Alice Springs is nearer to the centre of Australia than any other settlement. It's a 1534km (953 mile) drive away from Adelaide, on the South coast; or a 1516km (942 mile) drive away from Darwin, to the North.
In 1872 the area was only a repeater station for the Overland Telegraph. The town was called Stuart until 1933. Today Alice Springs has a population of approximately 25,000 people.
The maximum temperature climbs to 36 degrees Celsius in summer, while the minimum falls to 4 degrees in winter.
The oldest building in Alice Springs is the gaol. Near the centre of the photo can be seen what was, at the time, the town's newest building - a gaol.
This photo was taken from a hot air balloon, drifting near the outskirts of town. It is just after sunrise; the air is calm and clear; kangaroos can be seen moving in groups across the land below.
A balloon ride is a fantastic way to see the area - if you're prepared to get up at about 4:30am to set off for the launch site. The most dangerous part of the experience seems to be the bus ride out there. In the pitch black pre-dawn the driver hurtles along a rough outback track. The bus headlights appear to have little effect in the dusty blackness. Of course the driver must know where the road goes, just from experience - but to the passengers it feels like a suicide mission - which adds a nice touch of adventure.
The passengers have to help set up the balloon, which takes off just as the sun is rising.
During the ride the pilot points out interesting animals, trees and landmarks. He explains that it's good luck if you can float really close to a tree and pick off a leaf as you lean from the basket. Another thing that the pilot tries is to fly exactly over the top of a train as it passes. The train driver and balloon pilot have at least a similar job in one respect - neither has the ability to steer.
Afterwards you get to help pack up the balloon and come to appreciate the amount of effort that goes into half-an-hour of peaceful floating around.
Last updated: 28 Mar 1999