16 | CANADIAN LIVING NOVEMBER 2019
prepared with in-season local
produce. It’s the ideal setting to
embrace the magic of this place.
Make your way along the scenic
Ernest Giles Road, which will take
you to the city of Alice Springs, but
be wary when driving—herds of
camels blocking the roads are com-
mon! In this red desert, the majestic
banks of the Simpsons Gap gorge
give way to a watering hole that’s in
between a passage of immense
cliffs—a big tourist attraction on the
weekends. Ellery Creek Big Hole,
also popular with visitors, has
undeniable charm, and is worth
checking out. If you still have some
energy for adventure, the West
MacDonnell National Park, referring
to a mountain range of the same
name, is hands down the best place
for outdoor activities in the Northern
Territory. Steeped in Aboriginal cul-
ture, it’s one of the most gorgeous
landscapes in the country.Alice Springs
Situated in the heart of the Red Cen-
tre, Alice Springs is at the foot of the
mountains and has many art galleries
selling artisanal goods as well as
incredible dining options. Todd Mall,
a pedestrian-only street, is filled with
just as many watercolour paintings
depicting the vast desert landscape
as it is with places to eat and drink.
Some favourites include Yubu Napa
Art Gallery, Mbantua Aboriginal
Art Gallery (which showcases the
famous Aboriginal contemporary
dot-paintings) and Hanuman restau-
rant for a special meal. Make sure to
stop at Tjanpi Desert Weavers, run
by a non-profit organization that
supports Indigenous women from
remote locations within the territory
who practice an old art form of
weaving natural fibres to make
decor ative accessories and sculptures.
Cap off your stroll with a glass of
wine at the lively Epilogue Lounge,
which serves Australian tapas and
local beer; it’s also the best address
in town for a delicious brunch.3
Tourists^ visit^ Simpsons^
Gap^ watering^ hole^
every^ day.
Simpsons GapTjanpi
Desert
Weavers