Territory Escape

There is something about the Red Centre that makes the heart flutter. Spiritual landscapes, dynamic colours of red dirt and the hipster foodie scene, all ensure a trip to Alice Springs is etched in your memory as an incredible journey into the heart of Australia

WORDS + PHOTOS BY MEL BRAUTIGAM

Above: Ormiston Gorge

The Kangaroo Sanctuary

Almost 2.5 million people follow them across social media. The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Central Australia has something close to a cult following, with visitors flocking from every corner of the planet to meet with ‘Brolga’ aka Chris Barnes, and his family of rescued orphaned baby and adult kangaroos. Operated on a 188-acre wildlife sanctuary, their sunset tour is by bus pick up only. We recommend you book this experience as far in advance as possible – it is set to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy.

http://www.kangaroosanctuary.com

Araluen Art Centre

With over 1,000 pieces of artwork, reflecting the vitality and variety of works from around the Central Australian region, Araluen Art Centre is home to both rich culture and entertainment in Alice Springs. The centre regularly presents Theatre Performances and Visual Arts Exhibitions, and show Art House Cinema every Monday night from March through until November.

Our pick of the year is the Desert Mob Exhibition – presented by Desart every September. Desert Mob is one of the nation’s most anticipated events, when its desert communities and families come together in an exhibition of the deep culture. The Araluen Cultural Precinct is located on Larapinta Drive, just two kilometres from Alice Springs town centre.

https://araluenartscentre.nt.gov.au

Foodie Scene

The food scene in Alice Springs is impressively vibrant for a modest sized town. The leafy green laneway café, Page 27, and Epilogue Lounge on the Todd Mall are recommended for a delicious breakfast. While The Watertank and Bean Tree Cafés each represent laid back and unique landscapes for a memorable lunch. As for dinner, you must include the mouth water flavours of Hanuman Restaurant, nestled within the foyer of the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, or the Alice Vietnamese Restaurant close to the airport. And, for the pizza lovers out there, do not go past Casa Nostra Pizza House and make sure you leave room for their famous vanilla slice – you will be thankful!

Below: Page 27 Cafe off the Todd Mall