Alice Springs NT 0870
(Pop 27 000)
'The Alice' is an attractive, interesting and tourist-orientated Red Centre city on the Todd River. Surrounded by the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges, it is halfway between Darwin (1 524 km north) and Adelaide (1 530 south). Some of the countless beautiful natural attractions nearby include Chambers Pillar, Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm & Henbury Meteorite Park. Original inhabitants were the Aranda Aborigines who had lived here at least 10 000 years. European history began in 1871 with the discovery of the Todd River and nearby springs by the Overland Telegraph (incl the repeater station) building party both named to honour Sir Charles Todd (SA Postmaster-General) and his wife, Alice. Initially the town was called Stuart (after the explorer) but changed to Alice Springs in 1933. The population grew rapidly following the advent of the Central Australian Railway ('The Ghan') in 1929. Alice Springs began as a pastoral industry service town and developed into a major tourist destination, with large mining communities nearby and the joint defence facility at Pine Gap. Alice markets 2nd Sun each month (Mar-Dec). Racing Carnival (Apr-May), Country Music Festival (Apr-May), Bangtail Musters (May), Finke Desert Race (June), Camel Cup (July), Rodeo (Aug), Henley-on-Todd Regatta (dry riverbed races) (Sept), Corkwood Festival (Nov).
Accommodation:
Alice Springs has about 20 motels, 5 hotels, a resort, 10 B&B/lodges, 10 caravan parks and at least two backpackers.
Visitor Information Centre: 60 Gregory Tce. Tel (08) 8952 5800 or 1800 645 199.
Airport: Alice Springs Airport (ASP), Santa Teresa Rd. Tel (08) 8951 1211. (13 km south).
Hospital: Alice Springs Hospital, Gap Rd. Tel (08) 8951 7777.

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