Alice Springs, Northern Territory

Alice Springs Pioneers

Alice Springs owes its existence to a cross-section of plucky pioneers and today, travellers can ponder various historic milestones at a number of key heritage sites in and around the town. Just 150 years ago, explorer John McDouall Stuart forged a path through the heart of the continent and the Overland Telegraph Line followed a few years later, connecting Australia to the outside world and putting Alice Springs on the map. The Alice Springs Telegraph Station was the original site of the town and some of its old buildings have been restored and are open for exploration today. For a long time, Alice remained a lonely outpost but the discovery of gold brought miners, and later cattlemen who established stations the size of European countries. As industry grew, so did the need for sophisticated transport and service options for remote settlements. Stop at the National Road Transport Hall of Fame on the way in from the airport to marvel at various feats of mechanic invention including the world's first motorised road train. The original base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Alice is still functional and visitors are welcome to take a guided tour around its operations. Similarly, the School of the Air provides visitors with a view of radio lessons in action and background information on its unique services. more

Art in the heart of the outback

Contemporary Aboriginal art is a thriving industry yet the form is one of the oldest living art traditions in the world. With its eclectic range of styles, the Red Centre is a world-renowned hotspot for Aboriginal art collectors from all around the world. Art has traditionally been used to pass creation stories down through the generations and to communicate important information about the landscape. Alice Springs has more art galleries per capita than any other place on earth. Before delving into an exploration of the region's Aboriginal art, learn more about the culture and history of its traditional owners, the Arrernte people, at the Strehlow Centre. Housed here are various ceremonial artefacts and documentation of sacred stories and songs. Perhaps one of Australia's best-known Aboriginal artists is Albert Namatjira, an Arrernte man who grew up on the Hermannsburg Mission, west of Alice. Namatjira painted the MacDonnell Ranges with startling accuracy and a large collection of his work can be viewed at the Albert Namatjira Gallery in Alice Springs. Spend some time exploring the range of galleries in the Todd Mall that stock fine contemporary aboriginal art. A collection of Western Desert paintings can be viewed and purchased at Papunya Tula Artists and the Mbantua Art Gallery specialises in work from Utopia, best known for female artists such as Barbara Weir and her mother Minnie Pwerle. Sales and events held throughout the year like the Desert Mob Festival offer Aboriginal art lovers the chance to purchase a range of Central Australian art at competitive prices. more

Alice Springs is a town of 30,000 people located on the banks of the usually dry Todd River in Central Australia. This well appointed oasis in the desert is equipped with a wide range of facilities, attractions and accommodation. Anzac Hill in the centre of Alice Springs provides a panoramic view of the town and surrounding mountain ranges. The Araluen Cultural Precinct and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station are worth visiting for an insight into Alice Springs’ interesting history. The Alice Springs Desert Park is an excellent introduction to the flora, fauna and landscapes of Central Australia. Alice Springs is known for its quirky events such as the ASSA ABLOY Henley-on-Todd Regatta, the Camel Cup and the Alice Springs Beanie Festival. The MacDonnell Ranges run to the east and west of the town, and the ruggedly beautiful West MacDonnell National Park is home to many amazing natural attractions, such as Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.
Articles Alice Springs Pioneers Alice Springs owes its existence to a cross-section of plucky pioneers and today, travellers can ponder various historic milestones at a number of key heritage sites in and around the town. Just 150 years ago, explorer John McDouall Stuart forged a path through the heart of the continent and the Overland Telegraph Line followed a few years later, connecting Australia to the outside world and putting Alice Springs on the map. The Alice Springs Telegraph Station was the original site of the town and some of its old buildings have been restored and are open for exploration today. For a long time, Alice remained a lonely outpost but the discovery of gold brought miners, and later cattlemen who established stations the size of European countries. As industry grew, so did the need for sophisticated transport and service options for remote settlements. Stop at the National Road Transport Hall of Fame on the way in from the airport to marvel at various feats of mechanic invention including the world's first motorised road train. The original base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Alice is still functional and visitors are welcome to take a guided tour around its operations. Similarly, the School of the Air provides visitors with a view of radio lessons in action and background information on its unique services. more Art in the heart of the outback Contemporary Aboriginal art is a thriving industry yet the form is one of the oldest living art traditions in the world. With its eclectic range of styles, the Red Centre is a world-renowned hotspot for Aboriginal art collectors from all around the world. Art has traditionally been used to pass creation stories down through the generations and to communicate important information about the landscape. Alice Springs has more art galleries per capita than any other place on earth. Before delving into an exploration of the region's Aboriginal art, learn more about the culture and history of its traditional owners, the Arrernte people, at the Strehlow Centre. Housed here are various ceremonial artefacts and documentation of sacred stories and songs. Perhaps one of Australia's best-known Aboriginal artists is Albert Namatjira, an Arrernte man who grew up on the Hermannsburg Mission, west of Alice. Namatjira painted the MacDonnell Ranges with startling accuracy and a large collection of his work can be viewed at the Albert Namatjira Gallery in Alice Springs. Spend some time exploring the range of galleries in the Todd Mall that stock fine contemporary aboriginal art. A collection of Western Desert paintings can be viewed and purchased at Papunya Tula Artists and the Mbantua Art Gallery specialises in work from Utopia, best known for female artists such as Barbara Weir and her mother Minnie Pwerle. Sales and events held throughout the year like the Desert Mob Festival offer Aboriginal art lovers the chance to purchase a range of Central Australian art at competitive prices. more
Experiences/Activities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander: Caravan and Camping: Farm Stay: Flora/Fauna: Food and Wine: Historic/Heritage: Industry/Mining/Agriculture: Nature based: Nightlife/Clubs/Pubs/Casinos: Outback: Sport: The Arts: Wildlife: Animal Viewing: Astronomy: Ballooning: Bush Tucker: Bushwalking: Camel Riding: Caravan and Camping: Canoeing: Cycling: Golfing: Mountain Biking: Off Road Driving: Quad Bike Riding: Rock Climbing: Scenic Flights: Self-Guided: Shopping: Skydiving: Swimming: Tennis: Train Ride:

Alice Springs, Northern Territory

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Alice Springs Pioneers

Art in the heart of the outback

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