Getting here and getting around:
Flying
There are a number of domestic flights directly to Alice Springs and Uluru (Ayers Rock) from most Australian capital cities.
Driving
Alice Springs sits on the fully sealed Explorer's Way, 1500 kilometres south of Darwin. The journey from Darwin takes about three days, with overnight stops along the way.
By Train
The Ghan train travels to Alice Springs from Darwin in the Northern Territory and then on to Adelaide in South Australia.
Self-drive touring
A driving holiday in the Red Centre gives travellers the freedom and flexibility to explore some of the world'
s most magnificent scenery at their own pace. Campervans are also very popular and there are options for organised tours. If opting to drive, 96% of the major attractions are accessible by sealed roads and the others are accessible via four-wheel drive tracks or charter flights.
Weather:
This Red Centre is semi-arid and experiences Australia's four typical seasons: summer, autumn, winter and spring. Typically the Red Centre experiences warm days and nights can be surprisingly cold during winter.
The following chart outlines Alice Springs' monthly climate averages as an indicator for the whole central region.
Mar - May
Min average temperature - 12C (55F)
Max average temperature - 27C (82F)
Jun - Aug
Min average temperature - 3C (37F)
Max average temperature - 20C (68F)
Sept - Nov
Min average temperature - 14C (57F)
Max average temperature - 30C (86F)
Dec - Feb
Min average temperature - 20C (69F)
Communication:
Mobile telephones
Large areas of the outback are without mobile (cell) phone coverage, but all significant population centres throughout the Northern Territory are served by a mobile network. There are two types of mobile phone service available: GSM and CDMA. GSM is the largest network operating in Australia and services 96 per cent of the population. The CDMA network works everywhere that GSM does but has a larger footprint (or range).
Prior to departure, visitors from North America should check with their phone provider to make sure their cell phone will operate in Australia. If visiting Australia for an extended period a convenient and cost effective option is to purchase a prepaid handset once you arrive. These may be bought for as little as $50 from Australia Post and various phone shops and computing outlets. Recharging options are available from number of retail outlets. If travelling in remote areas you may consider hiring a satellite phone. Some car and campervan hire companies specialising in four wheel drive vehicles also rent out satellite phones.
Internet Access
Even in the midst of the Northern Territory's wide open spaces, travellers can still get access to the Internet, it is increasingly widespread, even in the outback. The major centres of Darwin and Alice Springs have many internet cafes with competitive rates. Travellers can also get online in Katherine, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy. Many hotels, motels and backpacker lodges have Internet access with special deals for guests and local roadhouses and airports increasingly offer internet kiosks.
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