Tours & tickets

Alice Springs Telegraph Station

Explore the sites of Alice Springs and the surrounding outback on a half-day afternoon tour. Enjoy the Sunset and magnificent view from Anzac Hill. The tour includes an overview of panoramic landscapes of the East MacDonnell ranges countryside, including the School of Air, Araluen Art Centre, Dr John Flynn's Museum, Anzac Hill, Emily Gap, and Jessie Gap. Your first visit is to the 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 famous Aboriginal artists. Your next visit will be to Alice Springs School of the Air Experience. The Visitor Centre brings to life an integral and unique facet of the children’s lives in the Australian Outback. It offers travellers the opportunity to learn about the history of 'The World's Largest Classroom', reveal stories about the school from afar and life on the land, and share in Outback students' dreams, achievements, and journeys. The experience includes a film, a guided presentation about our unique history, and the ground-breaking techniques that make it possible for our remote students to participate in school classes despite time, distance, and isolation challenges. You might even be able to observe a teacher conducting a live lesson in one of our five broadcasting studios right before you! However, sometimes, live lessons will be replaced with pre-recorded lessons. Your next exciting place is the Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tour Facility. Through the wonder of technology, you can see, experience, and learn the heroic tales of the Royal Flying Doctor Service's birth and growth. 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 can take in panoramic views over the town of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell ranges. You will also enjoy the sunset from Anzac Hill. 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.

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.

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. All activities are considered very safe for all age groups. They do not require a high level of fitness or agility.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Australia with the West & East MacDonnell Ranges Full-Day Tour within one day. Tour Highlights The tour begins with a smaller group (Maximum 10 travellers), featuring hotel pick-up in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. 1. Anzac Hill: A Panoramic Overview of Alice Springs Your first stop is Anzac Hill, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views over Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges and also a significant war memorial. We share historical information about Alice Springs' history. 2. John Flynn's Grave Historical Reserve Next, your tour is dedicated to Reverend John Flynn, the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Your guide will share the inspiring story of Flynn’s vision for care in remote communities. 3. Simpsons Gap: A short drive brings you to one of the most striking locations in the West MacDonnell Ranges. The towering cliffs of Simpsons Range, the permanent waterhole, and the ancient Red River Gums create a tranquil and photogenic landscape. 4. Standley Chasm: Prepare to be amazed by the dramatic Standley Chasm where you’ll discover its geological significance and unique flora and fauna. This 80-meter-high rock formation is a sight, with vibrant colours. 5. Honeymoon Gap: Your next stop is Honeymoon Gap, a small but significant gap in the West MacDonnell Ranges. It was named after a couple, Bob and Victoria Darken, who camped here for their honeymoon in 1942. The site became known as Honeymoon Gap despite car troubles and bad weather. Lunch Break (45 minutes) 6. Emily Gap & Jessie Gap These Gaps are significant sites for the dreams of three ancestral caterpillars. Caterpillar Dreaming is one of the most important creation stories for Alice Springs & the surrounding region. You will see Aboriginal rock art at Jessie Gap. 7. Corroboree Rock Your next visit will be to Corroboree Rock, which is a silent witness to thousands of years of history. You will take a short walk with our guide around the rock base to survey the area & closely look at the ancient, fine-grained sedimentary rock. A short walk around the rock reveals its fascinating, streaky texture, & it forms an integral part of the region’s cultural landscape. 8. Trephina Gorge Nature Park: The Rugged Heart of the Ranges is a stunning location known for its rugged scenery & diverse wildlife. The park is a prime example of the dramatic beauty of the East MacDonnell Ranges. 9. Giant Ghost Gum Tree: A Majestic Symbol of the Outback Next in the list is the famous Giant Ghost Gum Tree, located within Trephina Gorge Nature Park. It is the largest & oldest Ghost Gum tree in Australia, & is more than 300 years old. 12. Sunset Viewpoint in Central Australia: Once again, we visit Anzac Hill & witness the sunset over the desert landscape. You’ll leave the tour with a deeper appreciation for Alice Springs, its people, & its stunning surroundings & we'll drop off at your hotel or residence.

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.