Alice Springs was established by early explorers and remains as
the centre of activity in Central Australia, comprising desert
landscapes, picturesque gorges, remote Aboriginal communities and a
charming pioneering history. Framed by the MacDonnell Ranges and an
intense desert landscape, the township of Alice Springs is
Australia's most famous Outback town. Called Mpwante by the
traditional owners, the Arrernte people, and situated just 124
miles (200 kilometres) south of the geographic centre of Australia,
the town of Alice Springs began as a repeater station along the
Overland Telegraph Line.
The introduction of camels, development of pastoral industry and
discovery of alluvial gold, combined with the town's secluded
location, has lead to the creation of an unrivalled community
identity and a wealth of quirky festivals and events. Central
Australia is a great base to explore the Outback and the
surrounding sights, allowing you to feel what it would be like to
live here hundreds of years ago in such a vastly isolated area.