Alice Springs- Is it safe?

I wanted to capture this previous feeling in words, the hopelessness but sheer determination I felt before embarking on this adventure. I was going around in circles in my mind to the point where I was getting sick of my own thoughts, so I simply left a month later. My route started in Adelaide, and I planned to head up north, through the red center, ending in Darwin.

I was in complete luck that I met a darling Swiss backpacker in a hostel in Adelaide, who was also looking into doing a trip like this; not only did we share the same sense of adventure, but he also had a car. I felt such a pang of excitement as I realised I might have a buddy to complete this mission with, any hesitancy I previously felt quickly evaporated. Now, not only was I ignited with a newfound confidence, but I had someone to share every moment of this epic endeavor with. 

Just two days into the trip it became apparent that the every-day had become an adventure. I loved sleeping in the back of the car, waking up with the sun, living off warm hummus, bread and a bottle of spiced rum, meandering through the never-ending roads of the desert. I could write for hours about our journey, our mishaps, our challenges and all the incredible things we saw, however this isn’t the point of this blog. All I can tell you is that it was utterly insane, hands down one of the best things I have ever done. The memories and conversations shared on this journey will stay with me forever. 

Arriving at our half-way point in Alice Springs felt like a dream. I almost had to pinch myself for it to feel real. The sun was setting, and the sky was lit up with pinks and oranges. It was beautiful. It is rumored that you must see the Todd River flow 3 times to fall in love with Alice. The river was bone dry when we crossed it, but I fear in this moment I had already fallen in love. Now this isn’t to say that this town is the land of dreams; of course, it faces its own problems and to come into a town like this, especially as a tourist, it is vital that you are not ignorant and that you’ve done some significant research, particularly into the indigenous communities of all Australia. By learning about and respecting Indigenous cultures, you can gain a deeper understanding of the profound connection between the people and the land, Alice springs is situated in the traditional lands of the Arrernte people and was described to me as a melting pot for when different tribes meet, cross paths, etc. If you have awareness of the culture and follow the main protocols of female travel (like you would in any city) for example, not going out by yourself at night, you’ll be absolutely fine.

I am sad to admit that due to my pre-conceived misconceptions, I felt very on edge initially, almost like everyone was out to get me, but fortunately, with experience this feeling deteriorated. Coming open-minded and non-judgmental is the best thing you can possibly do.

Alice springs truly has a unique charm; the town often hosts quirky events, for example, when I was there it was the ‘annual beanie festival’ where there were creatives selling- you guessed it- a huge range of knitted beanies. Also, I found the type of travelers staying here tended to have a broader perspective and a genuine respect for the world around them. It is full of open-minded people who push the boundaries of travel and have a real desire for adventure, while remaining well-mannered. I found a lot of people were in the area in order to complete the multi-day trek; The Larapinta trail, which I would love to do one day. If you love hiking and/or unique landscapes, I recommend Alice Springs time and time again.

Me and the Swiss backpacker continued to travel together until arriving at Tennant Creek, where inevitably, we had to part ways. I was then on my own, in the middle of one of the most remote parts of the country, was I scared? Not really. Hearing ‘alone in Tennent Creek’ is enough to send most Aussies into a fit, yet I was ecstatic. Not only had I reached the places I thought I’d never be able to, but I had also slept under the stars in the middle of the desert; made campfires and cooked meals on them; hiked to watch many a sunrise and sunset; saw wild camels, emus and wedgetail eagles; filled up at dodgy servos and explored places I never even knew existed; it was a dream come true.

That evening I caught the greyhound bus at midnight to get to Darwin, and everything was okay. I will say that these bus journeys are long and tedious as you’re covering such a vast distance, my advice would be to bring plenty of water, snacks, a blanket to get cozy, and choose a seat that is close to the driver, just for that extra level of security if you need it. In my experience, they will look out for you.