There are Royal Flying Doctor Service offices in Cairns (Edge Hill) and Alice Springs. I presume they're similar. If so, which is more interesting?

Have only seen the RFD Visitors Centre one in Edge Hill, Cairns so don't know which is more interesting. A priceless medical service for people in remote areas, which relies on donations from people and corporations all over Australia to supplement government grants. Its volunteer staff are friendly, informative and welcoming. Its not far from Flecker Botanical Gardens, superb tropical gardens as well as boardwalk through to Centenary Lakes - full of birdlife.

I've only visited the centre in Alice Springs. A definite to include if you decide to take a whole day to see the Alice - other picks would be the Desert Park (though you could easily spend half a day there); and the Old Telegraph Station. I also liked the Aviation Museum and the School of the Air.

There is a tourist hop on hop off bus that will take you around - hope it's still running!

Thanks, Pat and Fuzzylogic. Fuzzy - We will have two days in Alice Springs. All of the things you mention are on my list of things I hope to see.

Judilie - if you have 2 full days then you might be considering one day tripping around the Alice (as already discussed) and anther hiring a car for a day to explore the West Macs. Can't remember when you are going to be there. But if it is in the summer and you do hire a car - don't miss Ellery Creek Big Hole - classic example of those inland places to swim amongst the towering red rocks - think Kakadu, Gibb River Road -and probably thousands of others known only to locals!!!

It really is an experience not to be missed.

Fuzzy - We arrive at 10:30 a.m. one day and leave at 11:30 a.m. two days later, so we don't exactly have two FULL days. I'm planning the first afternoon to see the "sights" in downtown Alice Springs, and then that evening we're "taking a camel to dinner." The next morning, we are going to see the rest of the sights in A.S., probably using the Explorer (Hop On/Hop Off) Bus. That afternoon we are going to Desert Park and that evening to the Sounds of Starlight show. I don't think we'll have time for the West Macs, but thanks for the suggestion, nonetheless.