Alice Springs: The City

Alice Springs came to life in the 1870s, as a telegraph station by a small spring, and it was one of a series of repeater stations on the telegraph line linking Adelaide to Darwin to the rest of the world. Despite its isolated location, it became an important part of the communication network for Australia and the northern terminus of the Ghan Railway line. Today, it is still a communications and service hub for central Australia, with all the establishments you would expect in a modern town, grouped in the blocks surrounding the Todd Mall. Also, Alice is one of the main embarkation points for seeing Uluru, the famed red monolith 500 kilometres away. There is a wealth of historical sights from the Old Ghan Railway to the Telegraph Station, with parks housing fascinating reptiles and birds, a host of fine dining cafes and restaurants, and amazing rocky landscapes right on the doorstep. Alice also enjoys a warm climate without the humidity of the Top End, so the city can be perfectly visited at any time of the year. It is particularly popular for a round of wacky festivals, bush sports and dusty regattas in the dry river bed during peak season. Alice also remains a great place to learn more about the rich Aboriginal culture. Seeing the land through their eyes provides a deeper understanding and insight into the true spirit of the area.