Desert Oaks
On the west side of the road about 32km north of Erldunda or 75km south of Alice SpringsDesert Oaks is a lovely place with desert oak over-storey and a sense of naturalness. It is an expansive rest area with shady desert oaks, shelter, interpretation, bins and fireplaces.Overnight camping is allowed at Desert Oaks. Maximum 24 hours.
Stuarts Well
Stuarts Well Roadhouse, known as Jim's Place, is a full service oasis providing free camping, powered sites, meals, bar, cabins, and some very interesting stories and yarns about the ‘early days’ of tourism in the Centre.This place is living history. A number of sign panels in front of the roadhouse provide information on the development of tourism in the centre. Check out the old Dodge truck.Next door to Stuarts Well are camel rides.
Rainbow Valley
About 10km north of Stuarts Well and 5km south of the Rainbow Valley RoadThe Rainbow Valley Road provides access to the Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve with its spectacular striated rock forms, stacks and sandstone cliffs. The highway winds through a heavily grazed, but most remarkable range of distinctive wooded hills. This is a touch of the MacDonnell Ranges Bio-region. There are nice bush camps in the hills on the west-side that are accessible by a short spur off the highway.Ricky Orr, a local aboriginal tour guide, takes tours to Rainbow Valley. It may be worth talking to him and meeting him there.Owen Springs Reserve Tourist Drive provides access into rugged country and is designated for 4WD vehicles only.
Alice Springs
The junction between the Stuart Highway and Alice Springs Airport Road is effectively the southern outskirts of Alice Springs.People say that there is no other Town like Alice. Alice Springs is steeped in pioneer history. Highlights include pioneering women, the telegraph station and the first hospital in the middle of Todd St Mall.Just south of the city on the highway are numerous visitor attractions including the National Road Transport Hall of Fame and the Old Ghan Train Museum. Both are well worth a visit.Then there is Alice Springs Desert Park. A must see for every visitor to Alice. It celebrates all native flora and fauna showcased in a botanic garden, a zoo, a centre for Aboriginal culture and an environmental conservation institute, all rolled into one. Other highlights are the very unique Olive Pink Botanical Gardens or the Aboriginal art galleries and shops in Alice. The best in the country.For those interested in a round of golf, the Golf Course is magnificent.
