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

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CHAPTER 7 . THE RED CENTRE
grain-fed steak. The Asian food is outstanding. I can recommend the lamb
korma, a kind of mild curry. You might want to try the Lakshmi king prawns
cooked in Indian flavors, or the Thai coconut curry. Vegetarians have some good
choices. They do takeout, too. The bar serves cheap Irish stews, live bands play
(sometimes), and there is always Guinness available. The restaurant has a wine
list, but permits BYO wine at A$5 (US$3.25) corkage per bottle.
51 Bath St. (opposite Kmart). & 08/8952 1858. Reservations recommended. Main courses A$15–A$28
(US$9.75–US$18); many dishes under A$21 (US$14). AE, DC, MC, V. Restaurant Mon–Sat 5:30–10pm or later;
bar daily 3:30–9:30pm.
Red Ochre Grill GOURMET BUSH TUCKER If you’ve never tried wallaby
mignons on a bed of native pasta and polenta cake with a native berry and
red-wine cream sauce, or barramundi baked in paperbark with wild lime and
coriander butter, here’s your chance. The chef at this upscale chain fuses native
Aussie ingredients with dishes from around the world. Although it might seem
a touristy formula, the food is mouthwatering. Dine in the contemporary interior
fronting Todd Mall, or outside in the attractive courtyard.
Under the Territory Inn on Todd Mall.& 08/8952 9614. Reservations recommended at dinner. Main courses
A$9–A$21 (US$5.80–US$14) lunch; A$15–A$23 (US$9.75–US$15) dinner; A$12.50–A$16 (US$8.10–US$10)
buffet breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 6:30am–10pm.
WORTH A SPLURGE
Overlanders Steakhouse STEAK/AUSSIE TUCKER This landmark on
the Alice dining scene is famous for its “Drover’s Blowout” menu, which assaults
the mega-hungry with soup and damper, then a platter of crocodile vol-au-vents,
camel and kangaroo filet, and emu medallions—these are just the appetizers—
followed by Scotch filet or barramundi, and dessert. There’s a regular menu with
a 700g (1-lb., 10-oz.) steak, plus lots of lighter fare like oysters or spinach crepes.
The barn-like interior is Outback through and through, from the rustic bar to
the saddlebags hanging from the roof beams. An “Overlanders’ Table” seats solo
diners together.
72 Hartley St. & 08/8952 2159. Reservations required in peak season. Main courses A$19–A$26
(US$12–US$17); Drover’s Blowout A$44 (US$29). AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Daily 6–10pm.
3 Road Trips from Alice Springs
The key attraction of a day trip into the MacDonnell Ranges is unspoiled natural
scenery and few crowds. Many companies run coach or 4WD tours of a half day
or a day, sometimes overnight, to the West and East Macs. Some of these appear in
“Organized Tours” above. Expect to pay about A$100 (US$65) for a full-day trip.
THE WEST MACDONNELL RANGES
WEST MACDONNELL NATIONAL PARK The 300km (186-mile) roundtrip
drive west from Alice Springs into West MacDonnell National Park is a stark
but picturesque trip to a series of red gorges, semi-desert country, and the occasional
peaceful swimming hole.
From Alice, take Larapinta Drive west for 18km (11 miles) to the 8km (5-
mile) turnoff to Simpson’s Gap, a water hole lined with ghost gums. Blackfooted
rock wallabies hop out on the cliffs in the late afternoon (so you may
want to time a visit here on your way back to Alice). There are a couple of short
trails, including a 500m (.33-mile) Ghost Gum circuit, and a 17km (11-mile)
round-trip trail to Bond Gap. Swimming is not permitted. The place has an
information center/ranger station and free barbecues.