Travelling around Australia, we have stumbled across many special places to stay, an oasis where our soul can rest and rejuvenate… from the special silence of camping in the Carnarvon Gorge (Queensland), to the sound of sheep outside the cottage window of Mole Creek (Tasmania). Indeed, when our travels took us inland through the heart of Australia, who knew that Alice Springs would also have an oasis, hidden even from many locals.
And for those locals that do not know, this hidden oasis is called Vatu Sanctuary. It offered us a place to stay, with all amenities from our fully furnished apartment, dripping with aboriginal art, to a beautifully kept lagoon style pool.
There was unlimited internet wifi and a full Foxtel service, or just log in to your own streaming service.
Vatu Sanctuary, Alice Springs, NT
Yes, just relaxing in your garden area, or lounging next to the pool, the calm is something special… no wonder they call it a “Sanctuary”.
Even the wildlife call it home, from the call of the Western Bowerbird, to the serene beauty of the stately Sacred Kingfisher… you know there is something special when your eyes rest on the buddha looking down at the lotus flower surrounded by goldfishes. Oh and those cheeky long-nosed dragons (we often know them as water dragons in other parts of Australia), running around or just basking in the sun, next to the pool.
Sacred Kingfisher at Vatu Sanctuary, Alice Springs © Dorothy L
So our plans are to have a wedding there… have family travel in and stay, although if you are here for work you better book in quick, because I hear they get many guests book their monthly stay here when coming to Alice for work.
Vatu Sanctuary, Alice Springs, NT 
Long-nosed Dragon (Gowidon longirostris) 
Vatu Sanctuary, Alice Springs, NT 
Long-nosed Dragon (Gowidon longirostris) 
Sacred Kingfisher at sunrise with locust, Alice Springs © Dorothy L 
Sacred Kingfisher at Vatu Sanctuary, Alice Springs © Dorothy L 
Vatu Sanctuary, Alice Springs (in the heart of Australia)