The Red Centre - Australia 2004 - page 374

with disabilities. A sun deck and pool with its own little island is out front. The
pleasant staff at the front desk loans hair dryers, processes your film, does laun-
dry service, sells basic grocery and liquor supplies, and books your tours.
74 Barrett Dr. (1km/ 1 ⁄ 2 mile from town), Alice Springs, NT 0870. & 1800/678 037 in Australia, or 08/8952
5977. Fax [phone]. www.desertpalms.com.au. 80 units (all with shower only), with parking in front of
units. A$99 (US$64) double. Extra person A$10 (US$6.50). AE, DC, MC, V. Airport shuttle. Free coach sta-
tion/train station/airport shuttle twice daily; free resort-to-town shuttle 4 times daily. Amenities: Large
unheated outdoor pool; golf course nearby; half-size tennis court; access to nearby health club; tour desk; car-
rental desk; massage available by appointment; laundry service; same-day laundry/dry-cleaning service; non-
smoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV, kitchenette, dataport, fridge, coffeemaker.
Elkira Motel The cheapest rooms in the heart of town—that are still decent,
that is—are at this unpretentious, clean Best Western motel. Standard rooms are
dated, with lots of wood and tile floors, and a fridge and shower. Two standard
family rooms come with a double bed and three singles. The 42 deluxe rooms
have a little more space, and nine have microwaves and some have queen-size
beds. Nine family rooms are nicer still, and come with a kitchenette—and as
they cost the same as normal deluxe room are well worth asking for even if you're
traveling as a couple. All deluxe family rooms and a few deluxe doubles have
bathrooms. Ask for a room away from the road, as the traffic is noisy during the
day. The seven budget rooms are also a little dated, but though small, are com-
fortable and quiet. They come with a double bed, a TV, shower, fridge, and hair
dryer. Look out for the friendly Doberman called Charlie.
65 Bath St. (opposite Kmart), Alice Springs, NT 0870. & 1800/809 252 in Australia, or 08/8952 1222.
Fax [phone]. www.elkira.com.au. 58 units (some with shower only, 2 with Jacuzzi). A$100-A$120
(US$65-US$78) all rooms. Extra person A$15 (US$9.75); extra child under 3 A$5 (US$3.25). AE, DC, MC, V.
Free parking. Airport shuttle. Amenities: 2 restaurants; unheated outdoor pool; nearby golf course; Jacuzzi;
tour desk; car-rental desk; limited room service; same-day laundry/dry-cleaning service; nonsmoking rooms.
In room:A/C, TV, fax, dataport, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
WHERE TO DINE
EXPENSIVE
Overlanders Steakhouse STEAK/AUSSIE TUCKER This landmark on
the Alice dining scene is famous for its “Drover's Blowout” menu, which assaults
the megahungry 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 700 gram (1-lb., 10-oz.) steak, plus lots of lighter fare like oysters or spinach
crepes. The barnlike interior is Outback all through, from the rustic bar to the
saddlebags hanging from the roof beams. An “Overlanders' Table” seats solo din-
ers 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.
Palms Restaurant MODERN AUSTRALIAN Ask the locals for the
best chow in town, and this is where they'll send you. It serves sophisticated fare,
like catch of the day done in a carrot and blood orange beurre blanc. Bush tucker
creeps onto the menu, in dishes such as the peppered kangaroo filet with sweet
potato mash. A lighter menu is served at lunch. The wine list is split between
easy-drinkers at reasonable prices and a “Premium” list carrying some wonder-
ful Australian labels, even Henschke's Hill of Grace, which some say is Australia's
best red. Live piano music plays nightly. No smoking inside until 9pm.
At the Alice Springs Resort, 34 Stott Terrace. & 08/8951 4545. Reservations recommended at dinner. Main
courses A$25-A$28 (US$16-US$18). AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 6am-9:30pm.