We were in Australia for 5 weeks in Jan. and Feb. and had the unfortunate experience of going to Alice Springs. Of everything else we saw and experienced in Australia, only Alice Springs stands out as the place we would never return to. We stayed at Melanka Lodge and stored some of our luggage in their locked luggage room. After some of our luggage was stolen, we discovered that they let anyone who asks have a key. The bus depot is in the same building and they apparently give the key out as well. The local police told us they are always getting complaints about theft at Melanka. The manager offered us a refund on our stay, but after we left town he changed his mind. We also went on a 5 day safari from Alice Springs with Adventure Tours and it was horrible. The air conditioning on the truck was broken (the temperature exceeded 40 degrees), there were no tents as advertised in their brochure and ants crawled all over us as we tried to sleep. We saw other tours and hotels that seemed much better if anyone wants info on them. But all in all, it isn't worth the long trip to Alice Springs.

Yikes ! Alice Springs is on my list for our trip this coming Feb. Perhaps you have some suggestions ? <BR>I am trying to find out if there is train service from Sydney. Did you drive there ? Any suggestions would be a great help...Just love these boards..it's helped us on other trips, and I always post notes when we get home . Best wishes on your next adventure ! <BR>Dawn

I went to Alice Springs years ago and it wasn't too bad, though I remember the accommodation being pretty primitive. My family drove there from Canberra (took about four days, with sight-seeing on the way). If I went again, I would stay for a couple of days at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and also see The Olgas, which are spectacular. There is a good resort at Uluru, from memory it's called 'Yadboro'. It's definitely worth taking the time to climb Uluru and walk around The Olgas - take lots of photos!

We werr in Alice about 11/2 years ago and loved it!! We were also there when they were breaking record heat and it had rained in the desert so things were flooded, but I loved Alice. We stayed in the Plaza Hotel and liked it. We took a camel ride to dinner which was great. We took a spectacular hot air balloon ride. We ate at the Overlanders Steak House which was cute - theyput a flag of the country you were from so you could see how many international travelers were there. I am not a camping type of traveler and I like my creature comforts - I would go back. I suppose I am a cretin, bit It was great to say I've been to Uluru and the Dream Tour was nice, but I would never go back to Uluru. We also took a dream time tour in Alice as well as acity tour and they were spectacular/ <BR>

As a follow-up to my first note, I would agree with <BR>Trish that Uluru and the Olgas are exciting, but they are at least 400 kms away. Hotels are very expensive there as well. We flew to Alice Springs, but I understand from those that drove or took the bus that the trip is a very long one. There isn't much to see along the way except Coober Pedy which is about half way between Adelaide and Alice Springs. Knowing what I know now, I would take a 3 day outback trip. We went for three days and the extra 2 days were a bit of a drag. the 3 most interesting sites, being Uluru, The Olgas and Kings Canyon. Watch the heat though and take plenty of water wherever you go. If driving, buy petrol whenever you see it. Petrol stations can be hours apart. I also agree that Take a Camel to Dinner in Alice Springs is worth the money. We had a great evening. If going out at night in Alice Springs, stay away from the Todd River. It's a favorite place for the drunks to pass out.

Oh dear....Alice is unfortunately hyped up way more than it deserves. It's little more than a base camp for the Central Australian experience, which for most people amounts to Uluru (Ayers Rock) - some 400 kilomeres to the southwest. In itself, AS really isn't all that interesting. For intrepid types there are some fabulous - and relatively unspoiled and unvisited - places in the vicinity, such as the Eastern Macdonnell Ranges. I've traveled pretty extensively in outback Ausrtalia and if you want the tortured red rock and desert scenery that most people are looking for when they go to Alice Springs, you really can't beat the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. However it's relatively undeveloped from a tourism perspective - and therefore un-hyped by those charged with promoting tourism to travelers from overseas. The only people who go there are Aussies with four-wheel drives who are prepared to camp. <BR>

Yep, Alice is pretty dull, not a great deal to do, but I was staying at Elkies BP's which was great - unit style rooms for about $15, which i shared with 7 others who I'd been with on the Wayward Bus from Adelaide. If you're going up that way, it's by far the best way to see all there is (and isn't) to see up to Alice - camping in the Flinders Ranges, and various outback 'townships', camping at the Yulara resort at Ayer's rock, seeing the Olgars, and Kings Canyon. 8 days - food and camping equipement included (plus the obligatory free t-shirt) - great value and brilliant fun!

<BR>We met people who stayed at Elkies as well and they were much happier than we were at Melanka. I certainly wouldn't go back to Alice Springs though, so it doesn't much matter.

A friend and I are going on Contiki Tours to Australia in February. Part of our tour includes Alice Springs & Ayers Rock, I am a little concerned after reading the "general consensus". Is there anything to look forward to in Alice Springs & Ayers Rock??? (I'm certainly not going to put my luggage in a luggage room--thanks for the heads up Brian & sorry you had to go through that!) Any info would be appreciated. <BR>

It was interesting to read the comments <BR>about our town called Alice Springs. <BR>If people want to learn more about <BR>our Aboriginal culture check out our new website <BR>http://aboriginalart.com.au <BR>This is 40000years of history. <BR>Paul