas backpackers.
Many locals refer to the 'Friday night ABC' -
a time-honoured tradition starting with the Alice
Springs Memorial Club for Friday night Karioke,
then off to Bojangles till closing time at 2am,
followed by the Casino (Lasseters).
Many pubs such as the Sports Bar, Sean's Bar,
Bojangles and Firkin and Hound also feature great
dining to start the night off.
Keep the first Saturday of every month free for
"Club Feva" at the Alice Springs Resort,
a regular Alice Springs Festival event featuring
local music from Latin, Jazz, Classical and Hip-Hop
performers. Enjoy a night of delicious food, wine
and the latest grooves from the desert. $10 entry
and 20% discount at the bar for Club goers.
Other night-time activities range from tenpin
bowling under disco at the Dust Bowl or demolition
derby at Arunga Park speedway, to cycling the
Simpson's Gap bike path by moonllight.
How to get there
Alice Springs is well serviced despite its remote
location
- Daily flights to and from
major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide,
Darwin, Perth and Cairns) and to Uluru (Ayer's
Rock).
- Two services of the legendary
Ghan train each week.
- Daily express coach services
to Adelaide, Darwin and Brisbane.
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