Alice Springs is a nice town in the middle of Australia. Too many tourists rush in and rush out just to see Ayers Rock and do not soak in the unique atmosphere of this desert outpost.
Alice Springs from Anzac Hill
Alice Springs is a small town surrounded by a red colored desert in all directions. It sits over a large underground lake and the spring is not a spring, but a window in the water table. The Todd River runs through the city but is dry almost all the time. The main attraction for tourists is taking 3 day tours to see Ayers Rock and the Olgas. The town has a large aborgine
Favourite spots:
Telegraph Hill
Telegraph Hill and the trails leading there are nice ways to experience the local desert close to town and see a few rock wallabies. I also just enjoyed walking around town, and watching the Aboriginial groups sitting in a circle getting drunk on Tawny Port.
What's really great:
Sausage Sizzle
I went to the free sausage sizzle for the opening of the rail line from Alice to Darwin. It was a nice little party with the Downunder Dixieland Jazz Band and many of the local politicians.
Accommodations:
Backpackers Hideaway
I stayed at Backpackers Hideaway Hostel. It was nice, close to everything in town, and had a nice spa to cool down in after a long hot walk.
Nightlife:
Todd River
The only nightclub for dancing in Alice is Bojangles. It is big Western US themed bar with a small dance floor. It plays music mostly from 20 years ago and they give out complimentary peanuts and the shells are tossed on the floor. Late at night on weekends it is packed, but during the week it is somewhat quiet.
Restaurants:
Mural in Alice
I self catered at my hostel which most backpackers also seemed to be doing. There are many restuarants though including the main fastfood chains. Where I would ocassionally buy a soft serve ice cream cone.