So the question is.....Where should you spend the most time when travelling to Central Australia?
Sure everyone comes to the Red Centre to see "The Rock", but is there anything else to see?

Alice Springs is 5 hours drive from the Yulara Community which is situated in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and although you can direct flights to Yulara these days from most capital cities; Alice Springs has just as many things to offer the traveller wanting a true outback experience.

Located in the township are many hotels, motels and backpacker accommodation and when compared to that which is in Yulara offer much more value for money. On average a night in a motel at Yulara will set you back $270 (AUS), compared to the $135 (AUS) in the Alice.
On top of that there is great nightlife in Alice Springs, and a range of daytime activities to suit all budgets and adventures. Whether it is lazin by the pool (FOC), fine dining ($15-$100), an experience with reptiles ($12-$60) or desert Quad biking ($65-$145) and Hot Air Balloon rides($85-$200).

FINE DINING:
Bojangles Saloon, Todd Street
The Sports Cafe, Todd Mall
Bluegrass Restaurant, Cnr Gap Road and Stott Tce
The Lane, Todd Mall
Hanumans Restaurant, Crowne Plaza
QC, Todd Mall
The Samphire Restaurant, Lasseters Casino

REPTILES:
The Reptile Centre, Cnr Bath St
Alice Springs Desert Park, Larapinta Drive

So you want to see it all? My recommendations are:

Fly to Alice Springs from any major city (Fr:$210), stay the night (Fr: $35)and head off on a 3 day tour of Uluru and Kings Canyon (Fr: $230 all incl), come back to the Alice and spend another 2-3 nights, exploring the surrounding sites and tourist attractions at your own pace. There are day tours, hire cars etc to get you where you are wanting to go and very helpful people along the way.

One final note though, if you do decide to hire a car in Alice Springs and drive yourself excessive distances, keep in mind booking through the car rental agencies will only give you limited mileage before you are paying excess on all those extra miles you do, and trust me it soon adds up. So 2 organisations to think about are CATIA and Territory Discoveries who will be able to book Unlimited Km's for you.

Just visit www.territorydiscoveries.com.au
or
www.centralaustraliantourism.com for more information and HAPPY TRAVELS

Learn more about this author, Lear Sherry.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Uluru or Alice Springs: Where should you base your Central Australian Travels??
We want to hear your view. Write now!