An ideal base from which to explore the Red Centre is the relaxed and modern town of Alice Springs. This thriving town has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a telegraph station in 1871. There is so much to do: taste the local produce at the Northern Territory’s only winery, take a camel ride or try your luck at Lasseter’s Casino. To discover the town’s fascinating history take the self-guided heritage walk and visit Adelaide House, which was the region’s only medical centre until 1939. The Old Stuart Town Gaol, built in 1908, is the oldest building in the central town area. There’s also plenty of local history on display throughout the Alice Springs Cultural Precinct. Just ten minutes drive from town is the Alice Springs Desert Park where visitors can see rare and endangered animals and explore three strikingly different habitats. Take the pleasant 24km ride through typical woodland scenery from Alice Springs to Simpson’s Gap on the bicycle path. With its pale ghost gums, red cliffs and white river sands, Simpson’s Gap provides a spectacular introduction to the region. Alice Springs is a full service centre that caters expertly for travellers and residents alike.