Alice Springs

[KittyGlitter]

What do people think of Alice Springs, Australia? Is it worth a visit?

[morg_monster]

Depends on the rest of your itinerary.  If you're planning to cross the middle, then yes definitely have a stop. If not, I've heard the ONLY reason to go is Uluru, as Alice Springs itself is nothing to write home about (and is still a fair distance away from Uluru).  You can only really while away a couple of days there.  So the question is, how much do you want to see the big red rock?  It also depends on your budget.  Are you happy to spend an extra hundred quid (just guessing on price!) to fly there and back?  If you have to go by coach or car I'd probably say don't do it - it is a really long trip; unless you really wish to see the true Outback as well.  Hm haven't really given you a straight answer there have I?

[graemer]

Agree with you morg monster, as a destination in itself not that exciting but is usually part of an intinerary that takes in the Rock and maybe on to Darwin. Need to know what you're planning KittyGlitter. As m m said it's a long trip and internal flights here tend to be rather hefty. There's a new rail link from Adelaide to Darwin via Alice but that is very expensive.

[graemer]

Me again kitty. Here is the link to the Aussie website of Alice Springs with lots of photo galleries to give you a feel of the place.

http://www.alicesprings.nt.gov.au/about_alice/photos.asp

Would you like flight prices?

[KittyGlitter]

Thanks for your answers, very helpful. At this stage of planning, I am definately going to Uluru and I know that Alice Springs is not too far, i.e driveable. My friend told me that Alice Springs is not worth a visit but I thought I'd get some more opinions! No plans on going to Darwin or Adelaide. Is it true that Alice Springs is the nearest airport to Uluru? In which case, I'd need to go there anyway!  Regarding flight prices graemer, I hear Virgin Blue are good?

[jno]

Uluru has its own airport for domestic flights and little sightseeing trips.

[graemer]

Uluru does have it's own airport Kitty as jno says. I don't think Virgin Blue fly there but Qantas does. I have a link here for the current cheap Qantas deals from all capital cities, but have done it in reverse.

http://www.qantas.com.au/regions/dyn/au/rededeals/AYQ

They call the airport Ayers Rock still. This is a guide at least. I'll check Virgin fares to Alice for you.

[fairy!]

Basicly, most trips to Uluru depart Alice Springs... they set off pretty early too, so it's prob a good idea to stay over in Alice the night before your trip & after too coz you'll be knackered & in need of a shower!!  There is accomodation close to Uluru... a campsite & a hostel... but because it's the only one, it's v expensive.  Same with the flights... cheaper to fly in to Alice.