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Alice Springs Culture & history

Our most recommended Alice Springs Culture & history

From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip

1. From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Day Trip

Be picked up from your Alice Springs accommodation at 7:45 AM and set off on a day of adventure and exploration! Enjoy the spectacular outback scenery and photo opportunities as you travel along the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, stopping at historic sites. Enjoy beautiful walks at Simpsons Gap, a natural rock amphitheater that is home to endangered black-footed rock wallabies. Stop at Standley Chasm for morning tea and a leisurely stroll. At Ochre Pits, discover rock walls covered by natural colored ochre, used for sacred ceremonies of the local Aboriginal people. Ormiston Gorge is up next: a great place for a swim, or to see the towering walls of the gorge and pound, local plants and wildlife. By now, you will have certainly worked up an appetite for lunch. The next stop is at Glen Helen. The landscape here is spectacular - a towering sandstone wall is the first thing you see as you arrive. The area includes views of Mount Sonder, one of the highest points in Central Australia, which changes colors with the light.  On the way back to Alice Springs, witness the famous and enchanting Ellery Creek Big Hole. This waterhole is one of Central Australia’s most pristine, so don’t forget your swimmers in the warmer months. Visit Flynns Memorial and from October to March, you may decide to partake in an incredible Sunset Camel Ride at the Camel farm (optional, at your own expense). The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary for their immensity and the spectacular array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples on display. These mighty ranges light up in brilliant oranges and reds at sunset on the return trip to Alice Springs. Get dropped off at your accommodation in Alice Springs at approximately 5:30 PM.

A Town Like Alice: Half-Day Tour of Alice Springs

2. A Town Like Alice: Half-Day Tour of Alice Springs

This afternoon you’ll learn how the town of Alice Springs has evolved into the central hub of the Australian outback. Your driver guide will provide details along the way as you visit historical sites and some of the essential services delivered from Alice to the community of this vast region. The first stop is the Alice Springs School of the Air which provides education to primary aged school children living on remote properties throughout the Northern Territory. Learn how this essential service is delivered via satellite across more than one million square kilometres. Alice Springs Telegraph Station: Built in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, the historic Telegraph Station is the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. After 60 years of operation, the premises then served as a school for the local Aboriginal children. Now a historical reserve, featuring the original stone buildings and furnishings from the early 1900s, the Telegraph Station is a must to visit and learn more of the history of the Alice. Royal Flying Doctor Service: Now you’ll visit the home and headquarters of the highly respected Royal Flying Doctor Service. Delivering medical services to people who live, work and travel in remote and rural Australia, the RFDS is a critical resource for this community. Learn of its remarkable history through stories, images and their wonderful interactive museum. Alice Springs Reptile Centre: Home to the largest reptile display in Central Australia, the Alice Springs Reptile Centre will introduce you to Terry the saltwater crocodile and let you get very close to enormous goannas and frill-neck lizards. The Gecko Cave features a large collection of gecko species from all over the Northern Territory. You’ll have lots of fun here, particularly during the afternoon show and if you’re game, try the supervised handling session. Your last stop is Anzac Hill. Originally dedicated to the many men and women who lost their lives during WWI, it now honors all those who have served in wars in which Australia has played a role.

From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Half Day Trip

3. From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Half Day Trip

The panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges are extraordinary with their immensity and array of sunburnt oranges, maroons and purples. View spectacular outback scenery and take photos as you travel along through magnificent Outback Country, making stops at the many historic locations. Depart Alice Springs to explore The West Macs, stopping at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial, resting place of Reverend Flynn, founder of The Royal Flying Doctor Service. Next up, travel to Simpsons Gap, featuring towering cliffs and a permanent waterhole. The site is significant to the Arrernte people as the home of giant goanna ancestors. Take a walk to sport black-footed rock wallabies and take magnificent photos. Lastly, you will visit Standley Chasm. Traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, this is an important cultural place, sacred to womens’ dreaming in Aboriginal culture. Take a 0.75 mile (1.2km) walk to access the dramatic 262 foot (80 metre) tall rock-face. On the way there or back, note the unusual features of the natural landscape here, the unique micro climate in this valley has created some distinctive features, such as ancient Cycads and a myriad of rock types and pebbles that are thousands of years old, washed down from miles upstream. After your walk enjoy Morning Tea at local cafe. Then make your way back to Alice Springs where you will have the afternoon free to explore.

From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Guided Tour

4. From Alice Springs: West MacDonnell Ranges Guided Tour

Experience the beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges on this tour from Alice Springs. Head to must-see locations like Anzac Hill, Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve, Simpsons Gap, and Standley Chasm. Marvel at natural wonders and stop at some local memorials. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Alice Springs. Sit back and relax in the comfortable bus on your way to Anzac Hill. Stop for panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. Learn about the war memorial at Anzac Hill. Travel to John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve where the Reverend Flynn was laid to rest. Hear about Flynn, the founder of Royal Flying Doctor Service. Enjoy the changing colors of the West MacDonnell Ranges from this location and get some photos. Continue to the towering cliffs of Simpsons Gap. Discover why this area is important to the local Arrernte Aboriginal people. Stroll along a dry creek bed to a dramatic gap in the MacDonnell Ranges. Try to spot some local wildlife like black-footed rock-wallabies at the watering hole. Head to the dramatic Standley Chasm geological formation. Standley Chasm is operated by Arrernte aboriginal family members who are direct descendants of the Aboriginal people who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Experience the unique landscapes created by the micro-climate in this valley.

Alice Town and Country Half Day Sunset Tour -Small Group

5. Alice Town and Country Half Day Sunset Tour -Small Group

Explore the sites of Alice Springs and the surrounding outback on a half-day afternoon tour and enjoy the Sunset and magnificent view from Anzac Hill. The tour includes an overview of panoramic landscapes of the East MacDonnell ranges countryside, including Telegraph Station, Araluen Art Centre, Dr John Flynn's Museum, Anzac Hill, Emily Gap & Jessie Gap. Your first visit is to Araluen Arts Centre. You will get an excellent opportunity to look closely at Albert Namatjira's arts and learn about their unique natural history, follow the evolution of the landscape and fascinating creatures, and explore the panoramic landscapes of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The Araluen Arts Centre aims to develop a collection of artworks that reflect a permanent record of art practice in Central Australia. Araluen arts centre holds a comprehensive collection of paintings by Albert Namatjira. Your next visit will be to Alice Springs Telegraph Station established in 1872 to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide, and it is the original site of the first European settlement in central Australia. It was one of twelve stations along the Overland Telegraph Line. After around 60 years of operation, the premises then served as a school for the local Aboriginal children as well as provided shelter for local aboriginal children. Now a historical reserve featuring the original stone buildings and furnishings from the early 1900s, the Telegraph Station is a must to visit the place and learn more about the history of Alice. Our tour guides will explain to you the history of the Telegraph Station and the township, the lives of the early telegraphers and their families, and discuss the Stolen Generation history of the site in the Bungalow era of the 1930s. Your next exciting place is Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tour Facility. See, experience and learn through the wonder of technology the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. After finishing in Town, you will move 16 kilometres to the countryside of Alice Springs and reach Emily and Jessie Gaps. The two small gaps in the Heavitree Range are spiritual sites to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. Finally, our last visit of the day is at the iconic local landmark of Anzac Hill, where you will be able to take in panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. You will enjoy the sunset from Anzac hill also. Anzac Hill is a memorial dedicated to those who served in Australia’s defence forces during all international wars. With this attraction, we conclude our tour and will drop you at your hotels or caravan parks.

Alice Springs: Town Highlights and West MacDonnell Ranges

6. Alice Springs: Town Highlights and West MacDonnell Ranges

Depart Alice Springs to explore The West Macs, stopping at the historical Flynn’s Grave Memorial, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Next up, travel to Simpsons Gap, featuring towering cliffs and a permanent waterhole. The site is significant to the Arrernte people as being the home of giant goanna ancestors. Following that, take a walk to spot black-footed rock wallabies and take magnificent photos. You'll then visit Standley Chasm. Traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, this is an important cultural place which is sacred to women's dreaming in Aboriginal culture. Take a 1.2-kilometer walk to access the dramatic 80-meter-tall rock-face, and on the way there or back, note the unusual features of the natural landscape. The unique micro climate in this valley has created some distinctive features, such as ancient cycads and a myriad of rock types and pebbles that are thousands of years old. After your walk, enjoy morning tea at a local cafe before heading back to Alice Springs for some free time for lunch before setting off again to explore the town. In the afternoon, tour the sights of "The Alice" including the School of the Air. Learn how children who cannot access schools are educated by radio, and you may have the opportunity to listen to and observe actual lessons in progress on air. Stop at the historic Telegraph Station, which marks the original site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. Visit the Royal Flying Doctors Service, where you will see how medical aid reaches those who live in the remote "outback". You'll also stop at the Alice Springs Reptile Centre, where you can see up close and maybe touch some of the lizards and snakes of Central Australia's semi-arid desert. The tour later concludes with panoramic views of the township of Alice Springs and the MacDonnell Ranges from the top of Anzac Hill.

From Alice Springs: Uluru & Kings Canyon 4-Day Outback Tour

7. From Alice Springs: Uluru & Kings Canyon 4-Day Outback Tour

Discover the beauty and ancient traditions of the Australian outback on a 4-day tour with a guide, starting from Alice Springs. Visit sites like Ayers Rock, Uluru, and Curtin Springs. Take a hike by the Kata Tjuta peaks, learn about aboriginal culture, and enjoy food and accommodation provided. Day 1 Start with pickup from your accommodation in Alice Springs at approximately 8 AM. On the way to Uluru, stop for morning tea before continuing to Ayers Rock, a journey of around 4.5 hours. Once you've arrived, enjoy lunch at the Yulara Walpa Lobby Bar. After lunch, head to the Sails in the Desert hotel to check in. Spend the rest of the day at Uluru, where you can take easy walks while learning about the site's sacred traditions and stories. In the afternoon, savor delicious drinks and canapés with a beautiful view of Uluru in the setting sun. Just after sunset, you'll be dropped off at the Sails in the Desert hotel to enjoy a 3-course dinner at the Ilkari restaurant. Day 2 Get an early start with a walk to a viewing point, where you can admire a sunrise view of Uluru while you sip a coffee or tea. Once the sun has fully risen, return to the hotel for breakfast. At 9 AM, head to Kata Tjuta to walk the Walpa Gorge trail. Take in the amazing view from the site’s viewing platform. Return to the resort for lunch, before taking part in an interactive Maruku dot-painting workshop. Learn about aboriginal art and try out the techniques for yourself. Spend the rest of the day with free leisure time. Take the chance to explore the Red Centre with a variety of optional activities (not included in the tour price), such as the Field of Lights show, a stargazing tour, a sunset camel ride, or the Sounds of Silence dining experience. Day 3 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out at 9:30 AM for the day's adventure, with your first stop at Curtin Springs. Visit the Old Abattoir and find out how they harvest grass and produce paper products. Get access to the full range of Curtin Springs Paper products and see their gallery. After lunch in Curtin Springs, explore Kings Creek Station. On the way, stop at the Mount Conner Lookout. Finish the day with the Karrke Aboriginal tour to see, feel, and experience the aboriginal culture up close. Relax with dinner and accommodation at the luxurious Mort Conway Camp. Day 4 Start the final day of the tour with an early morning walk in the Kings Canyon National Park. Take in the awe-inspiring natural landscape of the region, and get breathtaking views with an optional helicopter flight. After lunch at Kings Canyon Resort, start making your way back to Alice Springs. Stop over at Erldunda Roadhouse to grab some afternoon tea and see emus in their natural habitat. Finally, you'll be dropped off at your accommodation in Alice Springs.

Frequently asked questions about Alice Springs

What are the best day trips and excursions from Alice Springs?

The best day trips and excursions from Alice Springs are:

Uluru

Other Sightseeing Options in Alice Springs

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What people are saying about Alice Springs

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 243 reviews

Marc, was a very nice guide, with lots of information, stories and jokes, many stops to see all the sights, enough time to see everything, the breakfast could be a bit more, but overall everything was great. The only negative thing is that the air conditioning on the bus is always very cold. Definitely take long pants and yes ever with you.

A great morning with Colin. He provided lots of information throughout and made the tour very enjoyable. We learnt lots and would recommend this tour. We had plenty of time at each spot to enjoy and take lots of photos.

Our guide his name Philippine is very nice and humorous person and we have a nice time this trip. I will recommend to my friend thanks

Great way to see highlights in Alice Springs and area with a very personable guide. Afternoon tea was lovely!

Very amusing and informative guide. Made for an enjoyable afternoon