GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #5 | Page 28

REASONS FOR ALICE | LINDA LEE RATHBUN IMAGES STEVEN DAVID MILLER / NATURAL WANDERS THE ‘CAPITAL’ OF THE RED CENTRE IS WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN A QUICK PIT-STOP. Many people stop in Alice Springs for two or three nights after coming off the Mereenie Loop, the Finke Road or, of course, the Stuart. It is an essential place to stock up on supplies, do some laundry and make that inevitable trip to Bunnings. However, if you think that is all Alice has to offer, you are missing out. Here are four reasons to stay longer… 1. THE FLYING DOCTOR Everyone staying in Alice should visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The Alice 28 gorv.com.au Base offers a fascinating film of the RFDS’ history, including 3D narration by the founder, John Flynn (played by an actor, of course). The museum is most informative, providing insight into the pilots, doctors, nurses and early radio operators; this area warrants at least an hour of investigation. In the gift shop, you can climb inside the fuselage of one of the planes, a Pilatus PC12. This visit will make you proud to be an Aussie, and your entry fee contributes to this critical nationwide service. 2. ALICE SPRINGS REPTILE CENTRE Across from the RFDS is the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. We have never been to Alice without visiting here at least once: we love it. A range of snakes, both venomous and non, lives inside the small building. This is your chance to have a close look at a death adder, a taipan and an eastern brown snake among others. Outside are displays of central bearded dragons, spectacular perenties, goannas, large skinks and one of the most heavenly