The Bakery

If you're after a bakery in Alice Springs, The Bakery is the name locals tend to point you toward. It's busy, and for good reason: there's a real spread of fresh baking coming out of the oven, from sourdough and artisan loaves to pies, doughnuts, savoury pastries and a serious run of viennoiserie, with locally roasted coffee to go alongside it.

The pastry case gets most of the attention. The almond croissant is the one people rave about, with some calling it the best they've ever had. The pain au chocolat has won over a French visitor who said it tasted just like home, and one traveller reckons the peach danish rivals anything they ate across Europe. Pies are another strong suit, and one couple went back two days running for the Roo Shepherd's Pie and the Mushroom Stroganoff Pie. The sourdough also gets a nod from someone who bakes it at home and says they're doing it properly. There's talk of a Reuben sandwich and Portuguese tarts too, plus cheesecake and a decent chai latte.

You can eat in, indoors or out, or take your order with you. They also do breakfast and coffee, and the staff come across as friendly and helpful. Prices are generally seen as fair for the quality.

It's worth knowing it can get hectic. One person who'd worked in cafes suggested the counter could tighten up order-taking when the place is flat out, and another felt a rosemary and sea salt ciabatta was lighter inside than expected. Those are small grumbles against plenty of enthusiasm, but they're a fair heads-up on a busy day.

If you want the fullest choice, go early, since popular items can sell out well before the day is done. Parking is free, both on the street and in a car park, and the entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible. They take cards and tap-and-go payments. Check the hours before you head in, as they keep shorter trading days and are closed at the start of the week.