Travel guide Central Australia & Alice Springs

Too often, discussions about the Northern Territory centre around Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata-Tjuta (the Olgas) and Kakadu National Park. The reason for this is clear to anyone who has ever laid eyes on these places – they’re truly amazing. But sometimes, it’s the lesser known places that make a holiday really special - the little surprises you see along the way. Like the luxurious hot springs of Mataranka. To the south of Katherine, with a population around 250, this little town boasts a truly magical spot to rejuvenate and ponder why nature decided to put a hot tub in the middle of nowhere. The lagoon is surrounded by palm trees, and the sandy bottom is lovely to run your feet through as you luxuriate in the warm water. Of course, you wouldn’t fly across the world f... Read more

For many, it is a dream to travel to the Land Down Under.  The Great Barrier Reef is a natural phenomenon many long to see for themselves, as is the giant Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock) sitting smack in the middle of the country. Seeing kangaroos in the wild, the chance to cuddle a koala, and just experience the laid-back attitude for which Australians are famous, may seem like an impossible dream. Happily, it takes only a day to travel to this great island continent, and with flights more reasonably priced than ever, and plenty of deals available throughout the year, you could soon be chatting with the locals while marveling at the mixed-up features of a platypus. Getting there Plenty of airlines travel to Australia, including their main carrier, Qantas. How much you pay to t... Read more

There is no such thing as “A town like Alice.” Okay, yes – there is an interesting novel of that name by Neville Shute. And there was even a movie in 1956 as well as a mini-series in 1981 – both based on and titled after the novel, A Town Like Alice. But nowhere else in the world will you actually encounter a town anything like Alice – a place where locals have such a nutty sense of humour that for decades, they have been running boat races in a completely dry river – only to cancel one year because there was actually water in it. Nowhere else will you find a lively town sitting smack in the middle of a red desert where couples dress in bride and groom attire to race camels each year. Alice Springs, usually just called “Alice”, is a town with... Read more

Step back in time and experience the beauty that has been a home to Aboriginal people for more than 40,000 years. Australia’s most famous national park spans an enormous 20,000 square kilometers and is one of the few Australian sites listed by UNESCO World Heritage for both its cultural and natural offerings. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in Kakadu, along with countless different birds and animals, stunning rock formations, ancient cave paintings and cultural offerings. It is impossible to see and experience everything in a single trip. What to do in Kakadu? Whether you are in search of a leisurely escape or a vacation packed with adventure, you will find choices to suit your touring style. Budget conscious travelers will find many free guided tours and activities ... Read more

At first glance, a person could be forgiven for thinking that a holiday to a big red rock in the middle of a desert would lack excitement. Let’s face it - the surf is terrible, even if there is plenty of sand. But gaze a bit deeper, and discover a place unlike anywhere else on earth, rich in beauty, culture, adventure, and intrigue. Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock, is a giant sandstone monolith set in the World Heritage listed Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park. With a circumference of 9.4km and a height reaching 348m, Uluru is one of the world’s largest monoliths and a highly recognizable symbol of Australia to people throughout the world. From the distance, Uluru looks like a smooth red rock. As you approach, you will see that it is actually filled with long vertical ridges... Read more