Alice Springs

Known as Stuart until 1930 and located in the Northern Territory of Australia, Alice Springs is second only to Darwin in population. This former service city is now reliant on the tourists that flood in to take in the sights and activities in the area. Accommodations abound ranging from luxury to caravan parks making it appealing to all sorts of travelers. Home to the Alice Springs Desert Park, this park is the epitome what the Australian Outback is. The animals, the plants, the landscape, and the dry harsh desert clime are all hallmarks of the Outback.

When visiting this wonderful park, plan on spending most of the day there because you will lose track of time as you wander the different habitats, sit through the shows and presentations (especially the Birds of Prey), and learn about the desert. This truly is a “must go to” destination.

With Australia having some of the deadliest snakes in the world, it is not surprising to find the Alice Springs Reptile Center in the city center. It should be on every tourist’s itinerary as a “must see” attraction. It houses more than 100 reptiles representing over 30 species, from the harmless olive python that is used in the hands on demonstrations to some of the deadliest snakes in the world and a wide assortment of lizards to fascinate the visitor. In addition, although not native to the area, Terry the saltwater crocodile was found in the Darwin harbor and given a home at the Alice Springs Reptile Center. Overall, the visit is well worth the price of admission.

Every visit has to include a trip out to Gemtree. This is a unique experience that will bring out the adventurer in young and old alike. At Gemtree, you get to search for Australian gemstones and they supply all the equipment, guides and appraisals. You keep the gems that you find. There is even a gem cutting service on site from April to September. Make sure that you take water with you.

The sheer number of activities to take part in, sights to see, and tours to go on will keep you busy for days. There is so much to do in the area that it boggles the mind. When you go to Alice Springs, make sure to stay for several days so that you are able to fully explore the city and area surrounding it.

The Australian Outback offers you a world of discovery. Come and explore it.

Keep River National Park

Nestled in the Australian Outback near the border of the Northern Territory and Western Australia, 468 km west of Katherine, is the small but incredible Keep River National Park. This is one park that you have to call ahead of your visit to find out what the access road conditions are since, between November and April, the roads are sometimes flooded. Some say that the best time of year to visit the park is May to August when the temperatures and weather is better. However, there are those that say visiting the park during the rainy season is wondrous.

The wetlands are alive and teeming with life during those months and the woodlands turn to a lush green. Since most visitors prefer to visits during the drier months, the quiet campgrounds are a bonus.

For a small park, just over 700 square km, there is a plethora of things to do and see in Keep River National Park. The park has it all: dramatic landscapes and incredible rock formations, aboriginal cultural sites, rock art, a wide range of wildlife, and incredible habitats. The walks, the views, the wildlife and the aboriginal heritage combine to make this a little park that packs an amazing punch and creates awe filled memories.

The two campgrounds in Keep River National Park, Jarnem and Gurrandalng, give you several walk options with, in my opinion the Jarnem 4 hour walk is the best option. Jarnem has three walk options: a 2 hour walk to the lookout and back, a 2 hour walk to the art sites and back, and a walk that encompasses the complete loop. Gurrandalng, on the other hand has a 2 hour that follows the Keep River bed to an old wet season shelter site of the Miniwoong people and offers up absolutely stunning views.

In addition, there is the Ginger’s Hill Walk, the Jinumum Walk, and the Nganalam Walk to keep your interest piqued and take you to aboriginal heritage sites. Make sure to take lots of water with you although there is some drinking water available in the park and walk in the cool of the day. It’s important that you don’t leave your trash behind, pack it out.

Remember that, although your pet is a member of the family, pets are not allowed in Keep River National Park. So leave them in the safekeeping of a kennel or home. Following the park’s rules will ensure that you don’t leave an indelible footprint on this jewel.

The Australian Outback is a world apart from anything else you may have experienced. Once you get a taste of the Outback, you’ll be left wanting more!