Alice Springs sits in the heart of Central Australia and is famous for its colourful landscapes - a cobalt blue sky shrouds rich red rock and mountain ranges that stretch for hundreds of kilometres either side of the town.

The history and heritage of Alice Springs overflow with a rich cast of characters - in the late 1800s and early 1900s only the most intrepid pioneers braved its rugged environment, from Afghan cameleers to flying doctors. Today, it is possible to pay homage to their legacy at various historic sites around the town.

A great base from which to explore its surrounding natural wonders, the town itself defies most travellers' expectations, combining a strong sense of its outback history with all the convenience of modern facilities. Most of all, it is the uncomplicated yet vibrant personality of Alice that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

The West and East MacDonnell Ranges straddle the town and their spectacular gorges and chasms set the scene for a range of adventure activities. Beyond the Ranges stretch the Simpson and Tanami deserts, where Aboriginal people have lived for thousands of years. Their art styles and Dreamtime stories unlock the mysteries of the desert and give meaning to its otherwise intangible beauty.

Contemporary Aboriginal art is a thriving industry, yet the form is one of the oldest living art traditions in the world. Art has traditionally been used to pass creation stories down through the generations and to communicate important information about the landscape. Art centres in and around Alice Springs are becoming increasingly productive and attracting a growing number of travellers.

The rugged backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges makes Alice Springs a great base for modern adventurers. The spinifex plains, gorges, peaks and chasms surrounding the town set the scene for a variety of activities, from hot air ballooning to quad bike riding, bushwalking to camel riding.

Alice Springs is surrounded by a red sand sea the size of Europe. The Simpson Desert stretches south from Alice towards the South Australian border and the Tanami Track goes for over 1000km to the north-west and into Western Australia. Hidden in all that remoteness are some of nature's most fascinating treasures.

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