Active Pursuits

Biking

A gently undulating 17km (11-mile) bike trail weaves from John Flynn's Grave on Larapinta Drive, 7km (4 1/3 miles) west of town, through the bushland and desert foothills of the MacDonnell Ranges to Simpson's Gap. Penny Farthing Cycles, 1 Hearne Place, North Stuart Highway, about 900m (just over a half-mile) from the center of town (tel. 08/8952 4551), rents bikes for A$20 (US$18/£9) for 24 hours, including helmet, lock, pump, and spare tubes. A tandem bike costs A$40 (US$36/£18), and they also have other rates for more than a day. Note: Carry water, because the two taps en route are a long way apart. Bike in cooler months only.

Bushwalking

The 223km (138-mile) Larapinta Trail winds west from Alice through the sparse red ranges, picturesque semidesert scenery, and rich bird life of the West MacDonnell National Park. This long-distance walking track is divided into 12 sections, each a 1- to 2-day walk. Sections range from easy to hard. The shortest is 8km (5 miles), all the way up to several 23-to-29km (14-18-mile) stretches. The Larapinta Trail begins at the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station and meanders through many gaps and sheltered gorges and climbs steeply over rugged ranges. Each section is accessible to vehicles (some by high clearance 4WD only), so you can join or leave the trail at any of the trail heads. Camping out under a sea of stars in the Outback is a highlight of the experience. Although they vary, most campsites offer picnic tables and hardened tent sites -- all trail heads have a water supply and some have free gas barbecues. If you are planning to camp overnight, we strongly recommend that you take advantage of the Overnight Walker Registration Scheme. This is voluntary and requires a refundable deposit of A$50 (US$45/£23) per person, but ensures that if anything untoward happens, a search party will be sent for you. The Parks & Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory office in Alice Springs (tel. 08/8951 8211) and the CATIA Visitor Information Centre dispense trail maps and information. Check www.nt.gov.au/nreta/parks/walks/larapinta for detailed information on the trail and the walker registration scheme, and for downloadable maps. It also has details of companies that provide transfers to access points along the trail, food drops, camping equipment, or fully guided and supported treks. Warning: Always carry drinking water. The trail may close in extremely hot summer periods.

Golf

The Alice Springs Golf Club, 1km (just over one-half mile) from town on Cromwell Drive (tel. 08/8952 1921), boasts a Thomson-Wolveridge course rated among the world's top desert courses by touring pros. The course is open from sunup to sundown. Nine holes cost A$25 (US$23/£11); 18 holes, A$40 (US$36/£18). Club rental costs A$25 (US$23/£11), and a cart, which many locals don't bother with, goes for A$40 (US$36/£18) for 18 holes. It's best to book a tee time.