Alice Springs and around: 24-hour itinerary

Locals say the best thing about Alice Springs is its people. Oh, and did we mention the scenery? And there's so much to do in the town itself! Why not pull on your walking boots and find out what they mean?

Pick up a town map from Tourism Central Australia on Gregory Terrace, or from your hotel reception, and head to Anzac Hill at the northern end of the CBD. You can't miss it. Access is from Schwarz Crescent up a moderately steep gradient to the war memorial at the top. It's a good place to get your bearings and gives a full 360-degree bird's-eye view of the town and surrounds.

Descend to town via the stone steps of the Lions walk to Will's Terrace, then wander south down Hartley Street to The Residency, built in 1927 as a government residence. From there, cross the road to the courthouse and next door find the old Stuart Town Gaol, completed in 1907 and one of the oldest stone buildings in the area. Next it's just a stone's throw to Adelaide House, Alice Springs' first hospital (check out the underground air-conditioning! How clever is that?). Across the lawn is Flynn Memorial Church, built to commemorate the life and work of Reverend John Flynn, who founded the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Speaking of which, don't miss the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre further south on Stuart Terrace, where you can test your skills on the flight simulator or have a chat on the old pedal radio.

But first you could try a spot of shopping or a coffee in Todd Mall (for a funky, lived-in feel try Bar Doppio in the Fan Arcade at the south end of the mall, which makes the best). With more than a dozen Aboriginal art galleries, and painters often working in the mall itself (especially around the area of Flynn Memorial Church), the mall really speaks of the Aboriginal traditions and roots of the region.

Feel free to get lost in the art galleries at this point. And if it's the right Sunday forget any further wandering, by now you will be in the middle of the buzz and banter of Alice Springs' famous Todd Mall Markets.

There's oodles to eat in the mall from a wealth of alfresco cafe spots but if you can wait, press on to the RFDS Visitor's Centre cafe. It's in one of Alice Springs finest heritage buildings — built in 1939 and was once home to the first RFDS radio operator. Plenty of offerings for lunch here too (try the marinated chicken salad at $16.50) and make sure to sample one of the cakes from behind the counter's glass display. Oh, and the manager tells me there's a new menu on the way! If it's sunny sit in the garden courtyard, if not, take a table inside where the old-Alice atmosphere is a favourite among discerning locals.

(Now if you didn't want to miss out on the fabulous Alice Springs Desert Park, you could break the stroll here and head on over. It's about 6km out of town heading west. But make sure you get a bus or taxi. More than one eager walker has been caught short and thirsty half way and wondering how much farther. Try Desert Park Transfers.

But for the walkers — if you're feeling a tad lazy after lunch you could do worse than ordering another latte and taking in a bit more sun. But if you're feeling refreshed it isn't far to the Pioneering Women's Hall of Fame housed within the austere walls of the old Alice Springs Gaol. Still barb-wired on the outside, on the inside this heritage-listed treasure-trove is filled with interesting memorabilia and exhibits dedicated to celebrating the contribution of women to Australia's heritage. Worth a wander.

Next it's across the road to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, a real treat if you have the kids in tow. With some of the world's deadliest snakes making their home in and around Alice, you won't want to miss out on acquainting yourself with one or two. And say hi to Terry, Alice Springs' resident saltwater crocodile (no, there's none in the Todd River — he's a ring-in from the Top End).

I'd finish the day with a beer in hand (or whatever your poison) watching the sunset from the deck bar of the Juicy Rump at Lasseters Hotel Casino. From here you could plan dinner elsewhere, or stay put for a pretty fine cut of steak as you watch the Milky Way roll out overhead — Central Australian skies are a real treat for stargazers.

If you're up for really stretching your legs, and want to get a taste of the Central Australian bush instead of the sights and sounds of town, you could take the walking trail from the CBD along the banks of the Todd River to the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve about 4km north of the town.

Established in 1872, the station relayed messages between Adelaide and Darwin and was the first site of European settlement in Alice Springs. It operated for some 60 years before it was made into a school for Aboriginal children. Nowadays there are guided tours, a picnic ground with barbecues and a kiosk. If you don't fancy walking back again to town just call a taxi or a private hire car from the kiosk. Otherwise, enjoy the peaceful sound of the wind in the gums as you wander. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour each way for the walk. If you're looking for something more cultural, how about a half-day tour of Alice, visiting Aboriginal cultural sites on a dot-painted bicycle with Jukurrpa Bikes. Phone Jungala Kriss on 0415 815 033.

Walking? What the hey? If you were never up for it in the first place, why not take that leisurely brunch at one of the Todd Mall's many cafes, and follow it up with an afternoon bus tour of the town with Tailor Made Tours. Take in most of the key sights mentioned above and a few more to boot, such as the Araluen Precinct (where you can catch a unique exhibition of paintings by renowned Aboriginal water colourist Albert Namatjira), or share the riveting story of the Lutheran missionary family from Germany (whose members became privy to Arrernte Aboriginal traditions) at The Strehlow Centre. Tours daily from 1.40pm, pick-ups start at 1pm, return 5pm.

Alternatively, take the offered full-day tour which includes the fabulous Alice Springs Desert Park and nearby gorges Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm.