Alice Springs - a Great Place to Visit

We're having a great time in Alice Springs.  There's so much to do and see here.  We have both said we could happily live here in this remote place in the centre of Australia.  Alice Springs is about halfway between Adelaide in the south and Darwin in the north.  The weather has been hot during the day (27C - 39C and we are expecting 40+C next week) and cool at night (down to 6C overnight).  The countryside is stunning.  Rocky ridges of the Macdonnell Ranges are scattered through the town which is built on the flat plains and gaps in the ridges.  Magnificent ghost gums with their white trunks are everywhere.  Shopping facilities are very good as there are several shopping centres with supermarkets and specialty stores.  Art galleries specialising in Aboriginal Art abound.

Having set up camp at the show ground, we've been able to get our house in order.  We've done a good clean of the caravan - inside and out - and the car; so we don't have so much dust around us now.  We are having a very pleasant relaxing time.  We had planned to stay for a week after the muster ended but are staying for an extra week now so we can attend the Mbantua Festival which is on next week.  We're taking the opportunity to do some sightseeing too.

Anzac Hill provides excellent views of the town and surrounding areas - especially at sunset.  We're here during a one in 10 year wildflower event due to some rain about 3 months ago.  The flowers out in the desert are magnificent. 

Across the road from the Royal Flying Doctor Service near the hospital is the Salvation Army Community Centre and Waterhole Gallery.  We purchased some Aboriginal paintings from the gallery with the knowledge that most of the proceeds would go to the artist.  Prices were very reasonable and we also received a note with details about the artists.

We visited the Australian Womens Hall of Fame which is located in the Old Gaol which still has razor wire on the fence.  First we had a look around the gaol and the cells in both the men's and aboriginal women's blocks. The block which used to be the kitchen now houses the museum.  The displays focus on notable women.  Women who were first to achieve in their class - professions, sport, politics, science, the arts, entertainment; and other notable women.



There is a large tapestry depicting women in aviation and a series of "chicken drawings" from the CWA.

There's still plenty to see here so we will be kept busy for the next week and a half.  We are looking forward to the many activities and entertainment that will be on during the Mbantua Festival next week.