Alice Springs Experiences

Experience the breathtaking feeling of floating silently above the Outback as the sun slowly rises over the desert on this awe-inspiring ballooning adventure. Journey to the launch site in the cool pre dawn darkness, and begin your ascent just as the morning light begins to illuminate the rugged McDonnell Ranges. Float gently across the vast expanse of the Australian Outback keeping an eye out for native wildlife including the iconic red kangaroo and gain an appreciation of the remoteness of the area as you glide across the landscape.

After landing you may become involved in assisting the crew or taking photographs as we pack the nylon balloon back into its bag. At the balloon landing site you will enjoy a glass of sparkling Australian wine or fruit juice accompanied by a small selection of individually wrapped snacks. A range of Outback Ballooning souvenirs is also available.

Prices include mandatory Civil Aviation Safety Authority Insurance. (The insurance charge is 30 AUD per person.)

This tour from Alice Springs takes you through the West MacDonnell Ranges and reveals the deep layers of Central Australia’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore the towering cliffs of Simpsons Gap, where elusive rock wallabies hide among rugged landscapes. Wander through the vibrant sandstone walls of Angkerle (Standley Chasm), learn about the integral School of the Air, then step back in time at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and discover its pioneering past.

Flynn’s Grave
Begin your adventure with a visit to Flynn’s Grave, a tribute to Reverend John Flynn, the visionary founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. This historic site offers a glimpse into the pioneering spirit that shaped the more recent exploration of the Red Centre.

Simpsons Gap
Next, marvel at the dramatic beauty of Simpsons Gap. Join your Driver Guide for a walk through this stunning natural corridor, carved over millions of years. Keep an eye out for the elusive black-footed rock wallaby, often spotted among the rugged cliffs.

Angkerle (Standley Chasm)
Explore the cultural and geological wonder of Standley Chasm, a site of deep significance to the local Arrernte people. On a one-hour guided hike, see the sandstone walls come alive with vibrant hues as the midday sun illuminates the Chasm. Afterwards, you can purchase lunch at the Standley Chasm Cafe (own expense).

School of the Air

Discover the innovative School of the Air, which brings education to primary school children living remotely. During the school term, there may be the opportunity to listen to and observe live lessons being broadcast on air.

Alice Springs Telegraph Station
Conclude your tour at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the birthplace of the town. Learn about the early pioneers and the critical role this outpost played in connecting Australia to the rest of the world.

NB: The NT Parks Visitor Pass is required for each guest booking this tour. The pass can be purchased as an add-on. For departures after 1 April 2027 the NT Parks Visitor Pass is included in the tour price.

Enjoy a full-day tour of the Red Centre’s landscapes, culture, and history. In the morning, visit the ancient Ewaninga Aboriginal Rock Carvings, Ooraminna Station Homestead, the Drover’s Boy film set, and the Red Dune Lookout. In the afternoon, explore Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and its historic sites that shaped the town and its role in the heart of the outback.

Your adventure begins at 7:45 am with pick-up from your Alice Springs accommodation, as you head out into the vast, sunlit landscapes of the outback. Travel along the Old South Road,taking in the rugged beauty of the Finke River and hearing stories of the historic telegraph line that once connected remote settlements across the Red Centre.

Step back in time at the Ewaninga Aboriginal Rock Carvings, where the ancient petroglyphs of the Arrernte people whisper stories of a rich and enduring culture. Continue to Ooraminna Station Homestead, a working cattle station and film set from The Drover’s Boy, and enjoy morning tea on the deck, surrounded by the peaceful sounds and endless horizons of the outback. From the Red Dune Desert Lookout, marvel at the striking panorama of rust-red sands stretching to the distant MacDonnell Ranges, before exploring the Old Ghan Museum, where the pioneering spirit of Central Australia comes alive through the story of the legendary train.

Return to Alice Springs for some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch (at your own expense), before spending the afternoon immersing yourself in its history and culture. Visit the School of the Air to see how children in remote communities are taught across vast distances, and the Telegraph Station, Alice Springs’ first European settlement, once a vital hub for communication. Discover the lifesaving work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, before finishing the day atop Anzac Hill, where sweeping views of the town and the MacDonnell Ranges create a breathtaking finale to your journey. Return to your accommodation around 5:30 pm, having experienced a full day of outback history, culture, and natural beauty.

Immerse yourself into the history of Mparn­twe (pro­nounced m’barn-twa), the Arrernte name of Alice Springs. Learn how it came to be the central hub of the Australian outback by visiting the historical sites that played a big part in the evolution of a town originally called Stuart and its progression to what Alice Springs is today. You'll visit:

School of the Air – Provides education to primary school children living on remote properties throughout the Northern Territory.

Telegraph Station – The first European settlement in Alice Springs(originally Stuart). Learn how it relayed messages between Darwin and Adelaide for 150 years.

Royal Flying Doctor Service – Delivers medical services and emergency evacuation flights to those who live and work in remote rural Australia

Anzac Hill – An amazing view of Alice Springs with the Spectacular backdrop of the MacDonnell Ranges.

Explore Central Australia with the Red Centre Journey Tour, a relaxing morning adventure. Discover the ancient Ewaninga Aboriginal Rock Carvings, experience outback charm at Ooraminna Station Homestead, and step into the classic Australian landscape of the Drover’s Boy Film Set. Relive history at the Old Ghan Museum and enjoy stunning views from the Red Dune Desert Lookout. This tour offers a comfortable and enriching experience for all.

Travelling through the picturesque outback landscape, we make our way along the Old South Road and take in the beautiful landscape scenery while learning about the Finke River, the building of the telegraph line and Finke history. Our first stop will be Napwerte/Ewaninga Aboriginal Rock Carvings Conservation Reserve and learn about the petroglyphs made by the early Arrernte Aboriginal people of Central Australia.

We journey on to Ooraminna Station Homestead, a working cattle station and a unique tourist experience that offers a glimpse into the Australian outback lifestyle. It’s also the home to an outback film set with its own outback saloon that has featured in “The Drover’s Boy”. Enjoy morning tea on the deck of the homestead while taking in the serenity and sounds of the outback.

We then visit “The Red Sandy Dune” for its beautiful panoramic views and deep red sand before visiting the Ghan Museum where you’ll get to experience the journey of the Ghan train. Return to your accommodation approximately midday.

NB: NT Parks Pass is required for this tour and can be purchased separately.

Short on time but still want to experience the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges? This half-day tour is the perfect way to explore some of Central Australia’s most iconic landscapes in just one morning. Marvel at the panoramic scenery as we travel west of Alice Springs to visit culturally significant sites and natural wonders. You’ll learn about desert flora and fauna, and enjoy morning tea surrounded by towering red cliffs.

We travel west of Alice Springs along the stunning Tjoritja / West MacDonnell Ranges, taking time to explore some of the region’s most iconic and culturally significant sites. Our first stop is at John Flynn’s Grave Historical Reserve, the resting place of the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and an important figure in Central Australia’s history. From there, we continue to the tranquil surroundings of Simpsons Gap, where a short walk offers the chance to spot native wildlife and take in the serene beauty of towering cliffs and shady riverbeds.

The morning continues at the breathtaking Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye), a deep rock passage carved through the ranges by millions of years of erosion. Here, you’ll enjoy morning tea before taking a walk through the chasm. Throughout the tour, your experienced local guide will share stories, cultural insights, and fascinating facts about the unique desert flora and fauna that thrive in this incredible part of the Red Centre. Return to Alice Springs with a camera full of photos and a head full of memories. You can expect to be back at your accommodation at approximately 12pm.

NB: This tour requires a NT Parks Pass, which is not included but can be purchased separately.

Experience the magnificent grandeur of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this fascinating one day tour. Marvel at towering fiery red walls set aglow by the desert sun as you drive along the ranges. We tour through these amazing ranges all day and stop at beautiful gorges and waterholes, where we can enjoy a refreshing swim in the warmer months.

You will be collected from your Alice Springs accommodation in the morning. Spectacular outback scenery and photo opportunites as we travel along the magnificent MacDonnell Ranges, stopping at historic sites such as the historical Flynn's Grave Memorial. Enjoy beautiful walks at Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm where we will stop for morning tea and the Ochre Pits.

Our next stop is at Ormiston Gorge for a Bushman’s Lunch, consisting of wraps and cold drinks. On our way back to Alice Springs, we stop to spend time at Ellery Creek Big Hole. This waterhole is one of Central Australia’s most pristine, so don’t forget your swimmers in the warmer months.

The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary for their immensity and the spectacular array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples. In the winter months, these mighty ranges light up in brilliant oranges and reds at sunset on the return journey to Alice Springs.

NB: This tour requires a NT Parks Pass, which is not included but can be purchased separately.

Today you re going to enjoy an outback safari-style adventure. Travelling in our custom designed 4WD vehicle, you ll reach off-road destinations that are otherwise difficult to access. Through the Central Australian landscape we ll take you down the very edge of Finke River and into the amazing Palm Valley.

The Amphitheatre
On the way to Palm Valley we ll be right on time to see the Amphitheatre at its best. Also known as Kalarranga, this impressive group of red sandstone formations is particularly striking as the sun rises, leaving a glow of amazing light and colour across the landscape.

Palm Valley
Aptly named, as it is the only area in Central Australia where red cabbage palms survive, Palm Valley is an incredible outback oasis. Despite the harsh conditions, the gorge is supported by small pockets of spring-fed pools that ensure the survival of a diverse range of plant species. From the 4WD and on foot, you ll be amazed by the enormous rock formations, pinnacles, gorges and endless palm trees in the area.

Finke Gorge National Park
Sit back and relax as you enjoy a picnic lunch in the Finke Gorge National Park. Covering a staggering area of 46,000 hectares, it s noted for its ancient palms. The Park holds great cultural significance to the Arrernte people and there is also evidence of early European settlement.

Hermannsburg Aboriginal Community
Last stop for the day is Hermannsburg, known to the Arrernte people as Ntaria . Established as an Aboriginal mission in 1877, the land was returned to the Traditional Owners in 1982. It was the birthplace of celebrated Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira in 1902 and is renowned for its indigenous art collection. Here you can wander through the amazing artworks at the gallery and explore the historic buildings, many of which are now protected by the National Trust. Afterwards, sit back and enjoy the view as we take you back to Alice Springs. (Closed to tourists in summer months.)

We collect you from outside your Alice Springs accommodation at approximately 6am and head to our first stop at Erldunda (home of the Emu) for a light breakfast (own expense). We arrive at Ayers Rock Resort at approximately midday for a quick stop before the drive to the World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Aboriginal Cultural Centre
We visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre where you will have time to learn about the local Pitjantjatjara people and buy some souvenirs. The Cultural Centre was built with 90,000 mud bricks with the help of the local Anangu people. It is built on a sacred site and has very special meaning to the local Anangu people.

Uluru Mala Walk
We then head to the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock), which is next to the entrance to the Uluru climb. From here one of the two guides will take you on a guided Mala Walk. The Mala Walk follows the north-west side of Uluru, where there are many fine examples of Anangu rock art, and you can experience the wonder of the sheer vertical walls. The guide will tell dreamtime stories of the Anangu People.

Uluru Mutitjulu Waterhole
We drive from the front of Uluru around to the Kuniya car park, which is at the back of Uluru. From here we start our second Uluru guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole. The guide will take you along a short track to the Mutitjulu Waterhole home of an ancestral water snake called Wanampi. The guide will share stories of local traditions and explain how the Anangu people traditionally used the waterhole for hunting. The caves containing rock art were used in the past by Anangu still alive today.

The Sunset BBQ
The scene has been set, the highlight of the day, the breathtaking Uluru sunset with a glass of bubbly and a delicious Aussie BBQ. A spectacular day never to be forgotten. After sunset we set off to Alice Springs.

NB: If you would like to stay in Uluru rather than returning to Alice, you can be dropped to the Outback Pioneer Hotel at Ayers Rock Resort just after sunset. Please advise at time of booking