Alice Springs

Distance in Australia is a whole other thing to compared what you are probably used to, and Uluru (or Ayer's Rock) is approximately 450 km southwest of Alice Springs — considering the vast distances existing in Oz, that is practically nothing. The large sandstone formation is pretty much in the middle of nowhere, in the pristine vastness of nature. The ground is sacred to the Aṉangu, the Aboriginal people in this area.

Kata Tjuta, also known as Mount Olga or The Olgas, is similar to Uluru but different in shape. Lying only about 365 km southwest of Alice Springs, it is — compared to its 'sibling' Uluru — only a stone's throw away, and definitely worth a visit. Once a single piece of rock, the Olgas are now made up of 36 domed formations that have weathered over millions of years. Admire the impressive rocks from afar, for example, by taking the Valley of the Winds walk — a looped trail with fantastic viewpoints. You can walk right through the grooves for some stunning vistas and fewer crowds.

Karlu Karlu, as the Aboriginal Australians say, or The Devil’s Marbles, are gigantic rounded granite boulders spread across a valley. They are one of the main tourist attractions in the Northern Territory. While pathways with information boards and a camping area on the grounds allow visitors to experience this sight all year long, rangers offer an exciting program of live events between May and October.

For a fantastic first glimpse of Alice, you should wander up to this war memorial from where you can also savour in the city's beautiful surroundings. This viewpoint is best visited at sunrise or at sunset, so start or finish your day right by heading up here. This monuments is dedicated to the ANZACS (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) of World War I. Dawn services are held each year on ANZAC day, April 25th.

These fabulous mountains of West MacDonnell Ranges stretch for 644 kilometres east and west of Alice, with numerous water holes, beautiful gorges, historic sites and Aboriginal rock art as well as plenty of walking trails, wildlife and good bush camping. Some places are within a reach of 10-20 kilometres from town, so head here and enjoy its rich atmosphere. There are countless walking tracks ranging, mapped out for leisurely hikes to daring multi-day adventures. The 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail stretches through the park and offers extended and overnight bushwalks.

This historic building is one of the town's most unique heritage places, and erected for government residents back in 1928 already, it even hosted Queen Elizabeth in 1963. On the inside, local history and historic events get displayed right next to the toilet or ’royal throne’ that the Queen used during her visit.

Adelaide House was the first medical facility in Central Australia when it opened back in 1926 with only two nurses. It was designed by Reverend John Flynn of Royal Flying Doctor Service. Remaining the only medical centre in this area until 1939, the building today displays items of local history, and the pedal radio Flynn and Traeger used back then.

Araluen Cultural Precinct is a fantastic complex displaying local cultural and natural history, including the Namatjira Gallery, Aviation Museum, Memorial Cemetery and Museum of Central Australia. While there are also sacred sites and trees of significance to Aboriginal people, you will definitely learn a lot about Australian culture and significance.

Founded in 1993, the museum hosts changing exhibitions about women in pioneering positions such as sports, politics or art, and thus captures the lives of exceptional women in Australian history. The place also holds the Old Gaol museum where you can learn about prison years from 1938 to 1996.

Experience Alice Springs from above with Outback Ballooning Tours, and you will just in time for sunrise fly high over the beautiful landscapes surrounding this area. One balloon carries 2-24 passengers so you can join as both a whole group and a small family, and good weather conditions will make your flight a memorable experience.

This place was founded in 1956 as a botanical reserve, and it offers visitors over 600 different plants, and among them rare trees and flowers from all over the region. Enjoy a walk through nature’s beauty and rest in the cosy Bean Tree cafe nearby, after discovering the fascinating Australian nature, flora and fauna.