See The Old Telegraph Station which displays historic telegraph equipment at the site of the original Alice Springs settlement and communications post. Just out of town is the Winery-Alice Springs, Central Australia's first and only winery. Territorians and Australians all over remember June 1942 when John Curtin, the then Australian Prime Minister, cut the umbilical cord with mother England and turned to the United States that culminated in the signing of the Anzus pact, linking Australia and New Zealand to the US as a partner and military ally. The ANZUS pact remains today, stronger and committed just as it was 60 years ago. Today's generation may not realize the significance of the Battle of Midway fought by the victorious US Navy but their parents surely do. If not for the US Navy, Northern Australia may not have been the free and wonderful place it is today.

Aboriginal Experience

At Ayers Rock/Uluru, conservation rangers take guided tours, explaining the traditional Aboriginal lifestyle, bush foods and medicines. Visit the Aboriginal community at Wallace Rock Hole, 72 miles/117 km west of Alice Springs. Further to the west is the Hermannsville Aboriginal community, a good stop-off point to meet the traditional owners of the area. Kings Canyon also offers Aboriginal cultural tours.

Beyond the City

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 story the "Kanga" tells is about an Aboriginal stockman who seemed frightened by a cheeky big black crow that had flown close to the campfire by perching directly above in a gum tree. The Kanga was told by the Aboriginal fellow that the crow was the spirit bird of his ancestors, believing that when an elder of the tribe passed away, his spirit returned to earth in the form of the black crow.

Our Kanga was led to believe that the Aboriginal Dreamtime is their way of explaining death. When alive, one awakes from your dream, but upon death, you remain in a state of Dreamtime forever. However, more learned people know that Storytelling is an integral part of life for Indigenous Australians. From an early age, storytelling plays a vital role in educating children. The stories help to explain how the land came to be shaped and inhabited; how to behave and why; where to find certain foods, etc. Go to Dreamtime

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 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.

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. 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 world's biggest monolith. It takes about 4.5 hours to drive there or 40 minutes by air. Short and extended tours leave Alice Springs by air or coach.

Nightlife

Lassiters Hotel Casino is a luxurious oasis in the heart of Alice. Flanked by the McDonnell Ranges and adjoining one of the world's best desert golf courses, the Hotel Casino not only offers 4.5 star accommodation, but also a traditional Irish Pub, bistro and a range of bars and an international standard casino.

Golf in the Red Centre

Considered the sporting showpiece of Central Australia, is the Alice Springs Golf Club which boasts one of the world's finest desert golf courses. The view of the narrow strips of vividly manicured green, contrast dramatically with the golden brown views of the majestic McDonnell Ranges and the harsh surrounding desert. Very much like the desert courses in the US.

See the Alice Springs Golf Club for golf in the Territory. Return to previous page
 

Darwin - A modern gateway to Australia's "Top End" - enjoys a relaxed tropical lifestyle and is an ideal base for visits to such spectacular World Heritage areas as the Kakadu National Park. Yes, the Crocodile Dundee character was based on a real life Territorian in crocodile country (Arnhem Land). Darwin population about 105,000. See Darwin Tourism

City Highlights: Darwin

At Aquascene, just a few minutes from the city centre, visitors can hand-feed fish daily at high tide. See wildlife up close at the Territory Wildlife Park, Berry Springs, 37 miles/60 km south east of Darwin. The Top End is famous for fishing, especially barramundi - and many local operators run fishing tours and safaris. Stroll through the Botanic Gardens or take a harbour cruise to explore mangroves, beaches and World War II sunken ships. Soak up the colour at Mindil Beach Markets held every Thursday and Sunday night from March unitl October. In the evening, try the local cuisine with choices, such as buffalo, barramundi or even crocodile. Then try your luck at the MGM Grand Casino.

Art History and Culture

Aboriginal art and natural science can be studied at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, which incorporates a maritime museum. To learn about the cities active role in World War II, visit the Aviation Heritage Centre, featuring planes shot down over Darwin. Visit the East Point Military Muesum to see footage of the Japanese bombing of Darwin in 1942. The Wharf Precinct is a place to explore historic walking trails, the Survivors Lookout and World War II tunnel. The Indo-Pacific Marine aquarium features a living coral display.

Nightlife

Try your luck at the SkyCity Casino. Their bars and nightlife will take you into the evening, choose from 4 bars and one nightclub.

Beyond the City

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.

The Coburg Peninsula, 124 mles/200 km by air north east of Darwin, is a pristine wilderness steeped in Aboriginal culture. Entry is by permit only, with camping or wilderness lodge accommodation. You can travel there by 4wd vehicle or fly from Darwin. Kakadu National Park, 155 miles/250 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. Day and extended coach tours, 4wd vehicles and light aircraft operate from Darwin. Accommodation at Kakadu includes camping, bungalows and motels.

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. 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 Nitmiluk National Park/Katherine Gorge, where visitors can take a boat or canoe through spectacular gorges carved by the Katherine River.

Events: Whats on and things to do in the Territory.

Getting Around

Alice Springs: Airport transfers by bus or private car.
Darwin Public Transport: Bus services operate in the city and suburban areas. The Mandorah Jet Shuttle operates a ferry service across the harbour. A sightseeing bus service links major tourist attractions. Passengers can disembark or rejoin as they please. For both Alice Springs and the "Top End", it is advised to rent a car or travel by Driver Guide Coach. Contact us about our self drive 4wd Toyota Landcruiser/Troop Carrier Safaris in the Northern Territory.

Go to Enquiries & Quotation for your custom planned and priced itinerary

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