Alice Springs Highlights & Nature Escape Day Tour
Description
Discover Alice Springs and the West MacDonnell Ranges through stunning cliffs, dramatic chasms, and Outback stories. Embark on a journey through the West MacDonnell Ranges from Alice Springs and uncover the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Central Australia. Marvel at the towering cliffs of Simpson’s Gap, where elusive rock wallabies shelter among rugged landscapes. Wander through the vibrant sandstone walls of Standley Chasm, learn about the iconic School of the Air, and step back in time at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station to explore its pioneering heritage.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Hear from your Driver Guide how Alice Springs began as a radio repeater station along the Overland Telegraph Line • Call into the School of the Air, which provides education to primary school aged children living on remote properties in the Northern Territory
Explore the Telegraph Station, site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs, and learn how it relayed messages between Darwin and Adelaide for 60 years
Next, marvel at the dramatic beauty of Simpson’s Gap. Join your Driver Guide on a guided walk through this spectacular natural corridor, shaped over millions of years. Keep an eye out for the elusive black-footed rock wallaby, often seen among the rugged cliffs.
Explore the cultural and geological marvel of Standley Chasm, a site of deep significance to the local Arrernte people. During a one-hour guided hike, watch the sandstone walls glow with vibrant colors as the midday sun illuminates the Chasm. Afterwards, enjoy the option to purchase lunch at the Standley Chasm Café (own expense).
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Hotel pick-ups commence prior to the tour start time. You will be collected from the hotel you have selected in the drop down list during the booking process. If you wish to change your pick-up location from the one selected, please call AAT Kings at least 24 hrs prior to travel. This tour will depart at 8am and return at 3:00pm
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note: School of the Air is only open Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)
- What to Bring: Flynet in summer months (optional), warm layers in cooler months, enclosed walking shoes
- This tour does enter a Northern Territory Park which requires the NT Park Pass, you will need to pre-purchase this entry ticket online AUD 10.00 (adult) AUD5.00 (child)
Reviews(125)
Great tour. Only 6 of us. Simpson's Gap and Stanley Chasm were the highlights. Great to visit the Telegraph Station and the School of the Air.
I booked this tour May 20, 2025 and received an email that the pick up time was changed to 13:15. This was 10 months ago! For the last two weeks, up until Monday, March 24th, the day before the tour, I have received no fewer than 10 communications including my ticket that says the pick up time was as originally booked, 1:45. We stood for 30 minutes before receiving word that the bus did arrive at 1:15.
Hi Susan, Thank you for getting in contact with us. We would like to clarify that the correct pick-up time for your tour was 13:15 PM, as confirmed to you via the Viator portal on May 20, 2025. Our records show that this information was provided well in advance of your tour. For reference, the confirmation stated: "Dear Susan, We would like to confirm that your pickup will be at Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters, 93 Barrett Drive, Alice Springs NT (Front of Hotel) at 13:15 PM on the A Town Like Alice (A3) Tuesday 24/03/26. Please ensure you are ready and waiting 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time." As noted on your voucher under Know Before You Go, the following important information was provided: Please contact AAT Kings to reconfirm your hotel pick-up or for any questions and advise specific dietary requirements or mobility issues at the time of booking. Hotel pick-ups are scheduled prior to the official tour departure, which is why it is important to follow the confirmed pick-up time rather than assuming the tour departure time. We encourage guests to review the confirmation messages to ensure timely attendance. Please let us know if you require further details. AAT Kings Team.
Our bus driver was an excellent guide and all the stops along the way were fascinating and really helped us understand more about Alice Springs. How it got it's name and how it thrives today.
Hi Kerry, We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the tour and that the stops along the route offered interesting insights. It’s wonderful that our driver made the history and character of Alice Springs come alive for you. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience — we’re glad it gave you a deeper appreciation of this special region. AAT Kings Team
A town like Alice was amazing. Perfect introduction to the town and all its history. Desert park was ok but could think of better things to do with my time.
A jam packed afternoon. Mike, our driver, was fabulous - as were the guides we met at the Alice Springs School of the Air and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Rex, at the reptile centre, was so informative and we learnt so much about the native reptiles. We got the message loud and clear about the dangers of crocs and snakes. The small group was great.
Enjoyed the experience. Much better understanding of Alice Springs and it history. Particularly like the telegraph village amazing.
A really great tour. A lot crammed into a short time but we didn't feel rushed and would definitely recommend this trip.
Excellent afternoon, thoroughly enjoyed itAlice High. Martin the driver/guide was highly informative and very entertaining.
The afternoon tour of Alice Springs was great. Firstly Anzac Hill, then School of The Air, The Old Telegraph Station, Royal Flying Doctor Exhibits, and finally the Reptile Centre. Certainly a packed and well guided itinerary to spend a long afternoon taking part off. Many highlights but when only in town for a limited time, a truly worthwhile and informative experience.
I was collected from my accommodation, in a clean air conditioned bus, driven by Gary, who was knowledgeable as we listened to his commentary. We visited Anzac Hill, The Telegraph station museum ( Amazing), The Royal Flying Doctors school of the Air( wow), and reptile centre( very educational). It is a must do.
Hi Dawn,Thanks so much for sharing! Great to hear you had a smooth and enjoyable day with Gary — he really brings the tour to life. Sounds like you got a lot out of the stops, especially the Telegraph Station and RFDS. So glad you had a great time!
