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Alice Springs to Roxby Downs
Driving Time - 12 hours and 50 minutes
Distance - 1140 kms
Alice Springs
In the heart of Central Australia, between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges, sits Australia's most famous outback town. Alice Springs is a thriving, spirited outback centre - as famous for the personality of its locals as the natural wonders that surround it. The history and heritage of Alice Springs overflow with a rich cast of characters - in the late 1800's and early 1900's only the most intrepid pioneers braved its rugged environment. From Afghan cameleers to flying doctors, today it is possible to pay homage to their legacy at various historic sites around the town. A great base from which to explore its surrounding natural wonders, the town itself defies most travellers' expectations combining a strong sense of its outback history with all the convenience of modern facilities. Most of all, it is the uncomplicated yet vibrant personality of Alice that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The West and East MacDonnell Ranges straddle the town and their spectacular gorges and chasms set the scene for a range of adventure activities. Beyond the Ranges stretch the Simpson and Tanami deserts, where Aboriginal people have lived for thousands of years. Their art styles and Dreamtime stories unlock the mysteries of the desert and give meaning to its otherwise intangible beauty.
Alice Springs to Coober Pedy is 688 kilometres
Coober Pedy
Opal was first found in Coober Pedy on the 1st of February 1915 and since then has been supplying the world with the majority of gem quality opal. Coober Pedy today relies as much on tourism as the opal mining industry to provide the community with employment and sustainability. Coober Pedy has evolved in to one of the most unique places in Australia and perhaps the world. It is a cosmopolitan town with a population of 3,500 and over 45 different nationalities. The relaxed and friendly lifestyle of the town has made it a breeding ground for cultural tolerance, diversity and acceptance. Coober Pedy is probably best known for its unique style of underground living. There is a range of underground accommodation (as well as above ground if you prefer). There are authentic underground homes to explore as well as underground museums, potteries, opal shops, an art gallery and, of course, opal mines.
Coober Pedy to Roxby Downs is 450 kilometres
Roxby Downs
Built in the 1980s to support the nearby Olympic Dam Mine (one of the world’s largest mines producing gold, silver, copper and uranium oxide), Roxby Downs provides a welcoming detour off the Stuart Highway and pleasant stop-off on the drive north to the Oodnadatta Track.
The mine, nine kilometres north of Roxby Downs, is perhaps the greatest attraction. Nine million tonnes of ore are mined annually, producing 350,000 tonnes of copper, 4,000 tonnes of uranium oxides, 80,000 ounces of gold and about one million ounces of silver. BHP Billiton operates surface tours, which are very popular and bookings are essential.
BHP Billiton fund an Arid Recovery Reserve, where rabbits, cats and foxes have been eradicated to make way for native animals including the bilby, western barred bandicoot, burrowing bettong and sticknest rat. Tag along night tours are on offer.
As a predominantly with young miners and their families, Roxby Downs offers everything from swimming, golf and tennis to squash and bowls. And the news Roxby Downs Cultural Precinct is a must, featuring the town’s visitor information centre, an Outback cinema, art gallery, auditorium and the Dunes Café.
The Outback Fringe Festival, held every March, is rapidly gaining kudos and the local races take place in August.
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