| Alice Springs |  |
Alice Springs
Alice Springs
Alice Springs in Northern Territory at the geographic center of Australia is nearly equidistant from Adelaide and Darwin. An attractive and interesting city, it is the third largest in Norther Territory and steeped in history. Prosperous, thriving, vibrant and diverse - Alice Springs is praised by visitors and adored by residents. It's said 'people come visit for a month and stay for a lifetime'.Set in outback and desert at high altitude, this hot and dry landscape around Alice Springs is spectacular and challenging. Founded as an outpost named 'Stuart' by pioneering explorers, this old telegraph station by a waterhole oasis rapidly became a boom town when first the camel trains, then the railway trains arrived. Todd Mall, named for the Todd River, is an important commercial retail center. The Todd River, like the nearby Finke Gorge is often dry.
Home to the Mparntwe native peoples, Alice still has a very high indigenous population and their strong cultural heritage still enriches the town. It has been observed that a North American influence is present, too, with many American residents introducing their sports and festive holidays into the adopted culture around the city.
Notable for its prestigious Art Galleries and desert-orientated activities, Alice's colourful society mirrors it's colourful location set amidst some of Australia's most dramatic scenery. Nearby in the region, the famous Uluru / Ayers Rock landmark is an unmissable attraction, as is the Kata Tjuta / Mount Olga rock escarpment. Alice has a museum to the Royal Flying Doctors Service, the Civic Center, the world's largest classroom at the School of the Air, and a Pioneers Museum amongst it's many attractions.
Travel Directions and Getting There:
By road: Stuart Highway north from Adelaide to Darwin.
By air: Alice Springs airport connects flights to [[2169,Adelaide]], [[2923,Ayers Rock]], Cairns, Darwin, [[2129,Melbourne]], [[1538,Sydney]] and [[1711,Perth]].
By rail: Alice lies on the Adelaide to Darwin route, and is visited by The Ghan passenger railway (named for the Afghan camel train which founded this route).
