Australian border to the Queensland border in
the southern part of the Northern Territory, is
the geographical centre of Australia. Central
Australia, also known as the Red Centre, is a
land of striking contrasts, with lush Kakadu
National Park in the north and the usually dry
region around Uluru (Ayer's Rock) in the south.
It comprises a mix of cities and townships,
remote Aboriginal communities, cattle stations,
boundless desert landscapes, and some
extraordinary natural wonders, including: the
MacDonnell Ranges, Simpson Desert, Kings
Canyon, Uluru and the Olgas.
While Central Australia has an arid climate, it
certainly does rain. Alice Springs receives about
October and March. Summers are very hot with
temperatures averaging over 35° and frequently
exceeding 40°. Winter temperatures, somewhat
surprisingly, can be very cold, with morning
frosts quite common.
Alice Springs, which lies at the very heart of the
region. The second largest city in the Northern
Territory, `The Alice' is bounded by the Todd
River on one side and the Stuart Highway on the
other. The area is rich in Aboriginal heritage,
paintings and galleries. Within easy reach of
Alice Springs are the beautiful Standley Chasm,
Simpson Gap, Ormiston Gorge and MacDonnell
Ranges.
country, it is the largest communication,
commercial and service centre in the region. It
comprises most of the facilities expected in any
Australian capital city, including a world-class
teaching hospital, a university, numerous public
and private schools, shopping malls, and an
airport offering daily flights to and from major
Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide,
Darwin, Perth and Cairns) and to Uluru. The
legendary Ghan train stops in Alice Springs on
its twice-weekly journey from Adelaide to
Darwin.
mineral resources, enjoys a broad-based
economy supported by numerous, diverse
industry sectors including: property and
1500 km south of Darwin
1530 km north of Adelaide