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Poised proudly in the centre of the continent is one of Australia's great wonders and the world's biggest monolith, Ayers Rock or Uluru by aboriginal name. Also see the Olgas, Standley Chasm and the Devils Marbles. The gateway to Australia's heart and soul is Alice Springs. This historically rich town is just one of the many amazing sights to behold in Central Australia. Population about 25,600. www.travelnt.com

Alice Springs and the "Rock"

Within the vast Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, 280 miles/450 km south west of Alice Springs, are many Aboriginal sacred sites and famous rock formations such as the Olgas/Kata Tjuta and Ayers Rock/Uluru. The Olgas/Kata Tjura are a dramatic series of of 36 dome-like formations which stand up to 1791 ft/546 m high.  Ayers Rock/Uluru is a red rock mass 1143 ft/348 m high and about 6 miles/9 km in circumference, rising in impressive isolation from the surrounding plain. Rising from the plain is actually a misnomer; in actual fact the earth has eroded over millions of years, leaving the rock exposed. It is named after Sir Henry Ayers, the Premier of South Australia in 1872/3. Uluru is the Aboriginal name used many years prior to the white explorers arrival in this part of the world. Ayers Rock Resort, on the edge of the Tjuta National Park, has accommodation ranging from camping grounds to international hotels. Flights from all major cities and rail from Adelaide via the Ghan. Short and extended tours leave Alice Springs by air or coach. It takes about 4.5 hours to drive there or 40 minutes by air from the Alice.

Kings Canyon, 198 miles/320 km west of Alice Springs, is a mighty canyon of pastel-coloured walls reaching a height of 656 feet (almost 200 metres), stretching for almost a mile. Visit the Lost City and the Garden of Eden, noted for their lush vegetation and ancient cycad palms. Lodge style accommodation, hotel and camping facilities available. The cycads can also be seen at the stangely tropical Palm Valley in the Finke Gorge National Park, 96 miles/155 km south west of Alice Springs.

Alice is flanked by the McDonnell Ranges; you'll find Simpson's Gap 11 miles/18 km to the west and the Standley Chasm and safe swimming holes at such spots as Ormiston Gorge, 31 miles/50 km to the west. Lodge accommodation is available.

58 miles/92 km northeast of Alice is the Arltunga Historical Reserve where you can see restored buildings, a visitors centre and where you can wander the graveyard or go down a mine-shaft of this 1887 gold mining town.

Hermannsberg Mission 75 miles/121 km west of Alice, is a restored Aboriginal Mission and the birthplace of the famous Aboriginal landscape painter, Albert Namatjira. Some of his works are on display along with other Aboriginal artists.

Chambers Pillar Historical Society is 102 miles/165 km south of Alice. This sandstone formation is a symbolic site in the Aboriginal Dreamtime and an important landmark in early central Australia history.

One of the oldest cattle stations in the Northern Territory is found at Ross River, 54 miles/87 km to the east of Alice. Homestead accommodation is available there.

The Devils Marbles giant granite boulders some in near perfect spheres, is said to be by Aboriginal legend, eggs laid by the mythical rainbow serpent. A short distance from Hwy 87, south of Tenant Creek, 310 miles/502 km from the Alice.

Katherine, 195 miles/314 km south of Darwin, is the heart of a large region covering cattle country and farmlands. Huge deposits of uranium are located in the Katherine region. The main attraction is the Kathrine Gorge/Nitmiluk National Park, about 708 miles/1147 km north of the Alice, where you can cruise through spectacular gorges carved by the Katherine River. Fine examples of Aboriginal art are accessible by guided tour or walking trails. Built in 1897, the Springfield Homestead, near Katherine, now puts on an Aboriginal coroboree (ceremonial singing and dancing) three times per week. Tours from Darwin (200 miles/321 km) or self drive 4wd Safari from the Alice.

Katherine School of the Air

Litchfield National Park, 80 miles/129 km south west of Darwin, features rugged rock formations, spectacular waterfalls, secluded waterholes, many of which are home to sensational birdlife and pristine rainforest. Coach, 4wd and air tours leave from Darwin.

Kakadu National Park, 124 miles/200 km east of Darwin, is a World Heritage-listed region noted for its magnificent escarpments, vast wetlands teaming with wildlife and fabulous examples of ancient Aboriginal rock art (over 1000 sites recorded). Major sites are Obiri Rock/Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock, both accessible by road. Cruises operate along the South Alligator River and Yellow Waters. Day and extended coach tours, 4wd vehicles and light aircraft operate from Darwin. Accommodation at Kakadu includes camping, bungalows and motels and a 3.5 star hotel.

If you trip to Kakadu, you should trip a little further to the Cobourg Peninsula, 124 miles/200km northeast of Darwin. Rich in Aboriginal culture, this pristine wilderness contains relics of the Macassan trading era. Seven Spirit Bay Resort on the tip of the peninsula is accessible only by small plane, 4wd or boat. Built with permission from the local Aboriginal people, it offers visitors a chance to see abundant wildlife including dingoes, brumbies (wild horses) and large crocodiles.

To experience Aboriginal culture, visit Bathurst and Melville Islands, 50 miles/80 km north of Darwin. The islands - home of the Tiwi Aborigines for thousands of years - offer an opportunity not only to learn about Tiwi culture but also to join in their activities. Colourful Tiwi fabrics and arts and crafts can be bought there. The islands can be visited on a guided tour, which includes a short flight from Darwin.

Alice Springs

Nightlife and accommodation