Travel Alice Springs

When backpacking in Australia you have to make sure that you go to Northern Territory. Alice Springs and Ayers Rock are two of the top destinations for backpacker in Australia. Let BBM tell you what you need to know before making your visit:

Alice Springs- known as Mparntwe to its traditional inhabitants, the Arrernte Aboriginal Tribe, Alice Springs is truly the ultimate Australian Outback experience. Its arid environment and moderate "smokin'" temperatures, epitomizes true blue Australia. Although very remote, Alice Springs has many star attractions and is the "stop over" before backpackers and tourists visit the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Eating Out

The Overlanders Steakhouse is a truly unique dining experience. It has a signature menu of "The Outback" serving different soups daily with freshly baked damper as the entrée. Followed by samples of Camel, Crocodile, Emu and Kangaroo. Main course is a choice of succulent rump steak or Barramundi Fish. For those with a sweet tooth, desserts range from Pavlova to Apple Crumble and Pie. Tea and Coffee is always on offer.

Bojangles Saloon & Restaurant is located in the heart of Alice Springs and in walking distance to other major facilities in town. Its menu caters for all tastes, ranging from vegetarian options to hearty beef dishes. The restaurant is warm and welcoming, decorated with an eighteenth-century historical theme. A life-size replica of Ned Kelly greets you as you enter the saloon. The service is great and Bojangles guarantees a fun experience, which you will not forget!

The Red Ochre Grill Restaurant is a much more contemporary level of dining. The restaurant focuses mainly on traditional Australian Cuisine, bringing "tastes of the outback" right to your table.

Attractions

Camels Australia Camels Australia, located 90 kilometres south of Alice Springs, is set on nine acres of natural bush land right at the foot of the magnificent James Ranges. Take a short ride around the area and view the wildlife as various animals emerge to say "Hello" or sit back and have something to eat at the Café. There is also a souvenir shop, selling intricate souvenirs and an assortment of Aboriginal paintings.

Corroboree Rock Conservation Reserve is a site of great significance to the Aboriginal people. It is apart of the MacDonnell Ranges. Significance of the rocky outcrop to the Eastern Arrernte people is not well known. Corroboree Rock was probably not a corroboree site, but a site where men carried out important ceremonial activities. Information signs and a short walk help you appreciate the area.

Alice Springs Desert Park - In the space of just a few hours, you can discover many of the secrets of the Central Australian deserts at the Alice Springs Desert Park. Hundreds of the species of plants and animals found across Central Australian deserts can be seen at the Desert Park. This very special park shows visitors just how wonderful Australia's flora and fauna truly is.

Hermannsburg Region is an Aboriginal community 131km South of Alice Springs.. Hermannsburg is the gateway to the beautiful Palm Valley region. Found 18 km South of Hermannsburg, it is described as an Oasis. Surrounded by 25 metre high cabbage palm trees, Palm Valley is a large "creek like" area. It is odd, that this strikingly beautiful creek can be found amongst such an arid piece of land. A must see whilst visiting Alice Springs.

Transport

Local shutters are available for general use by the public. Also an ASBUS bus service operates a Public Bus Transport system throughout Alice Springs on weekdays and Saturdays. Alice Springs Taxis operate daily.

Ayers Rock

If one image stands out as a symbol of Australia it has to be Ayers Rock. Uluru (Ayers Rock) is situated in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, an area that covers a massive 132,566 hectares of land, belonging to the Anangu people. The land is also one of only 20 World Heritage sites that achieved accreditation because of its outstanding natural values as well as outstanding cultural values. A visit to Uluru is a truly memorable experience. It's a sacred land to the Aboriginal people and somewhere that truly depicts Australia.

Activities

Heart Attack Hill
I'm sure, if given a choice; most people would like to have a heart attack whilst doing something spectacular. These giant, ledges are the entrance and only route onwards and upwards to the amazing Kings Canyon. Getting to the top, especially at 6am, is a death defying defeat worthy of a Rocky air punching scene, if you still have any energy left. However, once at the peak you'll witness the best views of the red centre.

Garden of Eden
An oasis called the Garden of Eden is the best section to relax in. Resembling a scene from Jurassic Park; it's a natural pool full of temptation, with young guys and women frolicking in the water. Look up and you'll see ogling men risking their life, leaning precariously on the rim of the canyon desperate to get a glimpse of action. Whether it's labyrinths, greenery or sheer rock climbing, you'll find it here.

Kata Tjutas
After visiting Uluru and Kings Canyon how much more rock can you really explore? It's gets to the point where you just think, ‘I've seen it all before.' Once these feelings begin to kick in it is now prime time to check out Kata Tjuta's Valley of the Winds. Located 48kms from Ayers Rock and standing 200metres tall, the 36 monoliths of Kata Tjuta, meaning many heads, are also called The Olgas. The weathered red domes were discovered in 1872 by explorer Ernest Giles. Ernest said of his discovery: "Mount Olga is the more wonderful and grotesque; Mount Ayers the more ancient and sublime."
So I guess, no matter how much rock you want to avoid, you've got to explore at least these two in order to judge his comparison, which I personally agree with.

Climbing

The Anangu people don't appreciate it and politely request you not to. Unfortunately that doesn't put many people off and thousands climb every year. It's a steep climb - over 60 people have died trying it - and in the burning sun it really shouldn't be an option.
The climb's alternative is a base walk. You can wonder around, and have a look at Australia's various native flora and fauna. Uluru is home to 46 native animals. The majority of travellers head to Uluru for the sunset. Legend has it that as the orange globe slopes downwards, the rock changes colour, much to the oohs and aahs of the expectant crowds.

Transport

Uluru Express is a Yulara based shuttle service, operating between Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Uluru Express is the ideal choice for guests who wish to see the sights of this spectacular region. Uluru Express can pick you up from your accommodation, and also assist you in the planning of your daily activities Uluru Express travel to Kata Tjuta four times daily, twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. This particular location is for those who wish to walk along the Valley of the Winds trail (8km) or the Gorge Walk (2km). Afternoon walks also include a sunset at Uluru. Uluru Express offers experiences not to be missed.

Useful Contacts

Groovy Grape Getaways:

Starting operations in 1997, with the Barossa Valley tours, Groovy Grape Getaways has grown to cover the best of Southern and Central Australia and also extended up to Darwin in May 2009. Showcasing exciting South Australian destinations including the Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, the Flinders Ranges and Coober Pedy, Groovy Grape Getaways honours its mission statement: "To provide culturally aware bus tours that are value for money, fun and groovy to the backpacker market. To promote the regions we travel to and the tourism industry as a whole." Their tours have been endorsed with accreditations for Eco Tourism and Tourism Business.

Check out Backpack NT for adventure tours all over the Northern Territory.

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