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Central Australia - Cities, Towns and Localities |
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Central Australia encompasses a breadth of lands that is immense in size and
ancient in origins. Occupying about one sixth of Australia’s total land mass,
it’s boundaries hold not only some of Australia’s unique and significant icons,
but is home to a variety of contrasting landscapes, providing a unique
experiences for visitors to the region.
 When travelling through Central
Australia, you pass through land that is traditionally associated with different
Aboriginal language groups. As the original custodians of Central Australia,
they have a unique relationship with the land, that is communicated through
their art and Dreamtime stories, weaving a connection between spirit and
country.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘heart’ of Australia, this immense semi-arid
region is full of life and has many attractions. With it’s rich Aboriginal
culture and the more modern European history, the region encapsulates the true
Australian outback spirit.
Whilst here, take the time to visit many of the significant areas including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,
Kings Canyon, East and West MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson Desert Region, Tennant
Creek and Barkly Region and Alice Springs. For a look at some approximate
kilometres between destinations, check our
Alice Springs
Distance.
For up-to-date information contact any of the following tourist information centre. For
accommodation
click here:
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Central Australia Attractions
• There are many things to see and do for those planning a visit to Central Australia.
One of the great places to make your base, and where many tour providers operate
from, is Alice Springs.
 For those new to the area, a visit to many of the regions attractions can entail anywhere from half a day to a couple of days,
depending where you start from and if you stay overnight. The vastness of the
region may involve travelling distances of 500 km or more.
If doing a self-drive tour, it is important that you are prepared, with
enough food, water, fuel, maps, and letting someone know your route, and when to
expect you back. Some of the things to see in the region
include:
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 Alice Springs Desert Park • Larapinta Drive, ALICE SPRINGS NT 0870
• Ph: +61 8 8951 8788 • Fax: +61 8 8951 8720 •
• Web:
www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au
• The park introduces visitors to the incredible but subtle richness of
Australia’s arid zone. Designed to move well beyond the boundaries of
traditional zoos, botanic gardens and museums, the park has adopted a holistic
“habitat-based and story driven” approach. Discover the desert in its entirety,
the landscapes, animals and plants, and their traditional use and management by
Aboriginal people.Nestled in the foothills of the West MacDonnell Ranges, just ten minutes from
the centre of town you will experience diverse and spectacular landscapes and
learn about the adaptations of hundreds of species of desert flora and fauna.
There are:
- Free-flying birds of prey display.
- Desert Rivers, Sand Country, and the Woodland habitats to explore.
- Close encounters with rare and elusive wildlife in the Nocturnal House.
- A theatre where four and a half billion years of desert evolution will
flash before you in a 20 minute cinematic journey called ‘The Changing
Heart’.
- Interactive interpretive exhibits.
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Gemtree — Gateway to the
Gemfields
• ALICE SPRINGS / PLENTY HIGHWAY
• Ph: 08 8956 9855 •
Fax: 08 8956 9860 •
• Gemtree is located 140 km north-east of Alice Springs, with bitumen road to the
front gate!. Nestled amongst the native bush of the Plenty Highway, it is set on
250 acres park offering nature walks and fossickers tag-along tours. There is a
Gem Room, activities, events, camping, caravan and cabin style accommodation.
Check their site for details.
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Rock Wallabies
• Although Rock Wallabies are elusive creatures in the wild, they can sometimes be
spotted at some of the popular tourist attractions such as
Simpsons Gap,
Palm Valley,
Ormiston Gorge, and
Standley Chasm.
People are usually asked not to feed wild animals.
If you are not fortunate to
see Rock Wallabies, there is one place in Alice Springs where not only can you
see them, but you can also get up close to them as they come down from the range
to feed and drink.
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Territory Parks Alive
• Each year between May and October, the Territory, as part of their Territory
Parks Alive program, runs a series of free guided walks, talks and slide
shows in the parks and reserves across the Territory.
Whether you are a local or a tourist, here is your chance to find out more about
the nature of this wonderful Territory. Contact the local visitors centre or
check the NT Parks & Wildlife website for further information.
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Feeding - Black-footed Rock Wallabies at Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge. |
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