Winter Days In Alice Springs

The Central Desert is sliding into winter. In Alice Springs, you can now get away with wearing a jumper and long pants, even though most people still opt for summer clothes, determined to withstand the coolness and hold on to the heat for as long as possible. Overhead, the blue sky is clear, and the cool wind is gentle.

At this time of year, the freshness brings relief to the desert. We have sweltered through a burning beginning to 2023, and now is the time when the temperature recedes, and the year moves on into a new season. Bushwalking clubs are beginning to spring to life as it is no longer too hot to hike and explore the MacDonnell Ranges, and camping has once again become an activity of choice. The waterholes are too cold to swim in, but the walks winding through the landscape around them are open.

Winter skies: photo taken at the Telegraph Station in Alice Springs

With our faces forward, we move through time. We are eating away at 2023. Next up, along with the campfire weather an extreme drop in temperature will arrive. The red earth of Central Australia in winter is set to draw visitors from all over the world. South of Alice at Yulara, the coming months will see tourists visit Uluru, as a wash of people slowly creeps over the Territory, helped by the Top End entering the dry.

The heart of Australia sparkles during this season. Remoteness and beauty create the Red Centre's distinctive character. It is unique and accessible. As winter slowly breaks across Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges, the sunlight illuminates the hidden places in the Central Desert. At this time of year, this is the best place to be.