The centre of Alice Springs is compact; only a few streets wide and bounded by the Todd River on one side and the Stuart Highway on the other. Perhaps the best place to get an overall impression of Alice Springs is Anzac Hill, which forms the northern boundary of the town. Todd Street is the main shopping area and is lined with galleries displaying outstanding examples of Aboriginal arts, crafts and textiles. Here you can see how closely intertwined Aboriginal culture is with life in Alice Springs.

Approximately 470km south west of Alice Springs is the world's largest monolith - Uluru (Ayers Rock). Rising 348 metres above the surrounding plain, Ayers Rock is one of Australia's most recognised symbols. You can climb the Rock itself or explore the base with its caves and gullies. If possible, observe the rock during sunrise or sunset to see a fantastic colour spectacle.

Also located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park are The Olgas, only 32km west of Ayers Rock. The Olgas are a series of several giant rounded rocks which rise abruptly from the spinifex (spiky grass) covered plain. There are about 30 brilliant red monoliths scattered across the plain. Mt Olga rises 545m, almost 200m taller than Ayers Rock.

Part of the James Range (100km south of Alice Springs) is Rainbow Valley featuring sandstone cliffs and bluffs which are particularly attractive at sunrise and sunset. The area is rich in Aboriginal heritage and paintings.

Kings Canyon, 320km west of Alice Springs is one of the most interesting and scenic ares of the Red Centre. The climb to the edge of the canyon rim is well worth it, offering spectacular views. Visit the Lost City and the Garden of Eden. Kings Canyon is the deepest gorge in the Centre. The red walls tower up to 270m and meet at a cliff where a waterfall tumbles.

Within easy reach of Alice Springs are the beautiful Standley Chasm, Simpson Gap, Ormiston Gorge and the MacDonnell Ranges.

The town of Tennant Creek was made during the gold rush of the 1930's and is now a modern town. It's gold mines are still some of Australia's richest. Tennant Creek continues to thrive with gold and copper production. Follow the Heritage Walk to find out more about the town and it's history.

A fascinating attraction is Battery Hill. There is the mining museum, mining tunnel, the gold ore crushing plant and natural walk.

The Devils Marbles are huge rounded boulders about 1 1/2 hours south of Tennant Creek. They spread for miles through a wide valley and the area is breathtaking at sunrise and sunset. The hundreds of huge, round boulders are balanced precariously on top of each other, and make for interesting scenery.

The McDouall Ranges provide excellent bushwalking and photo opportunities as does the Mary Ann Dam recreational lake.

Around 12km north of Tennant Creek are The Pebbles (Kundjarra). These are large outcrops balanced in amazing formations. This is an Aboriginal sacred site.

Newcastle Waters is an historic droving town with its old pub and store, and a bronze statue of The Drover in the park.

Central Australia has a surprising number of unique animals, birds and reptiles that live in desert habitats. Wallabies, euors, dingoes, emus, geckos, eagles and kites are just a few you'll see during your travels in this area.

Fact Summary

Alice Springs Airport Transfers: To city centre by airport bus approximately $9, or taxi $17.

Ayers Rock Airport Transfers: Free on AAT Kings Coach

Climate: Summer 35-36 deg CC. Winter 12-22 deg CC.

Winter night temperatures can drop as the sun goes down. The average minimum nightly temperature is 4 deg CC.

Ayers Rock is approximately 470 kilometres from Alice Springs. This is an average journey of 5 hours.

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