Alice Springs half-day tour: Five stops from art to outback views

Five stops across Alice Springs and the East MacDonnell ranges in one afternoon

A half-day guided tour of Alice Springs visiting the Araluen Arts Centre, School of the Air Visitor Centre, Royal Flying Doctor Service facility, Emily and Jessie Gaps, and Anzac Hill, with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, NT Parks entry, refreshments and hotel pickup included. The tour runs 5.5 hours and suits all fitness levels. Children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre1h · entry included
2. Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs1h · entry included
3. Anzac Hill30m

Explore Alice Springs and East MacDonnell Ranges

• Visit Araluen Arts Centre
• Explore Alice Springs School of the Air
• Tour Royal Flying Doctor Service Facility
• Visit Emily and Jessie Gaps
• Enjoy panoramic views at Anzac Hill

The experience

You start at the Araluen Arts Centre, where you walk through a collection of Albert Namatjira paintings and learn how the landscape and wildlife shaped Central Australian art. From there the tour moves to the School of the Air Visitor Centre, where you see how remote Outback students attend classes across vast distances. The experience includes a film and a guided presentation, and you may catch a live lesson being broadcast from one of the five studios. The Royal Flying Doctor Service facility comes next, with displays on the pilots, doctors and nurses who deliver medical care to isolated regions and the patients they serve each day.

The second half takes you to Emily and Jessie Gaps, two small rock formations in the Heavitree Range that hold deep spiritual significance to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people. A rock painting at Emily Gap depicts the caterpillar beings of the Dreamtime story that shaped the landscape around Alice Springs. You can walk a short track into the gaps or watch the local wildlife. The tour ends at Anzac Hill, where the panoramic views sweep across the entire town and the MacDonnell Ranges. The memorial site is also a good spot for a late-afternoon photo before you're dropped at your hotel or caravan park.

The vehicle is air-conditioned and the pace is steady. Five stops across 5.5 hours means time to look around without rushing. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and light snacks are provided. The NT Parks Visitor Pass is included, so entry fees are covered.

What’s included

• NT Parks Visitor Pass covering entry to all five attractions.
• air-conditioned vehicle with hotel or caravan park pickup and return.
• English-speaking guide.
• coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and light snacks throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 13:10

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 88 years) · Child (2 to 17 years)

GroupUp to 11

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Alice Holiday Tours

Is this one for you?The tour moves at a steady pace across five stops in 5.5 hours, so you see a broad overview of Alice Springs and the East MacDonnell Ranges without a full day commitment: ideal if you've just arrived or have a free afternoon before moving on.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 17 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is the School of the Air and why is it on this tour?

The School of the Air is how remote Outback students attend classes despite distance and isolation. The Visitor Centre shows the history of this unique system and the broadcasting studios where lessons happen. You may see a live lesson in progress, though at certain times pre-recorded lessons replace live broadcasts.

Can I walk at Emily and Jessie Gaps or is it just viewing?

Emily and Jessie Gaps offer both options. You can follow a short walking track into the gaps, watch the local wildlife, or simply view the rock formations and the caterpillar Dreamtime painting at Emily Gap.

What does the Royal Flying Doctor Service tour show?

The Royal Flying Doctor Service facility displays the history and work of the pilots, doctors, engineers and nurses who provide medical care to isolated regions. You learn about the patients they serve and why the RFDS is vital to outback Australians.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes entry to all five attractions via the NT Parks Visitor Pass, air-conditioned transport, an English-speaking guide, hotel or caravan park pickup, and refreshments: coffee, tea, soft drinks, water and light snacks.

How long is the tour and when does it end?

The tour runs 5.5 hours and ends with sunset views from Anzac Hill before you're dropped at your accommodation.