What to do in Alice Springs on a nursing contract
Alice Springs gives you a very different NT contract experience to Darwin. Instead of tropical evenings and coastline, your time outside work is shaped by desert landscapes, local cafés, road trips and a close-knit community.
If you want Eliza’s perspective on the clinical side, cultural learning and working in the NT system, read
Eliza’s story about mental health nursing in Darwin.
Eliza’s places to eat
“There is so much to explore, and you're close to nature. Cafes/eateries I love: The Tea Shrine, Water Tank café, the Alice Springs Brewing Company, Page 27 Cafe and Hanuman. For takeaway, Q eats and the great Banh Mi Store.”
Get out into the ranges
Eliza’s strongest Alice Springs recommendation is to explore beyond town: “The surrounding area has incredible landscapes, gorges & ranges and camping spots everywhere. Day trips to places like Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, Trephina Gorge, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge.”
Standley Chasm, Simpsons Gap, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge sit in or alongside Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park. Trephina Gorge is east of Alice Springs and offers shorter walks as well as more demanding routes for experienced walkers.
Eliza suggests doing the more active trips during the cooler months. She also recommends Kings Canyon as a weekend trip and Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa as a longer getaway if your roster allows it.
Conditions in Central Australia deserve respect. Carry plenty of water, avoid strenuous walking during the hottest part of the day, use suitable footwear and check park status before travelling. Waterholes can also be extremely cold, even when the air temperature feels warm.
Finding your people
“Meeting people can initially be tricky, but I have found the best way is through agency nursing circles, hiking groups, social sport comps, yoga/fitness classes, weekend trips (Uluru, Kings Canyon) and Facebook groups like "Alice Springs New Arrivals" or "Alice Springs Social Club 18-40".”
Join local groups early in your contract and ask colleagues what is happening that week. Say yes to invitations rather than waiting until the final weeks of your visit.
“Put yourself out there. Everyone is friendly. Join Facebook groups early, say yes to invites and be cautious but not fearful.”
Check what is happening locally
Todd Mall Markets run on selected Sundays from March to December, although their temporary location is the Town Council Lawns during the mall upgrade, so be sure to check. Araluen Arts Centre has exhibitions, theatre, cinema and other events throughout the year, while Desert Mob brings Aboriginal-owned art centres, artists, workshops and performances together at the precinct.
An Alice Springs nursing contract can feel quiet if you only move between work and accommodation. The experience changes when you make time for the cafés, ranges, local events and the people around you.
If you’re interested in a contract in the Northern Territory, get in touch with Verus People today.
