After grabbing lunch and waiting out the rain at the Watertank Cafe, a hip eatery inside an old plant nursery, we walked to the Alice Springs Reptile Centre. Turns out, Central Australia has more reptiles per square kilometer than anywhere else on earth, which is part of the reason why we decided to pop in for a quick look. But the Centre quickly became one of our favorite visits of the whole trip; all it took was meeting their friendly goanna (a huge lizard) named Ruby, who spends her days wandering around the building and enjoys a good back rub.

A diamond in the rough of an otherwise industrial area, The Watertank is a key spot to refuel. The cafe is a mish mash of recycled and repurposed materials with corrugated iron walls, a wood pallet courtyard and milk crate light fixtures (or 'outback chandeliers' as we've dubbed them). On the menu, expect the standards like eggs on toast, big brekkies and french toast, as well as the less obvious like chicken crepes, cheesy veggie muffins and various grain bowls.

Located not far from Araluen Cultural Precinct, you’ll find the quirky and eclectic Watertank Cafe. The cafe offers your standard cafe fare at a high quality, all whilst you sit surrounded by interesting knick-knacks in an industrial-style building. It’s the perfect place to fuel up before continuing on with exploring Alice Springs.

Head here for great fresh food and excellent coffee, and an ever changing menu menu of healthy and substantial meals served by a very friendly staff. While WiFi is provided for workaholics in the need of fixing their caffeine levels, it is also the perfect spot for catching up with friends.

Just outside the Alice Springs town centre, this industrial themed cafe is full of character. The open shed layout offers a great space to do some work or catch up on study while warm up with a coffee. You can even play a game of chess in the comfy lounge chairs!

Watertank Cafe takes fresh ingredients and makes magic with them. Think colourful buddha bowls, tender lamb wraps and a cake cabinet that will make you weep. The coffee is great, the WiFi is strong and there’s live music every day to keep you entertained.

My perfect day starts off with a swim at Redbank Gorge, then a late lunch at The Watertank Cafe (the best fresh fruit juices in town) and then a horse ride through the bush to the clay pans just south of Alice,” he says.

Alternatively, head to the outskirts of town to Watertank Cafe in Ciccone. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables of the cafe, open for breakfast and lunch from Thursday to Monday.

Another great cafe is the Watertank Cafe on the outskirts of town. They offer delicious healthy dishes, juices, and excellent coffee.