The Film of Winter over the Red Centre

Recently the temperature dropped. Cool, crisp air, warm jackets, and a chill in the morning. There have been grey days in recent weeks, and spatters of rain. Central Australia usually fields an unbroken blue sky but lately, this has been inconsistent. We have seen the clouds.

The best defence against the chill is to rug up. Air conditioners have been switched to warm and most buildings are equipped to adjust to the lack of heat. Although outside it is cold, the magic of winter is standing on red earth, protected by cosy jackets and scarves, knowing that across the Central Desert people are easing into winter, and your experiences connect you to all of them. We are not alone; winter has touched the whole of the Red Centre.

Winter in Alice Springs - Shadows over Olive Pink Botanical Gardens

Warm blankets at night make it hard to get up in the morning. Fires are creeping into hearths and the sun sets earlier. It has threatened to rain, but not followed through on some occasions; on others, the rain has eventuated, droplets tapping on roofs, cold and miserable. The bloom of the landscape changes along with the seasons, but the spirit of its people remains steadfast.

At this time of year, Alice Springs experiences an influx of tourists. Sitting in cafes with a mug of hot coffee looking at the landscape through the window is a favourite pastime. The sunlight is a little thinner, and the ghost gums a little paler, but still there is the impression of space and uniqueness. The days, free of the oppressive heat of summer, can be filled with outdoor activity: hiking, mountain bike riding, running, camping. This time of year sparkles on the calendar, as it opens up more possibilities; it is these that make me thankful I spend my winter in Central Australia.