Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/541568
northern territory if you're looking for the "real" outback, you're on the right page. the rugged Northern territory is the Australia many imagine as the backdrop for sprightly kangaroos and smiling crocodiles, and as the seat of a rich Aboriginal culture born in miles of rust- colored sands. it's the town of Alice springs that serves as the gate to the red centre's treasures, including the Macdonnell range and larapinta trail—one of the most challenging in the world at nearly 139 miles—but the keepers of the uluru-kata tjuta National Park are the original inhabitants, the native Anangu people. under their stewardship, this site has been dual-listed by uNesco for both its cultural and natural value, their preserved heritage laying claim to the first, and this land's 550-million-year-old rock formations– visited by over a quarter of a million people each year–affirming the second. explorers head to Ayers rock, an arkose sandstone formation towers 2,822 feet above sea level, trumping the eiffel tower; and the even taller olgas/kata tjuta beyond the Valley of the winds. Just north, also accessible from Alice, is kings canyon in watarrka National Park, where a four-mile rim walk whiles away three wonderful hours and the garden of eden awaits below. Northern Territory 13 CHIFLEY ALICE SPRIngS RESoRT oooo this resort is only a five-minute walk from the town's cultural and shopping center and is situated on the banks of the famous todd river and its magnificent river red gums. chifley Alice springs resort is an ideal base for exploring the outback attractions in and around the town. efficient service and modern amenities contribute to the resort's relaxed atmosphere. DouBLETREE BY HILTon ALICE SPRIngS ooo ½ situated on barrett drive, just minutes from the town center and within easy access of the attractions of the region, this hotel combines luxury, elegance, and resort-style facilities. set against the Macdonnell ranges, the property offers the unique opportunity of enjoying a resort-like vacation while also experiencing the spectacular red centre and true Australian outback. 1 2 ALICE SPRIngS Alice Springs Darwin Katherine Uluru (Ayers Rock) 0 100 miles 0 100 km Timor Sea Gulf of Carpenteria Arafura Sea WESTERN AUSTRALIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA NORTHERN TERRITORY QUEENSLAND TA N A M I D E S E R T Murgenella Wildlife Sanctuary Kakadu National Park Litchfield National Park Keep River National Park Devil's Marbles Simpsons Gap National Park Kings Canyon Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Tennant Creek Tropic of Capricorn 7 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 AuRoRA ALICE SPRIngS ooo with the refurbished reception, courtyard, and pool areas, this vibrant property is the only accommodation on the todd Mall—the main shopping, dining and tourist precinct. Alice springs' location also places you in a great position to explore both the town and surrounding outback areas. A range of comfortable standard and deluxe rooms are decorated in contemporary style. 3 it's not all dusty trails and stalwart trekking here, though. darwin is actually quite the opposite, with a revitalized harborfront that boasts swimmable lagoons, imposing mansions, recreational fishing, and alfresco dining on lively Mitchell street and in the stokes hill wharf hub. its Mindil beach brings together this small, walkable city's multicultural influences at the sunset Market, with Aboriginal, islander, thai, indonesian, chinese, and european flavors merging at both the food stands and craft booths. but in case you almost forget where you are, wrapped up in darwin's picturesque charm, you can always take a daring "swim" in crocosaurus cove among the country's largest saltwater reptiles, or see them roaming freely in corroboree billabong, part of the Mary river wetlands. it's all wild here in the outback.