Imagine a land where deep chasms and gorges carve through towering ranges; where the vast desert surrounds a palm-fringed oasis; where the culture of an ancient people and the vibrant character of The Outback form a unique Central Australian story.

Alice Springs and its surrounds is a must-see destination. The town itself, set on the banks of the usually-dry Todd River, provides a true Outback welcome. From its pioneering roots, Alice Springs has emerged into an attractive town with a mall, shopping precincts, casino, and a range of cafés and restaurants, together with plenty of accommodation options.

Alice Springs is a perfect base for an Outback holiday, giving easy access to many natural wonders - Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park, Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) and the MacDonnell Ranges.

A visit to the iconic Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park, home of the monolith Uluru/Ayers Rock, situated 461 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs on the traditional lands of the Anangu Aboriginal people, is an unforgettable experience.

Come and see for yourself the magnificent diverse bands of colour caused by water, weathering and erosion that mark Rainbow Valley apart from other Red Centre icons. In the changing light of the early morning and late afternoon, the land puts on quite a show!

The Royal Flying Doctor Service, or RFDS, is as important today as when it began in 1928. It cares for all who live, work and travel the vastness of Australia. Enjoy the visitor centre in Alice Springs, and learn about this great facility that is an integral part of our isolated communities' existence.

The School of the Air still operates and you can tour the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The School of the Air is an essential part of the education of our next generation, and it's almost mind-boggling to see first-hand how this works!

The MacDonnell Ranges straddle the town, and the spectacular West MacDonnell National Park is home to many amazing natural attractions such as Ellery Creek Big Hole, Trephina Gorge Nature Park, Simpsons Gap, the Ochre Pits and Standley Chasm.

The Larapinta Trail, an exciting long-distance walking track, runs for 223 kilometres through the West MacDonnell National Park from Alice Springs west to Mt Sonder.

The Finke Gorge National Park, Hermannsburg (a historic Aboriginal settlement, and the birthplace of artist Albert Namatjira), Palm Valley and Ewaninga Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve are a short drive out of town.

In Elsey National Park, palm trees shade a constantly flowing thermal pool on the Waterhouse River (bliss to swim in!) At night, giant flying fox bats flit silently overhead, silhouetted against the stars. Jeannie Gunn's classic outback novel, "We of the Never Never," was written near here in 1908.

Those looking to go further off the beaten track can explore the Simpson or Tanami Deserts, fossick for gems at Glen Helen or Ruby Gap, or visit remote communities like Santa Theresa and Titjikala, where tours offer a chance to experience true Aboriginal culture. You can search for bush tucker, watch local artists create art and craft pieces, or simply sit in on a story-telling session.

Alice Springs Desert Park, a mere 10-minute drive from Alice Springs, gives you a sense of the vivid network of life that lies beneath the desert's barren appearance. Nestled into the McDonnell Ranges, it is a zoo, botanic garden and research centre in the one tourist attraction!

For 40,000 years, Alice Springs has been a traditional meeting place for the trading of artefacts, knowledge, art and culture by the Arrente people. Visitors can experience this vibrant culture at the Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre in Alice Springs. There, the Arrente people share their art, craft, food, and legends that give meaning to their culture. Visitors can learn to play a didgeridoo, throw a boomerang, and discover some of the symbolism behind Central Australian art or bush tucker.