BEYOND GUIDE
Discovering Alice
The Ghan’s Alice Springs Terminal Manager, Chris Rossi, shares the magic of living in the heart of Australia’s ochre outback.
After working for Journey Beyond for over five years in Adelaide, Rossi jumped at the opportunity to relocate to Alice Springs (Mparntwe) – a place that is, as he describes it, “like nowhere else in Australia.” Learning to live like a local in his new hometown is something Rossi doesn’t take for granted. Here, he shares a few of his favourite places.
EAT
EPILOGUE LOUNGE
One of Rossi’s favourite local gems is a rooftop bar called Epilogue that makes you feel like you’re worlds away while on the main street of town. “It feels like you’re in a bar in the middle of Melbourne. Not to detract from the Alice Springs of it all, but it’s pretty cool that there’s this inner-city feeling bar in the middle of the desert,” says Rossi. “It’s also a standout, as the main watering holes in Alice are pubs.”
NT BAKERY
Family-run businesses seem extra special in Alice Springs, and this bakery is no exception. Everything is made by hand, so it’s earned itself a stellar reputation. “This bakery is a favourite among The Ghan on-train and terminal staff. Even before I moved to Alice, when we would stop here on the train, we would always go the bakery – it’s that good,” says Rossi. “I can personally vouch for how good their spinach quiches are.”
BELLA ALICE
Incredible, authentic Italian food may not be what immediately comes to mind when you think of Alice Springs cuisine, but Rossi was quick to discover this local favourite. “There is a brilliant Italian restaurant in Todd Mall called Bella Alice. They have such great food, and it’s owned by locals, which gives it a really nice atmosphere.”
N.Y.U.C. (Not Your Usual Carbonara) at Bella Alice.
A 20-minute drive from Alice Springs, Simpsons Gap is all imposing cliffs, and is a prominant watering hole in the region.
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OLIVE PINK BOTANIC GARDENS
Rossi’s only just discovered that the beautiful Olive Pink Botanic Gardens are a “hop, skip, and a jump” from his house and he’s been enjoying spending some quieter moments walking the trails that wind their way up to Annie Myers Hill. “When you get to the top, you get great views across Alice Springs, the Todd River, and the MacDonnell Ranges. It’s a lovely place to spend time.”
SIMPSONS GAP
You’d be hard-pressed to find a local that doesn’t have Simpsons Gap on their list of favourite places. One look at the spectacular landscape and its easy to see why. Located in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, Rossi feels this scenic oasis of gorges and towering cliffs encapsulates the best of Central Australia’s natural landscape. “It’s always struck me as a place of immense natural beauty with all its contrasting colours. I don’t think the world’s best architects could replicate Simpsons Gap if they tried.”
ANZAC HILL
The most-visited landmark in Alice Springs, Anzac Hill, offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding ranges, but it’s not just this that makes it special for Rossi. “Anzac Hiil has to be on my list because you not only get a view of the town, but if you go when the train is in, you get to see the entire length of The Ghan.”
Motor enthusiasts at The National Road Transport Museum.
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THE NATIONAL ROAD TRANSPORT MUSEUM
The National Road Transport Museum pays homage to Australia’s unique transport heritage and is definitely one for rail and motor enthusiasts, so it’s no surprise that this attracted Rossi’s attention. “Of course, I love the Transport Museum and find it really interesting. They’ve got a whole section dedicated to the history of The Ghan, so I really love to take my time when visiting here.”
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Alice Springs is a mountain biker’s paradise – not only is there something special about biking in such a beautiful landscape (think ridgelines, rocks, and stunning views), but there are hundreds of kilometers of trails around the town – something Rossi is just discovering. “I brought my mountain bike with me because I knew the trails here were great. I have a mate at work who knows them all, so I’m excited to get out and experience them.”