ESCAPE ROUTE

DOING THERE

Float over the outback and witness a spectacular sunrise over the MacDonnell Ranges, followed by a picnic breakfast and glass of champagne. outbackballooning.com.au Visitors can also get up high in a helicopter. alicespringshelicopters.com.au

Or go for a ride at Pyndan Camel Tracks, located about 15 minutes from the CBD near Simpson’s Gap in a picturesque valley. cameltracks.com

The family that runs the eco-friendly homestead at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre, complete with geodesic domes, put on an award-winning dinner and show with stories about the local ecology, culture and astronomy. After a barbecue dinner, they turn off the lights and use a laser pointer to note the wondrous array of stars and constellations overhead. earth-sanctuary.com.au

Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve marks the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Established in 1871, it relayed messages between Adelaide and Darwin. It then hooked up with an underwater cable network to London. Visitors can rent bikes to explore the area. alicespringstelegraphstation.com.au

STAYING THERE

Lasseters Hotel, 93 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs. This award-winning hotel and casino is perched by the Todd River and affords views of the MacDonnell Ranges. Guests have access to a heated resort pool and spa, health club and mountain bikes. Rooms from $129 per night. lasseters.com.au/hotel/

MORE INFO

northernterritory.com