The unofficial capital of Central Australia is Alice Springs, which makes a great base from which to explore the region. Accommodation of every kind for every budget is available in this medium-sized desert town, and the town is also home to many quality indigenous art retailers. Alice Springs is accessible by air via Australia's national carrier Qantas, by rail via the Ghan (one of Australia's great train journeys) and by road from Darwin or Adelaide.

Alice Springs has a population of around 28,000 and lies at 700 metres above sea level almost in the geographical centre of Australia, about 1500 kilometres from the nearest major city in any direction. As is typical of a desert environment, Alice Springs and Central Australia are predominantly dry, with blue skies from April to September. During the hot summer months (October to March), temperatures in Alice Springs in the low 40 degrees C (104-108 F) are not uncommon, while throughout the winter months (May to September) overnight minimums in Alice Springs can fall as low as minus 7 degrees C (19 F). Alice Springs has an average annual rainfall of only 275 mm, with rainfall typically occuring during the hotter months from October to March.

From Alice Springs, a range of stunning locations can be accessed. The best known and most popular destinations are Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.

Uluru (also Ayers Rock or The Rock) is located in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park about 450 km southwest of Alice Springs. This Central Australian icon is a monolith more than 318 metres (986 ft) high and 8 km (5 miles) around, and extends 2.5 km (1.5 miles) into the ground. It is about 21km from Uluru to

Kata Tjuta, also known as The Olgas, is a group of 36 rounded rock formations located about 30km from Uluru within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The tallest dome of the Kata Tjuta group, Mt Olga, is higher than Uluru and stands at 457 m in height. The name Kata Tjuta means 'many heads' in Pitjantjatjara, the local indigenous Australian language, and is as sacred to the indigenous people as Uluru. Many ceremonies were, and are still carried out at Kata Tjuta, particularly at night, and many Pitjantjatjara legends are associated with both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Kings Canyon (also known as Watarrka) is among Central Australia's most stunning natural features, and is located about 400 km southwest of Alice Springs. The road to Kings Canyon follows the southern side of the Gill Ranges which gradually rise over a distance of 50 kms to over 100 metres by the time they reach the canyon. Watarrka National Park contains Kings Canyon and the western end of the George Gill Range. The scenic landscape of the area contains rocky ranges, rockpools and gorges, and is a refuge for many plants and animals. The canyon walls rise above the valley of Kings Creek and are spectacular at sunrise and sunset.

Closer to Alice Springs, many spectacular natural locations including rock pools, gorges, mountains and dry river valleys can be found within an hour's drive east or west of Alice Springs in the MacDonnell ranges. Particularly popular with travellers are Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ormiston Gorge and Glen Helen.
About the Author

Miguel Scaccialupo is a freelance writer and regular contributor to New Territory and Uluru To Kakadu, both web publications focusing on Australia's Northern Territory.