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Alice town highlights & east macDonnell ranges half day tour- small group
Special Note: Promotional prices end with effect up to June 30, 2026;
About the tour
Start : At 12.30 PM
Duration : Six and a half hours (approx.)
Promotional price : Manual Confirmation AUD $ 160.00 and Instant confirmation AUD $ 175.00 per seat till 30 June 2026.
Alice Town Highlights & East MacDonnell Ranges Half Day Tour: A Perfect Way to Explore the Heart of the Outback
If you're looking for a unique way to experience the beauty and history of Alice Springs and explore the panoramic landscapes of the East MacDonnell Ranges, then your best choice will be Alice Town Highlights & East MacDonnell Ranges Half Day Tour. Your tour takes you through the heart of the town, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural surroundings, and fascinating history. It also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the desert from iconic local landmarks.
Discover Alice Town Highlights & East MacDonnell Ranges.
The half-day tour provides an excellent overview of Alice Springs, allowing you to explore the town and the picturesque East MacDonnell Ranges. Your adventure will begin with visits to several local attractions, including the Araluen Arts Centre, the Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tour Facility, and the Anzac hill. After experiencing the town's highlights, you’ll head out to the surrounding countryside, where you’ll visit Emily Gap and Jessie Gap, two significant Aboriginal spiritual sites. Then you will visit Corroboree Rock where you will take a short walk with our guide around the rock base. Next you will visit Trephina Gorge nature park, and Australia the largest ghost gum tree. The tour culminates at Anzac hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the town and the desert as the sun sets over the MacDonnell Ranges.
Araluen Arts Centre: A Window into the Art and Nature of Central Australia
Your first stop is the Araluen Arts Centre, home to a significant collection of artwork that highlights the unique culture and natural beauty of Central Australia. This cultural hub showcases a diverse range of Australian art, with a special focus on Albert Namatjira, one of the most iconic artists to emerge from the region. As you explore the gallery, you’ll learn about Namatjira’s contribution to Australian art and the landscapes and wildlife that inspired his works. The Araluen Arts Centre also offers insights into the history and evolution of the natural environment of Central Australia, including the West MacDonnell Ranges that stretch out beyond the town.
Royal Flying Doctor Service: Innovation and Heroism in the Outback
Next, you’ll visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs Tour Facility, where you can learn about the pioneering work of this life-saving service that has been a lifeline for people living in remote areas of Australia. Through immersive technology and exhibits, you’ll hear incredible stories about the history of the Flying Doctor Service, from its humble beginnings to its vital role in providing medical care across the vast Australian Outback. Learn about the work of the doctors, nurses, engineers, and pilots who make it possible for people in isolated communities to access essential medical care, and discover how this iconic service has evolved.
Emily Gap and Jessie Gap: Aboriginal Cultural Significance
After exploring Alice Springs, you’ll travel 24 kilometres out of town into the East MacDonnell Ranges to visit Emily Gap and Jessie Gap. These small gaps in the Heavitree Range are of great spiritual significance to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people, who consider them part of the Caterpillar Dreaming story. The Dreaming refers to the Aboriginal creation stories that explain the origins of natural features and landmarks across the Australian landscape. At both Emily Gap and Jessie Gap, you’ll see ancient rock paintings depicting the story of the caterpillar, a central figure in Aboriginal culture. The rock art and the surrounding landscape offer a glimpse into the Arrernte people's deep spiritual connection with this land.
Corroboree Rock
Your next visit will be to Corroboree Rock. It’s one of many sites in the MacDonnell Ranges that are important to the Eastern Arrernte people. You will take a short walk with our guide around the rock base to survey the area and closely look at the ancient sedimentary, fine-grained rock. At the base, you can see dark grey and light grey streaky blobs of dolostone rock. A ring of low ground surrounds it, making it look like an obelisk.
This striking dolostone outcrop, formed from ancient sedimentary rock, is a silent witness to thousands of years of history. Though its exact purpose remains a mystery, it is thought to have been used for storing ceremonial objects rather than as a site for corroborees (traditional dances). A short walk around the base of the rock reveals its fascinating streaky texture and forms an important part of the region’s cultural landscape. The rock is an outcrop of dolomite from the Bitter Springs Formation, originally laid in salty lakes 800 million years ago.
Trephina Gorge Nature Park: The Rugged Heart of the Ranges
Continuing east, you’ll arrive at Trephina Gorge Nature Park, a stunning location known for its rugged scenery and diverse wildlife. This 85-kilometre-long park is a prime example of the East MacDonnell Ranges' dramatic beauty. The park offers a range of short walks, perfect for exploring the rugged landscape, including the wide views of the sandy creek bed below.
Trephina Gorge is home to abundant wildlife, particularly birds and other animals drawn to the waterholes throughout the area. For nature lovers, this park is a great place to catch a glimpse of the unique flora and fauna of the Outback. It also carries deep significance to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people, as it lies within the Wallaby Dreaming Trail.
Giant Ghost Gum Tree: A Majestic Symbol of the Outback
Before returning to Alice Springs, your final stop is the famous Giant Ghost Gum Tree, located within Trephina Gorge Nature Park. With its stark white bark, this ancient tree is more than 300 years old, making it the largest and oldest Ghost Gum tree in Central Australia. The tree stands as a majestic testament to the resilience of life in the harsh desert landscape. A visit to this extraordinary natural monument provides a sense of the vastness and timelessness of the Outback.
Anzac Hill: Stunning Views and Historic Significance.
Your final stop is Anzac Hill, one of the most famous viewpoints in Alice Springs. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the entire town and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges. It’s the perfect spot to capture a photo of Alice Springs set against the backdrop of the rugged desert landscape. The hill is also home to a memorial dedicated to those who have served in Australia’s defence forces, honouring the sacrifices made during international wars. As the sun sets over the MacDonnell Ranges, you’ll have the chance to reflect on the significance of this iconic location.
Conclusion: A Memorable Tour of Alice Springs
The Alice Springs Town and Country Half-Day Sunset Tour offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the best of Alice Springs and its surroundings in just a few hours. From art and history to culture and natural beauty, this tour brings the rich heritage of the region to life. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or nature enthusiast, this tour has something for everyone.
As the sun sets over the desert landscape, you’ll leave the tour with a deeper appreciation for the unique spirit and heritage of Alice Springs, its people, and its stunning surroundings. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or caravan park, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable end to your outback adventure.
Book your tour today and discover the beauty and history of Alice Springs from a perspective you won’t forget!
Inclusions:• Experienced and friendly guide• 11-seater Toyota Hiace bus provided• Complimentary water/ soft drinks provided • Complimentary tea, coffee light snacks provided• Complimentary accommodation pick-up and drop-off * NT Parks Visitor Pass
What to Bring:• Sturdy walking shoes• Sunscreen, hat and comfortable clothing• Camera• Jacket in cooler months• Smile and happy faces
Not included:• Food and drinks other than those listed• No wheelchair accessible
Not Allowed:• Luggage or large bags• Pets
Additional Information Confirmation will be received at the time of booking• Not wheelchair accessible• Infants must sit on laps (No car seater provided)• Most travellers can participate. This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum number is unavailable, you’ll offer a different date/experience or a full refund.• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travellers.
Inclusions:• Experienced and friendly guide• 11-seater Toyota Hiace bus provided• Complimentary water/ soft drinks provided • Complimentary tea, coffee light snacks provided• Complimentary accommodation pick-up and drop-off * NT Parks Visitor Pass
What to Bring:• Sturdy walking shoes• Sunscreen, hat and comfortable clothing• Camera• Jacket in cooler months• Smile and happy faces
Not included:• Food and drinks other than those listed• No wheelchair accessible
Not Allowed:• Luggage or large bags• Pets
Additional Information Confirmation will be received at the time of booking• Not wheelchair accessible• Infants must sit on laps (No car seater provided)• Most travellers can participate. This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum number is unavailable, you’ll offer a different date/experience or a full refund.• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 11 travellers.