Central Australia 1500km south of Darwin 1550 km's north of Adelaide

Approximately 27000

English, Central Arrernte, Eastern Arrernte, Western Arrernte, plus other regional language groups

Road access is good from the south and east (through Mt Isa), and there is a rail service from Adelaide. The Stuart Highway to Darwin is sealed the Darwin to Alice Springs railway is due for completion in January 2004.
A conventional vehicle is an asset as there is no public transport in the town except for school bus services, whilst four wheel drive is almost essential for many locations off sealed roads.

There are daily air services to all capital cities and a number of other centres.

Alice Springs is situated on the banks of the Todd River, which is usually dry, in a flat valley surrounded by the Macdonnell Ranges. The town began in 1871 when the Alice Springs Telegraph Station was established. It remained a tiny place until 1929, when the 'Transcontinental' Railway arrived from South Australia. In the 1930s the town grew toward a population of 1000, with the expansion of government and the growth of the pastoral and mining industries. During World War II the town was a base for 5000 troops, and the railhead for military supplies for the war zone in the north. Since then there has been gradual expansion of the town and Alice Springs is now the centre of a popular tourist region

Many excellent training opportunities exist in the Alice Springs region. Apart from several worthwhile posts at the Alice Springs Hospital, there are also positions in special skills areas and general practice. Rural Health (incorporating the Royal Flying Doctor Service) sometimes offers three month locum District Medical Officer positions. Senior Registrars are also welcome to apply for twelve month DMO positions when these are available. If interested in this work, inquiries are welcomed.
Central Australian Aboriginal Congress has one permanent position but several Registrars work there as part of their general practice training; and the Central Clinic general practice and Mall Medical Centre also have Registrar positions available.

Other general practices in town are currently considering becoming accredited training practices. The Training Program has an office in Alice Springs. This is the location of a resource centre and provides space for small meetings and seminars. Current medical education resources include the hospital library, weekly hospital education meetings and monthly education evenings; half-day release activities occur. A practical procedures workshop is organised each year. General education resources include many courses at the TAFE College and Aboriginal language and cultural courses. There are many interest groups active in town, including the Peace Group, fine arts, theatre and singing groups, sporting organisations, bush walking and field naturalists and several others.

Alice Springs residents enjoy the usual shopping, commercial recreational and medical/dental services of a large town. There is a district hospital and the Royal Flying Doctor Base. Alice Springs offers good quality restaurants, cafes, cinema, a performing arts centre and several museums to explore. Alice is also home to the Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association and Imparja Television which broadcasts through out remote NT.