Cheap Flights To Alice Springs

Flanked by the Todd River to the north and the imposing, Majestic MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs, affectionately known as "the Alice" to the locals, is the third-largest town in the northern region of Australia. The Arrernte Aboriginal people are the indigenous inhabitants of the area who have resided there for more than 30,000 years. During the latter part of the 1800s, John McDouall Stuart led an expedition through central Austrailia and a decade later, the first white settlers moved to the area.

Also referred to as Arrernte country, the Alice Springs boast a wealth of mountain ranges, gorges and waterholes which encourage an array of exotic wildlife. Moreover, this stunning region is renowned as an area of outstanding natural beauty and visitors flock to see its natural wonders. West MacDonnell National Park, for example, is more than just the natural habitat of many mammals, amphibians and birds. Visitors are able to camp in the area and many historic Aboriginal sites are also located there. Alice Springs also hosts a number of cultural and artistic festivals each year, which are visited by tourists from all over the world. Visit in October for the Yapa Styles Fashion Festival, a charitable event organised to assist young Aboriginal people to become involved with fashion and the arts.

Things To Do

Without a doubt, many of the visitors to Alice Springs and the area are enticed by the town's natural beauty, magnificent landscapes and captivating wildlife, however, Alice Springs also offers an array of historic sites and fine restaurants.

• For nature lovers

Visit West MacDonnell National Park, and if you're so inclined, you can even camp there. The park features magnificent views, wonderful trails and offers a glimpse into Aboriginal culture and life.

• For the history enthusiasts

Trek to the Old Owen Springs Homestead, the ruins of the early pastoralists' community. The trek also includes the Aboriginal Stockman's Quarters and the Milners hut from the 1950s.

• For the foodies

Dine at Overlanders Steakhouse and sample some authentic Austrailian cuisine. The menu serves offerings of kangaroo, emu, crocodile and even camel meat, followed by sumptuous desserts including banoffee pie.

Calendar Of Events

Alice Springs is host to some colourful and fun-filled festivals. Many of the festivals celebrate Aboriginal culture and traditions, however, a number of events also celebrate the arts.

• Yapa Styles Fashion Festival

The Yapa Styles Fashion Festival. This is held in October and is a fundraising event to assist young Aboriginal people to become involved in the arts. The event features fashion shows, fine art, workshops and traditional Aboriginal artwork and crafts.

• Wide Open Space Festival. The Wide Open Space Festival is held in March and features live performances from local and national bands, arts and crafts, a colourful market and workshops.

• The Alice Desert Festival. The Alice Desert Festival is hosted in August and Spans three weeks. The event celebrates the desert and its cultural landscape. The festival features performers such as acrobats, live music, arts and traditional desert food.