Wintersun Tourist Park was our home for three days in Alice Springs. We read up on the park’s reviews and felt it was a safe option. The park was fully fenced with six-foot-high fences and barbed and razor wire
We stayed here for three days to stock up on supplies and explore the area.
We’ve been getting used to the change in weather as we made our way south from up north. The warm nights were a treat, but now we’re bracing for chilly temperatures! It dropped to 2 degrees, but with the wind, it feels even colder—like zero! We dug out our puffer jackets from the storage box and have been wearing them daily.
As we made our way into town, we stopped at Anzac Hill, a significant landmark with a stunning view and a profound history. The site is dotted with various remembrance signs, each dedicated to different wars, beginning with the Boer War. As we ascended to the lookout point, we encountered informative plaques that provided insights into the courageous individuals who served their country in times of conflict.
At the lookout, we immersed ourselves in the stories of bravery and sacrifice and the resilience of those who stood their ground against overwhelming odds. As we took a moment to absorb the information, the statistics began to paint a vivid yet haunting picture of the sheer scale of tragedy; millions of soldiers lost their lives in these conflicts. The weight of these numbers is difficult to comprehend, but they serve as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made throughout history. It was a humbling experience, reflecting on the past and honouring the legacy of those who served.
The next day, we drove out to Standley Chasm, and what a treat it was! You can stroll through the Chasm at your own pace, making it enjoyable. We even spotted some Black Footed Rock Wallaby hopping around hopping up the rock.
As we made our way up the path, we learned about the native plants and animals, and even some unique bush tucker food. One that caught my attention was the “Bush coconut,” or bloodwood apple. It’s a quirky Australian delicacy made up of an adult female scale insect living in a gall on a bloodwood eucalyptus. Sounds a bit odd, right? But it could be worth a try if you’re hungry!
Standley Chasm is especially stunning when the sunlight hits the rocks just right. You can appreciate how the landscape has changed over countless years—Mother Nature knows how to put on a show! It can get pretty chilly at the chasm, so have a puffer handy. After visiting the chasm, you can enjoy tea, coffee, and cake at the café. It is a welcome treat on a cold morning.
On the way home, we detoured and stopped at Simpsons Gap. It is a short walk from the car parking area. When you see the towering cliffs, it is awe-inspiring. It is part of the Simpsons Range and is a permanent waterhole. You can cycle to Simpsons Gap. The Bike Path meanders through open woodland on a sealed path for 17km. We didn’t ride this path, but we did speak to other bike riders who said they enjoyed the ride, especially for its scenery.
Megafauna Central is worth a visit. Its unique fauna roamed central Australia 8 million years ago during the late Miocene Epoch. You can see the world’s largest bird and discover fascinating fossils.
There is much more to explore in the Alice Springs area, especially in the east of Alice. Hopefully, we can return for a visit another year.
During our time here, we didn’t encounter any crime-related issues. We mainly explored during the day, which kept us feeling safe. I must admit, I felt a bit apprehensive walking down the street on my way to Megafauna Central , but I always wore a smile and tried to keep things friendly.
A recommended stop before Alice Springs – Barrow Creek
Constructed in 1872, the Barrow Creek Telegraph Station is one of four remaining stations along the Overland Telegraph Line from Port Augusta to Port Darwin. This 3,000-kilometer line connected Australia to a cable from England, marking the end of the country’s isolation and facilitating white settlement in Central Australia.
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