Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

ALICE SPRINGS 375
Earning a Degree from Didgeridoo University
Fancy yourself a Louis Armstrong of the desert? Then Didgeridoo University,
at the Aboriginal Art & Culture Centre, is the place for you.
Local Aboriginal Paul Ah Chee-Ngala set up his “campus” to satisfy
an ever-growing demand from world travelers to master the didgeridoo’s
evocative rhythms. In truth, the university is an alcove in the culture
center, and the degree takes just 1 hour. Classes begin every day
at 1pm and cost A$12 (US$7.50) adults, A$5.50 (US$3.25) kids (kids are
free as part of the Centre’s half-day tour described in “Organized
Tours” below). Paul guarantees you will make kangaroo hopping
sounds on the darn thing within the hour. The trick is to breathe in and
out at the same time, a technique known as “circular breathing.”
When buying a didgeridoo, keep in mind there is no such thing as a
“good” or a “bad” one. The diameter, the wood used, and the unique
surface of the instrument’s insides are what makes each one unique.
The pitch of the instrument can vary from a high wail to a deep and
somber drone; the shorter the instrument, the higher the pitch.
If you can’t take a “degree” in Alice, learn to play the thing in your
own living room via an audio lesson on the center’s website, www.
aboriginalart.com.au. The site sells didgeridoos, too.
Alice Springs Cultural Precinct At least one or two of the attractions here
will probably pique your interest. All of them are within walking distance of each
another. The Museum of Central Australia mostly shows local fossils, natural
history, and meteorites. Some impressive Aboriginal and contemporary Aussie art
is shown at the Araluen Centre, the town’s performing arts center; check out the
“Honey Ant Dreaming” stained-glass window in its foyer. Aviation nuts may
want to browse the old radios, aircraft, and wreckage in the Aviation Museum,
which preserves the Territory’s aerial history. You can buy stylish crafts, and sometimes
catch artists at work, in the Territory Craft gallery. You may want to amble
among the outdoor sculptures, including the 15m (49-ft.) Yeperenye Dreamtime
Caterpillar; or among the gravestones in the cemetery, where “Afghani” (they
actually came from the part of the British Empire that is now Pakistan) camel
herders are buried facing Mecca. There is a picnic area, but save your picnic for
the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve (below).
Larapinta Dr. at Memorial Ave., 2km (1 1 ⁄4 miles) south of town.& 08/8951 1120. Incorporating the Museum
of Central Australia, Araluen Centre (& 08/8951 1122 box office), Central Australian Aviation Museum, Territory
Craft, and Memorial Cemetery.Admission (includes all attractions) A$8 (US$5.20) adults;A$5 (US$3.25)
children 5–16, seniors, and students; A$20 (US$13) family. Daily 10am–5pm. Closed Christmas and Good Friday.
Take a cab, Alice Wanderer bus, or Desert Park Transfers (see “Organized Tours” below).
Alice Springs Desert Park By means of an easy 1.6km (1-mile) trail
through three reconstructed natural habitats, this impressive wildlife and flora
park shows you 120 or so of the animal species that live in the desert around Alice,
but that you won’t spot too easily in the wild (including kangaroos you can walk
amongst). Most of the creatures are small mammals (like the big-eared bilby),
reptiles (cute thorny devil lizards), and birds. Don’t miss the excellent Birds of
Prey show at 10am and 3:30pm. There’s a cafe, too. Allow 2 to 3 hours.