At hot desert destination Alice Springs, or The Alice, temperatures soar to 100 degrees in summer, dropping as low as the low 40s during winter nights. Gum trees, waterholes, palms, the stunning MacDonnell Ranges and astounding wildlife offer reason to visit the capital of the Outback. Distinctive festivals, including the Beanie Festival, the Camel Cup and Todd River Race – in the hot, dry river bed – testify to the quirky nature of the city a thousand miles from the nearest large body of water.