East and West MacDonnell Ranges
Surrounding Alice Springs is an ancient mountain range that glows red in the evening light – a picturesque backdrop to the town. The MacDonnell Ranges are divided into East and West and feature gorges, chasms, walking trails and swimming holes. While the West Macs are more popular and accessible, the appeal of the East MacDonnell Range is its remoteness and cultural significance.

Red Centre Way tourism drive
Beginning in Alice Springs, the Red Centre Way links the Northern Territory’s world-renowned landmarks of Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon). The drive stretches alongside the West MacDonnell Ranges and will have travellers immersed in this area’s cultural and natural history.

Outback ballooning
A balloon flight is the perfect way to appreciate the vast remoteness and spectacular dawn colours of the Australian outback and MacDonnell Ranges. Wildlife, particularly big red kangaroos, are seen nearly every day as the balloon crosses Spinifex grasses, mulga scrub and cattle stations. Tours includes return transfers from all accommodation in Alice Springs and a gourmet breakfast in a bush setting.

Camel trek
The early pioneers used camels to travel through the Northern Territory's harsh terrain. You can ride a camel to dinner in Alice Springs. For the more intrepid travellers, treks on these ancient ‘ships of the desert’ across the Simpson Desert, or into the surrounding outback of Alice Springs can be booked with local tour companies.

Larapinta Trail
This long-distance walking track runs along the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges. The trail runs for 223 kilometres, beginning at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station and ending at Mt Sonder. Covering a variety of terrains, it is divided into 12 sections, ranging from easy day trips to challenging overnight walks.

Alice Springs Desert Park
A great introduction to Central Australia, the Desert Park showcases the natural and cultural environment of the Red Centre in three desert habitats. Professional guides, including local Aboriginal people, share stories of the region. There are displays of free-flying birds of prey, close viewing of unique and rare animals in the nocturnal house and interpretation of the plants, animals and people of the Australian deserts.

Historic tour
Alice Springs owes its existence to a cross-section of plucky pioneers and today, travellers can ponder various historic milestones at a number of key heritage sites in and around the town. Visit the Overland Telegraph Station, the National Road Transport Hall of Fame, the original base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the School of the Air.

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